and 49 percent of Italy's Meridiana.
Investment holding company Kingboard said it would recognize a gain of HK$800 million on the sale of its entire Cathay stake.
(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell and Jamie Freed, additional reporting by Brenda Goh in Shanghai; Editing by Stephen Coates and Himani Sarkar)
By Saeed Azhar and Tom Arnold
DUBAI (Reuters) - The detention of Saudi Arabia's Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, known for his big bets on Citigroup (C.N) and other top Western companies, could have an impact on billions of dollars of investments around the world.
For many foreigners, Prince Alwaleed - whose net worth has been estimated by Forbes magazine at $17 billion - is the face of Saudi business, appearing frequently on international television and in articles on his investments and lifestyle.
A 2013 Forbes magazine profile described his marble-filled, 420-room Riyadh palace, a private Boeing 747 equipped with a throne, and his 120-acre resort on the edge of the Saudi capital with five homes, five artificial lakes and a mini-Grand Canyon.
He is also known for his outspoken views on politics - making headlines in 2015 when he called Donald Trump a "disgrace" on Twitter during the U.S. election campaign.
Prince Alwaleed's investments, current and future, may now be in doubt after he was detained in an investigation by a new Saudi anti-corruption body.
"There will be questions on what this all means," said a senior executive at a European financial institution, who visited Riyadh late last month to attend a big international conference promoting Saudi Arabia as an investment destination.
"People will be looking at any kind of international holdings of the people who have been arrested, to see what will be the impact."
Aside from a stake in Citigroup, Prince Alwaleed, 62, owns significant stakes in Twitter (TWTR.N), ride-hailing firm Lyft and Time Warner (TWX.N).
His investment firm Kingdom Holding <4280.SE> - whose share price plunged 10 percent on Sunday in response to news of his detention - recently bought about half of a 31.1 percent stake in Saudi lender Banque Saudi Fransi <1050.SE> from France's Credit Agricole (CAGR.PA).
FINANCE MINISTER'S SON
Prince Alwaleed's father was the kingdom's finance minister during the 1960s. Prince Alwaleed formed Kingdom Holding in 1979, initially pouring money into real estate in Riyadh; in the 1990s he ventured into Wall Street, investing heavily in Citigroup.
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He had a close relationship with former Citigroup Chief Executive Sanford "Sandy" Weill, and has nurtured close ties with other Wall Street leaders including Goldman Sachs (GS.N) CEO Lloyd Blankfein.
Prince Alwaleed increased his stake in Citigroup at the height of the global financial crisis a decade ago and he has held on to the stake, saying as recently as last month that he was very happy with the investment.
"He's always been a colorful and unofficial public face of Saudi Arabia, though he has never been a key decision-maker in the kingdom," a Gulf-based businessman said.
During the U.S. election campaign, Prince Alwaleed demanded that Trump withdraw from the election campaign after the candidate pledged to ban Muslims' entry into the United States.
Trump responded by tweeting that the Saudi prince wanted to control "our politicians with daddy's money. Can't do it after I get elected."
After Trump's election victory, Prince Alwaleed said whatever their past differences, America had spoken, and he congratulated Trump on his victory.
Prince Alwaleed was an early advocate of women's employment in Saudi Arabia and a lifting of the ban on women driving. In September, King Salman ordered that the ban should be lifted next year.
(Editing by Andrew Torchia and Keith Weir)
Believe it or not, Broadcom AVGO is looking to buy Qualcomm QCOM, at least according to people familiar with the matter. But if the rumors are right, the company could pay $70-$80 a share in cash and stock, valuing the company at over a $100 billion, the largest semiconductor deal ever. Its possible that regulators will not approve the deal on competitive considerations, but just in case they dont, theres much going for both the companies-
Rationale for the Deal
There are a number of reasons why the deal makes sense.
First, Qualcomm is one of the largest semiconductor companies, as is Broadcom, so their combination will create a semiconductor giant like Intel or Samsung with greater resources to tap emerging opportunities.
Second, being the leading supplier of modem chips having also made some progress in 5G, Qualcomm brings Broadcom important technology to round out its portfolio. Not only that there is very little product overlap despite the fact that both target the market for mobile devices. Smartphone growth rates have been coming down recently because of increased penetration, but other markets like IoT, self-driving cars, artificial intelligence and cloud computing continue to emerge. A combined company with much greater product breadth, a larger client roster and scope for greater integration of technology should do better in this landscape.
Third, Qualcomm has a large number of standard essential patents that it licenses on the basis of fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. It also has several other patents that do not form part of standards but that it bundles with standard essential patents. So on the one hand, Qualcomm shouldnt have to license all patents at standard essential rates, while on the other, it needs to offer greater clarity on the amount its charging for the non-standard technology that forms part of the bundle. It also needs to allow companies to build or second source their own non-standard technology.
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The practice has drawn ire from a number of foreign governments and now, Apple AAPL and its suppliers have ganged up against it. Whats worse, Apple is roping in others like Samsung, so Qualcomms legal problems are mounting. Apple phones use Qualcomm technology, but Apple and its suppliers have also stopped paying Qualcomm on this pretext while second sourcing from Intel.
This has of course been a big blow to Qualcomms revenue and profits. The acquisition has the potential to bring another big semiconductor player on Qualcomms side. It can also lead to a resolution of the conflict.
Fourth, Broadcom management has a lot of experience with acquisitions, which have been the most consistent pillar of growth for the company. The biggest of these was the Avago-Broadcom merger, which retained the Broadcom name post closure. Before that, it made more than 50 smaller acquisitions over the course of a decade. Management is also known for cost control, so the combined entity may see greater fiscal discipline, which could be a good way to extract profits.
Fifth, the chances of prolonged litigation have pressured Qualcomms share prices, so the deal will be a good return on investment for shareholders.
Possible Deal Breakers
Both Qualcomm and Broadcom are in the middle of other acquisitions. Qualcomm is looking to buy NXP, the shareholders of which are asking for a higher price. Broadcom is trying to acquire Brocade BRCD (a much smaller deal). There could be many glitches along the way.
The second concern is regulatory. Qualcomm is quite a dominant player in its own field and Broadcom further expands that field. In a way, since they arent competitors, there may not be anti-competitive concerns. But on the other hand, the two together will be a mobile chip making powerhouse, which may be something regulators will consider.
Last Words
These may be some of the biggest acquisitions we have talked about, but consolidation in the space will likely continue in the foreseeable future because chip development and verification isnt getting any cheaper. Also, companies generally compete on their ability to deliver energy efficient chips that are also more powerful, fast and durable while being cheap. This naturally benefits larger players that can invest heavily in R&D and then manufacture on scale.
On the other hand, some of the biggest propositions have been shot down by regulators, such as Applied Materials attempt to buy Tokyo Electron, or more recently, Lam Researchs LRCX attempt to buy KLA-Tencor KLAC.
Broadcom has apparently been trying to acquire Qualcomm for some time, but its previous attempts werent attractive to Qualcomm management. Given its current problems, the company may be more willing to go for it.
Broadcom has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) while Qualcomm has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). For better investments in technology today, you can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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Smartphones with the logos of T-Mobile and Sprint are seen in this illustration taken September 19, 2017. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/Files (Reuters)
By Liana B. Baker and Anjali Athavaley
SAN FRANCISCO/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sprint Corp and T-Mobile US Inc said on Saturday they have called off merger talks to create a stronger U.S. wireless company to rival market leaders, leaving No. 4 provider Sprint to engineer a turnaround on its own.
The announcement marks the latest failed attempt to combine the third- and fourth-largest U.S. wireless carriers, as Sprint parent SoftBank Group Corp and T-Mobile parent Deutsche Telekom AG, show unwillingness to part with too much of their prized U.S. telecom assets.
A combined company would have had more than 130 million U.S. subscribers, behind Verizon Communications Inc and AT&T Inc.
The failed merger could also help keep wireless prices low as all four providers have been heavily discounting their cellphone plans in a battle for consumers.
"Consumers are better off without the merger because Sprint and T-Mobile will continue to compete fiercely for budget-conscious customers," said Erik Gordon, a Ross School of Business professor at the University of Michigan.
The companies' unusual step of making a joint announcement on the canceled negotiations could indicate they still recognize the merits of a merger, keeping the door open for potential future talks.
Sprint and T-Mobile said they ended talks because the companies "were unable to find mutually agreeable terms."
John Legere, chief executive of T-Mobile, said in the statement that the prospect of combining with Sprint was compelling, but "we have been clear all along that a deal with anyone will have to result in superior long-term value for T-Mobile's shareholders compared to our outstanding standalone performance and track record."
Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure said that even though the companies could not reach a deal, "we certainly recognize the benefits of scale through a potential combination."
Claure also said Sprint has agreed it is best to move forward on its own with its assets "including our rich spectrum holdings, and are accelerating significant investments in our network to ensure our continued growth."
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SPRINT'S ROAD AHEAD
Failure to clinch an agreement leaves SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, a dealmaker who raised close to $100 billion for his Vision Fund to invest in technology companies, needing to find another option for Sprint.
Sprint is in the middle of a turnaround plan and has sought to strengthen its balance sheet by cutting costs. But industry analysts have expressed concern that the company, weighed down with total debt of $38 billion, has few financial options.
Even though its customer base has expanded under CEO Claure, growth has been driven by heavy discounting. Analysts said an end to talks with T-Mobile would leave debt-laden Sprint without the scale needed to invest in its network and to compete in a saturated market.
Sprint has sought to strengthen its balance sheet by cutting costs and mortgaging a portion of its airwaves and equipment.
Mark Stodden, telecom analyst at Moody's Investors Service, said about Sprint: "To really take the kind of next step from a business that has been stabilized to a business that has been growing is going to require a new more intense investment phase."
T-Mobile is in a better position as a standalone company, analysts have said.
T-Mobile, controlled by Germany's Deutsche Telekom which owns roughly 65 percent, became the first major carrier to eliminate two-year contracts - a shift quickly embraced by consumers and copied by competitors. The company has also badgered rivals with its unlimited data plans.
Deutsche Telekom CEO Tim Hottges said in a statement on Saturday that T-Mobile has a "strong basis for growth in the upcoming years."
MONTHS OF TALKS
Both companies had expressed interest in a tie-up this year. SoftBank was prepared to give up control to do a deal with T-Mobile, sources familiar with the company's thinking told Reuters in February.
But no deal was announced immediately following the conclusion of a ban on merger talks in the spring that was associated with a U.S. government auction of wireless airwaves.
Both Sprint and T-Mobile said they were open to exploring other options.
An added wrinkle was Sprint's negotiations with cable companies Comcast Corp and Charter Communications Inc.
A source told Reuters in July that SoftBank was considering an acquisition offer for Charter in a deal where it would combine the cable company with Sprint.
The two companies came close to announcing a merger in 2014, but called it off at the last minute due to regulatory concerns.
Industry executives have said a combined Sprint-T-Mobile entity would have the scale, network and enhanced portfolio of wireless airwaves and a better chance to develop 5G, the next generation of wireless technology.
Even if T-Mobile and Sprint had agreed on merger terms, they would have faced major challenges convincing antitrust regulators that their deal should be approved.
"This is good news for consumers - a potential merger by T-Mobile and Sprint could have raised serious antitrust issues," Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said in a statement.
(Reporting by Liana B. Baker in San Francisco and Anjali Athavaley in New York; additional reporting by Doug Busvine in Frankfurt and; David Shepardson in Washington; editing by Matthew Lewis, Marguerita Choy and G Crosse)
[caption id="attachment_6164" align="alignnone" width="620"]
Carl Hittinger and Tyson Herrold.
Carl Hittinger and Tyson Herrold.[/caption] On Oct. 16, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in United States v. American Express, the courts first antitrust case of the 2017 term and the first antitrust case they have reviewed since 2015. The American Express case presents complex questions about the legality of anti-steering provisions in agreements between credit card companies and the merchants that agree to accept their cards. It also presents the Supreme Court with an opportunity to provide real guidance for the first time on the application of the rule of reason, which is used to assess the anticompetitive effects of a contract, combination ... or conspiracy in restraint of trade under the Sherman Act. This case will also be the first antitrust case which antitrust expert Justice Neil Gorsuch will join.
The Credit Card Business Model
The success of a credit card companies depends on their ability to attract a critical mass of merchants and cardholders. That is, cardholders benefit from holding a card only if that card is accepted by a wide range of merchants, and merchants benefit from accepting a card only if a sufficient number of cardholders use it. This market structure is often referred to as a two-sided market because credit card companies must serve two different customer groups to be successful. Because cardholders are empirically more sensitive to credit card fees than merchants, as a practical matter credit card companies charge most of their fees to, and therefore derive most of their revenue from, merchants, usually calculated as a fixed fee per transaction and/or as a variable fee calculated as a percentage of the price of the good or served purchased. Accordingly, credit card companies face divergent and often contradictory economic interests in marketing their cards to merchants and cardholders. Merchants prefer low fees while cardholders prefer the better services, benefits, and rewards that are ultimately funded by those fees. Credit card companies attempt to balance these competing interests by charging merchant fees and offering cardholder benefits that are satisfactory (or at least acceptable) to both groups. This equilibrium can be tricky: decrease merchant fees too much and the company cannot offer enough services, benefits, and rewards to maintain a critical mass of cardholders; increase services, benefits, and rewards too much and the merchant fees necessary to support those services may drive away merchants. In an effort to balance these competing economic interests and in response to competition from rival credit card companies, Amex added nondiscriminatory provisions (NDPs) to its contracts with merchants. These NDPs prohibit merchants from offering customers any discounts or nonmonetary incentives to use credits cards less costly for merchants to accept, expressing preferences for any card, and disclosing information about the costs of different cards to [the] merchants who accept them. The upshot of these NDPs is that they can prevent the free flow of pricing information between merchants and cardholders.
The Second Circuit Reverses the American Express Verdict
In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice and 17 states sued Amex, claiming that the companys NDPs violated Section 1 of the Sherman Act, which prohibits contracts, combinations ... and conspiracies in restraint of trade. After full discovery and a seven-week bench trial, Judge Nicholas Garaufis of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York ruled that Amexs NDPs violated the Sherman Act by restricting merchants ability to steer cardholders to other credit card companies and therefore allowed the company to charge inflated prices for their services. On appeal, the Second Circuit reversed the district courts verdict, fundamentally finding that it committed legal error by failing to consider both sides of the credit card industrys two-sided market: the cardholder side and the merchant side. First, the Second Circuit concluded that the district court incorrectly defined the relevant market by considering the merchant side of the market in isolation and excluding the market for cardholders from its relevant market definition. As the Second Circuit explained, this ignores the two markets interdependence. Instead, the Second Circuit explained, the district court must consider the feedback effects inherent on the credit card platform by accounting for the reduction in cardholders demand for cards (or card transactions) that would accompany any degree of merchant attrition that would result from Amex increasing its merchant fees. Second, the Second Circuit concluded that the district court similarly erred in its application of the rule of reason because it failed to assess in its ruling after trial the procompetitive effects of Amexs NPDs on the cardholder side of the market. The district court reasoned that the NDPs were anticompetitive because they facilitated Amexs campaign to raise merchant fees. However, this one-sided analysis failed, according to the Second Circuit, to assess the extent to which the increase in merchant fees were (or would be) used to fund cardholder benefits. To the extent Amex chose to offset the increase in merchant fees with an increase in cardholder benefits, that increase in benefits could attract further and more affluent Amex cardholders. Therefore, Amexs increase in merchant fees could actually benefit merchants by giving them access to more consumer spending. As the Second Circuit held: Because the NDPs affect competition for cardholders as well as merchants, the Plaintiffs initial burden [at trial] was to show that the NDPs made all Amex consumers on both sides of the platformi.e., both merchants and cardholdersworse off overall.
The Significance of the Supreme Courts Grant of Certiorari
The Supreme Courts decision to grant certiorari in the American Express case is significant for two reasons. First, it gives the court the opportunity to explore the application of the Sherman Act to so-called two-sided markets, where businesses market their services to two or more distinct customer groups, each of which may respond to different incentives but each of which is nonetheless essential to the service being offered. Other industries that often operate under similar market structures are the software industry (which connects computer users and application developers) and the real estate listing industry (which connects home buyers and sellers). Even the health care market (which we discussed in our November and December 2016 articles) has features reminiscent of a two-sided market. As the Seventh Circuit explained in FTC v. Advocate Health Care Network, insurance ... splits hospital competition into two stages: one in which hospitals compete to be included in insurers networks, and a second in which hospitals compete to attract patients. Insured patients are usually not sensitive to retail hospital prices, while insurers respond to both prices and patient preferences. Second, the American Express case provides an opportunity for the Supreme Court finally to offer some further needed guidance to the lower courts on the correct application of the rule of reason. Although the rule of reason has been around (in one form or another) for more than a century, the Supreme Court has never provided much insight into how courts should balance the procompetitive and anticompetitive aspects of a restraint on trade (not all of which are unlawful). Past Court decisions have instead limited their focus to identifying the circumstances under which the rule of reason (as opposed to the per se rule) should apply. For example, in the Courts 2008 seminal decision in Leegin Creative Leather Products v. PSKS, Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the court, considered whether the rule of reason should apply to vertical restraints. In Leegin Leather, the vertical restraint at issue was a manufacturers minimum resale price agreements with retailers selling the manufacturers product. Although the court concluded that rule of reason also applies to resale price maintenance agreements, it remanded the case for further proceedings and therefore elected not to engage itself in the rule of reason analysis on appeal. By contrast, in the American Express case, the parties and the lower courts agree that the rule of reason applies, so the Supreme Court may take the opportunity to address the application of the rule itself for the first time.
Justice Gorsuchs First Supreme Court Antitrust Case
The American Express case will be Justice Gorsuchs first antitrust case since he was appointed to the Supreme Court on April 7. As we discussed in our February and March articles, Justice Gorsuch is a well-known antitrust expert. In his early years in private practice at Kellogg Huber Hansen Todd Evans & Figel, Gorsuch defended Baby Bell corporations from antitrust claims brought by the Department of Justice and competitors. He also successfully represented snuff tobacco manufacturer Conwood Co. against rival U.S. Tobacco Co. in the classic predatory practices case of Conwood v. United States Tobacco case, in which the Conwood Co. was awarded what is widely considered to be one of the largest antitrust jury verdicts ever awarded to a private litigant: $350 million (subsequently trebled under the Sherman Act to $1.05 billion). As a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Justice Gorsuch authored three important antitrust opinions. In Four Corners Nephrology v. Mercy Medical Center of Durango and Novell v. Microsoft, Gorsuch examined the extent to which the Sherman Act imposes an obligation on businesses to deal with their competitors. In Kay Electric Cooperative v. Newkirk, Gorsuch evaluated the application of state action immunity in the context of municipal utility companies acting as private market participants. During his short tenure on the Supreme Court, Justice Gorsuch has been an active and vocal member of the court, including even at oral argument as the most junior justice. Of the 16 cases in which Gorsuch participated in the 2016 term, he authored one majority opinion (not including possible per curiam opinions, which do not identify the authoring justice(s)), three dissents, and one concurrence. He also joined in a number of other concurrences and dissents. The American Express may provide further insight into Gorsuchs still evolving antitrust jurisprudence, especially if he chooses to write his own concurrence or dissent (or maybe even be selected to write the courts majority opinion). Stay tuned. Carl W. Hittinger is a senior partner in Baker & Hostetlers antitrust group and the litigation group coordinator for the firms Philadelphia office. He concentrates his practice on complex commercial and civil rights trial and appellate litigation, with a particular emphasis on antitrust and unfair competition matters. He can be reached at 215-564-2898 or chittinger@bakerlaw.com. Tyson Y. Herrold is an associate in the firms Philadelphia office in its litigation group. His practice focuses on complex commercial and antitrust litigation matters. His experience also includes judicial clerkships for U.S. District Judge Malachy E. Mannion of the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Judge C. Darnell Jones II of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Judge Dolores K. Sloviter of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. He can be reached at 215-568-3439 or therrold@bakerlaw.com.
By Geeta Mohan: In a huge diplomatic victory for India, despite opposition from China as was the case at United Nations, India managed to get the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) - the global watchdog that combats terror financing - to demand compliance from Pakistan on terror funding.
The decision was taken at the Buenos Aires plenary of FATF on Thursday where India raised the issue at the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the body leading to Pakistan being asked to report again in February 2018 on action taken by Islamabad against designated terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and its off-shoots Jamaat-ud-Dawa and Falah-i-Insaniyat.
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India has been raising the issue of Pakistan's blatant support to terror groups at every international fora. This comes just days after India's move against Masood Azhar at the UN 1267 al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee was scuttled by Pakistan with the help of a veto from China. Even at the Buenos Aires plenary, China tried to be a roadblock, but could not, since unlike at the UN, two speaking countries are needed to block a consensus, and China was isolated there.
The APG (Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering) of FATF provided its report and the ICRG noted that "Pakistan has made some progress to implement UNSCR 1267. However, concerns related to UNSCR 1267 remain, specifically that designated individuals and entities of concern continue to receive and disperse funds without controls being applied by the competent authorities."
According to the decision taken in Argentina, Pakistan is requested to report on efforts to further coordinate, share information, and oversee all federal and provincial government agencies with a role in identifying and freezing UNSCR 1267 and 1373 related property; efforts to restrict designated individuals and entities of concern from having access to property and financial services (such as FiF having access to funding for humanitarian services); and SBP's enforcement activity as it relates to ensuring compliance of SROs and penalising non compliance.
This is the first time that Pakistan's SBP (State Bank of Pakistan) has been asked specifically to report on action taken to ensure terror funding stops. Earlier this year, the United States had shut down the New York branch of yet another Pakistani bank, Habib Bank Limited, for failure in complying with anti-money laundering rules. It was a result of tremendous pressure being put by FATF in curbing terror financing by Pakistan.
Sources told India Today TV, "The decision at the plenary session of FATF reflects the continuing concern of the global community on terrorism and its financing. Obviously, this matter in no longer a bilateral issue but has a wider regional ramification."
--- ENDS ---
Texas shooting victims: Everything we know about the 26 people shot dead in Sutherland Springs
At least 12 to 14 children are among the victims in the tragic Texas church shooting, the local sheriff has said as details of families losing loved ones continue to come out.
As least 26 were left dead and 20 injured following the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs.
Police have now said the range of those died in the church is from 18 months to 77 years old, having previously stated that those being treated in the hospital ranged from age five to 72.
Sheriff Joe Tackitt said seeing the children, thats what hurts the most regarding the scene inside the small Baptist church.
It has been confirmed that one of the children who died was 14-year-old Annabelle Pomeroy, the daughter of the First Baptist Church's Pastor Frank Pomeroy and wife Sherry.
The Pomeroys were actually out of town during the Sunday service which their daughter had attended.
Her father said Annabelle was one very beautiful, special child" and Ms Pomeroy issued a statement in which she the congregation was more like a family than just those attending the same church.
Bryan Holcombe, the associate pastor, was walking up to the podium to continue the service when the shooting began. He and wife Karla are among those killed.
Another adult victim was their daughter-in-law Crystal Holcombe, a mother of two daughters who was also eight months pregnant according to relatives who spoke to the Associated Press.
Joanne Ward and her three children, aged between five and eight according to a family friend who spoke to the LA Times, were among those wounded by suspected gunman Devin Kelley, 26, of nearby Comal County, Texas.
CNN has reported that at least eight of the victims were from the same family, including at least three children.
Mr Kelley, clad in a black tactical vest and reportedly brandishing an AR-15-style assault rifle, allegedly shot at least one person outside of the small building in a rural suburb of San Antonio.
He then strode into the open-door service and began shooting.
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Once done, he tried to flee the scene but an unidentified neighbour armed with a gun opened fire on him outside. It forced Mr Kelley to drop his weapon and attempt to escape in his SUV.
"It's really loud. At first I thought someone was blasting," said Ryan Albers, 16, who lives across the road. "It had to be coming from somewhere pretty close. It was definitely not just a shotgun or someone hunting. It was someone using automatic weapon fire."
Johnnie Langendorff, another one of Sutherland Spring's 600 residents, happen to be driving by in his truck when he came upon the scene.
"I pulled up to the intersection where the shooting happened. I saw two men exchanging gunfire, the other being the citizen of the community. The shooter of the church had taken off, fled in his vehicle, the other gentleman came and said we need to pursue him. And thats what I did, I just acted," Mr Langendorff told local television station KSAT.
Police have spoken with the man who confronted Mr Kelley with gunfire and Mr Tackitt said "he doesnt believe hes a hero, but I believe he is.
Mr Kelley reportedly lost control of the car about "twelve to fifteen minutes" into the chase according to what Mr Langendorff told CNN.
Police have confirmed the suspected shooter's death, and Mr Tackitt told CBS News that it was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A motive has not been identified as yet, but it has been confirmed that Mr Kelley's in-laws, and possibly his estranged wife, were members of the congregation. None were attending service the day of the shooting.
Mr Kelley does not appear to have attended services there and police have said they do not believe the incident was religiously or racially motivated, but rather a domestic matter.
He was in the US Air Force between 2010 and 2014 at the Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, but was given a "bad conduct discharge" which can prevent a person from obtaining a license to own a firearm.
Authorities are still investigating exactly how Mr Kelley was able to purchase firearms.
US Air Force Spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said Mr Kelley served 12 months' confinement after a 2012 court-martial after abusing his wife and child, resulting in a reduction in rank and eventual discharge.
Police vehicles were spotted outside of Mr Kelley's listed address in New Braunfels, Texas residence, about 35 miles (56 km) away from Sutherland Springs.
At least some of the victims had to flown from the scene to a trauma centre hospital in San Antonio, others were taken to a local hospital.
Ten remain in critical condition and six in serious condition according to Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety but hospital officials have not released details on the specific injuries or identities.
Four are in stable condition and some have been released.
Fred Milanowski, Special Agent in Charge from the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms law enforcement agency (ATF), said three weapons - one rifle and two handguns - were recovered from the scene and identified as items purchased by Mr Kelley.
There is reportedly video from inside the church of the service but police have not released details on the tape as yet.
Agencies contributed to this report
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady told CNBC that he plans to add on Monday an increase to the holding period on carried interest contained in the Republican tax bill, effectively closing a loophole that's been exploited by hedge funds by making it less profitable to exercise. Brady said on "Squawk Box" that the new holding period will help ensure the rules encourages "long-term, traditional real estate partnerships." He said the change also would seek to benefit "venture capitalists that are long-term as well," ahead of what's expected to be the beginning of revisions to the GOP tax reform bill to ease some concerns of holdout lawmakers. Monday evening, Brady introduced his proposed amendment which extended the holding period to three years. That figure is up from the proposed two-year holding period he had given CNBC earlier in the day. Carried interest is a rule in the tax code that lets the managers of some types of private investment funds hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, real estate and other types of vehicles pay a lower rate than most individuals. Carried interest has been U.S. law for more than 50 years as an incentive for long-term investment. Here's how hedge funds have used carried interest in the shorter term: Usually they charge 20 percent of gains in their funds in any given year on top of a 2 percent annual management fee they get, regardless of performance. For investments held for more than one year, profit is taxed at the lower capital gains rate of 23.8 percent, not the ordinary income rate of 39.6 percent. Profitable investments held less than one year are short-term gains taxed as ordinary income. Under the proposed change in the GOP reform package, hedge funds would still be able to take advantage of the carried interest rule as long as they adhere to the holding periods, Brady said. House Republicans unveiled their tax plan last week. The current bill would lower personal and corporate tax rates as well as seek to simplify the U.S. tax code. House Speaker Paul Ryan said on Sunday that he expects the broad outlines of the bill to remain the same. Republicans aim to pass their tax reform legislation by Thanksgiving. CNBC's Liz Moyer and Reuters contributed to this report.
More From CNBC
By Steve Holland and Elaine Lies
TOKYO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Japan would shoot North Korean missiles "out of the sky" if it bought the U.S. weaponry needed for doing so, suggesting Tokyo take a stance it has avoided until now.
North Korea is pursuing nuclear weapons and missile programmes in defiance of U.N. Security Council sanctions and has made no secret of its plans to develop a missile capable of hitting the U.S. mainland. It has fired two missiles over Japan.
Trump, speaking after a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, repeated his mantra the "era of strategic patience" with North Korea was over, and said the two countries were working to counter the "dangerous aggressions".
Trump also pressed Japan to lower its trade deficit with the United States and buy more U.S. military hardware.
He (Abe) will shoot them out of the sky when he completes the purchase of lots of additional military equipment from the United States," Trump said, referring to the North Korean missiles. "The prime minister is going to be purchasing massive amounts of military equipment, as he should. And we make the best military equipment by far.
Abe, for his part, said Tokyo would shoot down missiles "if necessary".
Trump was replying to a question that was posed to Abe - namely how he would respond to a quote from Trump from a recent interview in which he said Japan was a "samurai" nation and should have shot down the North Korean missiles.
Japan's policy is that it would only shoot down a missile if it were falling on Japanese territory or if it were judged to pose an "existential threat" to Japan because it was aimed at a U.S. target.
The U.S. president is on the second day of a 12-day Asian trip that is focusing on North Korea's nuclear missile programmes and trade.
"Most importantly, we're working to counter the dangerous aggressions of the regime in North Korea," Trump said, calling Pyongyang's nuclear tests and recent launches of ballistic missiles over Japan "a threat to the civilized world and to international peace and stability".
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"Some people said that my rhetoric is very strong. But look what's happened with very weak rhetoric over the last 25 years. Look where we are right now," he added.
North Korea's recent actions have raised the stakes in the most critical international challenge of Trump's presidency.
The U.S. leader, who will visit South Korea on the trip, has rattled some allies with his vow to "totally destroy" North Korea if it threatens the United States and with his dismissal of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a "rocket man" on a suicide mission.
Abe, with whom Trump has bonded through multiple summits and phone calls, repeated at the same news conference that Japan backed Trump's stance that "all options" are on the table, saying it was time to exert maximum pressure on North Korea and the two countries were "100 percent" together on the issue.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying, in response to Abe's comments, said that the North Korean "situation" was "already extremely complex, sensitive and weak".
"We hope that under the present circumstances, all sides words and actions can help reduce tensions and reestablish mutual trust and getting the North Korean nuclear issue back on the correct track of dialogue and negotiations," she said.
TRADE DEFICITS
Trump said he was committed to achieving "free, fair, and reciprocal" trade and wants to work with Japan on this issue.
"America is also committed to improving our economic relationship with Japan," Trump said. "As president, I'm committed to achieving fair, free, and reciprocal trading relationship. We seek equal and reliable access for American exports to Japan's markets in order to eliminate our chronic trade imbalances and deficits with Japan."
Earlier, speaking to Japanese and U.S. business executives, Trump praised Japan for buying U.S. military hardware.
But he added that "many millions of cars are sold by Japan into the United States, whereas virtually no cars go from the United States into Japan".
Japan had a $69 billion trade surplus with the United States last year, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. The United States was Japan's second biggest trade partner after China, while Japan was the United States' fourth largest goods export market in 2016.
EMPEROR, ABDUCTEES
Japanese officials have countered U.S. trade complaints by noting Tokyo accounts for a much smaller slice of the U.S. deficit than in the past, while China's imbalance is bigger.
In a second round of economic talks in Washington last month, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as deputy premier, failed to bridge differences on trade issues.
The two sides are at odds over how to frame future trade talks, with Tokyo pushing back against U.S. calls to discuss a bilateral free trade agreement.
Trump also said earlier that an Indo-Pacific trade framework would produce more in trade that the Trans-Pacific Partnership pact pushed by his predecessor but which he announced Washington would abandon soon after he took office.
The 11 remaining nations in the TPP, to which Japan's Abe is firmly committed, are edging closer to sealing a comprehensive free trade pact without the United States.
Trump met Emperor Akihito, exchanging a handshake and nodding, before his lunch and talks with Abe.
He also met relatives of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago to help train spies, calling the kidnappings a "tremendous disgrace" and pledging to work with Abe to bring the victims "back to Japan where they want to be".
"I think it would be a tremendous signal if Kim Jong Un would send them back," Trump said. "If he would send them back, that would be the start of something, something very special."
Abe has made resolving the emotive abductions issue a keystone of his career. The families hope their talks with Trump - the third U.S. president they have met - will somehow contribute to a breakthrough, although experts say progress is unlikely.
Abe also expressed his condolences for the victims of a gunman who massacred at least 26 worshippers at a church in Texas.
White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump had no plans to change the schedule for his 12-day Asian trip, which will also take him to Seoul, Beijing and Danang, Vietnam.
(Additional reporting by Stanley White, Kiyoshi Takenaka, Chris Gallagher, Malcolm Foster and Ben Blanchard in Beijing; writing by Linda Sieg; Editing by Michael Perry and Nick Macfie)
Acura NSX Honda assembly plant Ohio
REUTERS/Maki Shiraki
President Donald Trump caused some confusion with remarks he made about Japanese automakers on the second day of his Asia trip.
Trump said Japan's manufacturers should build more cars in the US "instead of shipping them over."
Japanese car makers like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan already build millions of their best-selling vehicles in the US.
The US president made similar comments about German automakers earlier this year, but many of those companies also have a large presence in the US already.
SYDNEY, Australia President Donald Trump on the second day of his trip to Japan urged the country's automakers to build more cars in the US "instead of shipping them over."
At a gathering of US and Japanese business leaders in Tokyo on Monday, Trump lamented that "many millions of cars are sold by Japan into the United States, whereas virtually no cars go from the United States into Japan." He characterized the perceived disparity as an unfair trade advantage in favor of Japan.
"The United States has suffered massive trade deficits at the hands of Japan for many, many years," Trump said according to Reuters, while praising Japan for its spending on US military equipment.
Trump's remarks on Japanese auto manufacturing caught the attention of industry watchers in the US. Some of the top Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Honda, and Nissan, already build millions of their best-selling vehicles in the states annually.
Toyota Camry Toyota engineering facility Georgetown Kentucky
Bill Pugliano/Getty Images
Toyota's largest auto manufacturing plant in the world is in Georgetown, Kentucky. It employs 8,200 people and the company announced in April that it would spend $1.3 billion to upgrade the facility.
At least nine of the Toyota brand's best-selling vehicles are manufactured in the US, including the Toyota Camry sedan, the Highlander and Sequoia SUVs, the Toyota Corolla, and the Lexus ES350 luxury sedan. Those vehicles are assembled at plants in Indiana, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Texas.
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In 2016, Honda manufactured nearly 70% of the cars it sold in the US in America, according to the manufacturer. And Nissan builds eight vehicles, including the best-selling Altima family sedan, at its Canton, Mississippi, plant.
Trump had similar remarks about German automakers in May this year when he criticized Germany's trade surplus with the US and threatened to stop the sale of German vehicles in the US, Der Spiegel reported.
Those comments from Trump similarly raised eyebrows because two of the biggest German automakers, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, run factories in South Carolina and Alabama respectively. Volvo is building its first US plant in South Carolina, and Volkswagen builds its new Atlas SUV and the Passat sedan in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Those plants in the southern US have benefited their local economies and created thousands of jobs in their respective regions.
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U.S. government debt yields fell Monday after a speech by New York Federal Reserve President William Dudley. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note (U.S.:US10Y) sat lower at around 2.318 percent at 2:41 p.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond (U.S.:US10Y) fell to 2.797 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. Fed President Dudley urged Congress on Monday to "do no harm" in its deliberations on whether to roll back regulations implemented during the financial crisis, reported Reuters. The U.S. government introduced sweeping economic mandates in the aftermath of the crisis, including capital and liquidity requirement on banks. "As we reflect on potential changes to the U.S. regulatory regime, we should not lose sight of the horrific damage caused by the financial crisis, including the worst recession of our lifetimes and millions of people losing their jobs and homes," said Dudley. Dudley, who has headed the New York bank since 2009, will retire sometime mid-2018 when his replacement is found and approved , sources told CNBC. The New York Fed confirmed the news Monday. Last week was full of activity for the central bank. President Donald Trump announced that Fed Governor Jerome Powell will replace current chair, Janet Yellen, as the leader of the bank in 2018. Powell is considered a safe bet and a continuation of current monetary policy. The Fed is expected to raise rates for a final time in 2017 this December. On the political front, President Trump will be continuing his trip around Asia this week. On Monday, Trump said that the States stood by Japan when it comes to dealing with the "menace" from North Korea, Reuters reported; with Trump adding that both the U.S. and Japan should work together to fix issues with trade. The trip is expected to call attention to the president and the U.S.' commitment to longstanding alliances and partnerships within Asia.
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While the Opposition will observe November 8 as Black Day, the BJP has decided to counter it by celebrating Anti-Black Money Day.
By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Come November 8 - the first anniversary of demonetisation initiative announced at 8 pm by Prime Minister Narendra Modi - the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and the Opposition alike have decided to observe the day to suit their own political agenda. While the Opposition will observe November 8 as Black Day, the BJP has decided to counter it by celebrating the day as Anti-Black Money Day (Kala dhan virodh diwas).
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With the voters in mind, while the BJP seeks to showcase demonetisation as one of the major achievements of the Modi government in over three years of its term, the Opposition is trying its best to discredit the government and harm it to the maximum.
GUJARAT AND HIMACHAL PRADESH POLLS
Perhaps demonetisation would not have been raked up with gusto by the rival parties but for the upcoming Assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. The hilly state of Uttarakhand goes to polls on November 9, just a day after the first anniversary of demonetisation move. The western state of Gujarat faces election in two phases, on December 9 and 14, the first phase taking place a month after demonetisation's first anniversary.
The Opposition has sought to turn almost every election held after November 8 as a referendum on demonetisation. However, the BJP seems to have won most of them.
The Opposition has again linked note ban with the Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh elections. With the economy slowing down and GST putting the traders to inconvenience, elections in these two states are the toughest challenge for the BJP post-demonetisation.
If the BJP loses, the Opposition including the Congress will declare it as a referendum on demonetisation. Otherwise, the BJP will once again claim that demonetisation has been a runaway success.
The only issue remains whether the Opposition will rake up demonetisation again in the 2018 Assembly elections such as in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections or the Gujarat and Uttarakhand Assembly elections would settle the matter once and for all?
The Congress is in the forefront of the opposition parties' plan to protest demonetisation on November 8. With Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi already calling it a "sad day", the party plans to hold a number of activities to buttress their point.
The Uttar Pradesh (UP) unit of the Congress has announced that it would hold a candlelight march to protest the demonetisation initiative. The unit will also submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister's Office to demand compensation of Rs 25 lakh and job to the next of kin of the people who lost their life during demonetisation.
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Calling demonetisation as a "scam" which destroyed the country's economy, Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has exhorted twitterati to change their profile pictures to black as a mark of protest. In fact, she has taken the lead by already changing her own DP (display picture) on Twitter.
#Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black pic.twitter.com/yrheSPiZE5- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 6, 2017
When PM Modi had announced the demonetisation initiative on November 8, the Opposition had viewed it with scepticism. While Banerjee had demanded its roll back, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had apprehended that the Modi government's could lead to revolt by the people against the government. Kejriwal gave a call to "change PM, not notes".
BJP EXTOLS POSITIVE OUTCOME
The BJP and its government have always stood their ground on the demonetisation move. The BJP has extolled the positive outcomes of note ban.
While campaigning in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, PM Modi said that over 3 lakh companies have shut down after demonetisation. A probe into 5,000 such firms has found a fraud of Rs 4,000 crore even as investigation against others was still on.
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He said the Congress was "angry" at demonetisation as it was still feeling its impact. He cited it as the reason for the party's protests. Some people who faced the heat of demonetisation were still complaining and were planning to observe 8 November as 'black day', he added.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has claimed that demonetisation has served all its three objectives - to squeeze cash economy, promote digital transactions in business and widen the tax base.
BJP's claims notwithstanding, the jury is still out on the economic benefits of demonetisation. However, the BJP may have reasons to believe that note ban has so far helped it reap immense political dividends.
A number of elections have taken place since the demonetisation drive was launched. And the BJP has won most of them. Be they Lok Sabha and Assembly bypolls, state, municipal and panchayat elections, the BJP has romped home victorious in majority of them.
LOK SABHA AND ASSEMBLY BYPOLLS
By-elections to four Lok Sabha and eight Assembly constituencies in six states and one Union Territory were held on November 19 last year, just 11 days after Modi announced the demonetisation move. In the results which were announced on November 22, BJP and Trinamool Congress won two Lok Sabha seats each.
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In the Assembly by-polls, BJP and AIADMK won three seats each, CPI(M) got two while Congress and Trinamool bagged one seat each.
The BJP did not lose any Lok Sabha or Assembly seat in these bypolls .
ASSEMBLY POLLS
The BJP won UP election by a three-fourths majority. UP is the most populous state in the country with largely rural background. The impact of demonetisation was supposed to have adversely affected UP the most.
The other four states - Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab - which went to polls in February and March also felt the impact of note ban. While the BJP also won Uttarakhand besides UP, it came second in Goa and Manipur. However, it went on to form government in the last two states.
The BJP was a junior partner in Punjab and the previous government led by the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) was facing a massive anti-incumbency sentiment after 10 years of rule.
The demonetisation initiative would have been listed as one of the most important reasons behind BJP's failure had the party lost UP or fared poorly in the other states.
However, the Congress views the results in the Assembly elections as a defeat for the BJP. P Chidambaram told India Today on a special programme demonetisation that the BJP won only UP and Uttarakhand. He said the BJP lost Punjab while the Congress was the single largest party in both Goa and Manipur.
MUNICIPAL POLLS
The BJP registered a historic win in Maharashtra municipal elections held in February. It won eight of the ten municipal corporations that went to polls. In Brihanmumbai Mumbai Corporation (BMC), the richest and most prestigious corporation in the country, BJP improved its tally from 31 last time to 82 this year in a corporation of 227 seats. It was short of Shiv Sena by just two seats.
In the Maharashtra urban civic polls, the BJP's performance in the president council elections held on November 27, just 19 days after the demonetisation initiative, was also unprecedented. It emerged as the single largest party. It won more number of posts than it did the last time.
The BJP's tally rose from 25 corporator seats in the previous election to 119. The Congress, which had won 150 corporator seats last time, managed to take a lead on 126 seats, thus ceding ground to rival BJP.
In Maharashtra rural municipal polls, the BJP captured two municipalities and one taluka panchayat in local bodies elections, the results of which were declared on November 29. The BJP also maintained its lead on 23 out of 31 other seats of various municipalities, taluka and district panchayats, where by-polls were held.
In the elections to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) too held in April this year, the BJP retained all the three bodies.
PANCHAYAT POLLS
Out of the 37 seats on which local bodies by-elections were held in Rajasthan on November 29, 21 days after the demonetisation move, the ruling BJP won 19 seats while Congress was victorious on 14 seats. In fact, the two parties gained one seat each in the by-polls held for panchayat and municipal seats in the state.
In the panchayat elections held in February in Odisha, BJP made unprecedented gains. Of the total 853 seats, BJP bagged 306 seats - an increase of 8.5 times as compared with its tally of just 36 seats in 2012. It added 270 seats to its previous tally.
On the other hand, ruling BJD won 460 seats as against its victory on 651 seats in 2012, losing 191. Congress bagged just 66 seats against the 126 in the previous elections, losing 60.
WATCH: Gujarat Opinion Poll: Results of the India Today-Axis My India Opinion 2017 survey
--- ENDS ---
From Good Housekeeping
Twenty-six people were killed and 20 more were wounded Sunday after a gunman opened fire on a church service in Sunderland Springs, Texas. The suspect was identified as Devin Patrick Kelley, 26. Authorities said he lived in New Braunfels, about 35 miles north of the Sutherland Springs church.
The victims ranged up to 72 years old, but between 12 and 14 of the people killed or injured in the attack were children, Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr. told The Washington Post.
The daughter of pastor Frank Pomeroy, 14-year-old Annabelle, died in the attack, Frank's wife, Sherri, told the Associated Press in a text message. The two of them were out of town at the time of the shooting. "We lost our 14-year-old daughter today and many friends," she wrote. "Neither of us has made it back into town yet to personally see the devastation."Annabelle "was one very beautiful, special child," Frank told ABC News.
According to The Washington Post, Joe and Claryce Holcombe lost children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in the attack. Their granddaughter-in-law, Crystal Holcombe, was eight months pregnant when she was killed, along with her unborn child and three of her children, Emily, Megan and Greg. Her husband, John, survived, along with two of their children.
Another grandchild, Marc Daniel Holcombe, died in the attack, along with his 1-year-old daughter, Noah. Their son Bryan and his wife Karla are also victims.
The Dallas Morning News reported that Brooke Ward, 5, and Emily Garza, 7, died in the attack along with their mother, Joann Ward. Ryland Ward, 5, was shot four times and airlifted to a hospital. "They got him all cut open, from the gunshots," Michael Ward, their uncle, told the newspaper. "I don't think he's going to make it."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Brendan McDermid | Reuters. The disclosures are contained in the Paradise Papers, a trove of millions of documents detailing cash stored off-shore by the rich and powerful.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told CNBC Monday that it's "totally wrong" that he did not disclose ties to a Putin-linked firm.
Ross was revealed to have business links to a Russian firm with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a leak of financial documents at the weekend.
The ties were disclosed in the so-called "Paradise Papers," a mass of documents leaked to German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and reported Sunday. The millions of documents mostly originate from a Bermuda-based legal services provider that works on offshore investments.
The files reportedly show that Ross did not disclose an interest in a shipping company called Navigator Holdings, a company that has a business relationship with SIBUR.
Ross, however, denies that he did not disclose his Navigator holdings. In an updated statement from the Department of Commerce it is claimed the holdings are openly listed in a form on the Office of Government Ethics website.
One of SIBUR's owners is Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire who is considered part of Putin's inner circle, according to NBC. Since 2014, Timchenko has been barred by the Treasury Department from entering the United States, according to the news agency.
A second SIBUR owner is another Putin associate, Leonid Mikhelson, whose other company, Novatek,was placed on Treasury sanctions list in 2014, NBC noted. A third shareholder in SIBUR, and its deputy chairman, is Kirill Shamalov, husband of Vladimir Putin's daughter, Katerina Tikhonova.
Responding to the documents, the U.S. Department of Commerce said in an initial statement Sunday that Ross "was not involved with Navigator's decision to engage in business with SIBUR, a publicly-traded company, which was not under sanction at the time and is not currently."
"Moreover, Secretary Ross has never met the Sibur shareholders referenced in this story and, until now, did not know of their relationship," the statement said, adding: "The Secretary recuses himself from matters focused on transoceanic shipping vessels, but has been supportive of the Administration's sanctions against Russian and other entities."
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The lowest floor of the Emirates Towers in Dubai houses the government's Future Foundation, which is sucking in innovative companies from around the world for a stint in the city's $300 million accelerator program. On a visit last summer, there was a company building a health scanner that looks like a phone booth, and plants grown on mist without soil. And, next to those, was a company called ConSensys that doesn't look particularly futuristic. It looks like a group of software developers working at their computers. But ConSensys a New York-based blockchain software company is one of a growing wave of companies lured to Dubai to help build out the one of the world's most powerful new technologies: blockchain . Amid aggressive competition from other cities, Dubai is turning into a center of blockchain development. Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, says blockchain could be as earth-changing as the Internet, as it reshapes the way people transact with each other. The brainchild is Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum who wants all government documentation such as visa applications, bill payments and license renewals to be transacted digitally using blockchain by 2020. As a result, businesses are adapting fast, and many start-ups and big companies are shifting to accommodate the government, or relocating to Dubai.
It's attracting involvement from companies including IBM, Cisco and SAP and a dozen or more others who are part of a Global Blockchain Council or are working on blockchain applications in Dubai. Dubai is already home to a bitcoin exchange, BitOasis, and other start-ups and accelerators devoted to blockchain are springing up, as well. More from Global Investing Hot Spots: Saudi Arabia is opening its IPO market to foreign investors Peter Thiel: People are underestimating the power of bitcoin Blockchain is attractive, Chinese investor says Dubai is parlaying its position as a global trade crossroads and its government's $4 billion-plus annual spending on innovation in general into a leadership position. "Dubai has wagered on their position in trade, as a global crossroads," said Marie Wieck, general manager of IBM Blockchain, who leads a team of 1,500 around the world focused on the technology. She was in the Emirate in October at a blockchain event attended by hundreds of people working on blockchain applications. "Based on where their economy is, it is really just a natural that they would be betting on blockchain." An Emirate in transformation A blockchain is a network that combines a ledger with the digital item being transacted, permanently, in a way that can't be changed. In a paper world, a ledger entry is separate from a transaction. In a blockchain, the digital item being transacted, like an electronic unit of currency or an electronic copy of a deed, contains its own ledger of transactions. The first application of blockchain has been in the development of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. (Dubai is also home to an early bitcoin application company called BitOasis). ICOs independent coin offerings allow investors to bet on which cryptocurrencies will stand the test of time. Many of them are taking place in Zurich, and other places without stiff investor protection laws. The explosion of cryptocurrencies and fluctuations in their value led JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to warn investors against them and has led to talk of a speculative bubble in the area. The bigger revolution is going on outside the headlines, in the development of other new applications on top of blockchain technology. Worldwide, blockchain seems likely to destroy millions of jobs in record-keeping and transactions, like those in the back ends of banks. What form the replacements for those jobs take and where they will land is an open question and Dubai wants to snag as many of them as it can. "While many other governments are writing white papers and conducting small scale tests, the government of Dubai is already developing major services across its entire portfolio," said Noah Raford, the Future Foundation's COO. Blockchain isn't Dubai's only front in what its Future Foundation CEO last year called "an economic war" to lead innovation in the global economy. For instance, the Emirate recently named a minister of artificial intelligence. Dubai's Future Foundation, a government agency, last spring said it had $300 million to invest in innovative companies. After they come to Dubai for a stint in that space at the bottom of Emirates Towers, they often relocate or leave a branch there.
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Global competition heats up Other cities and small countries are emerging as hubs, too. London, for instance, is already renowned as a center for fintech. Estonia, a tiny country that declared Internet access a basic human right in 2000, is a leader in blockchain applications. Singapore's central bank announced last March that it has completed a trial of using blockchain to power all domestic inter-bank payments, noted Christopher M. Schroeder, global venture investor and author of Startup Rising: The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East. "When governments actively welcome new technologies they also signal to the rising entrepreneurial ecosystems 'Here is a place you are welcomed to innovate,'" he said. He added that though there will be jobs "shift" because of blockchain, many of the skills of the old world are just as desired in the new one. "For example, if one could hire the following candidate for the 21st century we would in a heartbeat: Meticulous; great at math; great at analysis; utterly trustworthy; superb at customer service; very comfortable in computing," he said. "I just described a bank teller." Dubai at the crossroads Dubai stands out for two reasons: the breadth of the applications that may develop in a global trade hub, and the government's commitment. Dubai has the world's busiest airport and is a gateway to growth markets in Southeast Asia and Africa. When 1776, a Washington, D.C.-based incubator, decided to host a blockchain start-up competition, it did so in its branch located in Dubai, said Brandon Pollak, co-founder and head of global affairs. "They take a broad lens to the opportunities; they are not just focused on payments," he said. "They are bringing real estate, health care and financial services into the picture, for example." Wieck pointed to some of the areas that are ripe for innovation, including cross-border payments and settlements, trade requirements and visas. But the applications are much broader. For instance, she said, a blockchain built to keep track of food could revolutionize food safety systems you'd have a perfect record of whether the "chain of cold" was ever broken. In the medical sphere, you'd know how long an organ for transplant was in transport. A blockchain developed for gems could make it harder to finance a conflict with blood diamonds. Companies from IBM to Emirates Airline to Careem, a tech unicorn, are launching blockchain experiments in Dubai. Careem, which is sometimes called the Uber of the Middle East, is writing a blockchain application that will allow riders to use Emirates Airline miles to buy rides. IBM and ConSensys, a 200-employee company that builds applications based on a blockchain technology called Ethereum, have both been named advisors to the government's effort. IBM just opened a garage a start-up space in Dubai to encourage smaller companies to use IBM hardware and cloud services to experiment with blockchain applications. Across Dubai, there are dozens of other start-ups experimenting in the area. Com Mirza, a Dubai-based serial entrepreneur, said he plans to open a "Dubai block chain city," an accelerator space he hopes will house dozens of start-ups. He also launched Habibi Coin, one of dozens or hundreds of cryptocurrencies springing up worldwide.
Women plant stakes One of the biggest surprises in blockchain technology globally and particularly in Dubai is the presence of women in the field, said IBM's Wieck. A longtime voice for women in technology she serves on the board of the Anita Borg Institute, for instance she said she and others have begun to remark on the growing number of women moving into blockchain development. She believes women see the potential for progress in blockchain. Dubai is already known for pushing women into positions of authority in government the emirate named seven women to its ministerial cabinet in 2016, for instance, and there are dozens of prominent women entrepreneurs, including the founder of BitOasis. As in Silicon Valley, though, there are still relatively few women in positions of private sector power, such as CEOs of big companies or in investment companies. Still, "I was pleasantly surprised," Wieck said.
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SHIBERGHAN, Afghanistan An Afghan official sees Islamic State (IS) militants increasing their influence in a northern province after inflicting a recent defeat on their Taliban rivals.
Abdul Rahman Mahmudi, the caretaker governor of Jawzjan Province, says IS fighters are gradually encircling Sheberghan. This main city serves as provincial center and houses all important government offices.
Their aim is to pressure the locals so much that they cease cooperating with the government and join Daesh, Mahmudi told Radio Free Afghanistan on November 6 while referring to IS with its Arabic acronym, which is commonly used to identify the ultra-radical Sunni extremist group across Afghanistan.
The IS fighters are apparently emboldened after beating a Taliban attack. Last week, Jawzjan Governor Lutfullah Azizi said that a week of clashes in Darzab and Qush-Teppa districts forced more than 2,000 families to seek shelter in Sheberghan.
The fighting is intense, and more than 1,000 fighters are involved, he told Radio Free Afghanistan. Some 500 IS fighters are taking on 600 to 700 Taliban militants pushing to capture territory from IS.
Mahmudi now sees IS militants, mostly veteran Central Asian fighters, trying to bolster their ranks by recruiting local youth to their ranks.
Many residents of Qush-Teppa have approached me to say they are keen on keeping Daesh out of their homeland, he said. They are asking the government to support them in standing up to and fighting Daesh.
An IS cell emerged in Jawzjans remote Darzab district a year ago. It now appears to have extended its reach for more than 120 kilometers by threatening Sheberghan.
IS fighters, mostly believed to be from Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, have since imposed harsh rules in the regions they overran. They have closed most schools in Darzab and have forced teachers and other government employees to pay them money. Locals frequently accuse IS militants of plundering their livelihoods.
On November 5, residents of Nawabad village in Qush-Teppa claimed that IS militants took away more than 500 cattle in a raid.
IS militants operating in remote Afghan regions mostly resist talking to journalists. They, however, periodically post propaganda messages and videos over the Internet. Some videos and photographs have shown IS militants killing prisoners or displaying the dead bodies of Taliban fighters.
Abubakar Siddique wrote this story based on Alim Rahmanyars reporting from Sheberghan in Jawzjan.
JALALABAD, Afghanistan -- A Pakistani diplomatic official has been shot and killed by unknown gunmen near his residence in the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad.
A spokesman for the Nangarhar provincial government, Attaullah Khogiani, told RFE/RL that two motorcyclists opened fire on November 6, killing 52-year-old Nayyar Iqbl Rana.
The attack took place at around 6 p.m. local time and the assailants managed to escape, Khogiani added.
An Afghan official said the slain Pakistani Consulate official was on his way home after buying groceries when he came under attack.
No one has claimed responsibility for the assault.
Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan, Zahid Nasrullah Khan, confirmed the deadly attack.
He said he had "absolutely no idea" why Rana, a father of five, was targeted.
Pakistan's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack, and called on Afghan authorities to take "urgent steps to apprehend the perpetrators."
Afghanistan's ambassador to Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, also condemned the killing in a message on Twitter, and said he conveyed the Afghan government's sympathies to the Foreign Ministry in Islamabad.
The incident comes after the deputy governor of Afghanistan's eastern province of Kunar, Muhammad Nabi Ahmadi, was kidnapped by gunmen in the Pakistani city of Peshawar on October 27. No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
In June, two Pakistani diplomats working at the Pakistani Consulate in Jalalabad were kidnapped and later freed by security forces in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan's relations are often tense with Pakistan, which has been accused by Kabul of secretly supporting extremists who are attempting to overthrow the Afghan government.
Islamabad denies the allegations.
With reporting by AFP
The Afghan government says it will not block the instant-messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram.
In a meeting on November 6, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah decided "there will be no ban on WhatsApp and Telegram," Abdullah wrote on Twitter.
His spokesman, Javed Faisal, reiterated the announcement. "Government of Afghanistan isn't going to ban any social media platforms. WhatsApp and Telegram to continue operating in Afghanistan," he wrote on Twitter.
An Afghan presidential statement said the countrys constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech. "The national unity government is committed to protecting those values, read the statement.
The announcement followed days of confusion after a letter from Afghanistan's telecom regulator to Internet service providers directed them to block the services "without delay." Last week, the letter was widely circulated on social media platforms.
The letter ordered Internet providers to block the popular messaging apps from November 1 to November 20 to "resolve technical problems."
But some cited unidentified sources claiming the ban was ordered by Afghan security officials to stop the use of encrypted messaging by Taliban militants and other extremist groups.
More than 1 billion people use the Facebook-owned WhatsApp globally. The much smaller but rapidly growing Telegram app is popular in Afghanistan.
-- With reporting by Reuters and AFP
TORONTO, Nov. 01, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V:MON) (Montero) has completed an initial grab sampling program on its Soris Lithium Project in central Namibia.
On October 24, 2017, Montero announced entering into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Frovio Investment, a Namibian company, to acquire up to an 80% interest in its wholly owned Soris Lithium Project in the De Rust pegmatite field in Namibia (the Property). Montero is currently in a 3-month legal and technical due diligence period. Under the terms of the LOI, Montero immediately earns an 80% interest in the Property by committing to spending C$1 million and completing a feasibility study in 3 years.
Nico Scholtz Pr.Sci.Nat., an expert on pegmatite geology, carried out the sampling program for Montero. A total of 16 grab samples were submitted for full chemical analysis and 3 mineralogical samples for investigation at SGS Laboratories in Johannesburg, South Africa. The chemical assay results have been reported to Montero while the 3 mineralogical samples remain outstanding.
The 16 grab samples were collected along approximately 2.4km strike of the known pegmatite intrusions. The samples vary in Li 2 O content from 0.07 % Li 2 O to 5.32 % Li 2 O. The samples retrieved also contain anomalous tin and tantalum values and are provided in Table 1 below. The samples are selective and not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted in the pegmatites on the property. Further confirmatory work including mineralogical investigations, geological mapping, channel sampling and lithium analysis on RC chips from a previous drill program is planned as part of the due diligence program.
Table 1: Concentrations of lithium (Li 2 O), tantalum (Ta 2 O 5 ) and tin (SnO 2 )
Component Average Concentration Range of
Concentrations Median Values Lithium as Li 2 O a. 1.37 % 0.07% to 5.32% 0.6 % Tantalum as Ta2O5 b. 809 ppm 15 ppm to 10,831 ppm 124 ppm Tin as SnO 2 c. 1,766 ppm 105 ppm to 8,798 ppm 615 ppm a. Li 2 O obtained by conversion factor of 2.153 b. Ta 2 O 5 obtained by conversion factor of 1.2211 c. SnO 2 obtained by conversion factor of 1.2696
Dr. Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive Officer of Montero commented, Montero has identified lithium bearing spodumene mineralization in pegmatites over a 2.4km strike length from the Soris Lithium Project where our most recent sampling program returned values of up to 5.32% Li 2 O Lithium Oxide. Tantalum and tin values are also anomalous. Further due diligence is underway to include channel sampling and analysis of RC chips from a previous drill program where lithium was not analyzed. Montero is looking to confirm tantalum and tin values and establishing the lithium content of the pegmatites.
The Soris Lithium Project is in central Namibia, north west of the town Uis which is 220km north of Walvis Bay, Namibias largest commercial deep-water port. The project is in the Erongo Region and is connected by dirt and asphalt road to the port of Walvis Bay.
The De Rust pegmatite field is hosted in the metasedimentary units of the Damara Mobile Belt of the Pan African Damara Orogen in Namibia. The zoned pegmatites at the Soris Lithium Project belong to a group of highly fractionated, tantalite-cassiterite, lithium-rich rare metal pegmatites known as Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatites. Lithium mineralization occurs in the form of spodumene crystals developed virtually over the whole length of the pegmatite, although the relative abundance of spodumene varies from one location to another spodumene crystals of up to 80cm long are observed.
The Soris Lithium Project pegmatites encompass several outcrops, varying in length between 100m up to 470m over 2.4km and measured in places to be more than 30m wide. The pegmatites were previously mined on a small scale for tin and tantalum (Diehl, 1992). More recently exploration for tantalum and tin, including Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling was undertaken until 2015. The pegmatite has not been mined or systematically sampled or assayed for lithium.
Qualified Person's Statement
This press release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Mike Evans, M.Sc. Pr.Sci.Nat., who is a qualified person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 and a Consulting Geologist to Montero. A review was also undertaken by Nico Scholtz, Pr.Sci.Nat., a qualified person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101 and is a Namibian based geologist with more than 10 years experience. He has extensive experience in rare metal pegmatite exploration in Namibia having worked on many Lithium-Cesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatite intrusions.
About Montero
Montero is a mineral exploration and development company engaged in the identification, acquisition, evaluation and exploration of mineral properties in Africa. Currently these include Lithium, Tantalum and Tin in Namibia, Phosphates in South Africa and Rare Earth Elements (REE) in Tanzania. Montero is reviewing and evaluating other opportunities from its operating base in South Africa. Montero trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MON.
For more information, contact:
Montero Mining and Exploration Ltd.
Dr. Tony Harwood, President and Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: ir@monteromining.com
Tel: +1 416 840 9197 | Fax: +1 866 688 4671
www.monteromining.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.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements, projections and estimates with respect to the Share Consolidation. 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. Such information is based on information currently available to Montero and Montero provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking information by its very nature involves inherent risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Montero to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Actual results relating to, among other things, results of exploration, project development, reclamation and capital costs of Monteros mineral properties, and financial condition and prospects, could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements for many reasons such as: changes in general economic conditions and conditions in the financial markets; changes in demand and prices for minerals; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological and operational difficulties encountered in connection with Monteros activities; and other matters discussed in this news release and in filings made with securities regulators. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of Monteros forward-looking statements. These and other factors should be considered carefully and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Montero does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Hi guys!
Could you please help me in evaluating my profile and suggesting which schools I am good for?
740 GMAT, Undergrad degree - Beng in Chemical Engineering (2015), GPA 3.79/4.00 from the best university in Kazakhstan (Nazarbayev University, newly opened, english- speaking, more on nu.edu.kz website).
Immediately after school joined Schlumberger, working outside of home country in Russia with training camps in Abu Dhabi. Worked there for 1.5 years and was promoted from Field Engineer Trainee to Field Engineer and later Command Center Engineer positions. Apart from major responsibilities was appointed as quality steering committee chair - got the best quality steering committee chair award.
Later on, decided to return to Kazakhstan and joined Eurasian Resource Group (transnational mining company) as a Lead Analyst responsible for analysis of procurement, sales and investment activities. Was promoted to Senior analyst position after 6 month and still work here (total will be a year in December).
Passed TOEFl Ibt 116/120. Started passing CIMA examinations for chartered global management accountant designation.
THe major decision factor for me is the opportunity to get full scholarship + living cause my salary in current position is 24k a year (documentally proven, could be presented to the schools).
Any feedback will be highly appreciated, thank you in advance!
By PTI: (Eds: Updating with fresh inputs)
By Seema Hakhu Kachru
Houston, Nov 6 (PTI) A court-martialled former US Air Force airman armed with a powerful assault rifle sprayed bullets on worshippers at a Sunday service at a rural church in Texas, killing at least 26 people, including 12-14 children, in the latest act of gun violence to shock America.
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Investigators believe the suspect, identified as 26- year-old Devin Patrick Kelley, suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Officials have now said the shooting inside the small South Texas church was not racially or religiously motivated, noting a domestic situation within the suspects family.
The Sunday massacre at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 40 miles southeast of San Antonio, also left 20 people injured and sent shockwaves across the country.
The ages of the deceased range from 18 months to 77 years, authorities said this morning.
Some parents had shielded their children with their bodies, Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said.
When Tackitt arrived at the church, he added, first responders were doing triage and almost everyone was covered in blood.
The gunman opened fire at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs yesterday, killing 26 people and wounding about 20 others, officials said.
Kelley, wearing black tactical-style gear walked into the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs and started firing from an assault rifle just after the Sunday morning service began, officials said.
Among the dead were 12 to 14 children, Tackitt told reporters. 20 other people were also injured in the attack.
A pregnant woman and the pastors 14-year-old daughter were also among the dead.
Police have identified all but one of the deceased.
Nearly everyone in the church at the time of the shooting had some type of injury, the Sheriff said.
Investigators worked through the night, and are still on the scene of the deadly shooting this morning trying to piece together exactly what happened.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the slaughter "the largest mass shooting" in the states history and ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff.
Authorities confirmed that the church shooter was a heavily-armed white male, in his 20s, but refused to name him. But the media identified the gunman as Kelley, who was discharged from the US Air Force in 2014.
Police said the gunman crossed the street in his vehicle, got out and began firing from his rifle. He then moved to the right side of the church, continuing to fire and then into the building.
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As he left, he was confronted by a resident who grabbed his rifle and then began to fire at him as he fled. He then chased the shooter who left the scene in his vehicle before leaving the road at the border with Guadalupe County.
He was found dead inside the vehicle, although authorities are not sure if the shooter died from a self- inflicted wound, or whether it was from the resident.
"The exact circumstances of the gunmans death are still under investigation," the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
The San Antonio FBI branch said there was no indication of the gunmans motive. But investigators say Kelleys in-laws attended the church at times but were not at the service yesterday morning. Its not clear if he targeted the church, nearly 48 kms from San Antonio, because of this connection.
In a brief statement, the Pentagon said the suspect was an airman "at one point," but additional details about his time in the Air Force were not immediately available.
The US officials said the suspect lived in a San Antonio suburb and does not appear to be linked to organised terrorist groups. The officials said investigators are looking at social media posts Kelley may have made in the days before the attack.
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Kelley was previously a member of the US Air Force and served at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his discharge, according to Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek.
He was court-martialled in 2012 for assault on his spouse and their child, according to Stefanek. He served a year in confinement and received a bad conduct discharge, the spokeswoman said, adding his rank was also reduced.
President Donald Trump, who is in Japan on the first leg of a 12-day Asia tour, expressed condolences to the victims of the mass shooting and also called Governor Abbott.
He condemned the shooting as an "act of evil" and said Americans would pull together.
"And through the tears and through the sadness, we stand strong, oh so strong," he said but dismissed the need for guns control.
Trump said the gunman had a "mental health problem" and that this "is not a guns situation".
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"Preliminary reports show a very deranged individual whos been having a problem for a very long time," he said, adding that "We have a lot of mental health problems in our country."
The shooting has devastated the small Texas town in the east of San Antonio, described as a place where "everybody knows everybody" and sent shockwaves across the US, as the nation confronts a breaking point over race and gun violence.
Less than a thousand people live in Sutherland Springs and officials believe that the number of people who are injured and killed make up about four per cent of the entire population.
Former president Barack Obama expressed his condolences over the incident and said, "may God also grant all of us the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce the violence and weaponry in our midst," he said.
Its the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history -- and the fifth deadliest in modern US history.
The shooting comes just a month after a gunman in Las Vegas opened fire on an outdoor music festival, killing 58 people in the deadliest mass shooting in recent US history.
Texas witnessed its worst shooting in 1991 when a man drove his pickup truck into a cafeteria and opened fire, killing 23 people. PTI SHK CHT KIS NSA AKJ KUN
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By PTI: (Eds: Adding fresh inputs)
By Seema Hakhu Kachru
Houston, Nov 6 (PTI) A court-martialled former US Air Force airman armed with a powerful assault rifle sprayed bullets on worshippers at a Sunday service at a rural church in Texas, killing at least 26 people and injuring 20 others in the latest gun-related massacre to shock the country.
advertisement
The suspect wearing black tactical-style gear walked into the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs and started firing from an assault rifle just after the Sunday morning service began, officials said.
The victims ranged in age from 5 to 72, and among the dead were several children, a pregnant woman and the pastors 14-year-old daughter.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the slaughter "the largest mass shooting" in the states history and ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff.
Authorities confirmed that the church shooter was a heavily armed white male, in his 20s, but refused to name him. But the media identified the gunman as Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, who was discharged from the US Air Force in 2014.
Police said the gunman crossed the street in his vehicle, got out and began firing from his rifle. He then moved to the right side of the church, continuing to fire and then into the building.
As he left, he was confronted by a resident who grabbed his rifle and then began to fire at him as he fled. The resident then chased the shooter who left the scene in his vehicle before leaving the road at the border with Guadalupe County.
He was found dead inside the vehicle, although authorities are not sure if the shooter died from a self- inflicted wound, or whether it was from the resident.
"The exact circumstances of the gunmans death are still under investigation. The wounded individuals were transported to San Antonio Medical Centre and University Hospital in San Antonio," the Texas Department of Public Safety said.
The San Antonio FBI branch said there was no indication of the gunmans motive.
In a brief statement, the Pentagon said the suspect was an airman "at one point," but additional details about his time in the Air Force were not immediately available.
The US officials said the suspect lived in a San Antonio suburb and does not appear to be linked to organised terrorist groups. The officials said investigators are looking at social media posts Kelley may have made in the days before Sundays attack in Sutherland Springs, located about 48 km east of San Antonio city.
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Kelley was previously a member of the US Air Force and served at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his discharge, according to Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek.
Kelley was court-martialled in 2012 for assault on his spouse and assault on their child, according to Stefanek. Kelley served a year in confinement and received a bad conduct discharge, the spokeswoman said. His rank was also reduced, she said.
President Donald Trump, who is in Japan on the first leg of a 12-day Asia tour, expressed condolences to the victims of the mass shooting and also called Governor Abbott.
He condemned the shooting as an "act of evil" and said Americans would pull together.
"And through the tears and through the sadness, we stand strong, oh so strong," he said but dismissed the need for guns control.
Trump said the gunman had a "mental health problem" and that this "is not a guns situation".
"Preliminary reports show a very deranged individual whos been having a problem for a very long time," he said, adding that "We have a lot of mental health problems in our country."
advertisement
Trump said it was fortunate that another person on the scene had a firearm, otherwise "it would have been much worse."
The shooting has devastated the small Texas town in the east of San Antonio, described as a place where "everybody knows everybody" and sent shockwaves across the US, as the nation confronts a breaking point over race and gun violence.
Less than a thousand people live in Sutherland Springs and officials believe that the number of people who are injured and killed make up about 10 per cent of the entire population.
"While the details of this horrific act are still under investigation,...I want to send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to all those who have been affected by this evil act," Texas Governor Abbott said.
Former president Barack Obama expressed his condolences over the incident and said, "may God also grant all of us the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce the violence and weaponry in our midst," he said.
Its the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history -- and the fifth deadliest in modern US history.
advertisement
The shooting comes just a month after a gunman in Las Vegas opened fire on an outdoor music festival, killing 58 people in the deadliest mass shooting in recent US history.
On June 12, 2016, a heavily-armed gunman opened shooting inside a nightclub in Orlando. 49 people were killed in the shooting with the attacker pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group, which later claimed its responsibility.
In December 2015, a radicalised Muslim couple, hailing from Pakistan, stormed a Christmas office party in San Bernardino, California, and gunned down 14 people.
Texas witnessed its worst shooting in 1991 when a man drove his pickup truck into a cafeteria and opened fire, killing 23 people. PTI SHK CHT KIS NSA AKJ AKJ
--- ENDS ---
Hariri made it clear that is not going back to Beirut soon. He said he fears for his life in Lebanon. Recent history shows that talk of an assassination attempt cannot be ignored.
However, this is not the only factor that led to Hariris resignation.
It is feared that Lebanon has entered a confrontation, and has no way of turning back. Diana Moukalled, veteran journalist and freelance documentary producer, says in her article for Arab News, The president and speaker said the situation required no reaction, but rather a lot of thinking about the consequences of taking a view especially since the Lebanese lira, the only indicator that the country is capable of coping in a crisis such as this, is under some pressure.
She says that Hariris resignation means that the caretaker government, whose term is expected to be extended, will remain without a prime minister, triggering some constitutional and political questions. If Hariri resigned in an attempt to confront the Iranian power bloc with a vacuum, he may have escalated the situation. Sunni Cabinet ministers might abstain from their duties, which would further complicate the situation.
This makes the presidents position difficult, as he is a partner in the executive. In appointing a new prime minister, if someone less representative of the Sunni community were chosen, it would be a setback. The cabinet would be placed in a tenuous position, and it would be arduous for ministers to retain their credibility in Parliament.
According to Moukalled, jokes and rumors are already circulating about who is going to replace Hariri. She cites a message on Whatsapp, that suggested that former Prime Minister Najib Mikati has sent his suit to the dry cleaners in preparation.
It doesnt seem feasible that any Sunni politician would care to fill the position at this time, because by doing so they would put themselves in a confrontation position with Saudi Arabia and the Arab coalition against Iran. Moukalled writes that this means an extension of the caretaker government for an indefinite period, and an impasse in the prime ministerial role.
She believes that Tehran and its local allies have begun to look for an exit strategy, and that now the confrontation is out in the open. She says, Saudi Arabia appears to feel that the official position of Lebanon in this confrontation is not in its interests. That is why it has chosen Lebanon as the platform for a direct and different kind of confrontation with Tehran.
The Arab Coalition fighting against the Houthi militia in Yemen said on Sunday that it considered the intercepted missile attack on Riyadh on Friday a blatant and direct military aggression by the Iranian regime, which may amount to an act of war against Saudi Arabia.
The coalition affirmed the kingdoms right to legitimate defense of its territory and people as stated in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations.
During a press conference on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Saudi-led Arab coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen brought to light evidence that he said showed Iranian weapons support to the Houthi militia in the country.
Colonel Turki al-Malki presented pictures of weaponry and missiles launched by the Houthi militia towards Saudi Arabia.
The Arab coalition closed off the land, sea and air ports in Yemen early Monday after a missile targeted Riyadh, hours after an ISIS-claimed militant attack in Aden killed at least 17 people.
PRESS RELEASE
Presidents of Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan Hold Summit in Iran
Nov. 1, 2017 (EIRNS)The summit was held in Tehran on Nov. 1. The leaders met in both bilateral and trilateral formats, and discussed several issues, including Syria, joint efforts in the fight against terrorism, and economic cooperation. On the latter, they especially discussed infrastructure projects, including the construction of a main railway linethe western branch of the North-South Transport Corridoras well as cooperation in the energy sector. They also shared opinions on current international problems.
The talks demonstrate how far relations among the three countries, which at many times had been tense over the years, have progressed, especially concerning economic cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin met in bilateral sessions with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"We are very pleased that, apart from our bilateral relations, our two countries play an important role in securing peace and stability in the region,"
Iranian President Rouhani told Putin in his welcoming remarks. In later talks, Rouhani noted Russian-Iranian cooperation in fighting terrorism, especially in Syria.
"Iranian and Russian cooperation has had a great impact in fighting terrorism in the region. The joint cooperation and consultations are very important in the final stages too."
Ahead of the talks, Putin thanked Rouhani for organizing the meetings. The Iranian Presidency reports that Putin made reference to attempts to dismantle the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal with Iran. Putin was quoted by Associated Press as saying:
"Unilateral dismantling of the nuclear deal under any excuse is not acceptable. The lack of acceptance of international commitments by some countries is not acceptable."
On the same day of the visit, Russias state-controlled oil company, Rosneft, signed a road map with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) to build joint oil and gas projects worth $30 billion. Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak said that the two countries would sign a memorandum of understanding to support the new pipeline project, which will bring Iranian gas to India.
The day before the visit, a Russian company broke ground on two new power plants due to be built at the Bushehr nuclear facility in Iran.
In his meeting with Azerbaijans Aliyev, Putin noted,
"I am very pleased to see you in Tehran. We talk frequently, we talk on the phone. Because there is a special relationship between our countries. Our relations are at strategic partnership level."
Putin also noted that the trade volume between Russia and Azerbaijan in the first nine months of the year had increased by 62%.
For his part, Aliyev said:
"We give a new impetus to the development of relations, we are very glad that in the economic sphere the trade turnover is growing. This shows great mutual interest of the business structures of the two countries. Our relations with Russia are of a strategic nature. We cooperate in all areas: in the humanitarian, economic, energy, transport, and military-technical areas. Therefore, these are comprehensive relations of friends, neighbors and close partners."
Following the meeting of Putin, Rouhani, and Aliy
ev, the Iranian President said at their joint press conference that "Mr. Putin proposed holding the next summit in Russia, and we agreed with this. I thank Mr. Putin, and we announce that the next summit will be held next year in Russia."
Putin told the media,
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VOA Learning English presents Americas Presidents.
Today we are talking about Lyndon Johnson. He was the vice president under John F. Kennedy.
Many Americans recognize Johnson from a photograph of his swearing-in on November 22, 1963.
Kennedy had just been shot during a visit to Dallas, Texas. Johnson and his wife also were visiting the city.
After doctors announced that Kennedy had died, the Johnsons were taken to the presidential airplane. There, Johnson took the oath of office as president.
Men wearing suits look on, while three women stand around him. His wife, Lady Bird Johnson, is at one side. Former first lady Jackie Kennedy is at the other. She is still wearing clothing covered with her husbands blood. The judge who is administering the oath, Sarah Hughes, stands in front of Lyndon Johnson. She holds a prayer book on which Johnson places one hand and swears to follow the Constitution.
The photograph showed the American people that the federal government could and would continue in an orderly way.
But Johnsons position was difficult. Many people were shocked and in mourning for the assassinated president.
But as the conflict in Vietnam increased, and some Americans rejected Johnsons reforms, he found his position difficult again.In the next election, Johnson was elected president in his own right.
Early life
Lyndon Baines Johnson was born in Texas, where his family had lived for generations. A town called Johnson was even named after his relatives.
Lyndon was the oldest of five children. His mother was a teacher and writer, and his father was a farmer and political leader.
In time, the Johnson family experienced financial difficulties. They had little money to give their children much of an education, but Lyndon was able to attend a teaching college.
Johnson excelled as a teacher. He also learned from his students. Many were even poorer than he was. They also faced discrimination because they came from Mexican families. Johnson promised to help them.
But he found he could do more to improve peoples lives as a politician than as a teacher.
He volunteered for some political campaigns, became an aide to a member of the United States Congress, and in time became a member of Congress himself.
Along the way, he married a woman named Claudia Taylor. But everyone called her Lady Bird. They went on to have two daughters.
Johnson served for 12 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. In 1948, he was narrowly elected to the Senate, becoming one of the two senators from the state of Texas.
From there, Johnson rose quickly. He took on increasingly important jobs in the Senate. By 1954, he was the Senate majority leader the Democratic Partys top spokesman in the Senate.
The Senate website notes that the person with that job needs to be able to work well with others, especially members of other parties.
Historians also note that Johnson worked very hard, and was always prepared.
A well-known biography of Johnson is called Master of the Senate. The book describes Johnson as extremely ambitious, sometimes cruel, and often willing to praise others to get what he wanted. At the same time, he could be very concerned about other peoples well-being.
In other words, the picture of Johnson is a complicated one.
In 1960, he competed against John F. Kennedy for the Democratic presidential nomination. Johnson lost that race but the party asked him to be their vice presidential candidate instead.
Johnson agreed, not knowing that in a little more than three years, he would enter the White House as president.
Presidency
After being sworn-in, Johnson used his political experience in the Senate to pass a number of reforms. They were aimed at carrying on, in his words, a War on Poverty.
The new laws created healthcare and education programs. They also used federal money to make food less costly for some people, and to train workers for jobs.
Johnson also continued the work Kennedy began by signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The act made segregation because of race, religion, or national origin illegal.
The Civil Rights Act also made it illegal for employers to discriminate against someone because of race, religion, national origin, or gender.
The reforms had their critics, then and today. But in the presidential election of 1964, Johnson won by the widest margin of popular votes in American history. Historian Kent Germany says that vote gave the Democrats a rare opening to pass a comprehensive liberal program.
Presidency after 1964
Johnson had a name for such a program. He called it the Great Society. He said the United States should aim not only to be a rich and powerful society, but also to end poverty and racial injustice.
Johnson followed his earlier reforms with others. They sought to prevent crime, reduce pollution, support the arts, make roads safer, and protect American consumers against bad products. His administration also created an immigration policy that valued family members, skilled workers, and refugees.
Johnson also signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It sought to lift the barriers that had long prevented African-American men and women from exercising their right to vote.
Later, Johnson removed legal discrimination in the process of buying and renting homes.
Together, these actions have linked Johnson to the civil rights movement in the minds of many Americans. Yet Johnson is also strongly linked to another part of U.S. history, often known simply as Vietnam.
Earlier presidents had ordered U.S. military action in the conflict between North and South Vietnam. Since 1950, Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy had slowly increased the American intervention. Their goal was to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.
President Johnson continued Kennedys policies. He also received the support of Congress to do whatever was necessary to protect U.S. forces and prevent further aggression by North Vietnams communist government.
Yet, when he was a presidential candidate in 1964, Johnson promised not to increase U.S. involvement and send young Americans to fight in Vietnam.
The opposite happened.
Over the next four years, Johnson called on hundreds of thousands of additional U.S. troops to fight on the ground and in the air. The North Vietnamese fought back, both on the battle field and politically.
In time, the American public withdrew their support of the struggle and their support for the president.
By early 1968, Johnson had become deeply unpopular with voters. His party lost seats in Congress, and Johnson lost his ability to persuade lawmakers to support the measures he proposed.
In addition, the U.S. economy was showing signs of weakness, partly because of the costs of the conflict in Vietnam and government spending at home.
As the presidential nominating process began in early 1968, Johnson was permitted to seek another four-year term. But he announced that he would not seek or accept his partys nomination.
Shortly after, civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed. Angered by his murder, people in more than 100 cities rioted.
Then, in June, John Kennedys brother, Robert Kennedy, was also assassinated. Kennedy had been competing for the Democrats nomination for president.
His death, and Johnsons withdrawal, added to the divisions in the Democratic Party. Several groups gathered to protest at the partys nominating convention in Chicago. The meeting ended in violent clashes between protesters and police.
By the time Johnson left office in January 1969, his party had lost control of the White House, and many Americans believed the country was in disarray.
Legacy
After he left the presidency, Johnson returned to his home in Texas. He wrote his memories about his White House years, and made preparations for his presidential library.
But he did not live much longer. He died in 1973, hours before the U.S. involvement in Vietnam officially came to a close.
Johnson was a complex person, and his image in the mind of many Americans is just as complicated. His policies opened new paths for many people, but also led to years of death and destruction in Vietnam.
As a president, he acted powerfully and often independently, and succeeded in passing an unusually large number of reforms. But he also failed to persuade many Americans to accept some of those measures.
Supporters of the free market especially strongly rejected the government controls Johnson enacted.
Even some in his Democratic Party, which Johnson had controlled for years, lost faith in him. In 1964, anti-war activists changed his campaign slogan, All the way with LBJ. Instead, they said, Part of the way with LBJ.
And by 1968, they were saying, Hey, Hey, LBJ. How many kids did you kill today?
Im Kelly Jean Kelly.
Kelly Jean Kelly wrote this story for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.
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Words in This Story
assassinate - v. to kill (someone, such as a famous or important person) usually for political reasons
ambitious - adj. having a desire to be successful, powerful, or famous
cruel - adj. causing or helping to cause suffering
segregation - n. the practice or policy of keeping people of different races, religions, etc., separate from each other
gender - n. the state of being male or female
consumer - n. a person who buys goods and services
disarray - n. a lack of order; a confused or messy condition
By PTI: Kottayam (Ker), Nov 6 (PTI) Hadiya is in good health and waiting to appear before the Supreme Court on November 27, the NCWs chairperson in-charge Rekha Sharma said today after meeting the Kerala woman at the centre of a nationwide controversy after her marriage with a Muslim man.
The meeting came amid complaints from various Kerala- based Muslim bodies that the womans rights were being violated in the confines of her home.
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The 24-year-old woman is under the protection of her parents following the orders of the Kerala High Court.
The court had annulled her marriage with Shafin Jahan after her parents argued that he was a radicalised person.
"I just met Akhila - Hadiya. NCW was concerned about her well being. She is in good health, she has not been beaten up or anything, she is eating her food and she was smiling, she was happy," Sharma told reporters.
The womans health and security was "OK", she said after meeting Hadiya at her family home in Vaikom here, a week after the apex court directed her father to produce her before it on November 27.
"Three policewomen are there. They are taking care of her and her security is under no threat," Sharma said, showing the media the womans photo on her mobile phone.
She claimed that the woman did not face any "atrocities" at her parents home.
"She said she is willing to go to court. She is waiting for November 27. I am OK. I will talk to the court. That is what she said," Sharma said.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) official refused to divulge details, as the matter was subjudice, and said that she would meet "several such women" who were "forced" to convert in Kerala, and a report would be prepared.
"I am not using the Love Jihad word. I will use forced conversion. Thats all. Because a few women who were forced to convert came in the morning. I am meeting few more women in other parts of Kerala. Then we will prepare a report on that," she said.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud had on October 30 asked that Hadiya be produced on November 27 for an interaction.
The bench is likely to assess her mental stage and whether she had given free consent to the marriage.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), represented by Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, has informed the court that there was a well-oiled machinery working in Kerala and they are indulging in the indoctrination and radicalisation of the society in the state, where as many as 89 cases of similar nature have been reported. Jahan, allegedly a member of the radical Islamic outfit Popular Front of India, had on September 20 approached the apex court seeking recall of its August 16 order directing the NIA to investigate the controversial case of conversion and marriage of a Hindu woman with him. He had moved the apex court after the Kerala High Court annulled his marriage, saying it was an insult to the independence of women in the country. PTI TGB RC ANB
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Many famous people and a top United States official are among those on a list of people shown to have money in foreign banks to avoid taxes.
The financial documents have been called the Paradise Papers. They are mainly from the legal company Appleby in Bermuda. Millions of documents were leaked to Germanys Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper on November 5. The newspaper shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
The documents give financial details of many famous people, officials and leaders. The information includes how much money these people have secretly kept in offshore accounts.
Appleby advises wealthy people on international financial transactions. These deals can help people avoid paying some taxes in their home countries that are tied to their investments.
Appleby says it has investigated all the accusations and found there is no evidence of any wrongdoing, either on the part of ourselves or our clients.
Commerce secretarys business ties are questioned
The documents show that U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has business connections with Russian business executive Kirill Shamalov.
Shamalov is executive and part-owner of the Russian energy company Sibur. He also is the son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The 79-year-old Ross is a former businessman and a billionaire. He has an investment in partnerships valued between $2 million and $10 million in the shipping company, Navigator Holdings.
Navigator Holdings earns millions of dollars a year transporting natural gas for Sibur. The documents also say Sibur is co-owned by Gennady Timchenko. He is a Russian billionaire who was tied to a large state-run company before the fall of the Soviet Union.
Timchenko is subject to U.S. sanctions because of Russia's 2 014 occupation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. The occupation was followed by conflict between pro-Russian separatists and government forces in Ukraine.
Ross sold many financial investments when he joined the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year. Ross sold them to avoid a conflict of interest.
However, Ross kept his Navigator investment. He put it into a series of partnerships in the Cayman Islands, an offshore tax haven. Much of Rosss estimated $2 billion in wealth is in the Cayman Islands the documents say.
Ross did not disclose the Russian business link when the U.S. Senate confirmed him as commerce secretary. The link was discovered this weekend after the Appleby documents were leaked.
A Commerce Department spokesman said Ross has removed himself as secretary from matters related to trans-oceanic shipping.
The report of Ross' financial connection to Russia comes as a special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, and three congressional groups carry out separate investigations. They are investigating efforts by Russia to interfere in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
The U.S. intelligence community says that Russian President Vladimir Putin led an effort to harm U.S. democracy and help Trump win the election.
The release of tax-related documents also comes as the U.S. Congress considers new tax laws.
The far reaches of the Paradise Papers
The documents show financial information about individuals outside the US.
The Associated Press reports that the papers show Britains Queen Elizabeth II has invested about $13 million of her private money in tax havens in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.
Duchy of Lancaster, which oversees her finances, confirmed these activities but said that all their investments are legal.
The papers also say the musician Bono, of the rock band U2, used a company based in Malta to buy part of a shopping mall in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Bonos spokeswoman confirmed to The Guardian newspaper that the musician invested in the Maltese company Nude Estates Ltd. The company sold its assets in 2015.
Putting pressure on the world leaders
The new disclosures may put pressure on world leaders.
The European Union will discuss plans for a tax haven blacklist Reuters news agency reported.
E.U. countries had been trying to reach an agreement on tax havens by the end of 2017. European officials are seeking to deal with the problem of tax avoidance that received attention after the release of the Panama Papers.
The so-called Panama Papers were millions of financial documents leaked last year. The documents gave information of tax-avoidance activities of many famous people and officials.
The European Commission wants to make a list of tax free or low-tax countries including those that do not cooperate with the EU.
The EU hopes the threat of being on a blacklist would discourage individuals and companies from putting their money in those countries or territories.
Currently, Reuters reports that the proposed EU blacklist would apply only to non-EU countries. Low-tax countries such as Luxembourg, Malta and Ireland would not be included.
Im Phil Dierking.
This story was originally written for VOANews by Ken Bredemeir. Phil Dierking adapted the story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.
Do you think wealthy people or companies should be allowed to invest money in offshore accounts? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
blacklist - n. a list of people, organizations, etc., that are disapproved of or that are to be punished or avoided
clients - n. a person who pays a professional person or organization for services
disclose - v. to make something known to the public
discourage - v. to make someone less determined, hopeful, or confident
offshore - adj. located in a foreign country
transactions - n. business deal
tax haven - n. a country or independent area where taxes are levied at a low rate.
sanction - n. an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc.
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know Invest in Smart Home Tech with Superior Patents (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Invest in Smart Home Tech with Superior Patents (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Invest in Smart Home Tech with Superior Patents (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
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S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know Invest in Smart Home Tech with Superior Patents (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Invest in Smart Home Tech with Superior Patents (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Invest in Smart Home Tech with Superior Patents (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
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S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Reclusive trader scores 20 straight years of winning trades. Learn how (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine New Battery "Could Eat Lithium's Lunch" (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Reclusive trader scores 20 straight years of winning trades. Learn how (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine New Battery "Could Eat Lithium's Lunch" (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company today raised Rs 2,322 crore from anchor investors, ahead of its initial public offer tomorrow.
Singapores sovereign wealth fund Temasek, Norwegian fund Norges, Kuwait Investment, T Rowe Price, Fidelity, Blackrock and JP Morgan are among the anchor investors, according to a regulatory filing. The shares have been allocated at the upper price band of Rs 290 apiece. The companys executive committee and the promoter selling shareholders in consultation with the manager to the offer have finalised allocation of 80,068,600 shares to anchor investors, the filing submitted to the NSE said. Price band for the offer has been fixed at Rs 275-290 per share. The public issue comprises sale of 1,91,246,050 equity shares, amounting to 9.55 per cent stake, by HDFC Ltd and up to 1,08,581,768 scrips, or 5.42 per cent, holding by Standard Life Mauritius.
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At present, HDFC owns 61.41 per cent stake in HDFC Standard Life and Standard Life has about 34.86 per cent stake, while the remaining is with employees and PremjiInvest. PTI RAM MKJ
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Dril-Quip, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, sells, and services engineered drilling and production equipment for use in deepwater, harsh environment, and severe service applications worldwide. The company's principal products include subsea and surface wellheads, subsea and surface production trees, mudline hanger systems, specialty connectors and associated pipes, drilling and production riser systems, liner hangers, wellhead connectors, diverters, and safety valves, as well as downhole tools. It also provides technical advisory services, and rework and reconditioning services, as well as rental and purchase of running tools for use in the installation and retrieval of its products; and downhole tools comprise of liner hangers, production packers, safety valves, and specialty downhole tools that are used to hang-off and seal casing into a previously installed casing string in the well bore. The company's products are used to explore for oil and gas from offshore drilling rigs, such as floating rigs and jack-up rigs; and for drilling and production of oil and gas wells on offshore platforms, tension leg platforms, and Spars, as well as moored vessels, such as floating production, storage, and offloading monohull moored vessels. It sells its products directly through its sales personnel, independent sales agents, and representatives to integrated, independent, and foreign national oil and gas companies, as well as drilling contractors, and engineering and construction companies. The company was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Good afternoon.
I want to begin with a bipartisan message to all Virginians. Today may well be the second most important vote you will ever cast. The message the results will send to the rest of the country will be momentous. Please vote, whether you support Northam or that loathsome shameless demagogue who is a Trump apologist and whose election will declare to the nation that Trumpism is a winning strategy. My point is, vote. And if you need a little shaming to help you make that decision, please read this very short op ed piece I wrote in 2004.
Okay, lessee. I was noodling around on Twitter and noted that I found Niles Crane's infatuation with Daphne to be one of the most patently unconvincing storylines in television. This led to a DM conversation between me and my friend Amy Whipple, who asked an intriguing question: Was David Hyde Pierce the last apparently gay man on TV to play an ostensibly straight man? To clarify: Pierce, who is gay but had not officially come out, was playing Niles Crane, who is ostensibly straight, but playing him quite deliberately in a way that suggested he was actually gay. Has there been such a weird stretch -- I suppose to meet old, quaint, patronizing notions of propriety -- since?
I don't watch that much TV anymore. Anyone?
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If there is anything immediately good to come out of the horrific Texas church massacre, it's that the anti-ThoughtsAndPrayers drumbeat is intensifying. Here is Ann Telnaes today.
Okay, we start at noon.
Sources say that an envious Honeypreet beckoned Gurmeet Singh to merge Jasneet's business under the MSG banner, fearing his entrepreneurial skills might fuel his claim to the multi-crore Dera empire.
By Manjeet Sehgal: In a series of explosive revelations made by Dera workers, it has now surfaced that Gurmeet Ram Rahim's confidant Honeypreet Insan conspired to prevent his son Jasneet Insan from succeeding as Dera chief.
Jasneet Insan is the son of now jailed Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim with his wife Harjeet Kaur. With Honeypreet in jail and Dera chairwoman Vipassana in dock over hiding crucial information from investigators, Jasneet is touted to be the next Dera Sacha Sauda foreman.
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This development recently took shape after Vipassana summoned Jasneet fearing her arrest and handed over Dera keys while urging him to 'take charge' as soon as possible.
Some reports also suggest that he might be formally introduced as the caretaker Dera chief on November 25, which is also observed as the birth anniversary of former Dera chief Shah Satnam.
Meanwhile, Dera workers continue to allege that Honeypreet had all along harboured dreams to inherit the Dera mantle and reasoned this for her cold countenance with Gurmeet's family. "She was jealous of every family member and did not allow them near Gurmeet," said a family friend.
According to some sources, it was due to Honeypreet that Gurmeet Ram Rahim shut his son Jasneet's business and let his 'adopted daughter' re-launch the same as a modified brand in 2016.
Jasneet Insan had a biscuit brand known as 'Father' credited to his name, apart from a budding enterprise of food products under the name of 'King Three'.
But sources say that an envious Honeypreet beckoned Gurmeet Singh to merge Jasneet's business under the MSG banner, fearing his entrepreneurial skills might fuel his claim to the multi-crore Dera empire.
Presently, with both Gurmeet and Honeypreet in jail, manufacturing of all MSG products has been halted due to lack of funds.
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What can be done about negative stereotypes that portray older adults as out-of-touch, useless, feeble, incompetent, pitiful and irrelevant?
From late-night TV comedy shows where supposedly clueless older people are the butt of jokes to ads for anti-aging creams equating youth with beauty and wrinkles with decay, harsh and unflattering images shape assumptions about aging. Although people may hope for good health and happiness, in practice they tend to believe that growing older involves deterioration and decline, according to reports from the Reframing Aging Initiative.
Dismal expectations can become self-fulfilling as people start experiencing changes associated with growing older - aching knees or problems with hearing, for instance. If a person has internalized negative stereotypes, his confidence may be eroded, stress responses activated, motivation diminished ("I'm old, and it's too late to change things") and a sense of efficacy ("I can do that") impaired.
Health often suffers as a result, according to studies showing that older adults who hold negative stereotypes tend to walk slowly, experience memory problems and recover less fully from a fall or fracture, among other ramifications. By contrast, seniors whose view of aging is primarily positive live 7.5 years longer.
Can positive images of aging be enhanced and the effects of negative stereotypes reduced? At a recent meeting of the National Academies of Sciences' Forum on Aging, Disability and Independence, experts embraced this goal and offered several suggestions for how it can be advanced:
Become aware of implicit biases. Implicit biases are automatic, unexamined thoughts that reside below the level of consciousness. An example: the sight of an older person using a cane might trigger associations with "dependency" and "incompetence" - negative biases.
Forum attendee Dr. Charlotte Yeh, chief medical officer for AARP Services Inc., spoke of her experience after being struck by a car and undergoing a lengthy, painful process of rehabilitation. Limping and using a cane, she routinely found strangers treating her as if she were helpless.
"I would come home feeling terrible about myself," she said. Decorating her cane with ribbons and flowers turned things around. "People were like 'Oh, my God that's so cool,'" said Yeh, who noted that the decorations evoked the positivity associated with creativity instead of the negativity associated with disability.
Implicit biases can be difficult to discover, insofar as they coexist with explicit thoughts that seem to contradict them. For example, implicitly, someone may feel "being old is terrible" while explicitly that person may think: "We need to do more, as a society, to value older people." Yet this kind of conflict may go unrecognized.
To identify implicit bias, pay attention to your automatic responses. If you find yourself flinching at the sight of wrinkles when you look in the bathroom mirror, for instance, acknowledge this reaction and then ask yourself, "Why is this upsetting?"
Use strategies to challenge biases. Patricia Devine, a professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies ways to reduce racial prejudice, calls this "tuning in" to habits of mind that usually go unexamined.
Resolving to change these habits isn't enough, she said, at the NAS forum's gathering in New York City: "You need strategies." Her research shows that five strategies are effective:
- Replace stereotypes. This entails becoming aware of and then altering responses informed by stereotypes. Instead of assuming a senior with a cane needs your help, for instance, you might ask, "Would you like assistance?" - a question that respects an individual's autonomy.
- Embrace new images. This involves thinking about people who don't fit the stereotype you've acknowledged. This could be a group of people (older athletes), a famous person (TV producer Norman Lear, now 95, who recently sold a show on aging to NBC) or someone you know (a cherished older friend).
- Individualize it. The more we know about people, the less we're likely to think of them as a group characterized by stereotypes. Delve into specifics. What unique challenges does an older person face? How does she cope day to day?
- Switch perspectives. This involves imagining yourself as a member of the group you've been stereotyping. What would it be like if strangers patronized you and called you "sweetie" or "dear," for example?
- Make contact. Interact with the people you've been stereotyping. Go visit and talk with that friend who's now living in a retirement community.
Devine's research hasn't looked specifically at older adults; the examples above come from other sources. But she's optimistic that the basic lesson she's learned, "prejudice is a habit that can be broken," applies nonetheless.
- Emphasize the positive. Another strategy - strengthening implicit positive stereotypes - comes from Becca Levy, a professor of epidemiology and psychology at Yale University and a leading researcher in this field.
In a 2016 study, she and several colleagues demonstrated that exposing older adults to subliminal positive messages about aging several times over the course of a month improved their mobility and balance - crucial measures of physical function.
The messages were embedded in word blocks that flashed quickly across a computer screen, including descriptors such as wise, creative, spry and fit. The weekly sessions were about 15 minutes long, proving that even a relatively short exposure to positive images of aging can make a difference.
At the forum, Levy noted that 196 countries across the world have committed to support the World Health Organization's fledgling campaign to end ageism - discrimination against people simply because they are old. Bolstering positive images of aging and countering the effect of negative stereotypes needs to be a central part of that endeavor, she remarked. It's also something older adults can do, individually, by choosing to focus on what's going well in their lives rather than what's going wrong.
- Claim a seat at the table. "Nothing about us without us" is a clarion call of disability activists, who have demanded that their right to participate fully in society be recognized and made possible by adequate accommodations such as ramps that allow people in wheelchairs to enter public buildings.
So far, however, seniors haven't similarly insisted on inclusion, making it easier to overlook the ways in which they're marginalized.
At the forum, Kathy Greenlee, vice president of aging and health policy at the Center for Practical Bioethics in Kansas City and formerly assistant secretary for aging in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, called for a new wave of advocacy by and for seniors, saying, "We need more older people talking publicly about themselves and their lives."
"Everybody is battling aging by themselves, reinforcing the notion that how someone ages is that individual's responsibility" rather than a collective responsibility, she explained.
Underscoring Greenlee's point, the forum didn't feature any older adult speakers discussing their experiences with aging and disability.
In a private conversation, however, Fernando Torres-Gil, the forum's co-chair and professor of social welfare and public policy at UCLA, spoke of those themes.
Torres-Gil contracted polio when he was 6 months old and spent most of his childhood and adolescence at what was then called the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children in San Francisco. Back then, kids with polio were shunned. "It's a real tough thing to be excluded," he remembered.
His advice to older adults whose self-image is threatened by the onset of impairment: "Persevere with optimism. Hang in there. Don't give up. And never feel sorry for yourself."
Now age 69, Torres-Gil struggles with post-polio syndrome and has to walk with crutches and leg braces, which he had abandoned in young adulthood and midlife. "I'm getting ready for my motorized scooter," he said with a smile, then quickly turned serious.
"The thing is to accept whatever is happening to you, not deny it," he said, speaking about adjusting attitudes about aging. "You can't keep things as they are: You have to go through a necessary reassessment of what's possible. The thing is to do it with graciousness, not bitterness, and to learn how to ask for help, acknowledging the reality of interdependence."
2017 Kaiser Health News
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
EuroEcho-Imaging 2017 is set to reveal the most up-to-date science and technologies in cardiovascular imaging including the new field of phenomapping. The world's largest cardiovascular imaging conference will be held 6 to 9 December in Lisbon, Portugal at the Centro de Congressos de Lisboa (CCL).
EuroEcho-Imaging is the annual meeting of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The full scientific programme is available here. The EuroEcho-Imaging 2017 mobile app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google play - search for 'EuroEcho2017'.
"Clinicians, scientists and engineers from across the globe attend EuroEcho-Imaging," said Professor Erwan Donal, Chairperson of the Scientific Programme Committee. "It is the place to see the most innovative imaging techniques in cardiovascular diseases and journalists will find plenty of fresh material."
Phenomapping is an emerging field that will be discussed by specialists at the meeting. Using the statistical methods that condense large amounts of data from DNA sequences into understandable information, data from cardiac imaging (mainly echocardiography) is transformed into an 'imaging phenotype'.
Professor Donal said: "This is a completely new area in cardiovascular imaging. International leaders will reveal how phenomapping can be used to personalise treatment for patients with cardiovascular disease."
EuroEcho-Imaging is the place to be to meet world renowned global experts in the field of cardiovascular imaging. More than 3 200 healthcare professionals from over 90 countries are set to attend the four day event. Original research will be presented in the abstract programme and more than 150 scientific sessions will explore the hottest topics in cardiovascular imaging.
Subjects of interest to the press include the use of holograms and 3D printing to guide procedures such as repair of congenital heart defects and replacement of heart valves; use of imaging for early detection and prevention of heart damage caused by cancer treatment; and foetal cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and fusion imaging to improve diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart diseases.
The main themes of the congress are imaging in heart failure and interventional imaging. Cardiac imagers have played a key role in both areas, using echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography (CT), CMR, and nuclear imaging techniques to select patients and guide procedures. These include atrial fibrillation ablation, valve replacement, and implantation of cardiac resynchronisation therapy devices. Members of the press will hear the latest research in both fields.
Members of the press can get a look into the future by attending sessions held in collaboration with Computers in Cardiology, a group of scientists in engineering, physics and computer science who will discuss techniques on the horizon to improve the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of patients with cardiovascular disease.
Contentious issues will be debated giving media representatives both sides of the story. For example, should patients with coronary artery disease and heart failure receive revascularisation? Professor Donal said: "We don't have convincing evidence on whether or not to treat the heart failure only. Those in favour of revascularisation argue that it improves ejection fraction and ameliorates heart failure. They will show how CMR can be used to assess viability of the myocardium and select candidates for revascularisation."
Dr Philippe Pibarot from Quebec, Canada, will give the EuroEcho-Imaging lecture "Why and how cardiac imaging has revolutionised the management of aortic stenosis".
Professor Donal said: "EuroEcho-Imaging will demonstrate how clinicians and scientists worldwide are using echocardiography, cardiac CT, CMR, and nuclear imaging to improve our understanding and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This is the event of the year for breaking news in cardiovascular imaging."
(HealthDay)Today's American teens are smoking less than ever, and the trend may be keeping many from smoking pot, too.
That's the finding of a new study that tracked more than 1 million teens from 1991 to 2016.
But the news wasn't all good, the researchers said. Kids who think marijuana is "safe" are more likely than their peers to use the drug. That's a concern because more and more, teenagers do believe pot is fairly harmlessand experts say it's not.
The findings paint a nuanced picture.
It's known that U.S. teenagers' pot use has held fairly steady over the past decadeeven though kids have become increasingly more likely to believe the drug is harmless.
And that's puzzling, said Richard Miech, a research professor at the University of Michigan who led the new study.
There's good evidence, he explained, that when teens believe pot is safe, they're more likely to use it in the next year.
Miech and his colleagues wanted to figure out why pot use in teens isn't rising.
So they turned to a government-funded survey that has followed U.S. students since the 1970s.
Their conclusion: Teenagers today are not using pot in droves because they are much less likely to smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol than their predecessors were. Smoking, in particular, is a major factor in whether kids try marijuana, the researchers said.
For years, the study found, the percentage of teens who've ever smoked or tried alcohol has steadily dropped.
Cigarettes, in particular, have fallen out of favor. The percentage of kids who've smoked is now at "historic lows," Miech said.
In 2016, 28 percent of 12th graders said they'd ever smoked a cigarette. That was true of only 18 percent of 10th graders and 10 percent of kids in eighth grade.
And that seemed to explain why marijuana use has remained fairly steady since 2005instead of skyrocketing as kids develop more friendly attitudes toward the drug.
"I think a big message of this study is that policies and interventions that reduce teen smoking seem to have the added benefit of reducing teen marijuana use," Miech said.
The findings appear online Nov. 6 in the journal Pediatrics.
Then there's the not-so-good news: Over the past decade, the percentage of 12th graders who've used marijuana in the past year has stubbornly hovered over 30 percent.
And based on Miech's findings, kids who believe pot is harmless are still more likely to use it.
That means education about the harms of marijuana is still critical, said Dr. Nicholas Chadi, a pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist at Boston Children's Hospital.
"Marijuana is harmful to the developing adolescent brain," said Chadi, co-author of an editorial published with the study. Plus, he added, teenagers who use the drug are more prone to trying other illegal substances.
The findings are relevant to current debates over legalizing marijuana, Miech and Chadi said.
Eight U.S. states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Many more states allow medical use.
Some argue that legalizing pot could lead some kids to believe it's safe. That, in turn, could make them more likely to use it.
But, Chadi said, "it's not that legalization is good or bad."
Instead, kids need to learn about the risks of marijuana, he said.
Miech agreed. Tobacco and alcohol are both legal for adults, but kids are warned about their dangers, he noted. "We've seen tremendous declines in adolescent use of both substances over the past two decades, so we have examples to work from," he said.
It's important for parents to let their kids know they do not approve of any drug use, Miech said. "When we ask, about 90 percent of adolescents say their parents would disapprove of their marijuana use," he said.
"When this message is reinforced in schools and the media," Miech said, "we've been able to see progress in reducing youth drug use."
More information: Richard Miech, Ph.D., research professor, youth and social issues, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Nicholas Chadi, M.D., pediatrician/adolescent medicine specialist, Boston Children's Hospital; December 2017, Pediatrics Richard Miech, Ph.D., research professor, youth and social issues, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Nicholas Chadi, M.D., pediatrician/adolescent medicine specialist, Boston Children's Hospital; December 2017, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on teens and marijuana use. Journal information: Pediatrics
Copyright 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain
Type 2 diabetes is linked to lower life expectancy regardless of a person's socioeconomic status, a Scotland-wide study suggests. The research, involving more than three million people, could help scientists understand more about the effects of type 2 diabetes on lifespan. It could inform public health campaigns aimed at tackling the condition. The comprehensive study is the first study of its kind to get a snapshot of type 2 diabetes and life expectancy in a national population.
The chronic condition in which the body is unable to control sugars in the blood is linked to obesity and is more likely to be diagnosed in older people. A research team led by the University of Edinburgh compared anonymised health records of more than 250,000 people with type 2 diabetes with 2.8 million people without the condition in Scotland.
Life expectancy data were generated in five-year age bands for men and women aged 40-89 years across 2012-2014. To understand the effect of socioeconomic status, the researchers looked at the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation based on 38 indicators of deprivation in every geographical area of Scotland.
Life expectancy was shown to be lower in the type 2 diabetes group compared with the non-Type 2 diabetic group across almost every age band and at all levels of socioeconomic status. The only exception was men aged over 80 years old in the most deprived category. Researchers say the differences in life expectancy between type 2 and non-Type 2 groups ranged from an estimated 5.5 year reduction for women aged 40-44 years to a 0.1 year reduction in life expectancy for men aged 85-89 years.
Around one in 20 people in Scotland have diabetes with 90 per cent of those people living with type 2. Diabetes is estimated to cost NHS Scotland 1bn per year. Professor Sarah Wild, of the University's Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, says the team is looking to develop its research. The next step will be to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status and factors that could be affecting lifespan, such as heart disease.
Although type 2 diabetes is a serious condition, healthy lifestyle choices can have a positive impact on management, Professor Wild adds. "Our study suggests that to improve life-expectancy, we should encourage prevention and management for type 2 diabetes across all of society," says Sarah Wild.
Two NDSU researchers have published a paper giving high marks to a program designed to help aging adults prevent falls.
Sean Brotherson, professor and NDSU Extension family science specialist, and Jane Strommen, assistant professor of practice and NDSU Extension aging specialist, annually assess the effectiveness of the Stepping On program. The fall prevention effort is a collaboration of the NDSU Extension Service, state health department and community partners.
Together with Zhen Yang, a former NDSU developmental science graduate student, Brotherson and Strommen wrote an article titled "Older Adult Knowledge and Behavior Change in the Stepping On Fall Prevention Program in A Community Setting," published in the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension's October 2017 issue.
According to the abstract, one out of every three Americans age 65 and over falls at least once each year, making fall-related injuries among older adults a major public health concern. Prevention of falls has emerged as a key issue, and Stepping On is an evidence-based fall prevention program designed to help older adults take control of fall risk factors, explore different behaviors and reduce the risk of falling.
The study shared evaluation findings conducted with 182 Stepping On participants who took part in 21 workshops from 2013 to 2015. Older adults in the program demonstrated high satisfaction with program quality, positive knowledge results related to fall risk factors and prevention and substantial follow-through on behavioral steps to minimize fall risk.
"Our study highlighted the partnership between NDSU Extension and state and local partners in efforts to use education to address a significant health concern for older adults," Strommen said. "The positive findings suggest the value of such partnership efforts in reducing risks to older adults and implementing safety strategies to help maintain independence and quality of life for seniors."
The researchers said participants also shared positive feedback about the program in their responses to open-ended questions.
"Falls are a leading cause of injury and death for adults over the age of 65, and may result in hip or joint injuries, head trauma, mobility challenges, fear and anxiety," Brotherson said. "This study is important because it shows that the Stepping On program significantly increases knowledge of fall risk factors and how to prevent them. Also, participants become more likely to practice steps to prevent falls, which assists in reducing falls and also saves money in the health care system and the community."
The study concluded that programs designed to reduce fall risk factors and enhance the quality of life can be a critical tool to help older adults, educators and community leaders address the issue.
More information: Older Adult Knowledge and Behavior Change in the Stepping On Fall Prevention Program in A Community Setting, Older Adult Knowledge and Behavior Change in the Stepping On Fall Prevention Program in A Community Setting, docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/c8fe6e_ b71c422f0634f25b.pdf
An estimated one in five pregnant women around the world carry Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria which is a major, yet preventable, cause of maternal and infant ill health globally.
These are the findings of a new research supplement published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, and launched at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
Led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and involving more than 100 researchers from around the world, the series of 11 research papers conservatively estimates that out of 410,000 GBS cases every year, there will be at least 147,000 stillbirths and infant deaths globally. Despite being home to only 13% of the world's population, Africa had the highest burden, with 54% of estimated cases and 65% of stillbirths and infant deaths.
This first comprehensive study of the burden of GBS, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, includes data and estimates for the year 2015 from every country of the world, including outcomes for pregnant women, their babies and infants. Previous data on GBS burden focused on infant cases and high-income countries, but the impact of GBS disease worldwide, especially in Asia, was less clear.
The new research found GBS is present among pregnant women in all regions of the world, with an average of 18% of pregnant women worldwide carrying (colonised with) the bacteria, ranging from 11% in eastern Asia to 35% in the Caribbean, totalling 21.7 million2 in 195 countries
The top five countries by numbers (to nearest 100) of pregnant women colonised were: India (2,466,500) China (1,934,900), Nigeria (1,060,000), United States of America (942,800) and Indonesia (799,100).
Although several vaccines to prevent GBS are in development, none is currently available. This is despite the disease accounting for more than the combined neonatal deaths from tetanus, pertussis, and respiratory syncytial virus, for which maternal vaccines are already in use, or further advanced in development. This analysis shows for the first time that a maternal GBS vaccine, which was 80% effective and reached 90% of women, could potentially prevent 231,000 infant and maternal GBS cases.
GBS is carried by up to a third of adults, usually with no symptoms. In women, GBS can live harmlessly in the digestive system or lower vaginal tract, from where it can be passed to the unborn baby through the amniotic fluid or to newborns during labour. Babies are more vulnerable to infection as their immature immune systems cannot fight off the multiplying bacteria. If untreated, GBS can cause serious infections, such as meningitis and septicaemia, which may lead to stillbirths, and newborn and infant deaths. If they survive, babies can develop permanent problems including hearing or vision loss, or cerebral palsy.
Current GBS prevention focuses on giving antibiotics to women in labour, aiming to reduce disease in infants at delivery. At least 60 countries have a policy for antibiotic use in pregnancy to prevent newborn GBS disease. Of those, 35 have a policy to test all pregnant women to see if they carry GBS, and the remaining 25 countries identify women with clinical risk factors. However, implementation of these policies varies around the world.
Joy Lawn, Series co-lead and Professor of Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "Too many parents around the world face the death of a baby or a young child - avoidable GBS deaths are happening in every country. Antibiotics currently prevent an estimated 29,000 cases of early-onset Group B Streptococcal disease per year, almost all in high-income settings. However, this approach may be difficult in low-income settings where many births take place at home, and laboratory capacity for screening for GBS is limited. In addition, giving antibiotics to 21.7 million women may contribute to antimicrobial resistance - a major global health crisis."
Anna Seale, Series co-lead and Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said: "Even if antibiotics were given to all pregnant women identified through screening strategies, they target mainly early-onset GBS disease in newborns, not GBS disease in pregnant women, GBS disease before delivery causing stillbirth, or GBS disease in infants more than a couple of days old. A maternal GBS vaccine could prevent many more cases and deaths worldwide."
Dr Keith Klugman, Director of the Pneumonia Team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said "The first few days and weeks of a baby's life are the most vulnerable - by far. By filling in one of the great voids in public health data, this work provides crucial insight and shows the pressing unmet need for the development of an effective Group B Strep vaccine. Immunizing expectant mothers is a potentially ground-breaking approach that could dramatically reduce the number of maternal and child deaths."
Johan Vekemans, co-author and Medical Officer, Initiative for Vaccine Research, World Health Organization, said: "These disease burden estimates highlight the importance of perinatal infection prevention. Existing recommendations should be implemented, but these are insufficient, and the number of affected families remain unacceptable. It is now essential to accelerate the GBS vaccine development activities. The technical feasibility is estimated to be high. Guidance highlighting research priorities is available. Work is ongoing to strengthen existing maternal immunization programmes. Next steps include a comprehensive evaluation of cost-effectiveness. We will be working with Professor Lawn and others at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and global partners to lead on these activities."
The major flu vaccine antigen, hemagglutinin, is shown. Colored in dark blue is a region of the vaccine that differs between the current egg-grown H3N2 vaccine strain and circulating H3N2 viral strains. Credit: Zost et al, PNAS, 2017
The low efficacy of last year's influenza vaccine can be attributed to a mutation in the H3N2 strain of the virus, a new study reports. Due to the mutation, most people receiving the egg-grown vaccine did not have immunity against H3N2 viruses that circulated last year, leaving the vaccine with only 20 to 30 percent effectiveness. Scott Hensley, PhD, an associate professor of Microbiology, in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, describes his team's findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week.
"Our experiments suggest that influenza virus antigens grown in systems other than eggs are more likely to elicit protective antibody responses against H3N2 viruses that are currently circulating," Hensley said. "The 2017 vaccine that people are getting now has the same H3N2 strain as the 2016 vaccine, so this could be another difficult year if this season is dominated by H3N2 viruses again."
Flu vaccines work by priming the immune system with purified proteins from the outer layer of killed flu viruses. This induces immune cells to make antibodies that stop foreign invaders from infecting cells, readying them to attack flu viruses when the body sees them again. Most flu vaccine proteins are purified from a virus grown in chicken eggs, although a small fraction of flu vaccine proteins are produced in systems that do not involve eggs.
During the 2014-2015 flu season, a strain of the H3N2 virus with a different outer layer protein emerged and this version of H3N2 remains prevalent today. The 2016-2017 seasonal flu vaccine was updated to include the new version of this protein; however, Hensley's lab found that the egg-grown version of this protein acquired a new mutation. "Current H3N2 viruses do not grow well in chicken eggs, and it is impossible to grow these viruses in eggs without adaptive mutations," Hensley said.
The team showed that antibodies elicited in ferrets and humans exposed to the egg-produced 2016-2017 strain did a poor job of neutralizing H3N2 viruses that circulated last year. However, antibodies elicited in ferrets infected with the current circulating H3N2 viral strain (that contains the new protein) and humans vaccinated with a H3N2 vaccine produced in a non-egg system were able to effectively recognize and neutralize the new H3N2 virus.
"Our data suggest that we should invest in new technologies that allow us to ramp up production of influenza vaccines that are not reliant on eggs," Hensley said. "In the meantime, everyone should continue to get their annual flu vaccine. Some protection against H3N2 viruses is better than nothing and other components of the vaccine, like H1N1 and influenza B, will likely provide excellent protection this year."
More information: Seth J. Zost el al., "Contemporary H3N2 influenza viruses have a glycosylation site that alters binding of antibodies elicited by egg-adapted vaccine strains," PNAS (2017). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Seth J. Zost el al., "Contemporary H3N2 influenza viruses have a glycosylation site that alters binding of antibodies elicited by egg-adapted vaccine strains,"(2017). www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.1712377114
A free telephone support and education program for people with lupus is a valuable resource to help them cope with the disease, according to a study at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City.
"At a time when technology is moving so quickly and we're moving to different modes of communication, our study shows that telephone communication is still a viable way to connect with people all over the world to support them and educate them about chronic illnesses such as lupus," said Jillian Rose, LCSW, MPH, assistant director, Community Engagement, Diversity and Research, Social Work Department at HSS. "The service, offered by Hospital for Special Surgery, provides callers with solid support by trained peer counselors."
The study on the lupus support line was presented at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals annual meeting on November 6 in San Diego.
LupusLine, established in 1988, is free and available to the public. People find out about the service through referrals from their physicians, lupus organizations, the Internet or word-of-mouth, and calls come in from around the world. In addition to the United States, volunteers have counseled callers from Canada, Europe, South America, Jamaica, China and India. The number of calls has more than doubled since 2005, averaging 80 to 100 per month.
A clinical social worker conducts an initial screening and assessment, matching the caller with a trained volunteer and scheduling a time for the private counseling session. Many callers receive ongoing support on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. Counseling is available in English and Spanish. Services in Chinese are provided through another HSS program, LANtern.
"Volunteers, most of whom have lupus themselves, receive 20 hours of training to acquire skills related to counseling, support and active listening. Bimonthly seminars provide them with additional education," explained Priscilla Toral, LCSW, program manager, LupusLine and Charla de Lupus/Lupus Chat. "Four of the counselors have been with the support line since it was established in 1988."
"Lupus can be very isolating," said Rose. "Friends and families may not understand the illness, so it's very valuable for the caller to have a peer counselor, someone with similar experiences, who will listen and help to guide them."
To assess the support line, a 60-item survey was administered to callers matched with a peer-counselor between 2015 and 2017. It collected information on demographics, satisfaction with the screening process and peer counselors, lupus management, coping and the overall impact of the service.
The questionnaire was completed by 23 callers ? 72% of those contacted - ranging in age from 30-80, with 67% ages 40-59. When asked about their initial reasons for calling, 68% indicated they were seeking emotional support, as well as lupus education and resources.
The vast majority of respondents (95%) indicated that their expectations were met. Seventy-two percent noted that having someone knowledgeable about lupus was the most valuable aspect of the call. The majority of participants said the LupusLine helped them feel less isolated, with one caller commenting, "I feel less alone."
Additional survey results:
95% of respondents indicated they were satisfied with their peer counselor match.
94% said they would recommend the service to others.
90% of participants were satisfied with the initial screening call with the social worker.
85% indicated that they have coped better with lupus since being counseled.
81% agreed they had a better understanding of lupus, and 88% respectively attributed this to utilization of the program.
66% reported feeling less depressed since starting the service, with a majority of these callers (78%) crediting LupusLine for this change.
52% had more than 12 calls with their peer counselor.
Credit: Center for Genomic Regulation
The information in the sequence of the human genome has a paramount importance in biomedical research. However, the value of this information is very limited in absence of a detailed map of the genes encoded in the genome. The genes are the basic biological units responsible for the biological traits of organism. Detailed information already exists, on the genomic regions that contain the genes that code for proteins, but the information about non-coding DNA regions - also known as DNA "dark matter" - lags behind. Here are found poorly-understood genes called "long non-coding RNAs" (lncRNAs), which are amongst the most numerous of all, and have been linked to a variety of diseases.
In a paper published today in Nature Genetics, an international team of scientists led by researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, in collaboration with researchers at Cold Spring Harbor in New York, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute in Hinxton, and qGenomics in Barcelona, sheds new light on this topic. In order to better identify, map, and characterize those "dark matter" genes, they have developed a new method that improves throughput and accuracy of current methods, and applied it in human and mouse.
"98% of our DNA does not encode for proteins. These DNA regions contain thousands of uncharacterised non-protein-coding genes, but there is still a long way to go until we fully understand their functions and their roles in disease. Reaching this goal will require complete gene maps. Our method represents an important step in this direction," explained Rory Johnson, CRG alumnus currently Principal Investigator at the University of Bern, and co-leader of this paper.
The key feature of the new method, named RNA Capture Long Seq (CLS), is that it focuses specifically on the non-coding regions of the genome, that are amplified and analysed using the most advanced sequencing. "In this way we could produce a detailed map of 3,500 long non-coding RNAs in human and mice (about 20% of all those known so far) As a result, we characterized the genomic features of long-non-coding RNAs to better understand how these genes work," stated Julien Lagarde and Barbara Uszczynska, co-first authors and CRG researchers.
Researchers used this method to improve one of the most important genomic databases, GENCODE, which is the worldwide reference for the genes encoded in the human and mouse genomes. "Scientists around the globe are using GENCODE for their research projects as reference sets, so improving it means contributing to biomedical research worldwide", said Roderic Guigo, coordinator of the Bioinformatics and Genomics Programme at the CRG and co-leader of this work. GENCODE was initiated in year 2003 by Roderic Guigo as part of the ENCODE 'The Encyclopedia of the DNA elements' project. Now, thanks to this new method, Guigo and collaborators have substantially improved the gene catalogues, in particular, for long non-coding RNA genes. "We have found a cheaper, faster and more accurate method that results in an improved catalogue and that will first benefit scientists worldwide and, ultimately, society," concludes Guigo.
Almost 20 years after the Human Genome Project this work illustrates how our understanding on the information encoded in the genome is still evolving thanks to the development of increasingly powerful technologies. The better understanding of genomic function will lead, in turn, to a better understanding of health and disease.
More information: Julien Lagarde et al, High-throughput annotation of full-length long noncoding RNAs with capture long-read sequencing, Nature Genetics (2017). Journal information: Nature Genetics Julien Lagarde et al, High-throughput annotation of full-length long noncoding RNAs with capture long-read sequencing,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/ng.3988
Provided by Center for Genomic Regulation
A scrutiny has led to the discovery of two diaries of Honeypreet, which have details about donations, incomes and her relationship with jailed Dera chief Ram Rahim.
Police recovered two diaries of Honeypreet that may provide vital leads to her involvement in the Panchkula violence. (File Photo)
By Manjeet Sehgal: Sirsa Police have finally recovered two personal diaries of Honeypreet Insan, sources told India Today TV on Sunday. Police, during the sanitisation drive, had seized all documents, gadgets and computers from Dera Sacha Sauda, which are now being investigated.
A scrutiny has led to the discovery of two diaries, which have details about offerings, donations, income and disbursement of cash. Initial scrutiny has found that the pocket diary was used to enter details about the income from various Dera Sacha Sauda branches.
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A photocopy of the diary has also been handed over to the income tax department, which on the directions of Punjab and Haryana high court, is investigating the Dera's income and allegations of money laundering.
Police are also trying to find out whether the diary has details about the funding of the August 25 Panchkula violence. The Dera had allegedly spent Rs 5 crore on funding the violence on Honeypreet's directions.
It has come to light during investigations that Honeypreet had earmarked Rs 5 crore, which was allegedly handed over to the Dera gang, including Chamkaur Singh, who headed the Panchkula branch of Dera Sacha Sauda.
According to police sources, Rs 1.25 crore was given to Chamkaur by PR Nain, vice president of the Dera management committee on Honeypreet's directions. Police had also recovered an unspent amount of Rs 25 lakh from Chamkaur after his arrest. He had reportedly told police that Honeypreet was the mastermind of the August 25 Panchkula violence.
According to a senior police officer from Sirsa, cops also recovered another diary in which Honeypreet noted down regular happenings in her life.
Sources say some of the pages have details about her film shoots and others about her relation with jailed Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim. In fact, police are scrutinising this diary as they want to prove Honeypreet's involvement in the Panchkula violence.
According to sources, Honeypreet had mentioned contact numbers, addresses and names of some staunch non-resident and resident Indian Dera supporters who were expected to help Ram Rahim in case his supporters were successful in whisking him away from police custody. Police, however, are tight-lipped about these details.
Presently lodged in Ambala Central Jail, Honeypreet is in fact an emotional, optimistic and romantic human being, and is fond of writing down her thoughts on a diary as and when they came, say prison officials.
One of the diaries recovered earlier, believed to have been written by Honeypreet in her teens, had details about her favourite actors such as Salman Khan, Aamir Khan and Kajol.
She had also pasted their photos on the pages of this diary. Police sources said Honeypreet was an ardent fan of Kajol. Honeypreet used her real name, ie Priyanka Taneja, in the diary and also mentioned the names of her other siblings in the diary.
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The diary had couplets and popular two-liners about love, broken hearts and betrayal. One of the songs in the diary was dedicated to Ram Rahim.
ALSO WATCH | Congress leader facilitated Honeypreet's escape from Dera headquarters, sources to India Today
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A combination of race and socioeconomic factors play a role in hip replacement outcomes, according to a study at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). Researchers found that black patients who lived in areas of economic deprivation did worse in terms of physical function two years after surgery compared to white patients living in impoverished areas. In wealthier neighborhoods, there was no difference in hip replacement outcomes between blacks and whites.
The study was presented at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals annual meeting on November 5 in San Diego.
Using data from a large total hip replacement registry including more than 4,000 patients, researchers compared pain and function two years after surgery between blacks and whites. "To measure community deprivation, we used the census tract variable 'percent of the population with Medicaid insurance coverage,'" explained Susan Goodman, MD, a rheumatologist and director of the Integrative Rheumatology and Orthopedics Center of Excellence at HSS. "We found that black patients living in these areas did worse in terms of physical function than white patients in those neighborhoods."
Researchers evaluated pain and physical function using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), a health status assessment tool. To assess physical function, it includes questions on walking, using stairs, rising from a chair, getting out of bed, putting on socks, shopping and other activities of daily living.
"Although we're unable to pinpoint a specific reason for the study findings, perhaps the message for doctors is to try to identify patients at risk of a less favorable outcome and provide them with extra support," Dr. Goodman said.
"Patients from impoverished areas also tend to have much worse pain and function at baseline, that is, when they first seek medical care," she added. "Community-based outreach and education may be helpful to ensure that they have access to appropriate care before their situation deteriorates further."
More information: Social Factors and Racial Disparities in Total Hip Arthroplasty Outcomes [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017; 69 (suppl 10).
Credit: CC0 Public Domain
Nearly 40 percent of American adults and 20 percent of children carry enough extra weight to warrant a diagnosis of obesity. That's the highest obesity rate among the world's affluent nations, and it's already shortening Americans' lifespans by driving up rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, cancers, arthritis and dementia.
If that constitutes an urgent threat to the nation's health, you'd scarcely know it from reading the results of a newly published survey called ACTION.
The new poll paints a picture of obese adults who are clueless and feel utterly on their own when it comes to losing weight and of physicians who are often too busy, too embarrassed or too ill-equipped to help them.
The nation's obesity crisis has been roughly four decades in the making. The ACTION report is a humbling reminder that, at this rate, it will not be quickly reversed.
ACTION stands for Awareness, Care and Treatment in Obesity Management. During two weeks in the fall of 2015, survey-takers assessed how obesity was viewed, experienced and treated by 3,008 obese adults and 606 doctors who provide medical care to such patients.
What they found is a medical establishment still navigating its role in addressing obesity, and a population of patients not yet sure they need - or have a right to demand - help in shedding extra pounds. The results were presented at this week's meeting of the Obesity Society and published in the journal Obesity.
The American Medical Association formally recognized obesity as a "disease" in June 2013. That medical consensus has not fully penetrated the ranks of doctors: Only 80 percent stated they believe obesity is a disease, and only 72 percent said they have a responsibility to actively contribute to their patients' weight loss.
Awareness among patients with obesity was even worse. Some 65 percent of obese patients said they believed obesity was a disease that warranted compassionate treatment. But only 54 percent said a person's weight would affect his or her future health "a lot" or an "extreme amount."
Strikingly, only half of those with obesity actually perceived themselves as "obese" or "extremely obese." Among the rest, 48 percent considered themselves "overweight" and 2 percent believed they were "normal weight."
Small wonder perhaps, since only 71 percent said they had discussed their weight with their doctor in the last five years, and only 55 percent reported they had been diagnosed with obesity. Just 24 percent were offered follow-up care meant to treat their obesity, and 18 percent had committed to a weight-loss plan.
Even among those who had spoken with their doctors about their weight in the last six months, just 26 percent said they had committed to a weight-loss plan.
If patients felt they deserved more help from their doctors, they didn't say so. Fully 82 percent believed that managing their weight was "completely their own responsibility." And among obese respondents who had not sought weight-loss help from their doctor, this "it's on me" belief was among the top two reasons cited.
Most doctors, meanwhile, know the stakes. More than half said they considered obesity "at least as serious" a health condition as high blood pressure, diabetes and congestive heart failure.
But 1 in 3 doctors who treat obese patients said they wait for the patients to broach the subject. Only 1 in 3 reported being "somewhat comfortable" or "a little comfortable" raising the issue.
Asked why patients don't always seek their help, 65 percent of doctors posited that they were "too embarrassed to bring it up." Only 15 percent of patients shared this view.
For their part, doctors frequently blamed time limitations for their failure to diagnose or treat obesity. Asked why they might not initiate discussions about weight loss, 52 percent cited "lack of time/the appointment was not long enough," and 45 percent pleaded that they had to deal with "more important issues and concerns."
The situation may sound bad, but Harvard endocrinologist Dr. Lee Kaplan said he sees signs of progress.
"There's evidence in here that the healthcare community and employer community recognize the seriousness of obesity," said Kaplan, a coauthor of the study.
Still, he added, doctors' commitment to treating obesity "as you would any other disease" is not where it should be.
Many doctors are discouraged by the limited availability of effective treatments and wonder why they should bother, Kaplan said. He added that obesity has become so common that they fear "if they open up their practice to obesity treatment, they'll be overwhelmed."
Finally, he said, "there's no imperative - moral, financial or otherwise - to treat obesity." As a result, Kaplan said, some doctors "are taking the opportunity to overlook it."
2017 Los Angeles Times
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Retinal ganglion cells (green) connecting with astrocytes (red) and blood cells (white) in the inner retina. Credit: Jeremy Sivak/University of Toronto.
Vision scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Toronto have discovered that naturally occurring molecules known as lipid mediators have the potential to halt the progression of glaucoma, the world's second-leading cause of blindness.
Their findings, to be published Nov. 6 in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, mark a major step forward in the pursuit of a cure for glaucoma, a neurodegenerative disease in which fluid buildup in the frontal eye causes irreversible damage to the optic nerve and vision loss.
At present, there is no cure for glaucoma, which is estimated to affect 80 million people worldwide.
"Not only could this discovery lead to drugs to treat glaucoma, but the same mechanism, and options for prevention, may be applicable to other neurodegenerative diseases," said study senior author Karsten Gronert, professor of optometry and chair of vision science at UC Berkeley.
Using rodent models, Gronert and fellow researchers found that inflammation-regulating lipid mediators known as lipoxins, secreted from star-shaped cells known as astrocytes, stopped the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in rats and mice with glaucoma. Ganglion cells are the neurons of the retina and optic nerve that receive information from photoreceptors.
"We've taken something everyone assumed was anti-inflammatory, and found that these same small molecules play a key role in neuroprotection, which is really exciting," said study co-senior author John Flanagan, dean and professor of optometry. Much of the study was conducted at UC Berkeley.
Specifically, researchers found that astrocytes, which help maintain brain function and form the nerve fiber layer of the retina and optic nerve, release therapeutic biological agents known as lipoxins A4 and B4, but only when the astrocytes are at rest and maintaining nerve function.
"It is commonly assumed that astrocytes activated by injuries release stress signals that kill off ganglion cells in the retina, causing optic nerve damage," said Flanagan. "However, our research discovered that astrocytes that are triggered by injury actually turn off novel neuroprotective signals that prevent optic nerve damage."
Researchers discovered secretions of lipoxins A4 and B4 in resting astrocytes in culture in the retina and optic nerve head. To test their potential as a treatment, they administered the lipoxins to rodents eight weeks after the onset of glaucoma-like damage and neurodegeneration.
At 16 weeks, they gauged electrical activity in the rodents' ganglion cells, among other measures, and found that lipoxin B4 in particular stopped the cells' degeneration.
"This little-known lipid mediator has shown the potential to reverse cell death," Gronert said. "We know of no drug that can do this."
For decades, pharmaceutical companies have searched for neuroprotective drugs to treat glaucoma and other disorders marked by the death of nerve cells such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS. Glaucoma is by far the most prevalent of these neurodegenerative diseases.
"At the same time, lipoxins have been explored as promising drug targets for treating inflammatory diseases, but nobody has been looking at them as being neuroprotective," Gronert said.
At present, the treatment option for glaucoma is to lower ocular pressure, but there are no effective treatments for preventing or stopping the neurodegeneration of glaucoma, which is irreversible and eventually leads to blindness, Flanagan said
The study authors are excited at the prospect of further investigations into the therapeutic benefits and mechanisms of lipoxins A4 and B4 and their potential to stop or reverse neural damage. They have jointly filed a patent application for use of lipoxin A4 and B4 to treat glaucoma and neurodegenerative diseases. Their eventual goal is to test the lipoxins as drugs in humans.
"These naturally occurring small lipids have great potential as therapies because they may play a fundamental role in preventing other neurodegenerative diseases. And that's hugely significant, " Flanagan said.
In addition to Flanagan and Gronert, Jeremy Sivak, associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Toronto, is a senior author on the study. The study's co-lead authors are Izhar Livne-Bar of the University of Toronto and Jessica Wei and Hsin-Hua Liu of UC Berkeley. Other co-authors are Samih Alqawlaq, Gah-Jone Won and Alessandra Tuccitto of the University of Toronto
Provided by University of California - Berkeley
Women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders and should be routinely screened for these during medical assessments, according to a study presented at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference in Harrogate. These findings support previous work showing that the condition may negatively affect mental health and highlight the importance of screening PCOS patients for mental health disorders.
PCOS is a common condition, affecting 5-10% of women globally, in which elevated male hormone levels can cause a range of distressing and life-limiting symptoms, including reduced fertility, irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, and acne. Previous studies have suggested a link between PCOS and poor mental health in women but the studies were small and did not adequately take other factors that can affect mental health into consideration. In addition, high levels of testosterone during pregnancy have been reported to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and autism, in children.
In this study, researchers from the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute at Cardiff University retrospectively assessed the mental health history of over 17,000 women diagnosed with PCOS. The study followed these patients from PCOS diagnosis and across routine follow- up assessments, for a minimum of 6 months. When compared with unaffected women, matched for age, body mass index and geographical location, the study found that PCOS patients were more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Children born to mothers with PCOS were also found to be at greater risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. These findings suggest that women with PCOS should be screened for mental health disorders, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment and ultimately improve their quality of life.
Dr Aled Rees, study lead comments, "The effect of PCOS on mental health is under-appreciated. Our work shows that screening for mental health disorders should be considered during clinical assessments."
Dr Rees and his group now hope to investigate if genetic factors that contribute to the risk of PCOS, also contribute to the risk of autism and ADHD, which may help to reveal new biological pathways implicated in these disorders, and lead to new treatments.
Dr Rees says, "Further research is needed to confirm the neurodevelopmental effects of PCOS, and to address whether all or some types of patients with PCOS are exposed to mental health risks."
More information: Abstract: P353: Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with adverse mental health and neurodevelopmental outcomes: a retrospective, observational study
Provided by Society for Endocrinology
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The Belgian court has released ousted Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and four former Catalonia ministers, who were detained in the country, according to El Pais newspaper of Spain.
They on Sunday had turned themselves in to Belgian police.
Earlier, the Spanish court had issued a European Arrest Warrant for Puigdemont and former members of his Catalan government.
It is reported that the Belgian judge saw no grounds for keeping these former officials under detention, and therefore he ordered for their release.
Nonetheless, they must stay in Belgium until they are sent back to Spain.
Carles Puigdemont had fled to Brussels after when the Spanish Attorney General had announced that lawsuits were filed against Catalan politicians, and on charges of causing unrest and wasting public funds.
YEREVAN. Police of Armenia have provided details on what occurred on October 30, in a preschool in Armavir town.
Accordingly, police received a call on that day at 4:25pm informing that a man armed with a knife had broken into the said preschool.
At the preschool, the man, Argam Hovikyan, took a 3-year-old hostage with the threat of knife, and demanded to speak with his ex-wife.
The law enforcement officers negotiated with him, during which they managed to safely remove the child from the room.
The man had entered preschool with a knife with a demand to see his ex-wife and child, in an attempt to take revenge upon his former mother-in-law because they were not permitting him to see his child.
A criminal case has been initiated into this incident.
The man is detained.
Three people have been recognized as injured party.
The investigator has decided to file criminal charges against this man.
A petition is filed with the court, with a request that he be arrested.
YEREVAN. The Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources of Armenia, Ashot Manukyan, participated in the Commonwealth of Independent States Electric Power Council (CIS EPC) meeting that was held on November 4 in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan.
In his address at the event, Manukyan presented the main directions of energy development in Armenia, the Ministry of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.
Head of the Center for the Development of Renewable Energy of Russia, Georgy Ermolenko, for his part, stressed that Armenias track-record in renewable energy development and energy saving is instructive.
Within the framework of the CIS EPC meeting, Armenias minister of energy infrastructures and natural resources also met separately with his colleagues from Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.
YEREVAN. Newly established Armenia Prod company will export Armenias agricultural products under one brand.
The launch of this company was held at the Ministry of Agriculture.
The objective of the founding of this company is to export Armenian agricultural products to foreign markets under one brand, and to make them presentable and recognizable in other countries, the ministry informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.
The company will conduct marketing research abroad, hold negotiations with local small and medium-sized agricultural producers and potential buyers, brand products, and organize exports.
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) Indians working in Brazil will soon be able to get social security cover by retirement fund body EPFO.
A senior official of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) said India is in talks with Brazil to get social security cover for Indians going to that country for work.
He said the talks were in final stage and a proposal seeking nod from the Union Cabinet, on a bilateral agreement to be signed between the countries, was likely to be sent soon.
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Once the agreement is implemented, Brazil will be 19th country where Indian workers would be allowed to opt out of any social security scheme run there and choose the facility provided by the EPFO.
India has operational social security agreements with Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Republic of Korea, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Czech Republic, Norway, Austria, Canada, Australia, Japan and Portugal.
Workers going to any of the 18 countries can choose not to be part of the host countrys social security scheme.
All they need to do is to visit the EPFos website and get a certificate of coverage (CoC).
One can apply for the CoC online and can get it there too.
A simple one-page application form is available on the EPFOs website for the purpose, Central Provident Fund Commissioner V P Joy had said.
"The scheme is of great help for Indian workers going overseas for a limited period of time. The biggest benefit they get from opting for the CoC is that their money is not blocked for a long time in the host country," Joy had told PTI on Friday.
The EPFO is one of the largest social security providers in the world, covering 9.26 lakh establishments with more than 4.5 crore members. It provides pension to 60.32 lakh pensioners every month. PTI AKV TIR
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YEREVAN. President Serzh Sargsyan on Monday received world-renowned Armenian scientists, physicists, National Academy of Sciences of Armenia members Yuri Oganessian and Ani Aprahamian, who have arrived in Armenia to take part in the 2nd Pan-Armenian Scientific Forum, to be held from Monday to Wednesday in capital city Yerevan, and to discuss matters related to the activities of the A. I. Alikhanian National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute).
In addition to his international commitments, Yuri Oganessian has been appointed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia to serve as Chairman of the A. I. Alikhanian National Science Laboratory International Scientific Board, press office of the President informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. In 2009 and 2010, he formed an international commission which submitted a proposal to the Government of Armenia on the reorganization of Yerevan Physics Institute into a national research laboratory. In 2011, he was appointed Chairman of the International Scientific Board of the Foundation. Yuri Oganessian has ever since been providing advice and assistance to the aforementioned scientific organization.
Ani Aprahamian, who boasts long experience in the management of a number of American and European academic institutions, especially in nuclear physics and isotope production, is actively involved in the A. I. Alikhanian National Science Laboratory International Scientific Board established by Yuri Oganessian. Since 2011, she has been on the International Scientific Board providing assistance to young Armenian researchers in the frame of international programs.
Welcoming the renowned scientists, the President of the Republic of Armenia appreciated their willingness to support the development of science in Armenia and contribute to the progress in the fields of physics and mathematics and in the education of young scientists.
President Sargsyan lauded the efforts made by the prominent scientists in the development of the National Center of Excellence of Oncology, especially the A. I. Alikhanian National Science Laboratory (Yerevan Physics Institute) Foundation, as well as in the establishment of the A. I. Alikhanian National Science Laboratory Center for Isotope Production and Diagnostics. The President stressed that the Armenia will continue to focus on the implementation of the foregoing programs.
The interlocutors highlighted the ongoing cooperation between the Armenian Science and Technology Foundation (FAST), on the one hand, and Ani Aprahamian and Yuri Oganessian, on the other hand, taking into consideration the fact that Oganessian is also a member of the FAST Board of Trustees.
YEREVAN. The Eurasian Economic Union has never been against Armenia's agreement with the EU, said the member of the Karabakh Committee Ashot Manucharyan during a meeting with journalists on Monday.
According to him, transnational financial oligarchies were against it, not the Kremlin.
Back in 2013, when the agreement on a comprehensive association between Armenia and the EU had to be signed, Russia was not opposing it, said Manucharyan.
YEREVAN. Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Ara Babloyan, on Monday received newly appointed French Ambassador Jonathan Lacote.
First, the parliament speaker underscored the high level of Armenia-France relations, and wished the new ambassador productive work, the NA informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. Also, Babloyan lauded Frances role, as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair, in seeking a pacific resolution of the Karabakh conflict.
There is no alternative to recognition of the Artsakh [Nagorno-Karabakh] peoples right to self-determination, he noted, in particular.
In addition, the NA speaker stressed the importance of French culture, literature, and language to Armenia. In this context, he highlighted that the summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) will be held next year in Armenias capital city of Yerevan, and added that Armenia seeks to develop and deepen cooperation with France. Also, Babloyan expressed his support to the new French ambassador in implementing programs aimed at making Armenia-France relations grow deeper.
Ambassador Lacote, for his part, noted that it is a great honor for him to represent France in Armenia. He reflected on the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and likewise underscored the OIF summit to be convened next year in Armenia. In addition, the diplomat reflected on the establishment and development of new French cultural and educational centers in Armenia.
The Armenian associations in Vienne, France, have issued a statement regarding the desecration of the towns monument to Armenian Genocide victims, reported French Armenian Nouvelles dArmenie monthly magazine.
The statement notes that the monument was desecrated again, insulting and obscene writings were made on it, and the Armenian organizations of Vienne jointly condemn this act and have decided to file a complaint.
As per the statement, by desecrating this monument, a blow has been dealt not solely to the memory of the martyrs of 1915, but to the memory of all Armenians who were martyred for France during the two world wars, and this monument was dedicated to them, too.
This vandalism is part of a series of desecrations in recent years in France, and it reminds Armenians how long the road is toward protection of memory and fight against denialism, the statement also reads. This continues to be a current matter, and again, a strict response is required from the authorities.
To note, this monument was desecrated in 2003, as well.
YEREVAN. There is a huge potential of cooperation between Armenian and Indian entrepreneurs, President Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with Indias DD News television.
With my participation in world food fair, I learned that only ten percent of fruits and vegetables are getting reprocessed in India, the Armenian president said, adding that there are competitive products that are produced in Armenia and India.
The president believes that certain measures should be taken to present these products in the respective markets . Armenia attaches great importance to reprocessing agricultural goods, and we have good experience in this.
We can offer Indian entrepreneurs to exchange the best practices and to establish joint ventures in India, he said, adding that the Armenians who are spread all over the globe are successful in food production.
President Sargsyan explained that there can be joint ventures in Armenia that will use raw material brought from India. Another important aspect is Armenias membership to the Eurasian Union which is making a large market of the 180 million available to Indian entrepreneurs.
There is also our southern neighbor Iran that has population of 80 million, and this is an impressive market as well, he said.
YEREVAN. Armenia and India are going to launch visa facilitation between the nations, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said in an interview with Indias DD News.
In order to facilitate contacts between the Armenian and Indian entrepreneurs, as well as to develop people-to-people contacts and tourism, we are going to launch visa facilitation between the nations, Sargsyan said.
As to the possibility of opening direct flights between the countries, President said it depends on the number of tourists.
We have taken certain steps. We have liberalized air, and any Indian company can establish not only direct flights but to use our air to fly to European, Russian or other destinations. We have to conduct further work to make Armenia more recognizable in India, the Armenian leader said, adding that Armenia had been recently visited by a number of representatives of the Indian tourist companies.
In addition, the President added that an Indian movie had been already shot in Armenia, and there is preparation for shooting the second one which is a good chance to present Armenias beauty to the Indian people.
YEREVAN. President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, on Monday sent condolences to President Donald Trump of the United States.
Sargsyan extended his commiseration in connection with the shooting that occurred at a church in Sutherland Springs, in the US state of Texas, and which claimed dozens of innocent lives and injured many others.
The President expressed deep condolences to Trump and the friendly people of US, and wished strength and fortitude to the relatives of the dead, and speedy recovery to the injured.
Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D) offered an overview of her recent trip to Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) and discussed the imperative of U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide in a public forum hosted by the Armenian National Committee of America - San Francisco (ANCA-SF) on October 9th.
Through all the visits and meetings, really the strength and resilience of the Armenian people came through loud and clear, stated Rep. Gabbard, who had joined Bay Area U.S. House Members of Armenian descent Jackie Speier and Anna Eshoo, as well as Representatives Frank Pallone, David Valadeo and James Sensenbrenner on the trip, which coincided with September 21st Armenia Independence Day celebrations.
Commenting on her visit to an Artsakh vocational school in Shushi and subsequent meetings with elected officials and parliamentarians in Stepanakert, Rep. Gabbard noted: It was great to see everywhere that we went, how focused people are -- and they literally are it's not a figure of speech to say that --- on building a bright future. Literally, that is what is happening, with their hands, and with their feet, and with their hearts. Rep. Gabbard decried Azerbaijans destabilizing role in the region, noting that Aliyevs continuous acts of aggression along the border have undermined the whole [peace] process and all the work that has gone in for decades to be able to try to reach this agreement. She noted that in 2016, Hawaii became one of several U.S. states to have recognized Artsakh independence.
During her remarks, Rep. Gabbard shared her discussions with Armenia's leaders regarding the modern-day imperative of U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide, explaining, it is not about recognizing something in the past just for show. This has a very real impact on what is happening in the region and the world today and unless this is recognized and condemned, we will continue to see history repeat itself.
Rep. Gabbard discussed the need for a reassessment of the U.S.-Turkey relationship given all that is happening under Erdogans leadership - that is, both directly and indirectly supporting terrorist groups in Syria and other places, and how Turkeys objectives in the region are very often counterproductive for our objectives - for the United States - for the safety and security of our people, in our efforts to defeat these terrorist groups that continue to threaten us.
Asked about the May, 2017, beating of Washington, DC protesters by Turkey's President Reycip Tayyip Erdogans security detail, Rep. Gabbard stated, the response from the Administration and State Department was too late and too weak and the tough recourse and action that should have been taken, frankly hasnt.
Passengers will have to shell out Rs 30 more for Sleeper, Rs 45 for Second and Third AC and Rs 75 for First AC class as superfast charges.
By Indo-Asian News Service: Cash-starved Indian Railways has increased the fare of 48 mail and express trains by upgrading them to "superfast" and raising their designated average speed by mere five kilometres per hour from 50 kmph, according to the new timetable released November 1. However, upgradation is no guarantee that these trains would run on time. Also, the new levy has been brought in just ahead of the cold season when all north-bound trains will be running late by several hours due to foggy weather.
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At present, many trains, including premier services like Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi, run late on a regular basis.
No additional passenger amenities have been provided in trains converted to the superfast level. But passengers will have to shell out Rs 30 more for Sleeper, Rs 45 for Second and Third AC and Rs 75 for First AC class as superfast charges.
The railways is expected to mop up an additional Rs 70 crore from these levies. The transporter possibly imposes these charges to avoid a backlash on passenger fare increases. With the addition of the 48 trains, the total number of trains designated as superfast has risen to 1,072.
The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG), in its last report in July, had made critical observations about the superfast levy.
The CAG also found that passengers paid for superfast charge though the trains were not running at designated speeds. It also said that rules for refund of superfast surcharge to passengers, in cases where Superfast services have not been provided to the passengers, have not been framed by the Railway Board.
Also Read: Even in 'digital India', travellers prefer buying train tickets in cash
"On test check, Audit observed that in North Central and South Central Railways, superfast charges (Rs 11.17 crore) were levied and collected during the period 2013-14 to 2015-16 from the passengers on days, where 21 superfast trains did not attain the average speed of 55 kmph (on broad gauge) for a 'Superfast' train," the CAG observed in its report.
According to the data available with the railways, 890 superfast trains had run late during July, August and September this year.
As many as 129 superfast trains were delayed in July, 145 in August and 183 in September for one hour to three hours. However, 31 superfast trains were behind schedule by more than three hours in July and 37 in August. As many as 196 superfast trains were late by 30 minutes to 60 minutes in July, 186 in August, 240 in September.
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Some 326 superfast trains were late by 15 minutes and 30 minutes in July, 287 in August and 267 in September. The overall punctuality of trains, at present, is hovering around 73 per cent -- not a good benchmark.
The new superfast trains include Pune-Amravati AC Express, Pataliputra-Chandigarh Express, Visakhapatnam-Nanded Express, Delhi-Pathankot Express, Kanpur-Udhampur Express, Chhapra-Mathura Express, Rock Fort Chennai-Tiruchirapally Express, Bangalore-Shivmogga Express, Tata-Visakhapatnam Express, Darbhanga-Jalandhar Express, Mumbai-Mathura Express and Mumbai-Patna Express.
According to information available with the Directorate of Safety, the railways had undertaken repair works of tracks, including renewal of aging rails, in almost all regions. As a result, trains are not allowed to run at high speeds in these sections because of concerns about passenger safety.
There are also capacity augmentation works going on to decongest over-saturated routes.
Delays are endemic to the system. Most trunk routes are heavily congested and a slight delay causes a ripple effect on the network. Trains run late ranging between one hour and 15 hours or more in many sections due to various reasons.
The Railways lists 33 categories of reasons for delays, of which seven, it says, are outside its direct control, such as the alarm chain being pulled, protests on the tracks, bad weather, accidents and law and order situation.
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According to Railway norms, a train that is up to 15 minutes late is considered to be on time. Beyond that, the punctuality parameters are divided into brackets of minutes -- 16 to 30, 31 to 45 and 46 to 60. The last and most crucial segment is "more than an hour", which is open-ended -- it covers all trains that are late by more than an hour, irrespective of the delay.
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EU finance ministers will on Tuesday discuss setting up a blacklist of worldwide tax havens, EU officials said, after leaked documents from an offshore law firm revealed investments by wealthy individuals and institutions around the globe, Reuters reported.
The subjects inclusion on the monthly meetings agenda came after the weekend publication of media reports citing the so-called Paradise Papers, a trove of leaked financial documents mostly from Appleby, a prominent offshore law firm.
EU countries had planned for months to reach an agreement on a blacklist for tax havens by the end of this year. The new revelations prompted the discussion to be brought forward, EU officials said, but no final decision was expected on Tuesday.
The EU has discussed several measures to crack down on tax avoidance in the past, including in the wake of the Panama Papers, a release by the ICIJ last year which chronicled a shadowy world of offshore holdings and hidden wealth.
Measures previously discussed include an EU-wide list of tax havens meant to discourage the rerouting of profits made in the EU to tax-free or low-tax countries, like Panama or Bermuda.
At the moment, each EU country has its own list of jurisdictions that are seen as less cooperative on tax matters. Criteria to define a tax haven vary greatly among EU states and some of them include no jurisdictions in their national blacklists.
An EU blacklist is believed to carry more weight. Jurisdictions included in the list could be subject to sanctions if they did not cooperate.
There are no details yet of the type of sanctions to be discussed, although being on the blacklist in itself could discourage individuals and companies from putting money in those jurisdictions.
NATO's mission in Afghanistan was investigating claims Monday that civilians were killed or injured during a joint operation with Afghan troops over the weekend, AFP reported.
Scores of Taliban militants were killed in an airstrike that also left at least one civilian dead and six wounded in the northeastern province of Kunduz, provincial governor Asadullah Omarkhail told reporters.
But a villager in Char Dara district, which was targeted by the airstrike, told AFP that 11 civilians had been killed in the operation against insurgents.
"The Taliban ordered the villagers to go to the site of the airstrike and remove the dead and wounded Taliban fighters. There were 16 killed -- 11 of them were civilians," said the villager, Naqibullah.
Provincial council member Khosh Mohammad said 13 civilians died in the attack, including women and children, and 13 others were wounded.
Shabaab Claims 1st Attack in Kenya in 2 Months, Executes 4 Spies for Ethiopian and Somali Intelligence in Bu'ale
ITA Awards 2017,the biggest television awards night, was high on glitz and glamour.
By India Today Web Desk: The 17th Indian Television Academy Awards, the night to celebrate the talent in the Indian TV industry, was held in Mumbai on Sunday.
The awards ceremony hosted by Manish Paul and Ali Asgar brought together famous celebrities form all across the telly world.
Mouni Roy, Arjun Bijlani, Nakuul Mehta, Shrenu Parikh, Surbhi Chandna, Mansi Srivastava, Kanchi Singh, Rohan Mehra, Avika Gor, Vivian Dsena,Kishwer Merchant, Ravi Dubey, Jennifer Winget attended the event amongst others.
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I &B Minister, Smriti Irani also graced the occasion. She spent some quality time with her old friend and TV czarina Ekta Kapoor.
#awards #night #backtothefuture here we go ??????????? A post shared by Smriti Irani (@smritiiraniofficial) on Nov 5, 2017 at 7:04am PST
Best Actress Drama: Jennifer Winget
Best Actor Popular: Nakuul Mehta & Vivian DSena
Best Actor Drama: Purab Kohli
Best Actress Popular: Helly Shah
Best Costume: Neerushaa Nikhat for Chandrakanta
Most Entertaining Personality On TV: Manish Paul
Most Popular TV Personality: Farah Khan
Best Show: Ishaqbaaaz
Also, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai won appreciation for being the longest running show.
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20 Nonprofits Get MIOSHA Grants
"We're pleased to award these grants to employer groups, labor organizations, and other non-profits that have demonstrated innovation and diversity in their training programs," MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said. "We appreciate the collaborative effort of these grantees and their mutual commitment toward preventing workplace injuries and illnesses."
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, parent agency of the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA), recently awarded a total of $872,000 in MIOSHA grants to 20 nonprofit organization. These were Consultation Education and Training grants, which are awarded annually on a competitive basis for the development and use of safety and health training and services. "The grants are instrumental in broadening MIOSHA CET safety and health activities to keep Michigan's working men and women safe on the job," explained LARA Chief Deputy Director Al Pohl. "Every dollar spent toward improving workplace safety and health is a wise investment that benefits Michigan employers and workers in so many ways."
The MIOSHA CET Grant Program provides additional options for safety and health education and training to employers and employees, with most of the grants focused on the performance goals identified in the MIOSHA Strategic Plan, with an emphasis on hazard recognition and prevention for high-hazard industries. The program is designed to:
Raise the number of employers and employees receiving occupational safety and health education, training, and prevention services, especially employers with fewer than 100 employees
Encourage development of new strategies for providing occupational safety and health education, training, and prevention services
Encourage new providers of occupational safety and health education, training, and prevention services for Michigan businesses
Evaluate the effectiveness of the alternative strategies and providers
LARA said the awarded projects this time included a wide range of training activities and proficiency levels, including crane rigging and signaling; silica safety; masonry; confined space entry; ergonomics; tree trimming and chain saw safety; workplace violence prevention; emergency action plans; hazard recognition and communication; lockout/tagout; machine emergencies; safe chemical handling; noise exposure; electrical hazard awareness; PPE; aerial lift rescue; emergency evacuation; safety and health management systems; hazard communication; youth safety; and powered industrial trucks.
"We're pleased to award these grants to employer groups, labor organizations, and other non-profits that have demonstrated innovation and diversity in their training programs," MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman said. "We appreciate the collaborative effort of these grantees and their mutual commitment toward preventing workplace injuries and illnesses."
Once, in an airport, I found a book about the London waterways that had disappeared from the landscape by diversion into underground pipes, by being built over, dammed up, filled in, whatever and found it fascinating and not a little mysterious to think about how little we sometimes understand the landscapes we inhabit.
Closer to home, though an elderly woman who lived her entire life in my neighborhood once told me of a creek that I thought she meant ran through where our alley is now located, I had no idea there was an underground waterway still winding through part of my neighborhood.
Maybe she was talking about Schoonmaker Creek.
Many people including me only know the creek as what looks more like a culvert running through the Washington Highlands. But it actually runs for a few miles to the northwest, hidden from view.
Schoonmaker Creek a tributary of the Menomonee River named for Wauwatosa quarry owner John M. Schoonmaker, who owned the Silurian fossil reef that bears his name and that runs along Martin Drive from 64th to 66th Streets originates in a swampy area beneath what is now Kops Park, which is bounded by Townsend, Concordia, 86th and 88th Streets.
You can see the source of the Schoonmaker on land owned by an A. Welch,
when this 19th century map was drawn. (PHOTO: Pinterest)
It runs southeast through the northeast corner of Cooper Park neighborhood, down through the southwestern part of Enderis Park, through Tosas East Tosa, Pabst Park and the Highlands before joining the Menomonee River south of 60th and State Streets, at Jacobus Park.
"Northeast, northwest and southwest was higher ground," wrote Ed Wilkommen in "Historic Wauwatosa, "so that runoff water had to flow southeastward. When this water reached the vicinity of what is now 66th and Lloyd Streets, it was stopped by a high east-west ridge we now call the Washington Highlands.
(PHOTOS: Reprinted courtesy of Historic Wauwatosa)
"A lake formed some 40 feet deep, back the water all the way to near what is now 81st and Burleigh Streets. When the water reached this depth it flowed over the top of the east-west ridge and ran southward into the Menomonee River. It took eons of time to slowly wear down this ridge and form a typical V-shaped valley in the former we now see."
In the early 20th century, there was a footbridge over Schoonmaker Creek between 69th and 70th Streets, Wilkommen reports, adding that the creek was diverted, "along the south edge of North Avenue to 68th Street, where it turned south for 180 feet, then southeast in a ditch to the intersection of 67th Street and Garfield Avenue. It then angled under this intersection in a culvert, continued southeast in a ditch and ran down the back part of the lots on the west side of 66th Street.
"This necessitated small bridges over the creek so that the property owners could have access to the rear portions of their lots. The creek water went under Lloyd Street at 66th Street in a concrete culvert, and out into the open as it entered the Washington Highlands."
The newly "daylighted portion of the creek. (PHOTO: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District)
In the 1920s, some of the creek was diverted into ditches along the back lines of newly platted lots. In the 1930s, the creek was run into storm sewer pipes as neighborhoods along it developed.
Schoonmaker flows in an open channel through the Highlands and in 1939 was diverted back into subterranean pipes at Vliet Street that sent the water into the Menomonee River.
In 2015, MMSD "daylighted" the portion of that section from the railroad tracks running along State Street to the Menomonee River, near Jacobus Park.
Before daylighting (above) and after (below). (PHOTOS: Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District)
There is a map being circulated that shows the creeks path in advance of a Nov. 13, 2017 open house, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Wauwatosa City Hall on 76th and North.
The event, held by the City of Wauwatosa, MMSD and Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is focusing on the East Tosa Schoonmaker Flood Study.
According to the flyer:
"The extreme rain events of 2010 caused flooding throughout Southeastern Wisconsin, including Wauwatosa. The City of Wauwatosa, MMSD and SEWRPC have been working together on a comprehensive study to understand what possible investments in infrastructure could mitigate this flooding from reoccurring."
At the open house, SEWRPC will give a presentation on the history of the flooding and infrastructure alternatives that could prevent future flooding. Written comment from the public will also be solicited at the event.
"Please note," reads the flyer, "there are no recommendations as to how to proceed at this point in the study process."
Flooding, according to Wilkommens history of the creek in "Historic Wauwatosa," has long been an issue for landowners and residents along the creek.
"As part of the a large storm sewer project ... the creek was put into (large-size storm sewer) pipes in 1935," he wrote. "Along North Avenue the pipes were laid along the south edge of the street, then they went along the east edge of 70th Street to Meinecke, the south edge of Meinecke Avenue to the lot line between 71st and 72nd Streets, and north along said lot line. Later, in cooperation with the City of Milwaukee, a large storm main was laid under Center Street to further drain this area."
If youre interested in the Schoonmaker and ideas for abating flooding related to it, go to the meeting to learn more and make your voice heard.
China urged France Monday to "crack the case" of a Chinese tourist group which was tear-gassed and robbed in Paris last week. According to French media, 40 tourists were mugged by individuals who sprayed tear gas on them when they were on their way back to their suburban hotel last Thursday. The robbers made off with bags reportedly filled with luxury items. China has urged French police to "crack the case as soon as possible", foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing. Beijing's embassy in France has warned Chinese to "raise their security awareness" in the country, Hua said. "We will continue to follow the developments of this case and urge the French police to put these lawbreakers to justice and take measures to ensure the security of Chinese nationals in France." A statement from the Chinese embassy in France noted Saturday that "several large-scale violent robberies" have recently taken place involving Chinese tourists in Paris. Hua said the tourists returned to China last Friday. A police investigation is underway. Tourism to Paris has rebounded since France was hit by terrorist attacks in 2015 and 2016. Paris saw a record 2.6 million foreign arrivals in the first four months of this year -- a 19 percent increase over the same period in 2016.
A family dispute may have sparked the rampage by a US Air Force veteran who killed 26 people with an assault rifle in a small-town church even though he was legally prohibited from buying guns, officials said Monday. The latest US mass shooting again raised questions about gun control but President Donald Trump dismissed them and instead praised a gun-owner who opened fire in an effort to stop the killer. Ten people remained in critical condition a day after Devin Patrick Kelley, a 26-year-old private security guard, burst into the rural Baptist church during Sunday morning services and sprayed bullets at the congregation. The Pentagon said it would probe why the Air Force failed to enter a domestic violence conviction into a database that could have prohibited Kelley from purchasing weapons, such as the AR-15 rifle and two handguns he had in his possession. Investigators were focusing on reports that Kelley had sent threatening text messages to his mother-in-law, who regularly attended the church but was not there during the assault. Victims of the massacre included an unborn baby, an 18-month-old toddler, eight members of a single family, and reportedly the gunman's grandmother-in-law. Twenty people were wounded. The authorities said Kelley may have died of a self-inflicted gunshot to the head after using his car to flee the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a rural community of rolling hills and ranches of nearly 400 people near San Antonio. Two men -- Stephen Willeford, 55, and Johnnie Langendorff, 27 -- were lauded as heroes for confronting Kelley after he mowed down nearly 50 churchgoers with gunfire. Willeford grabbed his own AR-15 rifle and shot and wounded Kelley as he emerged from the church and headed for his car. Willeford then flagged down a passing pickup truck driven by Langendorff and they pursued Kelley at high speed until he crashed his vehicle into a field. On a visit to South Korea, Trump said that if the "very brave" Willeford had not been armed, "instead of having 26 dead, you would have had hundreds more dead." Stricter background checks, however, would have made "no difference" in averting the tragedy, he suggested. Trump earlier said the latest shooting "isn't a guns situation" but rather a "mental health problem at the highest level." - 'Domestic situation' - Sunday's carnage came five weeks after the worst gun massacre in modern US history, when a retired accountant opened fire on a country music concert in Las Vegas, killing 58 people. "This was not racially motivated, it wasn't over religious beliefs," Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety said. "There was a domestic situation going on with the family and in-laws... We know that he expressed anger toward his mother-in-law." Governor Greg Abbott said Kelley was "a man who had some mental health issues apparently long before this." According to the Air Force, Kelley served at a base in New Mexico starting in 2010 before being court-martialed in 2012. He was sentenced to 12 months in confinement and received a "bad conduct" discharge in 2014, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said. But "initial information indicates that Kelley's domestic violence offense was not entered into the National Criminal Information Center database by the Holloman Air Force Base Office of Special Investigations," she added. Republican Senator John McCain said the Senate Armed Services Committee which he chairs "will conduct rigorous oversight" of the military's investigation into the failure to report Kelley's conviction. Officials said Kelley was armed with a Ruger AR-15 semi-automatic rifle and had two handguns in his vehicle, a Glock 9mm and a Ruger .22. - Twenty-six white crosses - Willeford, who shot and wounded Kelley, told The Dallas Morning News he was "terrified while this was going on." "I didn't want this and I want the focus to be on my friends," he said. "I have friends in that church." Langendorff said he and Willeford pursued Kelley for about 10 to 12 minutes at speeds of up to 95 miles per hour. "I had to make sure he was caught," he told CNN. Kelley crashed his car while being chased and was found dead inside. About 200 people gathered in a field a few blocks from the church for a vigil on Monday evening. They sang spiritual songs, embraced and prayed. Grown men and women cried, while one woman fell on her knees in tears. Pastors from elsewhere in Texas drove in to help those struggling to deal with the tragedy. "Tonight we are in sorrow. Tonight we are in pain," said Lee Thompson of the Gateway Church in Dallas. On the other side of the field 26 white crosses were planted in the ground -- one for each fatality.
A team of researchers at MIT, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and the University of California at Berkeley hope to close the materials-science automation gap, with a new artificial-intelligence system that would pore through research papers to deduce recipes for producing particular materials. Credit: Chelsea Turner/MIT
In recent years, research efforts such as the Materials Genome Initiative and the Materials Project have produced a wealth of computational tools for designing new materials useful for a range of applications, from energy and electronics to aeronautics and civil engineering.
But developing processes for producing those materials has continued to depend on a combination of experience, intuition, and manual literature reviews.
A team of researchers at MIT, the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and the University of California at Berkeley hope to close that materials-science automation gap, with a new artificial-intelligence system that would pore through research papers to deduce "recipes" for producing particular materials.
"Computational materials scientists have made a lot of progress in the 'what' to makewhat material to design based on desired properties," says Elsa Olivetti, the Atlantic Richfield Assistant Professor of Energy Studies in MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE). "But because of that success, the bottleneck has shifted to, 'Okay, now how do I make it?'"
The researchers envision a database that contains materials recipes extracted from millions of papers. Scientists and engineers could enter the name of a target material and any other criteriaprecursor materials, reaction conditions, fabrication processesand pull up suggested recipes.
As a step toward realizing that vision, Olivetti and her colleagues have developed a machine-learning system that can analyze a research paper, deduce which of its paragraphs contain materials recipes, and classify the words in those paragraphs according to their roles within the recipes: names of target materials, numeric quantities, names of pieces of equipment, operating conditions, descriptive adjectives, and the like.
In a paper appearing in the latest issue of the journal Chemistry of Materials, they also demonstrate that a machine-learning system can analyze the extracted data to infer general characteristics of classes of materialssuch as the different temperature ranges that their synthesis requiresor particular characteristics of individual materialssuch as the different physical forms they will take when their fabrication conditions vary.
Olivetti is the senior author on the paper, and she's joined by Edward Kim, an MIT graduate student in DMSE; Kevin Huang, a DMSE postdoc; Adam Saunders and Andrew McCallum, computer scientists at UMass Amherst; and Gerbrand Ceder, a Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Berkeley.
Filling in the gaps
The researchers trained their system using a combination of supervised and unsupervised machine-learning techniques. "Supervised" means that the training data fed to the system is first annotated by humans; the system tries to find correlations between the raw data and the annotations. "Unsupervised" means that the training data is unannotated, and the system instead learns to cluster data together according to structural similarities.
Because materials-recipe extraction is a new area of research, Olivetti and her colleagues didn't have the luxury of large, annotated data sets accumulated over years by diverse teams of researchers. Instead, they had to annotate their data themselvesultimately, about 100 papers.
By machine-learning standards, that's a pretty small data set. To improve it, they used an algorithm developed at Google called Word2vec. Word2vec looks at the contexts in which words occurthe words' syntactic roles within sentences and the other words around themand groups together words that tend to have similar contexts. So, for instance, if one paper contained the sentence "We heated the titanium tetracholoride to 500 C," and another contained the sentence "The sodium hydroxide was heated to 500 C," Word2vec would group "titanium tetracholoride" and "sodium hydroxide" together.
With Word2vec, the researchers were able to greatly expand their training set, since the machine-learning system could infer that a label attached to any given word was likely to apply to other words clustered with it. Instead of 100 papers, the researchers could thus train their system on around 640,000 papers.
Tip of the iceberg
To test the system's accuracy, however, they had to rely on the labeled data, since they had no criterion for evaluating its performance on the unlabeled data. In those tests, the system was able to identify with 99 percent accuracy the paragraphs that contained recipes and to label with 86 percent accuracy the words within those paragraphs.
The researchers hope that further work will improve the system's accuracy, and in ongoing work they are exploring a battery of deep learning techniques that can make further generalizations about the structure of materials recipes, with the goal of automatically devising recipes for materials not considered in the existing literature.
Much of Olivetti's prior research has concentrated on finding more cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to produce useful materials, and she hopes that a database of materials recipes could abet that project.
"This is landmark work," says Ram Seshadri, the Fred and Linda R. Wudl Professor of Materials Science at the University of California at Santa Barbara. "The authors have taken on the difficult and ambitious challenge of capturing, through AI methods, strategies employed for the preparation of new materials. The work demonstrates the power of machine learning, but it would be accurate to say that the eventual judge of success or failure would require convincing practitioners that the utility of such methods can enable them to abandon their more instinctual approaches.
More information: Edward Kim et al. Materials Synthesis Insights from Scientific Literature via Text Extraction and Machine Learning, Chemistry of Materials (2017). DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b03500 Journal information: Chemistry of Materials
This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain
Conditions in crowded urban settlements in Africa make the effects of climate change worse, pushing temperatures to levels dangerous for children and the elderly in those areas, according to a new study led by a Johns Hopkins University scientist.
The study suggests that climate change will hit people living in these "slum" settlements harder because their living conditions often create a warmer "micro-climate" due to home construction materials, lack of ventilation, sparse green space and poor access to electrical power and other services.
The study published by the online journal PLOS ONE focused on three settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. The largest of them is Kibera, a neighborhood of narrow alleyways and homes with mud walls and iron sheet roofs and concrete slab floors, that is home to as many as a million people. It's the largest of these neighborhoods in Africa, often called "informal settlements."
Conducted by seven institutions including three Red Cross organizations, the study shows the need for more targeted heat alerts and assistance. High temperatures in Kibera and two other nearby neighborhoods are shown in the study to be between 5 and nearly 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than those reported at Nairobi's official weather station less than half a mile away.
Previous research by other scientists cited in the study found that deaths for children up to 4 years old and people over 50 increased by 1 percent for every nearly 2-degree increase above 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Extreme heat can be a cause of heat stroke, which can damage the brain and other organs. Heat can also raise the likelihood of death from a heart condition, stroke or difficulty breathing.
The higher temperatures found in the study are "certainly consistent with excess deaths," said climate scientist Anna Scott, the lead author, who is studying for her doctorate in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. She said there is not enough information to show how many deaths would result from temperature differences of the magnitude reported in this research, especially as the summer studied for this report was hotter than previous years.
Roughly a third to 60 percent of the 3.1 million people who live in Nairobi, the largest city and capital of the East African country, make their homes in settlements such as Kibera, Mukuru and Mathare, the areas studied for this report.
In Mathare, homes are commonly built with iron walls and roofs. Houses in Mukuru are a mix of some high-rise buildings and houses built of iron sheets. There are few paved streets, trees or vegetation in any of these areas.
The 11-member research team - including two Johns Hopkins students and two faculty members - looked at temperature information they gathered over 80 days from Dec. 2, 2015, to Feb. 20, 2016. That period turned out to be Nairobi's hottest summer since the 1970s, which is as far back as available records go, Scott said.
Team members posted 50 thermometers on trees and wooden posts in the three settlements, most of them in partial or full shade. They also put one sensor at the University of Nairobi, an area about 7 miles northeast of Kibera that has more trees and green space.
At the end of the 80 days, researchers compared the information gathered in the neighborhoods to temperatures recorded at the Kenya Meteorological Department headquarters, located on a grassy wooded campus less than a half-mile from Kibera.
The results were striking. The average daytime high temperature recorded by the government site for the period was a bit over 25 degrees Celsius, or 78 degrees Fahrenheit. The average was a bit over 82 in Kibera, 85 in Mathare, and 87 in Mukuru.
The information showed that grass and trees help to keep temperatures down, and suggests that as the Earth warms, the burden of climate change will not fall equally from one part of the planet to another. The impact of heat exposure is understood as a function of both temperature and population, both of which are expected to rise faster in Africa than in Europe. As a result, the burden of climate change is expected to be 100 times greater in Africa.
Image of investigated hexagonal benzene ring structure taken with an electron microscope. Right: Reconstructed image of the benzene ring structure taken using the innovative method based on incoherent light. In future, this method could be used to obtain images of individual atoms with an even higher resolution using short wave x-rays. Credit: Nature Physics
Scientists gain an insight into the fascinating world of atoms and molecules using x-ray microscopes. Ground-breaking research by physicists at Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU), the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg, and the University of Hamburg has paved the way towards new imaging techniques. The team of scientists have successfully developed and tested a method which is considerably more effective than conventional procedures. The researchers' findings have recently been published in Nature Physics.
Conventional methods researchers use to determine the structure of crystals and minerals are based on the coherent scattering of light. In other words, light waves hit a structure and are deflected, but continue to oscillate without their pattern of crests and troughs being distorted or interrupted in any way. If a sufficient number of these photons can be measured with a detector, a characteristic diffraction pattern is obtained which can be used to derive the pattern of scattered atoms or the crystal structure.
Most light waves, however, are scattered incoherently, that is the wave patterns of the outgoing waves are no longer directly in relation to the incoming waves as the light is reflected from the atoms it touches as fluorescent light. The result is diffuse background light which scientists have until now believed was not suitable for imaging, having a negative effect on the accuracy of the method.
This incoherently scattered light, however, is precisely what has now been used to analyse a structure. At DESY, the researchers successfully created an image of a hexagonal, micrometre sized structure in the shape of a benzene ring. The basic technique behind this procedure is not new. Robert Hanbury Brown and Richard Q. Twiss used incoherent light to determine the diameter of stars as early on as 1956. The team of researchers from Erlangen and Hamburg have now refined this method, using it to analyse microscopic structures.
The innovative method has one decisive advantage. 'The smaller the structures to be imaged, the larger the proportion of incoherently scattered light,' explains the lead author of the study, Raimund Schneider from FAU. 'Whilst this poses coherent imaging increasing problems with intensity, our method actually benefits from it.' The new method has the potential to achieve a significant improvement in analysing structures in the fields of biology and medicine.
More information: Raimund Schneider et al, Quantum imaging with incoherently scattered light from a free-electron laser, Nature Physics (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nphys4301 Journal information: Nature Physics
Light curve of OGLE-2016-BLG-1190. The data points are colored as indicated by observatory in the top panel, which shows the full light curve. Credit: Ryu et al., 2017.
(Phys.org)As a result of NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope observations of a microlensing event, astronomers have found an extremely massive alien world circling a star located in the Milky Way's bulge. The newly discovered planet, designated OGLE-2016-BLG-1190Lb, is the first Spitzer microlensing exoworld residing in the galactic bulge. The finding was presented October 27 in a paper published on arXiv.org.
Microlensing is very useful technique for detecting alien worlds in the inner galactic disk and bulge, where it is difficult to search for planets with other methods. It facilitates the discovery of distant objects by using background stars as flashlights. If a star moves in front of an another star, the light from the distant star is bent by the gravitational pull of the nearer star and the more distant star is magnified. Microlensing does not rely on the light from the host stars; thus, it can detect planets, even when the host stars cannot be detected.
OGLE-2016-BLG-1190 was discovered in June 2016 as a microlensing event by the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) collaboration. OGLE is a Polish astronomical project based at the University of Warsaw, searching for dark matter and extrasolar planets. It utilizes the 1.3 meter Warsaw telescope mounted at the Las Campanas observatory in Chile.
Spitzer observed this microlensing event a few days after its discovery. An international team of researchers led by Yoon-Hyun Ryu of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute in Daejon, South Korea, reports that these Spitzer observations detected a new, massive planet orbiting a dwarf star.
"We report the discovery of OGLE-2016-BLG-1190Lb, which is likely to be the first Spitzer microlensing planet in the galactic bulge/bar, an assignation that can be confirmed by two epochs of high-resolution imaging of the combined source-lens baseline object," the astronomers wrote in the paper.
According to the study, OGLE-2016-BLG-1190Lb appears to be an extremely massive planet with a mass of about 13.4 Jupiter masses. Such high mass puts the object right at the deuterium burning limitthe conventional boundary between planets and brown dwarfs. Therefore, the researchers do not exclude the possibility that the newly found planet could be a low-mass brown dwarf.
OGLE-2016-BLG-1190Lb orbits its parent star approximately every three years at a distance of about 2.0 AU. The host is a G dwarf with a mass of 0.89 solar masses. The system is located some 22,000 light years away from the Earth.
The authors of the paper emphasize that OGLE-2016-BLG-1190Lb is the first exoplanet discovered thanks to microlensing and the Spitzer spacecraft. Moreover, what makes this planet remarkable is that it is right at the edge of the so-called brown dwarf desert, what raises questions about whether such objects are really planets or failed stars.
"Since the existence of the brown dwarf desert is the signature of different formation mechanisms for stars and planets, the extremely close proximity of OGLE-2016-BLG-1190Lb to this desert raises the question of whether it is truly a 'planet' (by formation mechanism) and therefore reacts back upon its role tracing the galactic distribution of planets," the paper reads.
More information: OGLE-2016-BLG-1190Lb: First Spitzer Bulge Planet Lies Near the Planet/Brown-Dwarf Boundary, arXiv:1710.09974 [astro-ph.EP] arxiv.org/abs/1710.09974 Abstract
We report the discovery of OGLE-2016-BLG-1190Lb, which is likely to be the first Spitzer microlensing planet in the Galactic bulge/bar, an assignation that can be confirmed by two epochs of high-resolution imaging of the combined source-lens baseline object. The planet's mass M_p= 13.4+-0.9 M_J places it right at the deuterium burning limit, i.e., the conventional boundary between "planets" and "brown dwarfs". Its existence raises the question of whether such objects are really "planets" (formed within the disks of their hosts) or "failed stars" (low mass objects formed by gas fragmentation). This question may ultimately be addressed by comparing disk and bulge/bar planets, which is a goal of the Spitzer microlens program. The host is a G dwarf M_host = 0.89+-0.07 M_sun and the planet has a semi-major axis a~2.0 AU. We use Kepler K2 Campaign 9 microlensing data to break the lens-mass degeneracy that generically impacts parallax solutions from Earth-Spitzer observations alone, which is the first successful application of this approach. The microlensing data, derived primarily from near-continuous, ultra-dense survey observations from OGLE, MOA, and three KMTNet telescopes, contain more orbital information than for any previous microlensing planet, but not quite enough to accurately specify the full orbit. However, these data do permit the first rigorous test of microlensing orbital-motion measurements, which are typically derived from data taken over <1% of an orbital period.
2017 Phys.org
Fiji's prime minister Vereqe 'Frank' Bainimarama drinks water during the opening of the COP 23 Fiji UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
Fiji's prime minister called for a sense of urgency in the fight against global warming Monday, telling negotiators "we must not fail our people," as he opened two weeks of talks on implementing the Paris accord on combating climate change, which is already affecting his Pacific island nation.
While diplomats and activists gathered in Bonn, the U.N. weather agency said 2017 is set to become the hottest year on record aside from those impacted by the El Nino phenomenon.
The talks in Germany are the first major global climate conference since President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will pull out of the 2015 Paris accord unless he can secure a better deal, and the first time that a small island nation is chairing such a conference.
Negotiators will focus on thrashing out some of the technical details of the Paris accord, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. While Trump has expressed skepticism, a recent U.S. government report concluded there is strong evidence that man-made climate change is taking place.
Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe 'Frank' Bainimarama, the Bonn conference's chairman, offered greetings "from one of the most climate-vulnerable regions on earth," underlining "our collective plea for the world to maintain the course we set in Paris."
"The need for urgency is obvious," he said. "Our world is in distress from the extreme weather events caused by climate change."
Protestors demand the implementation of the climate change convention in Bonn, Germany, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017. The Climate summit starts Monday Nov. 6, in Bonn. (Roland Weihrauch/dpa via AP)
"We must not fail our people" and must make the Paris accord work, Bainimarama said, adding that means to "meet our commitments in full, not back away from them."
He didn't refer directly to the Trump administration's position, but appeared to play off Trump's "America first" slogan.
"The only way for every nation to put itself first is to lock arms with all other nations and move forward together," the Fijian leader declared.
In a brief statement toward the end of the opening session Monday, a senior U.S. diplomat told delegates that Washington's position hadn't changed since Trump's announcement in June.
Children with banners reading "save the world" march between the delegates during the opening of the COP 23 Fiji UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
But Trigg Talley, the U.S. deputy special envoy for climate change, said the United States will "continue to participate in international climate change negotiations and meetings, including ongoing negotiations related to guidance for implementing the Paris agreement."
The meeting began with schoolchildren chanting "Save the World" processing into the conference hall and a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.
The U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization said this year is already on track to be one of the three hottest years of all time, after 2015 and 2016, which were both affected by a powerful El Ninoa weather phenomenon that can contribute to higher temperatures. .
WMO says key indicators of climate changesuch as rising carbon-dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, rising sea levels and the acidification of oceans"continue unabated" this year.
Native people from Fiji sit in the convention center during the opening of the COP 23 Fiji UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. The two-week meeting that started Monday is the first major conference on climate change since President Donald Trump said that the U.S. will pull out of the Paris accord unless his administration can secure a better deal. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
It said the global mean temperature from January to September this year was about a half-degree Celsius warmer than the 1981-2010 average, which was estimated to be 14.31 degrees C (57.76 Fahrenheit).
The five-year average temperature from 2013 to 2017 is more than 1 degree Celsius higher than that during the pre-industrial period.
WMO says 2017 has been marked by higher-than-average rainfall in places like western China, southern South America and the contiguous United States; lower-than-average arctic sea-ice extent.
Participants at the Bonn conference include diplomats from 195 nations, as well as scientists, lobbyists and environmentalists. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders are expected to appear near the end of the summit to give the talks a final push.
Fiji's prime minister Voreqe 'Frank' Bainimarama speaks at the opening of the COP 23 Fiji UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. The two-week meeting that started Monday is the first major conference on climate change since President Donald Trump said that the U.S. will pull out of the Paris accord unless his administration can secure a better deal. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks called for "significant progress" in Bonn on implementing the Paris accord.
"The Paris agreement is irreversible," she told delegates Monday. "We now have to do everything in our power to implement it and we do not have much time left."
Cars and trucks queue on the highway A5 in Frankfurt, Germany, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. The World Climate Conference with 25 000 people participating starts on Monday in Bonn, Germany. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
Fiji's prime minister Voreqe 'Frank' Bainimarama speaks at the opening of the COP 23 Fiji UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. The two-week meeting that started Monday is the first major conference on climate change since President Donald Trump said that the U.S. will pull out of the Paris accord unless his administration can secure a better deal. (Oliver Berg/dpa via AP)
2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Bhagwat also reiterated RSS ideology that Hindu was a way of life, a culture that belonged to everyone and it is a Hindu rastra.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje during the opening of a new building of Sewa Bharati in Jaipur on Sunday. (Photo: PTI)
By Rohit Parihar: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) supremo Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday called upon partymen to eradicate untouchability, caste differences and disparity.
Bhagwat said that constitutional provisions must continue and should be implemented properly until inequality and untouchability are eradicated.
The RSS chief was addressing swayamsevaks at Chitrakoot Stadium in Jaipur where the organisation put an impressive show of Swar Govind, its music programme.
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Earlier, 1,200 RSS workers marched past a 6-km stretch decorated with Rangoli, playing different instruments before reaching the venue.
He also honoured martyrs' widows Kanta Yadav, Sumitra Devi, Nisha Lal and Sampat Kanwar and mothers Merry Kutti Thomas and Laxmi Devi Bundela on the occasion.
Bhagwat highlighted the significance of holding such an event and how RSS picked up the idea from the British and other countries but used Indian classical music to prepare its own tunes.
Besides elaborating on how classical music was different from the western, Bhagwat said that such an exercise was aimed to reinforce unity, discipline and equality through its rhythm played in unison.
Bhagwat also reiterated RSS ideology that Hindu was a way of life, a culture that belonged to everyone and it is a Hindu rastra. "Hindu way of life only can take India to the path of prosperity," he said adding that it was not job contracted to a few but of everyone.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje attended the three-hour long event. She had a met Bhagwat during his visit to Jaipur in September. These developments effectively put to rest any speculation about RSS not backing the chief minister.
Bhagwat's visits and this event will help mobilise the RSS cadre to work for the party.
--- ENDS ---
Vunidogoloa was moved 2 kms inland to escape the impacts associated with climate change. Credit: The United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs
As climate change causes sea levels to rise, vulnerable populations in countries like Tuvalu, Bangladesh and Vietnam are threatened with the very real prospect of losing their homes and migrating inland.
In some places, like Fiji, this is happening already.
In 2014, the entire village of Vunidogoloa on Vanua Levu was forced to move to higher ground 2 kilometres inland to escape coastal erosion and regular flooding - environmental impacts that villagers and the Fiji Government attribute to climate change.
A further 80 villages have now been identified as at risk, and in need of relocation.
As President of this year's UN Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP23) in Bonn, Germany, Fiji has the opportunity to bring this plight to the world stage, and represent other Small Island Developing States facing similarly devastating situations.
Dr Celia McMichael from the University of Melbourne's School of Geography researches climate-related migration in Fiji in collaboration with local researchers. She says lower-income areas are among the most vulnerable to climate-related migration risks, including associated health risks.
"People and populations that are displaced after experiencing environmental disasters like flooding can be exposed to heightened risk of infectious disease and poor water and sanitation," she says.
"Forced migration also generates complex psychosocial impacts as people are dislocated and their everyday routines and social structures are interrupted.
"Displacement can provoke a loss of belonging and social networks; entire livelihoods and cultural practices are altered. This can lead to depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder."
The Vunidogoloa Way
One hundred and twenty people from 26 households in Vunidogoloa were relocated due to coastal erosion and flooding that damaged homes and crops. With the support of the Fijian Government and international agencies, the community has created new houses and livelihood opportunities.
Fiji is one of the first countries to introduce government-run programmes that relocate communities impacted by climate change, including those affected by sea- level rise. With plans in place to relocate 80 vulnerable populations across Fiji, lessons can be learned from the Vunidogoloa experience.
Dr McMichael says adverse health consequences can be reduced or avoided with careful management.
"Villagers, government agencies and donors are keenly aware of the need to ensure ongoing food security including small-scale farming, to build water systems that can provide sufficient potable water in sites of relocation, and to develop and maintain livelihoods particularly where they have moved away from existing jobs," says Dr McMichael.
But, she says, we need to learn more about the different aspects of climate migration and to develop international laws and frameworks to support these migrants. She adds that migration shouldn't be seen as the only adaptive approach to the consequences of climate change.
"In the Pacific and other countries, people are saying 'We're not climate refugees. We want to adapt. Migration isn't our only option'," says Dr McMichael.
"If they do have to migrate then they want to be supported to migrate with dignity. Or to migrate in ways that support their futures."
She says that whilst climate migration is a last resort, it should be done in a way that supports livelihoods and social networks, and works to minimise physical and mental health impacts.
Like other Small Island Developing States in the Pacific Region, Fiji faces financial challenges responding to climate disasters. As a result, climate finance is a high priority for discussion at COP23 for Fijian Prime Minister and incoming COP23 President Frank Bainimarama.
The Fijian government recently hosted a COP23 delegation for some pre-COP 'Partnership Days', where he described the plight of his people.
"It matters that you have come to Fiji, to where we live, to see the impact that climate change is having on our way of life," he said. "And to perhaps understand better the specific vulnerability of people living in Small Island Developing States".
He also gave a summary of Fiji's vision for COP23, and articulated the importance of action and progress.
"Fiji's vision is for a Presidency that is transparent and inclusive of all, advances the Paris Agreement and accelerates climate action for all vulnerable societies, drawing on our own experiences as a Small Island Developing State in the Pacific.
"We are all vulnerable and we all need to act."
Clouded leopard. Credit: Esther Baking and Nick Deere, University of Kent
Conservation efforts focused on protecting forests using carbon-based policies also benefit mammal diversity, new research at the University of Kent has found.
To help mitigate the effects of climate change, policies have been developed across the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through avoided deforestation. Much of this deforestation is caused by large-scale agriculture and extractive industries in developing tropical countries.
The UN's Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) framework, and, more recently, the High Carbon Stock (HCS) Approach, aim to identify and conserve forest areas that retain a lot of carbon, which would otherwise be released into the atmosphere if felled, therefore justifying protection.
Major agricultural companies, such as those growing oil palm, are now using these carbon mechanisms as part of global commitments to 'zero deforestation'.
In the past it has been assumed that protecting forests to prevent carbon release is also beneficial for biodiversity in the area too. However, previous studies have proved inconclusive.
To tackle this assumption, a team of researchers from the Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) at the University of Kent, have been undertaking wildlife surveys in the forests of Borneo, in an area undergoing conversion to oil palm.
Lead researcher, Nicolas Deere, gathered a comprehensive dataset of mammals derived from camera-trap images and combined this with high-resolution satellite imagery to show that areas designated for protection under carbon policies were also rich in endangered mammals.
In particular, the study confirmed that no correlation between carbon and biodiversity was evident when globally-available carbon maps were used. However, when high-resolution maps were used to map carbon resources, areas of high carbon were clearly seen to support the most mammal species.
This relationship was driven by species of conservation concern such as orangutan and clouded leopards, suggesting that mammals vulnerable to deforestation and forest degradation will benefit the most from carbon policies.
The findings have important implications for policymakers in business, government and non-government organisations, by confirming that REDD+ and HCS approaches to designate land for protection have strong potential for biodiversity conservation in the oil palm sector.
Nicolas was supported in his research by Dr Matthew Struebig and Dr Zoe Davies at the University of Kent and colleagues in the universities of Newcastle, Melbourne, Malaysia Sabah, as well as the Zoological Society of London.
The paper, titled 'High carbon stock forests provide co-benefits for tropical biodiversity', is published in the Journal of Applied Ecology on 6 November 2017.
More information: Deere NJ, Guillera-Arroita G, Baking EL, et al. High Carbon Stock forests provide co-benefits for tropical biodiversity. J Appl Ecol. 2017;00:112. DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13023 Journal information: Journal of Applied Ecology
South Dakota State University field crops pathologist Febina Mathew and Kristina Petrovic, a visiting scientist from Serbia, examine soybeans for evidence of stem canker, focusing on the nodes or joints. Not only is this disease hard to distinguish from other soybean diseases, but the pathogen can be transmitted through the seeds. Credit: South Dakota State University
Scouting soybean fields and identifying diseases are some of the tasks that Kristina Petrovic performs as a research associate at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Serbia. She is expanding her work on pathogens that affect soybeans as a visiting scientist at South Dakota State University, where she is working with field crops pathologist Febina Mathew, an assistant professor in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science.
"I am happy when I find disease," Petrovic quipped. She was the first to report that three species of Diaporthe, the pathogen that causes stem canker of soybean, were triggering Phomopsis seed decay in Serbia. Petrovic published two papers on her findings in Plant Disease, an American Phytopathological Society journal. When she told the journal editor that she wanted to do postdoctoral research in the United States, he circulated her credentials among the society's members.
"After four days, Febina invited me to South Dakota State University to examine the Diaporthe species causing soybean disease in the United States," Petrovic recalled. Her 10-month residency, which began in August, is supported by a grant from the Serbian government and funding from the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops. She also received support for her SDSU research from the North Central Soybean Research Program and the South Dakota Agricultural Experimental Station.
The world has two main types of stem cankerthe Northern variety, which likes cool temperatures and affects both South Dakota and Serbian soybeans, and the Southern, which can survive high temperatures. Both types like moisture, Petrovic explained.
Reddish brown lesions, particularly at the joint or node, are indications of soybean stem canker. Credit: South Dakota State University
Plants are infected when raindrops hit pathogen-containing plant residue and splash the fungus spores onto the young soybean plants. "At the end of July or beginning of August, when soybeans are in their pod-fill stage, we see the first symptoms, dark brown lesions the spread up and down the plant," she said.
"Planting resistant genotypes is the best option for producers," Petrovic explained. In Serbia, she said, "Our genotypes have good field resistance, but not complete resistance. However, we are trying to find the most resistant or tolerant soybean genotypes."
In the United States, five Diaporthe species are causing soybean disease, according to Mathew. She and North Dakota State University Extension Plant Pathologist Sam Markell found Diaporthe gulyae, which causes Phomopsis stem canker in sunflowers, associated with stem disease on soybeans.
Kristina Petrovic, a visiting scientist from Serbia, examines Diaporthe pathogens isolated from soybeans that farmers, crop consultants and soybean researchers across the United States have been sent to South Dakota State University field crop pathologist Febina Mathew. Credit: South Dakota State University
Recently plant scientists have seen an increase in soybean diseases caused by Diaporthe (Phomopsis) species in the United States, according to Mathew. Petrovic's research will help identify the pathogens behind this increased disease prevalence.
"I want to know more about the relationship among the Diaporthe species," said Petrovic. To do this, she'll examine the pathogens' diversity using phylogenetics. She and Mathew will also screen soybean genotypes to identify sources of resistance to Diaporthe species that will help breeders develop resistant soybean cultivars.
This research will help scientists develop strategies to manage the disease that will benefit farmers not only in the United States, but also in Serbia.
More information: K. Petrovic et al. First Report of Diaporthe eres Species Complex Causing Seed Decay of Soybean in Serbia, Plant Disease (2015). DOI: 10.1094/PDIS-01-15-0056-PDN
Scientists in Brazilian universities and research institutions observed a star demoted to white dwarf status because of its companion. Credit: Agencia FAPESP
A group of Brazilian astronomers observed a pair of celestial objects rarely seen in the Milky Way: a very low-mass white dwarf and a brown dwarf.
A white dwarf is the endpoint of the evolution of an intermediate- or low-mass star, with a mass between 0.5 and 8 times that of our sun. A brown dwarf is a substellar object with mass intermediate between those of a star and a planet.
On analyzing the binary system more closely, they discovered something even more unusual: The brown dwarf prematurely depleted the white dwarf by stripping away its matter.
The observations, performed between 2005 and 2013 at the Pico dos Dias Observatory in Brazopolis, Minas Gerais, and in the public database of the William Herschel telescope in the Canary Island, are described in an article published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
"This type of low-mass binary is relatively rare. Only a few dozen have been observed to date," said Leonardo Andrade de Almeida, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Sao Paulo's Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics & Atmospheric Sciences (IAG-USP) and first author of the study.
The binary is located in the constellation Perseus, Almeida told Agencia FAPESP. It is very low in mass the least massive in this class ever identified. Almeida conducted the study in collaboration with colleagues at the National Space Research Institute (INPE) and the University of Feira de Santana (UEFS) in Bahia. He has a scholarship from FAPESP for a study supervised by Professor Augusto Damineli.
The white dwarf's mass is between two and three tenths of the sun's mass. Its surface temperature is 28,500 Kelvin (K). The brown dwarf's mass is roughly 3446 times that of Jupiter, the largest planet in the Solar System.
The white dwarf was once a normal star. Being more massive than its companion, it evolved faster, creating a helium core as it burned hydrogen. Given the rapid rate at which it burned hydrogen in the layer that encircled the helium core, it was on its way to becoming a red giant, the usual destiny of sun-like stars, and its radius may have exceeded 150 million km, the distance from Earth to the sun.
With this huge amount of energy, it began interacting gravitationally and transferring mass to its companion. "This transfer of mass from the more massive star, the primary object, to its companion, which is the secondary object, was extremely violent and unstable, and it lasted a short time," Almeida explained.
The secondary object was attracted and engulfed by the primary object's atmosphere, called its envelope, where the secondary object began orbiting. During this process of attraction, the secondary object lost orbital angular momentum (rapid translation of its center of mass) owing to collision and friction with the primary object's envelope, converted into kinetic energy for the envelope.
When the energy transferred by the secondary object reached a point at which it exceeded the gravitational force that kept the envelope anchored to the primary object's core, a huge ejection of matter from the system occurred, stripping the primary object down to its exposed helium core.
Because the ejected matter corresponded to a large proportion of the primary object's mass, it was pronounced to have died prematurely. It was unable to burn more core helium and generate its own light. As a result, it became a white dwarf, Almeida explained.
"The secondary object, which is now a brown dwarf, must also have acquired some matter when it shared its envelope with the primary object, but not enough to become a new star," he said.
Origin of the objects
According to Almeida, the discovery of this binary system, comprising an object with an exposed core orbiting a cold object with a short orbital period of approximately three hours, may contribute to a better understanding of the creation of hot, compact objects like low-mass white dwarfs, which were discovered relatively recently.
This class of dead objects can be formed only in binary systems, considering the age of the Universe. "Binary systems offer a direct way of measuring the main parameter of a star, which is its mass," Almeida said.
About 50 percent of the low-mass stars in the Milky Way are binary systems. Among high-mass stars, the proportion is almost 100 percent, and 75 percent will interact in some way, such as matter exchange, accelerating rotation of components, and mergers. "That's why binary systems are crucial to our understanding of the life cycle of stars," Almeida said.
More information: HS2231+2441: an HW Vir system composed by a low-mass white dwarf and a brown dwarf. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2017). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stx2150 , arxiv.org/abs/1708.04623 Journal information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Provided by FAPESP
A chapter in Amazon.com's long tax saga closed this spring when the online retailer began collecting sales tax on purchases in all 45 states that have one, long a goal of the online retailer's brick-and-mortar rivals.
But another chapter has opened, because while Amazon handles sales taxes on purchases from its own inventory, it's up to third-party merchants selling on its marketplace to tally and send in their own sales-tax payments. Many aren't doing it.
Now state lawmakers and tax regulators are going after the sellers in this last tax-free corner of Amazon.com, and lawsuits and legislation are entangling the company itself.
Amazon Marketplace, which rents space on Amazon's website to independent merchants, is an increasingly important part of Amazon's retail empire, accounting for half the company's sales. The program has more than 2 million sellers and, Amazon says, has thousands of small-business success stories.
But as consultants and tax-policy experts see it, the program has also generated unpaid tax bills that likely total billions of dollars a year.
A group of state tax authorities, the Multistate Tax Commission, is trying to nudge Amazon's sellers to start paying. They've set up an amnesty program for sellers on Amazon and other online marketplaces that would wipe out their back taxes if they start to tax future sales.
Only about 700 of the 45,000 Amazon sellers that the tax commission estimates have significant tax liability signed up by the last Wednesday's deadline, the group said.
Some sellers say the cost of registering with tax authorities and the paperwork required to remit taxes in dozens of states would wipe out their modest profits. They're willing to take the risk of state tax audits to keep the status quo.
Others blame at Amazon, contending that the company is the de facto seller and should be responsible for sales-tax bills.
Amazon, which declined to comment on the record for this article, has for years voiced support for national legislation that sets a uniform sales-tax regime on internet sales. The company likens its marketplace to a mall or farmers market, where individual stall operators are responsible for collecting and paying their own sales and income tax, and says its marketplace sellers' agreement makes that clear.
Regardless of who is responsible for tax payments, consultants who advise Amazon sellers warn of a crackdown by authorities seeking to tax a bigger share of online sales.
That, they say, could push some sellers out of business, threatening the marketplace that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos calls a pillar of the company's business.
Consultant James Thomson, a former Amazon employee who worked on the company's marketplace, said tax bills mean some sellers "are going to cease to exist as sellers on Amazon. That's when it gets ugly."
Taxes, and the competitive advantage of not paying them, have factored into Amazon's thinking since the company was founded.
A 1992 Supreme Court decision related to mail-order catalog sellers determined that states could compel retailers to collect sales tax on purchases only if those sellers had a significant physical presence - or "nexus" - in the state.
The ruling was applied to internet sales, and it is part of the reason that Bezos moved to little Washington state to start what became Amazon.com. The company would have to pay sales tax only on sales within its home state, and Washington, with just 2 percent of U.S. residents, seemed ideal.
Amazon for years tried to preserve the online discount it had over sales-tax-bound brick-and-mortar booksellers, arguing that subsidiaries and distribution centers in the U.S. didn't create a sales-tax nexus in those states.
As states sought more tax revenue after the financial crisis that began in 2007, and growing e-commerce sales became an appealing target, tax authorities fought back. The company eventually gave in, state by state, until this year, when Amazon began collecting sales tax nationwide on items purchased from its inventory.
Amazon does not automatically collect taxes on items sold from the third-party marketplace, however. In documentation online for sellers, Amazon offers to calculate and collect sales taxes on behalf of the merchants, but the service is not required. Few sellers use it to collect taxes on sales outside their home states, consultants say, and when they do, registration and payment of the taxes is still their responsibility.
Amazon benefits when its sellers do well. On top of fees to join the marketplace and use Amazon's warehousing and delivery program, third-party sellers pay Amazon an 8 to 15 percent cut of their sales on most items.
If third-party sellers list their products tax-free, it gives them - and by extension, Amazon - a competitive edge over taxpaying brick-and-mortar retailers.
The tax-free edge can be significant. For instance, a 64GB Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone from Amazon's inventory was on offer last week to ship to Seattle for $690.30, including $63.32 in state and local sales tax. The same model, listed on Amazon.com by an independent seller called ShopMonk, can be had tax-free for $626.98.
For small-time sellers with operations in a single state, complying with state sales-tax law seems to be simple.
A seller of used DVDs operating from his garage in Tennessee would need to collect sales tax on shipments to Amazon buyers within the state, but faces no such obligations on sales in, say, Colorado, because his business has no physical footprint there.
That's not how many states look at it, though.
Richard Cram, who works for the Multistate Tax Commission, traveled to a conference for Amazon sellers in Las Vegas in March. He was there to deliver some bad news: The sellers in the audience probably owed a lot of sales tax.
The reason? Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA). Under the program, sellers can pay Amazon to store and ship their products, offering the benefits of a logistics network that spans dozens of warehouses in 27 states.
Items included in Amazon's inventory through FBA are eligible for free two-day shipping and other guarantees, perks that Amazon says boost sales. Outside analysts estimate that most Amazon Marketplace sellers participate in FBA.
But because the program stores sellers' inventory in Amazon's far-flung warehouses, it creates an in-state nexus for the seller. (Users of Amazon rival eBay don't encounter this issue, as they hold their own inventory).
A few DVDs sitting in Amazon's Aurora, Colo., depot, in other words, trigger sales taxes on purchases by the Tennessee DVD seller's customers in Colorado.
After Cram laid out that case in Las Vegas, he was approached by several sellers who told him they wanted to get on the right side of the law, but were worried that back taxes and penalties would put them out of business.
Cram's organization, a group of state tax officials who coordinate policy across state lines, devised a program to get sellers up-to-date without bankrupting them. The states had a fall deadline in mind, to secure the tax boost associated with peak holiday sales.
The result was the Online Marketplace Seller Voluntary Disclosure Initiative. Under the agreement, 24 participating states and the District of Columbia offered amnesty to taxpayers who faced in-state liability because of Amazon's FBA or a similar setup at Walmart.com.
Cram reached out to Amazon to ask for help advertising the offer, but he never heard back. "They didn't try to kill it," he said. "But they didn't want anything to do with it."
Amazon avoids offering sellers tax advice, part of a hands-off approach that observers say helps avoid the liability associated with steering sellers the wrong way. It also limits the kind of ties that states might use to try to prove that Amazon, rather than its sellers, should be on the hook for back taxes related to its marketplace.
The Multistate Tax Commission initially offered a two-month window to apply for the amnesty, but many sellers balked, saying that wasn't enough time to make such a crucial business decision. The group voted last month to extend the application window by two weeks, to Nov. 1, but still, less than 2 percent of the sellers estimated to have significant tax liabilities signed up for the amnesty offer.
"No one has a clue what to do," Matthew Turner, a Texas-based Amazon seller, said on a conference call with state-tax officials last month. "I have no time to figure out how to deal with this, and no funds to pay a lawyer or accountant to figure it out for me."
Don't like the tax liability? "Then don't list your stuff on Amazon," said Michael Pachter, a former tax attorney and longtime financial analyst who tracks Amazon at Wedbush Securities. "Do it yourself."
Some marketplace sellers look at their relationship with the online giant and contend that taxes on Amazon's platform should be the company's responsibility, pointing to features that put it at the center of the e-commerce transaction. Amazon, for example, processes payments, can destroy seller inventory it believes to be counterfeit or hazardous, and bans third-party sellers from sending marketing materials to previous customers.
The company says its marketplace rules are necessary to protect customers and maintain their trust in the system.
Paul Rafelson, a corporate tax attorney who is helping to organize a campaign to advocate for Amazon sellers, looks at it differently.
"What Amazon has done is structured a supplier relationship to make it look like a retail relationship," he said. He argues that existing tax law likely makes Amazon liable for marketplace sellers' taxes.
Some state legislatures are trying to put Amazon on the hook for that.
A few have passed laws that require online marketplaces like Amazon's to collect or report tax on behalf of sellers. That's a task Amazon is already required to complete for individual marketplace users in the European Union.
Amazon hasn't addressed such laws publicly, but the national tax legislation it lobbies for - on the table but stalled in Congress - could supersede state collection efforts.
Other states are taking Amazon to court in their hunt for marketplace sales tax.
South Carolina sued the company in August, seeking $12 million that the state estimates should have been levied on Amazon Marketplace sellers during the first three months of 2016.Massachusetts, meanwhile, this month ordered Amazon to turn over a list of the third-party sellers who held inventory in warehouses in the commonwealth during the last six years, a move viewed as a prelude to a wider crackdown on back taxes owed by independent sellers.
Amazon declined to comment on the cases.
On Amazon's Marketplace, "nobody out there is collecting tax," said Cram, of the Multistate Tax Commission. "They all think it's somebody else's responsibility."
2017 The Seattle Times
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The US Supreme Court on Monday upheld a $120 million patent award Samsung was ordered to pay Apple in the latest ruling in a series of legal skirmishes between the top two smartphone makers.
The US justices let stand without comment a 2016 appeals court verdict reinstating the award for Apple, which sued Samsung over patents for "slide to unlock" and other features used on smartphones.
The case is separate from a bigger patent court battle in which Samsung was initially ordered to pay $1 billion to the iPhone maker. That case is set for a new trial over some elements of the damages awarded.
Monday's ruling involved some smartphone features Apple alleged were copied by the South Korean electronics giant. Samsung had claimed these features were "obvious" and thus not able to be patented.
Apple had sought some $2.2 billion at trial, only to have a jury award the California-based company $119.6 million. An appeals panel overturned that verdict, but the full appellate panel reinstated the award in October 2016 by a vote of 8-3.
Samsung said in a statement its argument was supported "by many who believed that the court should hear the case to reinstate fair standards that promote innovation and prevent abuse of the patent system."
The company noted that one of Apple's patents at issue in this case has been invalidated by courts "and yet today's decision allows Apple to unjustly profit from this patent, stunts innovation and places competition in the courtroom rather than the marketplace."
Apple did not immediate respond to an AFP query on the decision.
Samsung and Apple agreed in 2014 to drop all patent disputes outside the United States, marking a partial ceasefire in a seemingly relentless legal war between the world's two tech giants.
The companies have battled in close to a dozen countries, with each accusing the other of infringing on various patents related to their flagship smartphone and tablet products.
2017 AFP
Schematic depiction of quark-level exothermic fusion reactions QQ QQN, where Q,Q {b, c}. Credit: (c) Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature24289
(Phys.org)A pair of researchers with Tel Aviv University and the University of Chicago has found evidence suggesting that fusing quarks can release much more energy than anyone thought. In their paper published in the journal Nature, Marek Karliner and Jonathan Rosner describe their theories surrounding the amount of energy involved when various types of quarks are fused together.
To learn more about subatomic particles, researchers at the Large Hadron Collider cause atoms to move at high speeds and then smash them into one another. Doing so forces the component parts of the atoms to be disassociated from one another allowing each to be studied. Those components, scientists have found, are called quarks. Prior research has also shown that when atoms in the collider smash into each other, sometimes the pieces that come apart collide with other parts, fusing them into particles called baryons.
Prior work has suggested that energy is involved when quarks fuse together. In studying the properties of one such fusing, a doubly-charmed baryon, the researchers found that it took 130 MeV to force the quarks into such a particular configuration, but they also found that fusing the quarks together wound up releasing 12 MeV more than that. Intrigued by their finding, they quickly focused on bottom quarks, which are much heaviercalculations showed it took 230 MeV to fuse such quarks, but doing so resulted in a net release of approximately 138 MeV, which the team calculated was approximately eight times more than the amount released during hydrogen fusion.
Since hydrogen fusion lies at the heart of hydrogen bombs, the researchers were quite naturally alarmed at their findings. So much so that they considered not publishing their results. But subsequent calculations showed that it would be impossible to cause a chain reaction with quarks because they exist for too short a period of timeapproximately one picosecondnot long enough to set off another baryon. They decay into much smaller, less dangerous lighter quarks.
The researchers point out that their work is still purely theoretical. They have not tried to fuse bottom quarks, though they note it should be technically feasible at the LHC should others find doing so a worthwhile experiment.
More information: Marek Karliner et al. Quark-level analogue of nuclear fusion with doubly heavy baryons, Nature (2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature24289 Abstract
The essence of nuclear fusion is that energy can be released by the rearrangement of nucleons between the initial- and final-state nuclei. The recent discovery of the first doubly charmed baryon ++cc , which contains two charm quarks (c) and one up quark (u) and has a mass of about 3,621 megaelectronvolts (MeV) (the mass of the proton is 938 MeV) also revealed a large binding energy of about 130 MeV between the two charm quarks. Here we report that this strong binding enables a quark-rearrangement, exothermic reaction in which two heavy baryons (c) undergo fusion to produce the doubly charmed baryon ++ cc and a neutron n (cc ++cc n ), resulting in an energy release of 12 MeV. This reaction is a quarklevel analogue of the deuteriumtritium nuclear fusion reaction (DT 4 He n). The much larger binding energy (approximately 280 MeV) between two bottom quarks (b) causes the analogous reaction with bottom quarks ( b bbbn 0 ) to have a much larger energy release of about 138 MeV. We suggest some experimental setups in which the highly exothermic nature of the fusion of two heavy-quark baryons might manifest itself. At present, however, the very short lifetimes of the heavy bottom and charm quarks preclude any practical applications of such reactions. Journal information: Nature
2017 Phys.org
In this schematic of a magnetic memory array, an ultrafast electrical pulse switches a magnetic memory bit. Credit: Jon Gorchon
Researchers at UC Berkeley and UC Riverside have developed a new, ultrafast method for electrically controlling magnetism in certain metals, a breakthrough that could lead to greatly increased performance and more energy-efficient computer memory and processing technologies.
The findings of the group, led by Berkeley electrical engineering and computer sciences (EECS) professor Jeffrey Bokor, are published in a pair of articles in the journals Science Advances (Vol. 3, No. 49, Nov. 3, 2017) and Applied Physics Letters (Vol. III, No. 4, July 24, 2017).
Computers use different kinds of memory technologies to store data. Long-term memory, typically a hard disk or flash drive, needs to be dense in order to store as much data as possible. But the central processing unit (CPU)the hardware that enables computers to computerequires its own memory for short-term storage of information while operations are executed. Random Access Memory (RAM) is one example of such short-term memory.
Reading and writing data to RAM needs to be extremely fast in order to keep up with the CPU's calculations. Most current RAM technologies are based on charge (electron) retention, and can be written at rates of billions of bits per second (or bits/nanosecond). The downside of these charge-based technologies is that they are volatile, requiring constant power or else they will lose the data.
In recent years, magnetic alternatives to RAM, known as Magnetic Random Access Memory (MRAM), have reached the market. The advantage of magnets is that they retain information even when memory and CPU are powered off, allowing for energy savings. But that efficiency comes at the expense of speed. A major challenge for MRAM has been to speed up the writing of a single bit of information to less than 10 nanoseconds.
"The development of a non-volatile memory that is as fast as charge-based random-access memories could dramatically improve performance and energy efficiency of computing devices," says Bokor, who is also a senior scientist in the Materials Sciences Division at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). "That motivated us to look for new ways to control magnetism in materials at much higher speeds than in today's MRAM."
"Inspired by recent experiments in the Netherlands on ultrafast magnetic switching using short laser pulses, we built special circuits to study how magnetic metals respond to electrical pulses as short as a few trillionths of a second," or picoseconds, says coauthor Yang Yang (M.S.'13 Ph.D.'17 MSE). "We found that in a magnetic alloy made up of gadolinium and iron, these fast electrical pulses can switch the direction of the magnetism in less than 10 picoseconds. That is orders of magnitude faster than any other MRAM technology."
"The electrical pulse temporarily increases the energy of the iron atom's electrons," says Richard Wilson, currently an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UC Riverside who began his work on this project as a postdoctoral researcher in EECS at Berkeley. "This increase in energy causes the magnetism in the iron and gadolinium atoms to exert torque on one another, and eventually leads to a reorientation of the metal's magnetic poles. It's a completely new way of using electrical currents to control magnets."
After their initial demonstration of electrical writing in the special gadolinium-iron alloy, the research team sought ways to expand their method to a broader class of magnetic materials. "The special magnetic properties of the gadolinium-iron alloy are what makes this work," says Charles-Henri Lambert, a Berkeley EECS postdoc. "Therefore, finding a way to expand our approach for fast electrical writing to a broader class of magnetic materials was an exciting challenge."
Addressing that latter challenge was the subject of a second study, published in Applied Physics Letters in July. "We found that when we stack a single-element magnetic metal such as cobalt on top of the gadolinium-iron alloy, the interaction between the two layers allows us to manipulate the magnetism of the cobalt on unprecedented time-scales as well," says Jon Gorchon, a postdoctoral research in the Materials Sciences Division at Lawrence Berkeley Lab and in EECS at UC Berkeley.
"Together, these two discoveries provide a route toward ultrafast magnetic memories that enable a new generation of high-performance, low power computing processors with high-speed, non-volatile memories right on chip, " Bokor says.
A soldier was martyred in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in an encounter with terrorists.
By India Today Web Desk: One army solider was killed and a civilian was injured in ongoing encounter in Aglar Kandi village of Pulwama district in South Kashmir.
Three terrorists were killed by the security forces in the encounter.
The forces had cordoned off the location in Aglar area of Pulwama for a combing operation after they got a tip off regarding the presence of three Jaish militants in the village.
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Sources said that during the search operations, terrorists opened fire at the forces.
Earlier, a youth was reported to be injured in the clashes. The injured has been rushed to the nearest hospital.
More details awaited
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This Diwali, Boost Retail Sales with Digital and Artificial Intelligence
By Anil Kaul, Co-Founder and CEO, Absolutdata
Diwali is the festival that celebrates the return of good times after the triumph of good over evil. For companies in India, Diwali is the go to profit festival. Its called the Big Indian Festive Season with eye-popping discounts on everything from apparels, accessories, footwear, consumer electronics, household appliances, furniture and even travel.
The reason behind this sudden push in the marketplace is very simple consumers buy more during the festive period. And when increase in sales is certain then putting the best foot forward is only natural.
Learning from our experience, we have compiled a list of some Must Dos that will not just boost your sales but also help you win happy customers. And happy customers means repeat business:
Leverage Social Listening: Social listening is the process of monitoring social media channels for mentions of your brand, competitors, product, and any other ideas or themes that are relevant to your business. The next step is analyzing that information for actionable insights. Those actions can range from engaging a happy customer to shifting your overall brand positioning strategy. It helps companies in:
Customer engagement and research: Social listening can give you important insight into what your customers expect from you, and how well youre delivering on those expectations
Social listening can give you important insight into what your customers expect from you, and how well youre delivering on those expectations Identify strategic wins or missteps in real time: Which of your posts are getting the highest engagement combined with the best social sentiment? If social sentiment about your brand abruptly changes one way or the other, you can dig into individual posts to get a sense of what youve done so very rightor wrong.
Which of your posts are getting the highest engagement combined with the best social sentiment? If social sentiment about your brand abruptly changes one way or the other, you can dig into individual posts to get a sense of what youve done so very rightor wrong. Discover how people perceive you in comparison to your competitors : Since youll be listening not only to what people are saying about you on social media, but also what theyre saying about your competitors, youll get important insights about where you fit in the customer perceptions of your industry. Youll also get important real-time intelligence about what your competitors are up to, so you can determine how to respond to new threats and opportunities
Since youll be listening not only to what people are saying about you on social media, but also what theyre saying about your competitors, youll get important insights about where you fit in the customer perceptions of your industry. Youll also get important real-time intelligence about what your competitors are up to, so you can determine how to respond to new threats and opportunities Uncover pain points in your industry that you can be the first to address: By monitoring important keywords related to your industry, you can start to uncover conversations people are having about products, services, and features that arent working for them.
By monitoring important keywords related to your industry, you can start to uncover conversations people are having about products, services, and features that arent working for them. Find leads that you can develop into relationships for social selling: Those same people might also be leads that you can nurture into relationships for social selling.
Those same people might also be leads that you can nurture into relationships for social selling. Identify influencers and advocates: Having a general picture of the social sphere for your industry will give you a sense of who the important influencers are in the industry. These are important people to connect with, as they can have, not surprisingly, a significant amount of influence over how their followers and fans feel about youor your competitors.
Creative Campaigns: Brands often use this season to promote their sales by coming up with the most creative and innovative ad campaigns. With the fierce competition, it is only natural for them to strive hard to gather the attention of their customers.
Offers with a Twist: While everyone else, including the big players, will be doing a special festive sale, you do the same. But, with a twist. Yes Think Different. Offer your usual discounts and some special ones for the chosen few. For e.g.: This Diwali, we announce a special discount for all shoppers who have their birthdays on the same date OR Additional 20% off for shoppers who have all the letters of our brand name in their name (like MYNTRA offers the discount to RhYdhiMA TaNdon). This type of innovation combined with the festive offers will not only help you carve a niche for your brand but also increase the brand recall for the plain quirkiness.
While everyone else, including the big players, will be doing a special festive sale, you do the same. But, with a twist. Yes Think Different. Offer your usual discounts and some special ones for the chosen few. For e.g.: This Diwali, we announce a special discount for all shoppers who have their birthdays on the same date OR Additional 20% off for shoppers who have all the letters of our brand name in their name (like MYNTRA offers the discount to RhYdhiMA TaNdon). This type of innovation combined with the festive offers will not only help you carve a niche for your brand but also increase the brand recall for the plain quirkiness. Social Media Contests: Planning a grand social media contest is an absolute must. Brainstorm well on the contest ideas. The more creative the contest, the more promise it holds for your brand recall and image. For e.g. you can define a person male, early thirties, married, has a kid, is fond of gadgets and sports. Budget Rs. 2000 to Rs. 3500. The participants have to sift through your online store to find a perfect gift for him. The answer that wins maximum votes (Likes, RTs) becomes the winner.
Surprise gift with each purchase: Pack-in a special surprise in each delivery you make this festive season. This could be an additional/ exclusive discount voucher for the next purchase or even a small Thank You gift like a funky keychain.
Leverage Predictive Analytics or Artificial Intelligence: In some ways Diwali is similar to the Black Friday /Cyber Monday discounts in North America after the Thanksgiving weekend. What is not similar between best practices in predictive analytics adopted by global companies and the marketing practices adopted by players in India.
Predictive Analytics for predictive discounting based on consumer clickstream behavior, historical behavior, social media data appends, rather than reactive behavior of following competitors. Here analytics can help in creating a proactive approach for recommendations based on statistical association analysis, time spent on website , cookie behavior , mode of accessing website, than just give a flat discount. Imagine this. If Ratan Tata wanted to go to FlipKart and get a mobile phone he would get the same search interface and the same discount as a college student from Mumbai. Can we use analytics for better personalization?
Artificial Intelligence for better catalog management than create a clutter of products for overwhelming users with a very shoddy user experience. This should ideally be done on an ongoing basis, but on Diwali we Indians clean our houses to look good, why cant we clean our websites to look clean. After all as per Mythology, goddess Laxmi chooses to enter places which are shining with cleanliness and zero junk. Which ecommerce company will have the best interface , with least junk results in search that is the company for Laxmi to favor
Better campaign analytics for emails, phones and other channels for outreach marketing. The campaign analytics should help with early warning signs as well as create triggers for spotting interesting clusters of customer behaviour to click, convert and pay. Which channel should the customer be incentivized in what way? If the commerce data science team has been integrated in both letter and spirit of the company operations, the customers should see a UniChannel regardless of where they are coming from in terms of interface
Having a happy Diwali is a serious business that needs deep data analysis and if companies in India adopt global data science practices it can only lead to win-win scenarios for customers and corporations as well as the stakeholders in the logistics and delivery supply chain.
About Anil Kaul, Co-Founder and CEO of AbsolutData
Anil has over 22 years of experience in advanced analytics, market research, and management consulting. He is very passionate about analytics and leveraging technology to improve business decision-making. Prior to founding Absolutdata, Anil worked at McKinsey & Co. and Personify. He is also on the board of Edutopia, an innovative start-up in the language learning space.
An in-demand writer and speaker, Anil has published articles in McKinsey Quarterly, Marketing Science, Journal of Marketing Research and International Journal of Research. He was recently listed among the 10 Most Influential Analytics Leaders in India by Analytics Magazine India and has been quoted as a Game Changer in Research World. Anil has spoken at many industry conferences and top business schools, including Dartmouth, Berkeley, Cornell, Yale, Columbia and New York University. Anil holds a Ph.D. and a Master of Marketing degree, both from Cornell University.
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Aevi Appoints Mike Camerling As Managing Director To Head Companys Growth
PADERBORN, Germany, November 6, 2017 Mike Camerling, AEVIs former Director Marketplace, has been appointed President and Managing Director AEVI taking leadership of AEVI with immediate effect.
Nelson Holzner has decided to leave the company to pursue an external opportunity and we wish him well with his new venture, explains Reinhard Rabenstein, Chief Technology Officer Solutions, Diebold Nixdorf and Chairman of the AEVI Advisory Board. We thank Nelson for his contributions and look forward to Mike leading our next exciting growth phase.
Combining a wealth of experience in both retail and payments, Mike is keen to get going in his new role. AEVI has developed fantastic propositions for acquirers globally. We now have to focus on helping customers to determine and implement their new strategy, using value-added apps and services and upgrading their payments infrastructure. It is an exciting new world and I could not wish for a better team to support this says Mike Camerling, President and Managing Director at AEVI.
AEVIs vision is a truly open ecosystem where banks and acquirers can choose any combination of value added apps, services and payment solutions suitable for their customers without being locked into a single vendor or device. Allowing for a new, more granular, approach to the merchant base through tailored services, will drive innovation and improve the loyalty and stickiness between the bank and their merchants.
During recent months AEVI has announced key global partnerships and established a strong presence in the Americas.
Other Point of Sale News:
Government's special representative to J&K, Dineshwar Sharma is going to start his five-day tour to the state. The Opposition is unsure about the interlocutor's visit and has asked the government to explain the motive behind the visit.
By Supriya Bhardwaj: As Central government's special representative for Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma starts his five-day visit to the state, Congress has raised certain questions on the interlocutor's visit.
Congress Communication department head Randeep Surjewala while talking to India Today said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government has no policy for Kashmir.They also have to tell what is the domain and jurisdiction of Mr Sharma who has gone there as interlocutor. We are not against talks but who are the stakeholders? Which stakeholders has been authorised by PM?"
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Interlocutor's visit mere Photo Op?
Questioning Modi government's intentions, Congress' chief spokesperson, Surjewala said, "This Government has neither defined the role and jurisdiction of interlocutor Mr Sharma nor defined the stakeholders. In absence of that what conversation will take place except that of photo op, since mostly that is the purpose of this government."
During his visit Dineshwar Sharma as Centre's special representative for Jammu and Kashmir will reach out to all stakeholders and try to initiate a dialogue process in the Valley. So far separatists have already given a cold shoulder to the interlocutors visit to the valley.
Surjewala added, "We are not against talks, we want normalcy to prevail there and having a conversation with everyone affected within the constitution of our country. There can be no conversation with any group or individual outside the constitution of India. Not an inch can be seeded. The government has neither defined the role of interlocutor nor defined the stakeholders. Why that is not being disclosed why that is a top secret thing?"
The Opposition led by Congress has being maintaining that Central government has no defined policy to deal with Kashmir issue.
Surjewala sums up, "Tragedy is, Modi government has no policy, no direction and no vision to move forward to restore normalcy in state of Jammu and Kashmir. Truth is that under Modi government it is our jawans, our soldiers who are sacrificing their lives to defend our country. So the basic question is what is the policy and way forward?"
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" " A groundbreaking study examines the genetic underpinnings of human skin color, finding that gene variations behind light skin in Europeans originate in Africa. DeAgostini/Phillip Lee Harvey/Nigel Pavitt/Rod Waddington/Toby Adamson/Getty Images
For ages, humans have divided our species into groups based upon skin color. The shade of one's complexion has been a powerful influence upon human culture, affecting everything from where we live and how much money we make to how much political power we have. And throughout history, racial divisions based upon skin color have led to violence and war.
That's all persisted because people cling to the belief that people of different skin colors are inherently different from one another, even though scientists have been telling us for years that race is a distinction that we invent in our minds, and that there isn't much actual difference in the genetic makeup of humans of various hues.
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Now, an international team of researchers has published a groundbreaking study in the journal Science that may demolish the concept of race as a biological concept once and for all. Finding genetic variations for lighter skin color neither exist solely nor originate in European populations, challenging the idea of using skin color as a racial classification and showing that skin color may only be skin deep.
" " The San people of South Africa have lighter skin than many others on the continent. Michaela Urban/Chicago Tribune/TNS/Getty Images
The scientists examined the genetic origins of skin color in Africans who vary widely in shade from the dark skin of the Dinka people in South Sudan to the light-complexions of the San of South Africa. As an accompanying news story in the journal Science explains, the team used a light meter to measure the degree to which more than 2,000 individuals' skin reflected light. They also gathered blood samples for genetic studies.
The focus upon Africans was significant because most studies of the genetic underpinnings of race have been based upon European subjects a choice that's provided an incomplete and perhaps misleading picture.
"This is part of a general bias that exists in human genetic studies which focus primarily on European populations," corresponding author Sarah Tishkoff, a genetics and biology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, says via email. "This results in a bias in our knowledge about genetic factors influencing both normal variable traits, like skin color, as well as disease risk. Specifically, studies that focused only on Europeans missed many of the genetic variants which we identified as associated with skin color. This is because there is less genetic and phenotypic (i.e. skin color) variation in that population compared to Africans. Also, many of the variants identified in Europeans are of recent origin."
" " Senior research scientist Alessia Ranciaro measures the skin reflectance of a man from a Nilo-Saharan ethnic group, a population whose members tend to have very dark skin pigmentation. Courtesy of Tishkoff Lab
"Prior to our study," says Tishkoff, "it wasn't recognized that variants associated with both light and dark skin are common in Africa and many are very old. Also, our study shows that both light and dark skin has been evolving in humans (prior to our study the emphasis has been on why light skin is adaptive in Europeans). Our study changes our understanding of the evolutionary history of variation in skin color."
The scientists identified eight genetic variations in four regions of the human genome that influenced skin shade. Using genetic information from nearly 1,600 people, they examined more than 4 million single nucleotide polymorphisms places where the familiar DNA code made up of proteins represented by the letters G, A, T and C may differ by one "letter." Those genes turn out to be ones that have spread all over the planet showing that many of the gene variations that cause light skin color in Europeans actually originated in Africa. (To be specific, the regions with the strongest associations were in and around the genes SLC24A5 and MFSD12.)
The ubiquitous nature of the skin-color genes, and their persistence over thousands of years, makes racial divisions seem pretty much meaningless from a biological viewpoint. Tishkoff told the New York Times that the study "dispels a biological concept of race." In her email to HowStuffWorks, she elaborates upon the larger potential impacts.
" " People of the Dinka ethnic group live in and near South Sudan, and tend to have particularly dark skin pigmentation. Figula Photography/Getty Images
"I think that work strengthens what so many geneticists and sociologists already know that race cannot be defined based on genetic criteria," she says. "There have been many abuses committed in the past, and in the present, based on that assumption so hopefully this and other studies will help dispel the notion of genetically defined racial groups."
Due to genetic variants shared among populations around the world, the new data also shines a light on human evolution, supporting the notion of a "proposed early migration event of modern humans out of Africa along the southern coast of Asia and into Australo-Melanesia and a secondary migration event into other regions."
Tishkoff hopes to build upon the study and explore other questions that remain about the genetics of skin color.
"We want to better understand how the biological mechanisms by which these variants are impacting skin pigmentation," she says. "Our study has implications for better understanding skin pigmentation disorders and melanoma risk. We are also looking at the genetic basis of other adaptive traits, as well as genetic and environmental factors influencing disease risk in ethnically diverse African populations."
Now That's Interesting A 2014 study found that during times of economic hardship and scarcity, people tend to perceive differences in skin color more strongly.
Evaluating Campus Security Following California Hostage Situation
The standard campus entry policy at the front desk did not deter him.
An elementary school in California was evacuated last Tuesday after an upset parent barged onto campus and held a first-grade teacher hostage for more than six hours. The standard campus entry policy at the front desk did not deter him, witnesses said, and the situation was brought to a close when a police SWAT team entered the school and shot him.
The parent, Luvelle Kennon, entered the front office at Castle View Elementary School and was probably the most upset parent Ive had, said Stephanie Zolfaghari, the principals secretary. She would not allow Kennon to follow the standard safety policy of signing in and getting an identification badge, but he forced his way in anyway, entering the campus through an unlocked glass door as Zolfaghari called for a lockdown.
District spokesman Justin Grayson said the door was unlocked all day because it is the only point of campus entry, both allowing parents to enter the school and students to enter the office.
In addition, no school district police officers were on campus at the time. According to Riverside Police Department spokesman Ryan Railsback, Riverside United has eight School Resource Officers, each of whom is assigned to one of the districts nine high schools as well as its associated middle schools and feeder elementary schools. Officers travel between their assigned schools as needed but spend most of their time at the high schools.
Though the district declined to comment on security procedures, Riverside United school board vice-president Patricia Lock-Dawson said they will be reviewing the events in the days to come. Grayson said that officials are not prepared yet to discuss any upgrades to campus security.
Saudi Arabia and Iran traded fierce accusations over Yemen on Monday, with Riyadh saying a rebel missile attack "may amount to an act of war" and Tehran accusing its rival of war crimes. Tensions have been rising between Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and predominantly Shiite Iran, who are opposed in disputes and conflicts across the Middle East, from Yemen and Syria to Qatar and Lebanon. On Monday, a Saudi-led military coalition battling Tehran-backed rebels in Yemen said it reserved the "right to respond" to the missile attack on Riyadh at the weekend, calling it a "blatant military aggression by the Iranian regime which may amount to an act of war." Saudi forces on Saturday intercepted and destroyed the ballistic missile near Riyadh's international airport after it was reportedly fired by the Shiite Huthi rebels from Yemen. It was the first attempted missile strike by the rebels to reach Riyadh and threaten air traffic, underscoring the growing threat posed by the conflict on Saudi Arabia's southern border. The coalition on Monday sealed off air, sea and land borders in Yemen, where it has been battling rebels in support of the President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's internationally recognised government since 2015. Iran dismissed the Saudi accusations, saying rebels fired the missile in retaliation for Saudi "war crimes". An Iranian foreign ministry statement quoted spokesman Bahram Ghassemi as saying the accusations by the coalition were "unjust, irresponsible, destructive and provocative". Ghassemi said the missile was fired by the Huthis in response "to war crimes and several years of aggression by the Saudis." The missile attack, he said, was "an independent action in response to this aggression," and Iran had nothing to do with it. He also called on Riyadh to halt attacks on "defenceless and innocent people as soon as possible and to pave the way for inter-Yemeni dialogue to bring peace to the country." - Rewards for rebel leaders - Critics have accused the coalition of not doing enough to prevent civilian deaths in its air war in Yemen, where more than 8,650 people have been killed since the start of the intervention. Repeated attempts to bring about a negotiated settlement to the conflict have failed, including a series of UN-backed peace talks, and positions appear to have hardened in recent months. Saudi Arabia has blamed the Huthis for the failed efforts, and on Monday offered rewards totalling $440 million for information on 40 senior officials among the rebels. Topping the list, with a $30 million reward for tips leading to his capture, was the group's leader Abdulmalik al-Huthi. The Huthis have allied with Yemen's ex-president Ali Abdullah Saleh in the conflict, forcing Hadi's government to operate from the southern city of Aden. Analysts said it was unclear how far Saudi Arabia would be willing to go in the escalating confrontation The kingdom is in the midst of an unprecedented purge of its upper ranks, with dozens of senior figures arrested at the weekend, as 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman consolidates his hold on power. Prince Mohammed, who is also defence minister, is seen as a key supporter of the intervention in Yemen. Analyst Randa Slim of the Middle East Institute said it was unclear whether the Saudi leadership had "thought through an escalation of the scale they're hinting at." Compounding concerns of an escalation, she said, is that US President Donald Trump's administration has also taken a hard line against Iran "and may not send a deterrent message to Saudi." The Saudi-Iran rivalry also played out this weekend in the resignation of Lebanon's prime minister Saad Hariri, a protege of Riyadh who said he was stepping down due to the "grip" of Iran and its ally Hezbollah on the country. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah hit back in a somber speech on Sunday, saying Hariri's resignation had been "imposed" by Saudi Arabia. Iran rejected Hariri's words as "baseless" and said his resignation was "designed to create tensions in Lebanon and in the region". Hariri, who announced his resignation in Riyadh, met on Monday with Saudi King Salman, where they "reviewed the situation in Lebanon," according to the state-run Saudi Press Agency.
French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo said Monday it was pressing charges after receiving fresh death threats against staffers over a cartoon of the Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan who faces rape allegations. The provocative magazine, which suffered a deadly jihadist attack in 2015 after publishing cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, depicted Ramadan with a huge erection in its edition last Wednesday, saying: "I am the sixth pillar of Islam." The Swiss academic, an Oxford professor and conservative Islamic intellectual in France, has been accused of rape by two women after the Harvey Weinstein scandal unleashed a wave of sexual abuse accusations worldwide. Ramadan, 55, has furiously denied the accusations as a "campaign of lies launched by my adversaries". "Rape," reads the caption on Charlie Hebdo's cover. "The defence of Tariq Ramadan." Later Monday the Paris prosecutor's office opened a police enquiry into the death threat claim, a judicial source said. That enquiry will look into "written death threats" and "public glorification of an act of terrorism," the source said. Laurent "Riss" Sourisseau, the magazine's editor, said the threats and hate mail had "never really stopped" after the January 2015 jihadist attack in which 12 people were gunned down at its offices. "Sometimes there are peaks when we receive explicit death threats on social media -- this has been the case once again," he told Europe 1 radio. "It's always difficult to know if these are serious threats or not, but as a principle, we take them seriously and press charges." The shooting at Charlie Hebdo was claimed by Al-Qaeda, with the jihadists notably seeking to punish the staunchly atheist magazine for printing cartoons of the prophet Mohammed, forbidden in Islam. The attack was the first in a wave of jihadist attacks in France over the past two years that have left more than 240 people dead. Charlie Hebdo has continued to court controversy since the attack, notably with cartoons after the Barcelona attack and others that made light of an Italian earthquake that killed nearly 300 people. The five pillars of Islam are the five basic practices obligatory for believers: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. A minority of Sunni scholars considers jihad -- or holy struggle, which can have different meanings -- to be the sixth pillar of Islam.
Workers Party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang (right) and other WP leaders on stage at a commemorative dinner for the partys 60th anniversary on Friday, 3 November, 2017. PHOTO: Nicholas Yong/Yahoo News Singapore
Opposition leader Low Thia Khiangs decision to step down as Workers Party secretary-general next year draws the curtain on a man whose impeccable reading of the political tea leaves has made him a rare folk hero in a political system that is more science than art.
Low is a master of the moment, knowing when to push the button forcefully and when to maintain a stoic silence. He is a shrewd gambler, knowing when to strike and when to pull back. The opposition veterans ability to switch from a grassroots setting to a national platform in Parliament is legendary. Not to mention that he and fellow opposition veteran Chiam See Tong forged an effective middle path in Opposition politics, moving away from the hammer-and-tongs approach of the late J B Jeyaretnam and Singapore Democratic Party chief Chee Soon Juan.
The master gamblers decision in 2011 to leave his safe seat of Hougang, move to Aljunied GRC and eventually win it against Peoples Action Party (PAP) heavyweights like George Yeo will be remembered as a gravity-defying electoral feat. WP chairman Sylvia Lim, who followed Low to contest Aljunied, gave a good insight into the partys calculations in Walking with Singapore, the commemorative book that marked the partys 60th anniversary. The overcrowding, the high presence of foreigners in Singapore and also the ministerial salaries were making people angry. It was also linked to the Mas Selamat issue because he had escaped and people were thinking if the ministers are so talented and need such high pay, then shouldnt somebody take the rap for this ridiculous mistake.
Lows announcement on Friday (3 November), though a surprise, should have been expected. He has often talked about leadership renewal and has followed up by enticing young and highly-educated candidates like Chen Show Mao, Daniel Goh and Leon Perera to stand in the 2011 and 2015 elections. He knew some older party members were upset but he pressed on. He said in 2011: We have done very well, in terms of renewal. You can see that the Old Guards have all retired. You look at our central executive committee much younger people.
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Workers Party secretary-general Low Thia Khiang signs a copy of a commemorative book on the WP, on Friday, 3 November, 2017. PHOTO: Nicholas Yong/Yahoo News Singapore
Outside the realm of leadership succession, there is the longstanding issue of the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council (AHTC). Lows sharp sense of timing must have told him that with the $33 million legal suit hanging over the partys head, there cant be a better time to step aside. He can maintain his reputation and simultaneously allow the party to look for a fresh face to take the party into the next election.
After Aljunied was won, the master tactician seemed to have forgotten how officialdom works in Singapore. WPs hopes for a smooth handover of town council affairs via the computer system and a continuation of the existing agreement with former managing agent CPG did not materialise. In a hurry to get the town council up and running, Low and WP took certain steps for which they are now paying a heavy price.
A lot rests on Aljunied for both Low and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The GRC was lost under Lees watch, the first ever that his party has lost. With the PM saying he wants to step down after the next election, winning Aljunied must be a matter of pride for him. For Low, losing Aljunied will not be just a loss of face but a horrible way to end his political career.
Then there is the question of what the WP will be like without Low, who is still a youthful 61, as the leader. If the challenge for party leadership by Chen Show Mao last year is any indication, then the transition might not be a smooth one. And that is not something the largest opposition party in Singapore can afford as the PAP throws everything into the ring to retake Aljunied.
The partys future doesnt look bright, at least in the short term, unless the master of the moment can conjure up something unimaginable, something impossible.
P N Balji is a veteran Singaporean journalist who was formerly chief editor of Today, as well as an editor at The New Paper. He is currently a media consultant. The views expressed are his own.
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Members of the Wilson County Sheriff's office stand just inside taped off area near the First Baptist Church where a shooting left many dead and injured in Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S., November 5, 2017. REUTERS/Sergio Flores (Reuters)
(Reuters) - A man who was thrown out of the U.S. Air Force for beating his wife and child fatally shot 26 people on Sunday at a rural Texas church where his in-laws worshipped before killing himself, police said, in the latest in a string of U.S. mass shootings.
The First Baptist Church massacre was the deadliest in the modern history of Texas. Below are some of the bloodiest U.S. mass shootings in recent years, ranked by death toll:
LAS VEGAS, Oct. 1, 2017 - A gunman opens fire on a country music festival from a 32nd floor hotel suite, killing 58 people and wounding another 564 others before taking his own life.
ORLANDO, June 12, 2016 - A gunman fatally shoots 49 people at gay nightclub Pulse before he is shot dead by police.
VIRGINIA TECH, April 16, 2007 - A gunman slaughters 32 people and kills himself at Virginia Tech, a university in Blacksburg, Virginia.
SANDY HOOK, Dec. 14, 2012 - A man fatally shoots his mother, then kills 20 children, six adults before killing himself at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
SAN BERNARDINO, Dec. 2, 2015 - A husband and wife kill 14 people at a workplace holiday party in San Bernardino in Southern California before dying in a shootout with police.
COLUMBINE, April 20, 1999 - Two teenagers rampage through Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado, fatally shooting 12 students and a teacher and wounding more than 20 others before killing themselves.
BINGHAMTON, April 3, 2009 - A Vietnamese immigrant opens fire at an immigrant services center in Binghamton, New York, killing 13 people and wounding four. He then kills himself.
FORT HOOD, Nov. 5, 2009 - An army major and psychiatrist opens fire at Fort Hood, a U.S. Army base in Texas, killing 13 people. He is sentenced to death.
WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 16, 2013 - A former Navy reservist working as a government contractor kills 12 people at the Washington Navy Yard. He is shot dead by police.
COLORADO, July 20, 2012 - A masked gunman kills 12 people and wounds 70 after he opens fire inside a midnight premiere of Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises" at a multiplex movie theater in Aurora, Denver. He receives multiple life sentences.
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WASHINGTON, D.C., October 2002 - Two men ambush 13 people, killing 10 of them, in sniper-style shootings that terrorize the Washington area for three weeks. One sniper was executed and the other was sentenced to life in prison.
OREGON, Oct. 1, 2015 - A man opens fire on the campus of Umpqua Community College in southwest Oregon, killing nine people before he is shot dead by police.
CHARLESTON, June 17, 2015 - A white supremacist kills nine black churchgoers at a historic, predominantly black church in Charleston, South Carolina.
WACO, May 17, 2015 - Rival motorcycle gangs kill nine at a restaurant in Waco, Texas. More than 170 people are arrested.
WISCONSIN, Aug. 5, 2012 - A white supremacist kills six worshippers in a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. The gunman kills himself.
TUCSON, Jan. 8, 2011 - Then-U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords is the target of an assassination attempt by a gunman in Tucson, Arizona. Six people are killed and 13, including Giffords, are wounded.
ISLA VISTA, May 23, 2014 - A college student kills six people, three in his apartment and others on the streets of this small California town. The mentally ill gunman commits suicide.
AMISH school, Oct. 2, 2006 - A gunman kills five girls in a one-room Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, before killing himself.
DALLAS, July 7, 2016 - A U.S. military veteran kills five police officers and wounds seven more in the deadliest attack on police. The suspect is killed by a police bomb.
(Compiled by Jeffrey Benkoe, Jonathan Oatis and Daniel Wallis)
In January next year, an ensemble of India's finest comedians will be coming to Malaysia to present a spicy masala-laced comedy like you've never seen before!
Comprising of Kanan Gill, Varun Thakur, Sahil Shah, and Anuvab Pal, the Maharajas of Comedy are set to entertain fans at KLCC Plenary Hall on 20 January 2018.
Malaysia's very own comedic doctor, Dr Jason Leong will act as the host for the show, making sure that there are no breaks between the laughter.
"Comedy is best when it's new and fresh. Kanan, Varun, Sahil, and Anuvab, are among the best comics India has to offer, and will be a treat for Malaysian audiences thanks to their unique take on universal issues," said CEO of Phoenix PR, Vinodh Menon.
"Their one-of-a-kind style and content, transcends age, gender, and race, is perfect for Malaysia's multi-cultural social landscape," he continued.
From food, lifestyle, relationships, family, history, to popular culture, no topic is out-of-bounds for this satirical quartet. These maharajas have garnered a global appeal, having performed across Asia, America, and Europe.
"Our aim is to introduce Malaysians to alternative comedic genres. India's comic scene is an advanced one, offering various styles to local audiences from stand-up, improv, to sketch shows," Vinodh Menon added.
"Over the years, Malaysia has hosted great acts from local to international names, and now is the perfect time to showcase Indian comics who will provide local audiences with alternative comedic flavours."
The show will be carried out in English and is available for purchase on ticketpro.com.my. Ticket prices will range from RM 138 (Bronze), RM 188 (Silver), RM 258 (Gold) to RM 288 (Diamond).
Lebanese President Michel Aoun holds a meeting with ministers and security officials at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, November 6, 2017. Dalati Nohra/Handout via REUTERS (Reuters)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon's president stressed that stability is "a red line" after the prime minister's shock resignation, Justice Minister Salim Jreissati said on Monday after meeting the president.
Saudi King Salman received Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri in Riyadh on Monday, two days after he quit, Saudi-owned al-Arabiya television reported, without elaborating.
In a televised speech, Hariri had said he feared an assassination plot against him and accused Iran along with its Lebanese ally Hezbollah of sowing strife in the Arab world.
His resignation stunned Beirut's political establishment, brought down the coalition government and sparked a new political crisis. It has thrust Lebanon into the front line of the regional rivalry between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Muslim Iran that has also buffeted Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Bahrain.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun convened a meeting with ministers and top security officials at the Baabda palace on Monday to assess the security situation. Aoun told them political leaders had been responsive to calls for calm, strengthening security and national unity, his office said.
The president will take no steps regarding the prime minister's resignation before Hariri returns from abroad, the justice minister said at a press conference after the meeting.
Aoun said security, economic, financial, and political stability is "a red line", Jreissati said.
"The president is waiting for Hariri's return to hear from him personally. This indicates a sovereign vision...and that the resignation must be voluntary in every sense."
Aoun was also set to meet the finance minister and central bank governor later on Monday.
(Reporting by Ellen Francis; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)
By PTI: Jammu, Nov 6 (PTI) As the Centres special representative began his five-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir today, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the hope for resolution of the Kashmir issue through dialogue "has been rekindled" and wished that parties "will not miss" the opportunity to be a part of the peace process.
The Centre has appointed former Intelligence Bureau director Dineshwar Sharma its special representative for talks with various stakeholders in an effort to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
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"The hope of resolution via dialogue has been rekindled in J&K.
"I am optimistic that parties and organisations in J&K will not miss this opportunity to be a part of peace parleys," the chief minister said on Twitter.
The Joint Resistance Front, comprising separatist groups including moderate and hardline factions of the Hurriyat Conference and the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), has said it would not meet the Centres special representative, claiming that the move was was "nothing more than a tactic to buy time" by Delhi.
Sharma reached Srinagar today for a five-day visit to the state during which he will hold talks with various stakeholders.
He will spend three days in the Kashmir Valley and two days in Jammu, where he will hold talks with Governor N N Vohra, the chief minister and various delegations.
In Srinagar, he is expected to meet various political leaders, student groups and youths. PTI TAS AB SMN SMN
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The Saudi-led coalition battling Shiite Huthi rebels in Yemen closed the country's air, sea and land borders Monday and accused Iran of being behind a weekend missile attack on Riyadh, saying it "may amount to an act of war". Saudi Arabia intercepted and destroyed the ballistic missile, which was launched from Yemen as rebels appeared to escalate hostilities, near Riyadh's international airport on Saturday. The missile was the first aimed by the Shiite rebels at the heart of the Saudi capital, underscoring the growing threat posed by the raging conflict. "The leadership of the coalition forces therefore considers this... a blatant military aggression by the Iranian regime which may amount to an act of war," the official Saudi news agency SPA said in a statement. Smouldering debris landed inside the King Khalid International Airport, just north of Riyadh, after the missile was shot down but authorities reported no major damage or loss of life. Yemen's complex war pits the Saudi-backed government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi against former president Ali Abdullah Saleh and his Iran-backed Huthi rebel allies. The Saudi statement said that the borders were being closed "to fill the gaps in the inspection procedures which enable the continued smuggling of missiles and military equipment to the Huthi militias loyal to Iran in Yemen". Despite the temporary closure of the air, sea and land ports, Saudi would protect "the entry and exit of relief and humanitarian personnel". "The coalition... affirms the kingdom's right to respond to Iran at the appropriate time and in the appropriate form," it added. The statement came a day after the Islamic State group claimed a major attack on Yemen's government bastion of Aden on Sunday that killed at least 15 people. IS and its extremist rival Al-Qaeda have taken advantage of the war to bolster their presence across much of the south. While Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has for years been the stronger presence in southern Yemen, IS has recently come forward to claim attacks on both the army and the country's Shiites, whom it considers heretics. According to the World Health Organization, more than 8,650 people have been killed since the conflict erupted in 2015 and nearly 49,000 wounded.
A still image taken from a video distributed by Yemen's pro-Houthi Al Masirah television station on November 5, 2017, shows what it says was the launch by Houthi forces of a ballistic missile aimed at Riyadh's King Khaled Airport on Saturday, Houthi Military Media Unit via REUTERS TV (Reuters)
DUBAI (Reuters) - The Saudi-led military coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen said on Monday it would close all air, land and sea ports to the Arabian Peninsula country to stem the flow of arms to the Houthis from Iran.
The move, which follows the interception of a missile fired towards Riyadh on Saturday, is likely to worsen a humanitarian crisis in Yemen that according to the United Nations has pushed some seven million people to the brink of famine and left more than half a million infected with cholera.
"The Coalition Forces Command decided to temporarily close all Yemeni air, sea and land ports," the coalition said in a statement on the Saudi state news agency SPA. It added that aid workers and humanitarian supplies would continue to be able to access and exit Yemen.
The United Nations, however, said it was not given approval for two scheduled humanitarian flights on Monday and was seeking clarification on the coalition's announcement.
The U.N. and international aid organisations have repeatedly criticised the coalition for blocking aid access, especially to north Yemen, which is held by the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels battling the Saudi-led coalition.
Saudi Arabia and its Gulf Arab allies have made clear they view Iran as mainly responsible for the Yemen conflict, in which more than 10,000 people have been killed in the past two years.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on his Twitter account on Monday that Riyadh reserved the right to respond to what he called Iran's "hostile actions". Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed al-Khalifa also tweeted that Iran was the real danger to the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Saudi Arabia was blaming Tehran for the consequences of its own "wars of aggression".
On Sunday the coalition accused the Houthis of "dangerous escalation (that) came because of Iranian support" after Saudi air defences intercepted the ballistic missile heading towards Riyadh. It was brought down near Riyadh airport without causing casualties.
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"WAR CRIMES"
Iran rejected the criticism as "destructive and provocative".
Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi "referred to the war crimes and aggression of the Saudis during the past years and said the reaction by Yemenis is an independent reaction ... and not a move caused by another country's action or incitement", a ministry statement said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also blamed Iran for Saturday's missile attack, but the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards rejected that view as "slander".
The Saudi-led coalition has been targeting the Houthis since they seized parts of Yemen in 2015, including the capital Sanaa, forcing President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to flee and seek help from neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
On Sunday a suicide car bomber blew himself up at a security checkpoint in the southern port city of Aden, killing 15 people and wounding at least 20, residents and a security officials said. Aden is the interim headquarters of Yemen's internationally recognised government.
(Reporting by Sylvia Westall and Dubai newsroom; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Editing by Frances Kerry and Dan Grebler)
Victims of the mudslide are seen gathered in a queue at an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Regent, Sierra Leone August 21, 2017. REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde/Files (Reuters)
By Nicky Milne
FREETOWN (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - After losing her baby boy in the devastating mudslide near the Sierra Leone capital Freetown, Aminata Kamara now fears that she could also be forced out of her home city when camps for survivors of August's deadly landslide close next week.
Kamara was asleep in the early hours of Aug. 14 when three days of incessant, heavy rains sparked a mudslide on Freetown's crowded Mount Sugar Loaf, killing an estimated 500 people.
The community of Regent, on the slopes of Mount Sugar Loaf, was devastated, with locals believing the real death toll is closer to 1,000 people with hundreds still lying dead under the rubble and more than 3,000 left homeless.
"We felt the ground move and heard the trees from the hill fall," Kamara, still visibly scarred on her head and feet, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
"I felt the force of something push me down. I fell with my child and passed out instantly. I was covered entirely in dirt but luckily my hands were visible and that's how they found me."
But her baby, Mohamed Sesay, was consumed by the force of the earth. His body has not been found.
Kamara is one of thousands who lost everything in the mudslide and is now living in one of several camps set up by the government with the help of international aid agencies.
About 1,900 households with over 7,000 people have been registered as needing help, according to O.B. Sisay who is leading a disaster response taskforce set up the president. He led the response team after a 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Sisay said some people have wrongly claimed to be mudslide victims in the West African country that was already struggling to help all those impacted by the Ebola crisis in 2014 that killed about 3,000 and a civil war raging from 1991 until 2002.
WORRIES FOR FUTURE
With the camps due to close on Nov. 15, registered survivors are being given cash of $200 or more and food and non-food items to help them start to rebuild their lives or re-locate to the provinces.
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This is being supported by Britain's International Department of International Development (DFID) with more funds for food available from the United Nation's World Food Programme (WFP) to people who voluntarily resettle.
But many fear this is not enough to live in Freetown and they are worried about leaving behind jobs in a country where 70 percent of youth are unemployed or underemployed and 60 percent of people live on less than $1.25 a day.
"The relief aid the government is giving is meagre. We have no idea what will happen next," said youth leader Hassan Turay who lived in Regent for 12 years and is waiting for his wife who was injured in the mudslide to be released from hospital.
"In our home, our kids had their own room, my wife and I had a room and we had one living room. It wasn't a lot, but we were comfortable, I was content. But now it's all gone, my life has gone backwards."
Freetown, initially designed by colonial-era British administrators and home to more than one million people, has been plagued by heavy rains and flooding yearly since 2008.
Its many slums and informal settlements are built high on mountain slopes, leaving tens of thousands of inhabitants vulnerable to death and displacement when the rains come.
Builders have encroached into protected forest areas on the hills behind the city, causing soil erosion - a phenomenon that contributed to the August landslide.
While there are promises of homes being built for victims of the August mudslide, so far only 57 homes have been constructed, all away from the city centre.
"The government cannot afford to build homes for all those affected and all those in disaster prone areas," Sisay told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
"Nowhere in the world is the government in the business of giving free homes. Whilst you would like to promise the affected people free, long-term houses, you would be lying."
For Kamara and others the future looks uncertain.
"We have nowhere to stay, our house was destroyed. Nothing was salvaged. If the government forsakes us, I don't have a Plan B," she said.
(Reporting by Nicky Milne, Editing by Belinda Goldsmith @BeeGoldsmith; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit http://news.trust.org)
Cake Boss Buddy Valastro tries Singapores national cake: the pandan chiffon. (Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore)
Even after shooting nine seasons of the American television show Cake Boss, celebrity baker Buddy Valastro had yet to try one of Singapores signature desserts: the pandan chiffon cake.
The 40-year-old boss of Carlos Bakery took a surprising liking to the humble cake, which he had the opportunity to try during an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore earlier this week. Buddy was in Singapore to promote the latest season of his reality series.
Declared by the BBC to be Singapores national cake, the simple pandan chiffon is a far cry from the extravagant creations on his programme.
Besides bigger and wilder cake inventions, the upcoming season will also put the spotlight on Buddys mother Mary Valastro, who passed away in June this year. It was a very traumatic time in my life. But I felt like I owed the fans and the fans loved her so much to give her a good tribute and a good goodbye, said the father of four.
His father, Buddy Valastro Sr, passed away in 1994 when he was only 17 years old. Buddy then took over his familys bakery business, now known for creating customised cakes. Whether its a military tank or jackpot machine, he is able to mould his works into seemingly impossibly shapes.
American celebrity baker Buddy Valastro in Singapore to promote the latest season of reality show Cake Boss. (Photo: Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore)
Out of all the cakes that he has created, the one he enjoyed making the most was a life-sized cake of his wife, Lisa.
First off, anybody whos making a life-sized cake of their wife, you got to be really, really smart or really, really stupid. You put a little extra fondant on here and she looks fat, or you dont carve the cupcakes right you know what Im saying? Youd be in big trouble, said Buddy with a smirk. Even though shes a hundred times more beautiful than the cake that I made for her, she knew that it came from the heart.
Speaking of love and cake, it was nice to see Buddy fall in love with a new kind of cake during his visit to Singapore. Buddy held the piece of the pandan chiffon in his hand and began to probe it.
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It smells really good. You could touch it and feel that its already moist, said Buddy, who then began to eat a piece. Its delicious, said Buddy while munching on the cake. The pandan leaf is subtle so its not overpowering. Its really nice. Im eating the whole freaking thing.
Watch the whole interview here:
Season 9 of Cake Boss will premiere on TLC Southeast Asia (StarHub 427 & Singtel 254) on 15 November at 9pm.
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Donald Trump is apparently using his trip to Tokyo as yet another opportunity to whinge about the U.S. trade deficit while raising questions about his familiarity with basic facts about the American economy.
Speaking before a group of business executives on Monday, the president criticized Japan for taking advantage of the U.S. on trade, particularly when it comes to cars. This was itself nothing new. Trump has long complained about the fact that while Japans automakers sell millions of cars in the U.S. every year, Detroits big three are essentially shut out of Japan, where just 15,000 American vehicles were sold last year.
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Then, because this is 2017, things got dumb. According to Bloomberg, the president of the United States started begging Japans car companies to consider making their vehicles on American shoressomething theyve been doing since the 1980s. Try building your cars in the United States instead of shipping them over. Thats not too much to ask, Trump said. Is that rude to ask?
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I mean, its not rude. Its just strangebecause Japanese car companies already build an enormous number of vehicles stateside. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and their brethren have dozens of manufacturing plants across the country, and according to the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association, 75 percent of Japanese brand vehicle sold stateside were assembled in North America. (Some percentage of those come from Mexico, which wouldnt exactly satisfy Trump, but you get the idea.)
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Its not as if this is a recent development, either. Usually, the knock on Trumps understanding of Washington-Tokyo relations is that theyre locked in the 1980s, when Japan was considered the rising threat to U.S. manufacturing supremacy. But the countrys automakers started setting up shop here back in the 1980s, after President Reagan strong-armed Japans government into limiting its car exports. Heres what the New York Times had to say about the trend back in 1985:
Instead of flooding America with cars made at home, and risking new protectionist measures, the Japanese are going native - opening up American plants and moving quickly toward the day when they will be, collectively, the nations fourth major auto maker, ranking with General Motors, Ford and Chrysler.
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Trump presumably understands that Japans carmakers have some manufacturing presence in the United Stateshe bragged on Twitter when Toyota and Mazda announced they would build a joint plant here and thanked Toyota for investing $1.3 billion in a Kentucky facility. But its not at all clear he understands the extent of the production that happens in the U.S. Back in 2015, he suggested to the Detroit News that hed essentially browbeat the Japanese into manufacturing cars here, as if they werent already. Until you open your markets, youre not selling any more cars over here, Trump said. Thats going to force people to build in the United States.
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Perhaps someone should ask Trump where he thinks Toyota builds all those Camrys it sells in California. He might be pleasantly surprised to learn the answer.
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Update, Nov. 6, 2017: With a full transcript of Trumps remarks now available, Aaron Blake of the Washington Post has accused me of unfairly cherry-picking a quote that is less bizarre in context. Here are the key paragraphs (I am bolding the same passages as Blake).
When you want to build your auto plants, you will have your approvals almost immediately. When you want to expand your plants, you will have your approvals almost immediately. And in the room, we have a couple of the great folks from two of the biggest auto companies in the world that are building new plants and doing expansions of other plants. And you know who you are, and I want to just thank you very much. I want to thank you.
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I also want to recognize the business leaders in the room whose confidence in the United States theyve been creating jobs you have such confidence in the United States, and youve been creating jobs for our country for a long, long time. Several Japanese automobile industry firms have been really doing a job. And we love it when you build cars if youre a Japanese firm, we love it try building your cars in the United States instead of shipping them over. Is that possible to ask? Thats not rude. Is that rude? I dont think so. (Laughter.) If you could build them. But I must say, Toyota and Mazda where are you? Are you here, anybody? Toyota? Mazda? I thought so. Oh, I thought that was you. Thats big stuff. Congratulations. Come on, let me shake your hand. (Applause.) Theyre going to invest $1.6 billion in building a new manufacturing plant, which will create as many as 4,000 new jobs in the United States. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.
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So, what do we learn from the full quotes? Not much new. Trump understands that the Japanese make some of their vehicles here. Yet he tells the assembled executives to try building your cars in the United States instead of shipping them over, suggesting that some have not tried it. This is odd, given that almost every major Japanese carmaker that sells in the U.S.Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Mitsubishialready has at least one manufacturing plant on American soil. The exception, Mazda, is planning a joint facility with Toyota that Trump himself is very excited about. If Trump is in fact aware of all this, and is still telling a bunch of auto execs to try building their cars in America, its weird. But even based on the full quote, its simply unclear whether Trump understands the extent of the Japanese auto industrys U.S. manufacturing presence, which has implications for our trade policy.
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This all brings up a larger question of how we should read the presidents statements. The most charitable way to interpret Trumps comment was assume he really meant try building more of your cars in the U.S. But at this point, its not clear what we gain by giving Trump the benefit of the doubt. The president has repeatedly shown a lack of basic familiarity with major economic and public policy issues, and I think its generally incumbent on journalists to point out instances where he may, yet again, be out of his depth, rather than offer him an excuse by reinterpreting his sentences to make sense.
The New Parent Leave Act (SB 63) just signed into law in California has the potential to cause big headaches for small businesses, not just in the Golden State but nationwide.
Its a big deal because businesses with 20-49 employees will now need to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid parental leave. It has the potential to create havoc with small businesses that had flown under the radar of previous similar California laws making similar requirements for larger companies. Theres big potential for scheduling, staffing and production issues especially with very small companies without the ability to cover easily for absent staff.
What the California New Parent Leave Act is About
Nicknamed the California Baby Bonding Leave Act, the legislation applies not just to child birth but to foster care and adoption as well. It supplements the California Family Rights Act which has been the law for businesses with 50 or more employees for years. Under state law, companies with 50 or more employees need to offer up to 12 weeks of unpaid job protected parental leave.
Small Business Trends spoke with Los Angeles employment attorney Eve Wagner about the new law, its implications for small businesses in that state and beyond. Wagner is the founding partner of Sauer & Wagner, a firm specializing in mediation, arbitration, advisement, training and human resources in the small business space.
Before you could work for a company that had 20 employees and as soon as you were cleared by your doctor (after a pregnancy) to come back to work, you had to show up, Wagner told Small Business Trends.Now your employer needs to give you up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.
Overtime Bills
The new law is projected to add costs in overtime for small businesses who must now struggle to fill the gaps left by employees taking advantage of the new law with existing staff. The only alternative would be to hire temporary employees or freelancers to cover the time another cost.
Beyond cost, theres also the problem of replacing experienced staff even temporarily.
Wagner uses the example of a CPA firm with three accountants at the top.
When one of those CPAs goes out, its difficult to bring in a temp to cover somebody at a higher level like that, she explains.
Why it Matters to All Small Businesses
The legislation offers no exceptions for small businesses meeting the requirements of the law. And thats not all. Employees could also use Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) to take off a total of seven months putting even more pressure on small employers.
But small businesses across the country need to pay attention for another reason. California is often bellwether for national movements.
California is often a trendsetter, Wagner explained. Theres already noise among other states about doing the same thing.
In a recent blog post, Health Affairs, a journal of health policy thought and research, provided an overview of similar initiatives across the country.
Tibor Madlenak, a political analyst specialising in election geography, says in an interview with The Slovak Spectator that Kotleba had to defend his performance in a political post for the first time - and failed.
Marian Kotleba and his far-right LSNS party are considered main losers of the regional elections. (Source: SME)
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The Slovak Spectator (TSS): What effect did the one-round election have?
Tibor Madlenak (TM): The official argument of the ruling coalition for the one-round vote was first, to increase the election turnout which was usually lower in the second round, and second, to save costs on the second round. Unofficially, there was a rumour that the ruling Smer party wanted to help its six candidates to defend their governorship. Smer probably wanted to use the advantage that the public knows the current governors better than their rivals, who would also divide the votes of opposition voters. Yet, the voters of the opposition candidates realised the pros and cons of one-round elections. One of the influencing factors might have been the discussion in Banska Bystrica Region concerning the dangers of a one-round election.
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TSS: What was the reason for the Smers losses in these elections?
TM: This election pursued two goals on the national level: whether Marian Kotleba will defend his post in Banska Bystrica and continue his success, and whether Smer will defend its position of the strongest party in most of the regions as its candidates were controlling the governors posts in six regions. They failed to achieve this in four regions.
In some eastern municipalities, suspicions of vote-buying have been reported; while in several villages in western Slovakia, a power blackout caused the closing of election rooms and the postponing of the deadline.
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Regional elections progressed without major disturbances around the country. Several villages in Trencin Region were left without electricity in the evening, hence the vote suspended for one hour and 10 minutes and subsequently prolonged until 23:15.
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Suspicions of vote-buying were reported in the week preceding the vote. On election day, such suspicions were reported from the Michalovce district in the east of the country, in the municipalities of Velke Kapusany and Drahnov.
The unconfirmed information involved the polling district in a local Roma settlement, said Vladimir Juricko, head of the election commission in Michalovce who made the trip to Velke Kapusany. When we came there, nobody was able to confirm it. The issue is now in the hands of the police and they are investigating whether it is founded.
The police are now dealing with the motion, the SITA newswire reported.
Some other regions report corruption
The Specialised Criminal Court in Banska Bystrica on November 3 took four men charged with electoral corruption into custody. Three of them offered the Roma votes for candidates for councillors in Zilina district and one in Presov district, the Sme daily wrote. The suspects from Zilina offered, between September and November 2017, at least a thousand Roma votes to a candidate for Zilina regional councillor from Podturna, asking for 3 per one vote. The candidate reported the case.
The decision is not final yet, as both the prosecutor and the accused filed a complaint, which will be decided upon by the Supreme Court.
The public-service broadcaster RTVS reported that in other places in eastern Slovakia, Ukrainian citizens were reportedly brought to vote even though the locals had never seen them in the village and they are not known to have permanent residence there.
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The National Crime Agency (NAKA) has opened eight criminal proceedings over the suspicion of election corruption, Police Corps Vice-President Lubomir Abel told a press briefing on the sidelines of a meeting of the State Electoral Commission on November 4, as reported by the TASR newswire.
The police have received 27 complaints concerning the regional elections taking place on November 4, but 19 cases have been evaluated as mere misdemeanours.
Police specialists visited socially excluded communities before the elections, said Abel, as reported by TASR, adding that a relatively higher number of officers were dispatched to high-risk areas.
Slovak President Andrej Kiska thanked voters, and commented on the outcome of the countrys regional election.
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"I thank all voters who used their right to vote and decided, through their participation in yesterdays election, to influence who will govern in their region in addition to what the atmosphere in the country will be like, Slovak President Andrej Kiska wrote on his Facebook profile one day after the election, on November 5.
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People opted for change in most self-governing regions, the president wrote, adding that it turned out that if voters can choose good candidates, political competition can be balanced and nothing is lost or won in advance. He also sent a message to the regional governors and councillors that he is keeping his fingers crossed for them, and that he expects them to contribute to the development of their corresponding regions and improve the lives of the people who gave them their trust.
I am very happy the extremists received a thrashing on Saturday, Kiska also wrote. We defeated hundreds of their candidates in all the regions with our strongest weapon a free vote in democratic election. No, this does not mean that we have totally suppressed fascist evil in Slovakia, but we made a crucial step.
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He added that the voters of Jan Lunter [who defeated incumbent extremist governor in Banska Bystrica] overwhelmingly expelled the fascists from the lead in Banska Bystrica Region, while voters in other regions did not give the extremists the chance to succeed.
The president concluded his post by sending his respects to everyone who contributed to a modern, self-confident, democratic Slovakia winning on November 4.
Some top politicians in the ruling Smer party comment on the regional election results, admitting some unexpected flops and possible changes in their party.
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Smer has to learn a lesson from this election, Smer caucus head and Bratislava regional chairman of the party, ex-minister Martin Glvac, told the Sme daily. Old, burnt-out candidates and people ashamed of Smers support should be replaced, he added.
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By the latter, he referred to the unsuccessful candidate for Bratislava regional governor, Milan Ftacnik, who complained after the vote that Smer's support harmed his results. Glvac slammed Ftacnik for distancing himself from Smer and added that since he has been doing so, his popularity has been declining. The ex-minister did not have any explanation, however, for the failure of Smers candidate in the Kosice Region, incumbent Kosice Mayor Richard Rasi, who had previously been seen as a clear favourite.
Smer parliamentary caucus chairman Martin Glvac (Source: TASR )
I accept the election results with humility and respect, Glvac told Sme. "I try to learn from them. Each election takes place under certain circumstances and at a certain time, and this must be taken into consideration.
Lessons to learn, consequences to follow
The party will certainly evaluate this campaign and in the future they will nominate candidates who are not old and burnt-out, Glvac noted.
We will evaluate and prepare new candidates, he said, as cited by Sme.
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In Bratislava they will pick people who are not ashamed of the party, who are close to leftist policy, have clean financing, and will be clean and transparent themselves, Glvac added. We will have to fish in different waters now.
However, when commenting on the elections he said that a parliamentary election is totally different from a regional or EU-election, and so the further development of Smer will have to be continuously watched.
But of course, there is always a lesson to be drawn from them [i.e. the election results], Glvac told Sme.
Vice-PM agrees, more diplomatic
His view was reflected, although in a more diplomatic form, by Deputy Prime Minister for Investment and Informatisation Peter Pellegrini in the V Politike (In Politics) political show of the private TA3 TV channel. He admitted that Smer had expected a better result.
I dont think a decline of the party has begun as of today, he added, noting that the party is big enough, with many mayors and experts who can hardly be challenged by anyone on professional terms.
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The party is viable and itll certainly be able to deal with this, said Pellegrini, admitting that he was surprised to see Smers defeat in some regions, albeit by small margins.
He ascribes the defeats of four-time governor of Presov Peter Chudik and three-time governor of Zilina Juraj Blanar to the weariness of the material. Pellegrini also conceded to some personnel changes in Smer at the regional and local levels in response to the election results.
The most popular governing party, Smer, suffered a defeat in the Saturday regional election, Smer deputy chair and Culture Minister Marek Madaric conceded, as quoted by the TASR newswire. He does not believe that only Smer candidates are to be blamed for the election fiasco, since this was the defeat of the entire party per se.
Therefore, if we in Smer dont want to continue this trend, we need to embrace significant changes at various levels political, programme and personnel related, he said, as quoted by TASR.
Prime Minister Robert Fico has so far declined to comment on the election results, while Pellegrinis statements were perceived as the official party stance.
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) A man working in a jewellers workshop in central Delhis Karol Bagh, allegedly stole ornaments worth over Rs 1 crore after serving liquor and sweets laced with sedatives to his co-workers, the police said today.
The incident was reported on November 4.
It is suspected that one of the workers fed liquor and sweets laced with sedatives to his co-workers saying that it was his childs birthday, they said.
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After the other workers lost consciousness, the accused fled with ornaments including gold and diamond jewellery, the police said.
By the time the incident took place, the jeweller, Kaushik Goswami, had gone home. He came to know about it the next day, they said.
On arriving at the workshop, he found the workers unconscious and informed the police. The workers have been admitted to a hospital and one of them was found to be missing, the police said.
During investigation, it was revealed that it was the missing worker who had stolen the valuables, they said, adding efforts are on to nab the accused.
Last month, valuables worth over Rs 14 crore were stolen from the workshops of two jewellers in the same area. PTI SLB NSD
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A German homeless man detained in Vienna claims he got the TNT from Slovakia; the case is not connected to terrorism.
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Police in the Austrian capital briefly detained a homeless man on November 3 who possessed 400 grams of trinitrotoluene (TNT), as well as a live army cartridge and knife.
The man, aged 54 and from Frankfurt, Germany, said he brought the explosive from one Slovak military exercise site, the TASR newswire wrote, citing the APA newswire.
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A shop assistant in a petrol station in downtown Vienna alerted the police. The man had told her shortly before that he had some TNT. Immediately, many police units were dispatched to search for the man, including dogs trained to detect explosives.
The German homeless man, not named by the newswire, was ultimately found based on the description of citizens and the shop assistant.
The chemical analysis of the material seized confirmed it was TNT, but to make it explode, further processing would have been necessary.
Vienna police stressed that the case was not connected to terrorism, according to APA. The man was not detained but he faces charges of violating the law pursuant to the handling of military material.
The man allegedly left Germany about nine years ago and since then he has been riding around Europe on a bicycle, TASR wrote.
The Interior Ministry will pay more fines for unlawful steps taken in informatisation and e-governance tenders. It has agreed on a payment schedule again.
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The Interior Ministry received a fine of more than 10 million for a dubious tender dating back to 2010 on procuring a supply of electronic ID cards. Since the ministry does not have such an amount at its disposal, Interior Minister Robert Kalinak of Smer asked again for a payment schedule. Kalinak denies any wrongdoing, as always, the Sme daily reported.
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The dubious procurement concerned a supplier of information systems, and the order went to the Hewlett Packard company, while more than 40 million from EU funds also went into the project. Kalinak signed the contract shortly before the 2010 election.
His ministry has received already several fines before, amounting to more than 4.8 million, according to Sme.
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Read also: Interior Ministry must return EU money Read more
Trouble with ID cards
The electronic ID cards issued by the ministry had a security flaw concerning the electronic signature. The ministry first hid the flaw in the electronic chip, then downplayed it. It admitted to the flaw only under the pressure of experts. Services connected with the e-signature were suspended.
At the same time, the ministry also concluded an agreement on repayments of the 10,138,740 fine for the dubious and unlawful procedure in which the supplier was picked. This is implied from the data in the central registry of contracts, Sme wrote.
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The payment schedule valid until 2020 was signed on October 10 by Kalinak in person, with the Government Office which administers EU fund projects. The Public Procurement Office (UVO) decided on the fine after an additional audit. The Government Offices head, Igor Federic, is close to Smer chairman and Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Accepting - and not accepting
The interior minister acknowledged the amount and the reason for the fine, since otherwise he would not have received the payment schedule. However, in his stance for Sme, Kalinak claims that the ministry does not agree with the auditss findings and results.
We dont consider the imposing of a punishment (i.e. fines) to be fair, the minister responded, as quoted by Sme. He did not answer the question as to why he had accepted the fines earlier.
Apart from this tender, UVO questioned another one: the tender for the Natural Entities Register, where the ministry also has to return 3.7 million from the project.
Kalinak considers the deficiencies found by the UVO to be mere formalities. The office considers the deficiencies, some of which are repeated, as discrimination against some bidders, namely those from other EU countries, Sme wrote.
Kazimir is waiting for political consensus
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Slovak Finance Minister Peter Kazimir (Smer) has confirmed his interest in running for the post of chairman of the informal group of eurozone finance ministers. His bid is still not official. The vote is scheduled for December and is aimed at finding a replacement for Jeroen Dijsselbloem, with the new Eurogroup chief set to assume the post in January. Firstly, political consensus on the candidate should be reached.
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We are due to hold talks within the political family of socialists and social democrats, of which Im a member, said Kazimir as cited by the TASR newswire.
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Politico magazine lists among his pros his EU presidency experience and the fact that he could help attract other central European countries to join the euro.
Politico also listed among other possible candidates Mario Centeno from Portugal, Dana Reizniece-Ozola from Latvia and Pierre Gramegna of Luxembourg.
Meanwhile, the European Peoples Party, which is the strongest entity in the European Parliament, will not put forward a candidate, as it has already taken all the key posts in the EU.
She proposes construction of industrial halls on land not used for growing food
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The European Union, at the level of the member states, should agree on better protection of agricultural land from the rampant construction of industrial plants and parking areas. Slovak Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriela Matecna said this at a meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) in Brussels on November 6.
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Its about time we began seriously considering in Slovakia how long well continue to allow investors to cover fields and meadows with concrete halls and parking areas, while former industrial areas are being run down, said Matecna as cited by the TASR newswire. Lets construct industrial halls where we dont grow food, not the other way around.
One of the latest cases of building on fertile arable land is the brand-new car plant of British carmaker Jaguar Land Rover in Nitra.
The Slovak minister noted that Slovakia supports the adoption of binding EU legislation on the protection of land, similar to that which is in place concerning water. At the same time, its necessary to ensure balanced distribution in the use and ownership of land and to prevent speculative land deals and the concentration of property ownership, added Matecna.
The price of the transactions has not been revealed
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Ringier Axel Springer Media is strengthening its position in online publishing and is getting rid of its activities in the print media sector in Slovakia. It is selling its portfolio of printed magazines as well the best-selling daily Novy Cas and is acquiring websites dedicated to news, cars and real estate.
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We are selling our daily and printed magazines with the aim of highlighting our portfolio as the leading digital publishing house in Slovakia even further, said Milan Dubec, executive director of Ringier Axel Springer Media Slovakia as cited by the TASR newswire.
They are selling the most popular daily in Slovakia, the tabloid Novy Cas, the weekly Novy Cas Nedela and their online versions to FPD Media which belongs to the FPD group of businessman Anton Siekel.
We have been analyzing the media market in Slovakia, which has been heading towards gradual consolidation, for more than four years, said Peter Sveda of FPD. We assume that in the following years the number of publishing and media houses in Slovakia will decrease. We perceive the acquisition of the Novy Cas daily and other media as an exceptional investment opportunity.
Its aim is to keep Novy Cas as the market leader.
Ringier Axel Springer Media is also selling their remaining printed magazines including Novy Cas pre zeny, Zivot, Eva, Geo and Auto Bild to News and Media Holding (NMH) from the Penta group.
They are now in the process of acquiring the websites Autobazar.eu and TopReality.sk publishing classifieds for cars and real estate from their founders Michal Obeda and Marek Grajcarik.
Moreover, they are taking over the news website Aktualne.sk from NMH. It will merge with Aktuality.sk run by Ringier Axel Springer Media.
The price of any of the transactions has not been revealed. They should be completed later this year or in 2018.
The Autobazar.eu, TopReality.sk and Aktualne.sk websites fit perfectly into our portfolio and prove the consistency of the fulfilment of our strategy, said Dubec.
With this extensive reorganisation of its portfolio in Slovakia Ringier Axel Springer Media is underlining its determination to become a leading digital publishing house in central and eastern Europe.
Our new portfolio in Slovakia is completely digital and provides diverse opportunities between the sector of digital publishing, digital advertisement and digital commercial activities such as Pokec and Bistro.sk, said Mark Dekan, executive director of Ringier Axel Springer Media AG. I am convinced that this is an excellent setting that will enable further healthy growth of our business in Slovakia.
Ringier Axel Springer Media Slovakia is the biggest multimedia publishing house in Slovakia. Since mid-2016, when it merged with Azet.sk, it has been the biggest operator of internet content in Slovakia. It employs more than 800 people in Bratislava, Zilina and Kosice. It is part of the Swiss-German publishing group Ringier Axel Springer Media AG.
Disclaimer: Penta financial group has a 40-percent share in Petit Press, the co-owner of The Slovak Spectator.
By PTI: questioning Bengaluru, Nov 6 (PTI) Karnataka Minister D K Shivakumar today appeared with his family members before Income Tax department officials at the IT office here in connection with raids conducted at various properties linked to him in August. Following the notice issued by the Income Tax department, Shivakumar along with his wife, daughter, mother and other family members appeared before the officials for questioning. This was the seventh such appearance for the state power minister personally after his properties were searched for three consecutive days in the first week of August in connection with an alleged tax evasion case. "We have accepted the Constitution. I have said earlier I will abide by law and cooperate with Income Tax officials. As a responsible person I will for no reason hide the information that they require from me..." Shivakumar told reporters emerging out of the Income Tax office. "As they felt that the information they had got is not sufficient, they asked my family to appear personally, also several of my friends and relatives about fifteen of them. They have taken statements from them," he said. In a swoop that had stirred a political controversy, the IT department on August 2 began raiding various properties linked to Shivakumar, who hosted 44 Gujarat Congress MLAs at a resort on the city outskirts to thwart the "poaching" attempts by the BJP ahead of Rajya Sabha polls in that state. Ahmed Patel, the political secretary to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, was a contestant in the election to the Upper House of Parliament from Gujarat, which he eventually won.
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To a question on whether he had been asked to appear as part of any strategy by the NDA government to fix him ahead of Karnataka assembly polls early next year, Shivakumar said, "Im not ready to say that is the reason." "It is true that I had to go for party organisation work, but I could not have avoided this, because personal appearance along with family was sought," he added. During the IT raids at about 66 places across the country, the department officials claimed they had seized cash and jewellery worth over Rs 15 crore. The IT department is yet to make an official statement regarding the outcome of the raids. Noting that officials questioned family members individually, Shivakumar said he may have to appear again. "I have also informed them that I will have to attend the assembly session (from November 13 at Belagavi), as statements are still continuing..." he added. Asked about reports that the case may be handed over to Enforcement Directorate for further inquiry, Shivakumar, calling himself an "open book", said there was no reason for him to worry as he has been abiding by the law. Claiming that he has been working according to his conscience, the minister said his business and political life were different. "I have been in politics for a long time. I have seen several inquiries, several such struggles and investigations have happened. Whether it is IT or ED or CBI or any other agency.. they feel will have to enquire.. no one can stop it. There is no reason for worry also," Shivakumar said. "I have been abiding by the law and will duly fulfil my responsibility as per law. If I have committed any mistake let them take action against me." PTI KSU RA APR GSN
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Minister G Sudhakaran who is holding Public Works Department (PWD) has left his family home in Thokkukulam junction after the area was acquired for road widening.
By P S Gopikrishnan Unnithan: Amidst fuming protest over land acquisition for road widening and other projects in Kerala , a cabinet minister himself has set an example for others by leaving his house for National Highway widening. Minister G Sudhakaran who is holding Public Works Department (PWD) has left his family home in Thokkukulam junction after the area was acquired for road widening.
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G Sudhakaran, a senior communist leader has been living at this house with his family for the last 35 years now. As the national highway widening project started the proposed road would take up more than 50% of the house and surrounding property. The minister who is charge of roads and public works decided not to deviate the alignment in his favour. Minister and his family will now move to another house near Paravoor Government School in the district.
Kerala has one of the worst road networks in the country. Only 10 % of National Highways are 45 meter, 4 lanes as prescribed by National Highway Authority. A North-South stretch in the neighbouring Tamil Nadu can be covered in 10-12 hrs (700 km from Chennai to Nagercoil), it would take 15-18 hrs to cover the 600 km from Kasargod to Thiruvananthapuram.
Land acquisition has been the major road block to the road widening projects in the state . Many families claim that they cannot give more land as they already given land to widen the national highway in 30 meter width. Attempts to acquire land have triggered protest in many parts of the state.
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Kriti Sanon and Diljit Dosanjh have come together for a comedy.
By India Today Web Desk: Kriti Sanon's last collaboration with Dinesh Vijan might have turned out to be unfruitful, but Raabta's failure hasn't deterred the actor from working with the filmmaker once again. Kriti has reunited with Dinesh, and this time for a comedy.
After the success of Bareilly Ki Barfi, Kriti is choosing her projects with caution. And now she wants to try her hand in comedy. And this time, she will be cast opposite Diljit Dosanjh in the film.
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Kriti took to Twitter to confirm the news and wrote, "This one's gonna be a mad fun ride!#ArjunPatiala ..Larger than Life! Cant wait to start rolling."
According to a report in Mumbai Mirror, Kriti plays the role of a journalist. Diljit, on the other hand, is a quirky, small town guy. The film is a content-driven comedy and will roll in February 2018.
"It will be shot in Punjab, the makers are leaving for a recce soon and hopes to zero in on a director shortly," a source told the daily.
Kriti, who will share screen space with Diljit for the first time, added, "I love watching good comedies and while shooting for Bareilly Ki Barfi I realised that I enjoyed being a part of this world too. I'm looking forward to shooting with Diljit."
ALSO WATCH: Kriti Sanon talks about casting couch, Bareilly Ki Barfi and body-shaming
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Apple Vietnam has filed a formal request with local authorities asking for a relaxation of current regulations pertaining to the import of its Apple Watch.
Current regulations require the company to acquire import permits for its Apple Watch, despite the fact that Vietnamese authorities lack the means to test the quality of such hi-tech products.
In its request, the Vietnam office of the American multinational has called on local authorities to recognize documents issued by authorized foreign certification bodies.
The Apple Watch is a line of smart watches developed by the California-based company that can track fitness activity, perform translations, and host games in addition to its basic function as a timepiece.
Au Anh Tuan, chief supervisor under the General Department of Vietnam Customs, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the companys request is in line with a recent government resolution on improving Vietnams business environment.
The resolution, signed into effect by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in February, demanded local authorities take the initiative and recognize foreign-issued certification in order to cut down on unnecessary red tape for businesses.
A recent dispatch by the Ministry of Finance also approved the abolishment of import permits for smart phones, only requiring businesses to submit papers of certification issued by credible foreign entities in order to import the technology.
According to a 2016 World Bank report, Vietnam ranked 82nd out of 190 world economies in terms of business competitiveness.
PM Phuc, who was sworn into office in July last year, has vowed to build a productive government by streamlining political and administrative bodies and cutting down on bureaucratic red tape for local businesses.
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Im writing this in the ongoing situation of Storm Damreys flooding of the central coast on Monday afternoon, the 6th of November. After days of torrential rain and the opening of the dams in the mountains, extensive flooding is now confronting tourists and locals alike all along the central coast of Vietnam from the plains and deep into the mountain areas.
The scale of the flooding is set to be as bad as previous major floods and its not over yet with predictions of more rains to pound the mountainous areas particularly, compounding the problems for everyone.
Although we had warnings of major flooding through social media, local Party broadcasts and the weather services, its still a shock when you see the water begins to pour into streets like a disaster movie in slow motion and rise in the time it takes you to have a decent breakfast. I got my taste of this on Saturday last week, as a farmer hurriedly moved his cows up the street as I sat finishing my second coffee in my regular haunt.
Hai Ba trung Street heading into Hoi An, located in central Vietnam. Photo: Neil Fraser Hoi An Travel Guide: Coast Vietnam
This is about my sixth major flood in Hoi An in the past ten years and it never ceases to amaze me as a first-hand experience. Standing in the middle of a flooded street, battling the strength of the water surging past and trying to stay upright are hard enough!
Although locals take the event more or less in their stride, its more startling to tourists suddenly finding themselves on a boat being evacuated out of their hotels to an uncertain day seeking a hotel room on the high ground to the north and west of Hoi An City. Its funny and sad at the same time as bemused and half-exhausted middle-aged Westerners, half soaked in cheap raincoats, stagger on to dry pavements, trudging their luggage behind them.
Frantic calls were put out this morning from expats and tourists trying to get boats to high ground but it hasnt been a big problem. Interesting how the locals monitor our social forums within minutes messages were zapping around with offers of boats (and jeeps!) to get people out.
Boats are used to travel in Hoi An now. Photo: Vu Trong Phan
As the tragic side of this story unfolds outside Hoi An with 27 reported dead and more than 20 missing, there have been no reports of personal injuries within the city area at this time.
One feature of these floods is the reaction of locals. Some enterprising souls hire out their boats (up to 200,000 dong for tourists!) while the local riverside market have moved up three blocks and promptly continued trading. Other tough locals are still roaming the streets with their portable food stalls selling hot food and snacks.
The waters had risen so fast in some places near the river in town that people chose to ride out the storm in their second floor encampments only to have to get neighbors to fetch ladders and boats to bring people to high ground. In general, I notice that the locals dont stock a lot of food except rice; however, thats easy to cook even without electricity.
For the most part, I think the local authorities have done a fairly good job in assisting people in getting boats into town and placing locals out along the agricultural areas to keep an eye on floods, water locks and on the lookout for trouble. Pretty tough job in this weather!
Local authorities (far left) assist with evacuations in Hoi An. Photo: Stivi Cooke
At the moment, our neck of the woods is waiting on the water levels will they go down enough? Will the rains rebound with heavy downpours? Will the rain continue throughout the week? A lot will depend on if the ground can absorb more water and draining into the ocean. Current consensus is the rain will continue and thats going to take a hard toll on local livelihoods outside the town. Hoi Ans tourism trade usually takes a downturn with the winter rains but manages well enough.
Hopefully the aftermath of this storm is not far away. This is when you really see the locals go into action with chainsaws and water trucks hosing the muddy streets. Its surprisingly efficient two years ago, the floodwaters were about the same yet the whole town was up and running in less than two days.
With the horrible prediction by some weather services of another storm hitting southern Vietnam by the end of the week, I would like to say good luck and travel safely to the tourists and to the locals, a million thanks for all the help you have given total strangers, friends, neighbors and foreigners. You are what makes living here so worthwhile!
The 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week, hosted by the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang, officially began today, November 6, with the Concluding Senior Officials Meeting (CSOM).
The CSOM will take place on Monday and Tuesday, chaired by Bui Thanh Son, Vietnams deputy minister of foreign affairs, and chairman of the APEC 2017 Senior Officials Meeting.
Son is scheduled to announce the results of the CSOM at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon at the International Media Center in Da Nang.
APEC began in the wake of heavy rains over the weekend. [But] after the rain, the sun rises, Deputy Minister Son said in his opening address, repeating a well-known Vietnamese saying.
The deputy minister expressed his pleasure at welcoming delegates again to the last and most important SOM meeting in Da Nang.
Son said the two-day event would focus on two key objectives: reviewing the progress made in realizing APECs vision for this year and finalizing the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Declaration and the APEC Ministerial Meeting Statement.
Bui Thanh Son (central), Vietnams deputy minister of foreign affairs and chairman of the APEC 2017 Senior Officials Meeting, talks with delegates ahead of the opening of the Concluding Senior Officials Meeting in Da Nang, central Vietnam, on November 6, 2017. Photo: Thuan Thang/Tuoi Tre
Delegates talk together ahead of the opening of the Concluding Senior Officials Meeting in Da Nang, central Vietnam, on November 6, 2017. Photo: Thuan Thang/Tuoi Tre
Held in conjunction with the CSOM is the APEC Voices of the Future forum and the ABAC meeting.
The 'Voices of the Future' forum is a platform for youth voices at the annual APEC summit, and takes place from November 5 to 11, while the ABAC meeting is scheduled to wrap up today.
APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 and comprised of 21 member economies, including Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam, among others.
The Economic Leaders Week, the culmination of Vietnams year-long hosting of APEC meetings, is on from November 6 to 11 in Da Nang, and is expected to be attended by some 12,000-14,000 delegates from the 21 member economies.
This years APEC summit carries the theme of 'Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future.'
Vietnams State President Tran Dai Quang will host the APEC Economic Leaders' Weeks key events, including the 25th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM), the AELM Gala Dinner and Cultural Performances.
He will also chair the ABAC Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders, and the APEC - ASEAN Informal Dialogue on November 10 - 11.
In addition, President Quang will deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit, held from November 8 - 10.
The president's spouse, Nguyen Thi Hien, will host the Leaders Spouse Program in Hoi An, Quang Nam and Da Nang on November 11.
The Vietnam Business Summit, where Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is expected to deliver an address, will be held on November 7.
Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh and Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh will chair the 29th APEC Ministerial Meeting on November 8.
High tide peaked at 1.65 meters at 5:00 am on Monday, resulting in flooding that caused severe delays in District 7, Binh Tan District, and Binh Chanh District, among others.
According to the observations of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters, streets including Tran Xuan Soan, Huynh Tan Phat, Ho Hoc Lam, National Highway 50, and several others were submerged by floodwaters.
Several vehicles had broken down in the middle of the road, while many people, especially young students, became soaked after tripping in the rising water.
In Nha Be District, the situation was most serious on Le Van Luong Street and in Phuoc Kien and Nhon Duc Communes, where water poured into local homes.
Le Van Luong Street in Nha Be District is inundated due to high tide.
Residents were forced to use all types of objects to stop the flow of water.
By around 8:00 am on the same day, the floodwater had finally begun to recede.
However, several commuters were still pushing their motorbikes after their engines broke down.
A young girl helps her mother push their broken-down motorcycle.
According to the National Center for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting, the tide will remain high, at about 1.64 meters, until Tuesday.
At least nine streets and countless alleys across the southern city are expected to remain inundated.
A worker tries to fix his motorbike after its engine stopped in the floodwater.
A young student holds a wet backpack after it dropped in the water.
Two men carry their suitcases on a flooded street.
Commuters travel on a flooded street.
A motorized tricycle carries a broken-down motorcycle.
Congestion occurs on Le Van Luong Street in District 7 as people rush towards the city center for work.
Slow business at a local banh mi stall
People face difficulties traveling on a flooded street.
Locals wait for the bus on an inundated road.
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A ceremony took place in Hanoi on Sunday to mark the 100th anniversary of Russias October Revolution, which took place on November 7, 1917.
The event was held at the Vietnam National Convention Center and was attended by many of the countrys current and former leaders.
Speaking at the ceremony, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong highlighted the significance of the revolution, saying it had opened up a new period in human history.
Victories of Vietnams own revolution have long been linked to the impact of the October Revolution, as well as to the support and assistance of the people of the former Soviet Union, General Secretary Trong elaborated.
Artistic performances celebrating the centennary of the October Revolution. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Vietnams achievements during the last 30 years of reform can be put down to the application of Marxist-Leninist ideals and Ho Chi Minh thought, the Party chief stressed.
He then called for more effort in continuing to build a strong Party, improving economic growth, protecting national independence and sovereignty, expanding foreign relations, and taking care of peoples material and spiritual lives.
The ceremony was held at the Vietnam National Convention Center in Hanoi. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Nguyen Hong Vinh, deputy head of the Vietnam Russia Friendship Association, extended his gratitude towards Russia on behalf of the Vietnamese community there.
The October Revolution began when Vladimir I. Lenin and the Bolshevik Party led an uprising of the former Soviet Unions working class against the standing bourgeois government, ultimately resulting in the formation of the first socialist state in history.
The revolt inspired revolutionary movements around the world, including in Vietnam.
Artistic performances celebrating the centennary of the October Revolution. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Artistic performances at the ceremony. Photo: Tuoi Tre
Artistic performances at the ceremony. Photo: Tuoi Tre
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Vietnam is expected to bid farewell to physical residence books by no later than 2019 in favor of an online national database of citizens, according to a road map set out by the Ministry of Public Security.
The move followed a recent government resolution that approved the abolishment of the decades-old residential management method, which ties a person to a permanent address.
Currently, citizens are required to submit separate documents including their residence books, birth certificates or national ID cards when performing administrative procedures.
The upcoming digitalized database will provide the same amount of information stored in such documents, while only requiring a person to provide three simple details their full name, personal identification number and place of residence.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, information on Vietnams nearly 93 million citizens will be stored on two data centers located in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
A high-speed data transmission network will be developed to connect all 63 provinces and municipalities of Vietnam, each with their own set of technical equipment to operate and access the online database.
Sr. Lt. Col Tran Hong Phu, a police chief in charge of the national database, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that local police divisions have already begun collecting citizens information to issue new personal identification numbers.
The new ID code is individually unique and in the form of a 12-digit number, and is attached to a person from birth.
As a citizen engages in administrative activities, further information including their marital status, address or driving license number will be added to their online entry accessible via their unique identification number.
According to the Ministry of Public Security, the online national database of citizens will be ready for official launch in late 2018 or early 2019.
Following its launch, the use of residence books and the old national ID cards will be replaced by the new identification numbers and new ID cards.
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The Voices of the Future forum, an event on the sidelines of the 2017 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week, began at the Da Nang University on Monday, with more than 130 young participants from the blocs 21 member economies.
The forum was held in conjunction with the Concluding Senior Officials Meeting (CSOM) during the APEC summit from November 6 to 11.
In his opening remarks, James Soh, co-chairman of the APEC Voices Leadership Council, underlined the forums role as a platform for future young leaders to deepen their understanding of their own generation and those of other economies, as well as lay out a vision for their futures.
Soh said one of the priorities of young people today is finding ways of bringing the grand family of the Asia-Pacific region toward a better future.
Delegates pose for a group photo at the forum.
Nguyen Long Hai, secretary of Vietnams Central Youth Union, said that young people from APEC member economies face many challenges, from economic crisis and climate change to cybersecurity.
The forum provides them with a chance to exchange experiences and solutions as well as fulfill the APEC 2017 theme of Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future.
First held in Malaysia in 1998, the Voices of the Future forum is a key platform for the voice of youth at the annual APEC summit.
A delegate from Thailand
The forum is primarily governed by the APEC Voices Leadership Council, which consists of the four permanent co-chairs from China, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore, who are joined by the ex-official co-chairs from the host economy and the Virtual Trade Mission (VTM) Foundation International.
The co-chairs are all ABAC Members, senior business leaders and educators, while the APEC Voices Secretariat is based in Singapore, hosted by the Singapore Voices program in association with the National Youth Achievement Award Council of Singapore.
The APEC Voices Leadership Council expects the APEC Voices of the Future program to continue as an independent and self-sustaining youth leadership and educational diplomacy program within the APEC community.
A delegate from Australia
New Zealand delegates talk together before the forum starts.
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ABC will simulcast Paul Kelly Live from the Sydney Opera House across ABC, Double J and iview, hosted by Myf Warhurst.
David Anderson, Director Television says, The ABC is excited to give audiences around Australia a front row ticket to Paul Kelly Live at the Opera House with our upcoming broadcast which is sure to be a highlight of Ausmusic Month. His lyrical genius has long united generations of fans and provided a soundtrack to Australian life and we couldnt be more proud to present such an iconic Australian entertainer.
ABC is giving one fan the chance to win a double pass to the concert via abc.net.au/paulkellylive.
The 10-time ARIA winner and ARIA Hall of Fame inductee returns to the stage in electric form for his biggest headline show yet, performing a career-spanning set with a full band. From St Kilda to Kings Cross to the Sydney Opera House and back, Kelly has recorded over 21 albums as well as several film soundtracks, with his most recent album Life is Fine taking him to the top of the ARIA charts earlier this year. He continues to capture the imagination of audiences both locally and further afield, with many of his songs now lodged deep in the Australian psyche.
November 19 at 8:30pm AEDT.
Seven documentary Michael Hutchence: The Last Rockstar is back in the spotlight amid questions about key participant, lawyer, Colin Diamond, whose dealings have been exposed by the Paradise Papers.
Brother Rhett Hutchence (pictured top) has slammed the documentary, both via Facebook and in comments to ABCs Four Corners, taking direct aim at Diamond, whom the family has previously fought in lawsuits.
The ABC has raised serious questions about how Diamond (pictured below) came to own some of Hutchences most personal belongings, including a diary and song lyrics left by Hutchence when he took his own life in a Double Bay hotel room 20 years ago. Four Corners alleges Michael Hutchences intellectual property was used by Chardonnay Investments, an offshore company set up to exploit the 20th anniversary of his death.
Everything of Michaels in the room of the hotel was taken two days later by Colin Diamond, Michaels brother, Rhett Hutchence, told Four Corners. None of that stuff has ever been released to the family.
The documents reveal for the first time a claim of total ownership over a key part of Hutchences estate made by the performers former lawyer, Colin Diamond. Diamond is not just claiming to be Hutchences trustee, but the ultimate beneficial owner of all the stars remaining assets held in Chardonnay Investments, ABC revealed.
On Facebook Rhett Hutchence went into far more detail, directed at the Seven network:
Your program got me feeling emotional, then sickened, before loathing set in. So you are aware, the Hutchence family hated it. Your Last rock star told soo many lies, major mistakes and fallacies, that it was disturbing and painful to watch, he wrote.
Rhett Hutchence accuses Diamond of theft, taking 169 items listed on the police inventory but leaving Michaels belt for his father. He alleges Diamond has held onto Hutchences diary for 20 years to exploit and profit from it and keeping missing guitars, musical equipment and art works, which all featured in the doco.
There is no statement from any first responders, crime scene investigators, police, coroner, witness, or any anybody at all, stating there was any empty packets of cocaine found in room 524 in Michaels file at Glebe morgue, he wrote.
The actual room was NOT as messy either.
SLIDE AWAY was an unfinished piece that Michael had only written and sung the first verse and chorus. Bono was lured in to lift the song, which he did perfectly. But it was not written as a duet.
Michael loved his family deeply, worked hard for his money, and would have wanted his wishes carried out.
He continues: The Last Rock Star was no more than a vehicle to sell more solo albums, boost the intrigue of the new album coming (more on that later) , and make Colin Diamond rich, and seem as a good friend of Michaels, and all around good guy..
Well, that is so far from the truth Channel 7, as you have been duped too. You fell for his lies, and paid a lot of money for your efforts, which amount to nothing new, to downright bullshit.
Meanwhile documents relating to Ron Creeveys Moment Media, which arranged an introduction with Colin Diamond, were sought in search warrants issued by Australian Federal Police in a widely-publicised swoop on the self-described King of the Cross, John Ibrahim. Ibrahim was not charged after the raids.
Last month INXS distanced themselves from the doco, which included interviews with Diamond, Tina Hutchence, Bono, Simon Le Bon and Billy Zane.
Seven responded to Four Corners enquiries by saying the documentary was an in-house production and no payments were made to Creevey or his agents: Our agreement, as such, was to promote this documentary extensively to attract the biggest audience possible as is the usual practice on a commercial network! Such promotion would inevitably generate interest in Michaels new music which we would be made available for sale after broadcast by (Chardonnay Investments Ltd).
Seven has been contacted for comment regarding Rhett Hutchences Facebook post.
Additional source: The Age
This is pretty rare. a TV producer walked into an argument between contestants and stopped it in its tracks.
It happened on Married at First Sights New Zealand series, during a fiery group dinner.
According to the NZ Herald, the dinner descended into a bitchy catfight about who said what about whom.
That was after the 6 couples were piled into chauffeur-driven cars and ferried through rush-hour traffic to ensure they were as agitated before a dinner exactly 160m from where they are staying in Central Auckland.
After tears, smirking, accusations and heated arguments, Warner Bros managing director Greg Heathcote intervened.
Everyone just take a deep breath, he told them.
Now is not the time to be having this conversation.
So can we just go? asked one poor bloke. That would be good.
Yes, gallant producer replied. I think this party is over.
You can see the video at Stuff.co.nz
By India Today Web Desk: Lung cancer--the moment you hear or read these two words, the picture of a man or woman smoking passes through your head. Why? Because we have been told and taught time and again that smoking an lead to lung cancer. Ad campaigns, cigarette packets, and tobacco packets always come with a cautionary warning related to smoking and lung cancer.
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And quite rightly so. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, in both India and abroad.
Tobacco smoke, as revealed by WebMD.com, contains many chemical compounds--most of which can lead to the growth of carcinogens in our lungs. Nitrosamines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are the two primary carcinogenic chemicals in tobacco, so prolonged and regular smoking can, and does, lead to lung cancer.
Also Read: 6 early signs of lung cancer that you shouldn't ignore
But did you know that there are a number of other ways you could be at risk of getting lung cancer? Take a look:
Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pinterest
1. Passive smoking
If you live with or work with a regular smoker, chances are that you are getting an unhealthy dose of passive smoking done every time they light up around you. According to Cancer Research UK, passive smoking can increase a non-smoker's cancer risk by a quarter. Basically, you're inhaling the same tobacco smoke, so the residue can be as carcinogenic as when one smokes himself or herself. And this second-hand smoke doesn't just affect the lungs, but can also lead to cancers in the larynx and pharynx.
2. Asbestos poisoning
You might not know it, but asbestos is all around us, especially in India. How? Well, the roofing on most semi-permanent, urban houses are made of asbestos sheets. They're cheap and easy to weld into a building, and make for a good housing option for the poorer sections of India. But the silicate fibres in asbestos can do long-term damage to your lungs, and prolonged exposure can lead to both lung cancer and mesothelioma. Workers who handle asbestos are equally at risk of getting cancer from it.
Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pinterest
3. Lung diseases
If you have a serious lung infection or disease, like tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, and emphysema, you are at risk. These lung diseases cause scarring and inflammation in the lungs, which can turn carinogenic. If you have a long history of chronic lung diseases, your chances of getting cancer are higher. The situation can definitely be worsened if you are a smoker as well.
Also Read: Smoking, oral sex increases men's cancer risk, warns a study
4. Air pollution
Whether it's vehicular or industrial in source, air pollution can spell the ultimate danger for your lungs. The broad range of carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals that are a part and parcel of air pollution can lead to chronic, systemic inflammation of the lungs, leading to cancer. This factor poses a major threat to Indians these days. What's more, air pollution can also cause cancer in kidneys, bladders and the colon.
Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pinterest Image for representative purpose. Picture courtesy: Pinterest
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5. Genetics
According to Healthline, current lung cancer researches suggest that you can get the disease if someone in your immediate family has suffered from it. You could be at risk of getting lung cancer genetically, even if you're not a smoker yourself. While the exact reason behind this is eluding scientists right now, it is a factor that should be considered.
As you can see, lung cancer is caused by a number of factors, apart from smoking. So, don't just think you'll be at risk of developing this form of cancer if you're a smoker.
Instead, beware of all the factors around yourself, and go for regular check-ups for lung carcinomas and cancers.
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A report on Bogus Bouquets in March on Today Tonight has found Seven Adelaide in breach of the Code of Practice over accuracy and fairness.
An Australian Communications and Media Authority investigation has ruled a story about an online flower delivery business, Bloomex misrepresented comments made by the then NSW Fair Trading Commissioner.
The story, which said the company was under investigation for questionable practices, included interviews with three customers, a former employee of Bloomex Canada and Rod Stowe who was then NSW Fair Trading Commissioner.
Today Tonight incorrectly reported that the Commissioner had issued a public warning not to use the company, during a recorded interview. But ACMA found, in pre-recorded comments not put to air, the Commissioner had only spoken about online flower sellers generally and noted complaints about Bloomex.
The Code requires that licensees present factual material accurately in broadcasting news and current affairs programs. They must also ensure viewpoints included in the program are not misrepresented, said ACMA Chair, Nerida OLoughlin.
This breach is an important reminder to broadcasters of their responsibilities to not distort statements made by third parties.
There was also a complaint the story did not clarify some customers had been refunded for flowers which did not arrive as ordered.
Today Tonight website issued a clarification on that point:
Clarification: Regarding this Today Tonight report from March 7, 2017, about Bloomex Australia, we wish to clarify that Therese Matthews and Karan Sood did receive refunds after they didnt receive their flowers as ordered.
Seven was cleared on other allegations of inaccuracy in the story.
The ACMA and Seven Adelaide have agreed on actions to avoid future breaches, including for staff training.
Turkish broadcaster Fox Turkey will screen a local drama series using original Neighbours scripts.
To be known as Komsular, the series will will be set in a fictional suburb of Istanbul called Karanfil Yokusu. Produced by No:9 Productions, it will be based on original Neighbours storylines from 2012 onwards, when the Turner and Willis families joined Ramsay Street.
Drama operations executive Erdi Isiky said: Komsular, the Turkish version of Neighbours by No:9 Productions and directed by Canan Evcimen and Goksel Aydn, will launch on Fox Turkey on November 6.
Much like the original series that is loved by audiences far and wide, the first global adaptation includes a brilliant cast and will be sure to capture Fox audiences across Turkey.
Komsulars director Canan Evcimen added: By coming to Turkey, the legendary drama series Neighbours continues to grow its global audience, which has been established in more than 60 countries.
Komsular will be an essential guest in the houses of Turkish audiences, thanks to its strong storyline combined [with] a warm local feel.
Source: Digital Spy
A British hostage, kidnapped in Nigeria has been killed, while three others have been released, the Foreign Office says.
Details surrounding the death of missionary Ian Squire, who was abducted on 13 October, were not immediately clear.
Fellow Christian charity workers Alanna Carson, David Donovan and Shirley Donovan have been released following negotiations.
The Nigerian authorities are now conducting an investigation into Mr Squire's death, and believe militants operating in the area are behind the abduction.
They say four people have been arrested in connection with the case.
The Foreign Office (FCO) said they were supporting the families of the three released Britons, who have now returned home.
The group, who had been providing "free medical care and religious activities" to the local Enukorowa community, are understood to have been held at militant camps in the creeks and swamps of the delta.
The community were said to be "saddened" by their kidnapping.
The state police said it was "unfortunate" the group had not informed them of their presence, despite living in the area for the past three years.
The families of Mr Squires and the other hostages said the kidnap had been "traumatic for all concerned".
While their statement said they were "delighted and relieved" for the three freed hostage, they said "our thoughts are now with the family and friends of Ian as we come to terms with his sad death".
Kidnapping for ransom and armed robbery is common in the west African country, with the FCO advising against "all but essential travel" due to the "high threat of criminal kidnap".
Oil workers and Westerners are often the target of attacks in the oil-rich Delta Niger region.
Italian priest Maurizio Pallu was kidnapped by armed gunmen near Benin City in southern Nigeria last month, but released after spending three days held in a forest.
High-profile abductions have also bee carried out by Islamist group Boko Haramin northeastern Nigeria.
English engineer Chris McManus was abducted by a militant group in the northern city of Bernin Kebbi, but was shot in the head during a failed rescue mission in 2012.
The four Britons were kidnapped in Nigerias Delta State (Google Maps)
A British man who was being held hostage in Nigeria has been killed, the Foreign Office has confirmed.
Ian Squire was kidnapped in the countrys southern Delta State along with three others, who have been set free.
Alanna Carson, David Donovan and Shirley Donovan, have returned home safely after The British High Commission and Nigerian authorities negotiated their release.
The circumstances surrounding Ian Squires death, three weeks after his kidnap, were not immediately clear.
It is understood that Mr Squire and fellow Christian charity workers David and Shirley Donovan and Alanna Carson were working as missionaries when they were abducted from their accommodation in the early hours of 13 October.
Small houses are seen by the bank of a river in Delta State, Nigeria. (Reuters/Paul Carsten)
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A Foreign Office spokesman said: We are supporting the families of four British people who were abducted on October 13 in Nigeria, one of whom was tragically killed.
This has clearly been a traumatic time for all concerned, and our staff will continue to do all we can to support the families.
We are grateful to the Nigerian authorities, and are unable to comment given the ongoing nature of their investigations.
In a statement, the families of the four hostages said: Alanna, Ian, David and Shirley were kidnapped in Nigeria some three weeks ago.
We are grateful for the support received by the British High Commission and help from the Nigerian authorities in negotiating their release.
We are delighted and relieved that Alanna, David and Shirley have returned home safely. Our thoughts are now with the family and friends of Ian as we come to terms with his sad death.
This has been a traumatic time for our loved ones who were kidnapped and for their families and friends here in the UK. We would therefore ask that the media respect our privacy as we come to terms with the news. We will not be making any further comment.
The Government currently advises against all but essential travel to the area where the kidnapping took place.
O'Cha Commune chief from opposition party Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) Sin Rozeth, smiles during an interview with Reuters at her office in Battambang province, Cambodia, October 11, 2017. Picture taken on October 11, 2017. REUTERS/Samrang Pring
Thomson Reuters
By Matthew Tostevin
BATTAMBANG, Cambodia (Reuters) - Sin Rozeth's attempts to show the benefits of grassroots democracy to some of the poorest people in the Cambodian city of Battambang are in peril.
The 30-year-old daughter of a vegetable seller became the head of Ochar commune, the equivalent of local council leader, in elections in June. Her victory was part of an "all politics is local" strategy that helped the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) win 40 percent of the 1,646 local seats at stake. Previously it had just 2 percent.
But the authoritarian government of former Khmer Rouge commander Hun Sen is now cracking down at every level on a party that had shown it might beat him at elections due next July. The longest-serving prime minister in the world accuses the CNRP of doing the bidding of the United States.
Hun Sens government has arrested CNRP leader Kem Sokha on treason charges and taken steps to have the party dissolved altogether. Once vocal rights groups have also been silenced and media critical of the ruling party have been repressed.
For Sin Rozeth, it has meant warning letters from city and provincial authorities threatening to remove her.
Now voters are showing signs of discouragement in Ochar, a community of 18,000 where Battambang spills into rice fields and dwellings patched from metal sheet and wood sit alongside low-rise cinderblock homes.
Few new voters in the commune have registered ahead of next year's national elections, she said.
It is the same picture across Cambodia. The electoral commission estimated 1.6 million people needed to register - either because they had come of age or had been missed before and barely a quarter have done so ahead of a Nov. 9 deadline.
At stake is the shaky democracy that Western donors spent billions of dollars trying to build after the genocide of the Khmer Rouge killed an estimated 1.7 million people - around a quarter of the population - between 1975 and 1979.
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Hun Sen's dominance dates from 1985, when he became prime minister under the patronage of occupying Vietnamese forces he had helped to drive out his former Khmer Rouge comrades. A 1991 peace deal ended civil war and U.N.-supervised elections were held in 1993. Hun Sen lost, but maneuvered to keep power and has used force and the courts to undermine opponents ever since.
BUDGET FROZEN
Sin Rozeth, who took up politics after dropping out of university for lack of money, said she made some money through helping others with real estate deals in Battambang province to support herself and her single mother, who raised her.
Her commune's official budget had been frozen and she had to pay the office's electricity bill from her own pocket, she said. Donors in Cambodia and abroad also helped. They bought a computer and plastic chairs for the office.
"It is very hard to work," Sin Rozeth said.
City and provincial authorities have sent three warning letters. Among the accusations: offering services free of charge, discriminating against ruling party officials, usurping the role of the commune clerk and holding meetings on Saturdays.
The CNRP's commune chiefs elsewhere complain, too.
Va Sam, of Kok Khleang commune in Phnom Penh, said the interior ministry had taken over issuing documents such as land titles and birth certificates, previously a big source of funds for the commune.
Discrimination against CNRP commune chiefs was widespread, said Mu Sochua, a deputy of Kem Sokha who fled into exile fearing arrest.
"Other communes face the same targeting if we shine and show too much competence," she told Reuters.
Battambang's provincial governor, Nguon Ratanak, from the government of the ruling Cambodia People's Party (CPP), told Reuters local leaders had to obey the law and denied stopping anyone from developing their communes.
"They still want to apply the political policies used during the campaign," he said. "Commune chiefs must work under the guidelines of the interior ministry, not their political party."
If the CNRP is banned, with a court decision due on Nov. 16, the ruling party would take control of all the communes the CNRP currently leads, based on a change to the election law approved by Cambodia's CPP-dominated parliament last month.
The government dismisses criticism that the crackdown ahead of next July's election is turning Cambodia into a one-party state. It says it is only acting against those who have broken Cambodias laws.
'COLOR REVOLUTION'
Arrested in a midnight raid on Sept. 3, CNRP leader Kem Sokha was accused of plotting with Americans to organize a 'color revolution' like those that toppled eastern European strongmen.
"We cant let this dangerous revolution happen in Cambodia," said senior interior ministry official Huy Vannak. "You try to put an American jacket onto a Cambodian and it doesn't fit."
Among those forced out even before Kem Sokha's arrest was the U.S. State Department funded National Democratic Institute (NDI), which spent 25 years on a democracy-building mission that cost an average $2 million a year for the past five years.
Sin Rozeth, who was born two years after Hun Sen came to power in 1985, has benefited from its training, as did many members of the ruling party. It included lessons in campaigning - trainers taught her not to attack other parties, she said - and how to present her own policies.
NDI said that since the recent elections, 138 ruling party members had participated in NDI activities along with 153 members of the opposition.
"If this was an effort to try to collude with the opposition then were guilty of colluding with the ruling party as well," NDI president Kenneth Wollack told Reuters.
Within days of Kem Sokha's arrest, a top Chinese official flew to Phnom Penh with words of support. China has replaced the United States as Cambodia's biggest single donor by far.
In the U.S. Congress, Senators John McCain and Dick Durbin have introduced a resolution that could lead to travel restrictions on Cambodian leaders.
Cambodian officials say they don't fear any penalties.
"The Americans can't even control North Korea," government spokesman Phay Siphan told Reuters.
FACEBOOK LIVE VIDEOS
Sin Rozeth believes the strategy of promising change locally as well as nationally helped explain her party's success.
Facebook Live videos show the diminutive and energetic figure getting drains built through muddy streets of Battambang, famed for Cambodia's finest jasmine rice and its French colonial architecture, winning her followers far beyond the city.
"I went out to meet people and get to know their problems. I went to funerals to pay condolences even if I didn't know the people," said Sin Rozeth.
"We just have to show what we can deliver day by day," she said. "We're a new generation and we want to show that administration can be effective and clean and free of charge."
A 2013 video about that strategy was used as evidence against Kem Sokha.
In it, he says he has the backing of unnamed Americans for a plan to win power requiring that "before changing the top level, we need to uproot the lower one".
For Kem Sokha, it was a legitimate political strategy in a democracy.
The government called it treason.
(Additional reporting by Prak Chan Thul; Editing by Martin Howell and Bill Tarrant)
See Also:
FILE PHOTO: French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire looks from a window of the cockpit of a high-speed train TGV at the Alstom factory in Belfort, France, October 26, 2017. REUTERS/Philippe Wojazer (Reuters)
By Noah Barkin and Michel Rose
BERLIN/PARIS (Reuters) - French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire will meet German officials in Berlin this week to discuss the future of the euro zone and assess his own prospects of becoming the next chairman of the Eurogroup forum of finance ministers.
French and German officials confirmed Le Maire would be in Berlin on Wednesday, when he will meet acting Finance Minister Peter Altmaier, a close ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Le Maire is also due to see Christian Lindner, leader of the liberal Free Democrats (FDP), and Cem Oezdemir, co-leader of the Greens party. Both are in discussions with Merkel's conservatives on forming a coalition government.
France's Emmanuel Macron has made euro zone reform a central goal of his five-year presidency. But any changes will require the support of Merkel and her new government, which is not expected to be in place before Christmas. Lindner has been critical of Macron's idea to create a budget for the euro zone.
"We want to follow up on the president's Sorbonne speech and exchange views on the future of the euro zone," a French finance ministry official said, referring to a speech by Macron in September when he laid out his vision for EU reform.
While Le Maire's visit - his first to Berlin since the German election - is about strengthening contacts with likely members of the new government, officials indicated that it would also be an opportunity to sound out Berlin on the Eurogroup presidency, a powerful position that will be elected next month.
Since it was created in 2005, the Eurogroup, which brings together the euro zone's 19 finance ministers, has had only two presidents: Luxembourg's Jean-Claude Juncker, who served from 2005 to 2013, and former Dutch finance minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who is due to step down in January.
The position involves chairing monthly meetings and driving policy around economic and monetary union, including ensuring that all member states stick to strict targets on deficits and debt. The post has been dubbed "Mr Euro".
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"NO NATURAL CANDIDATE"
Le Maire, 48, is regarded as sharp, ambitious and more than capable of leading the group. But some euro zone officials are wary about the presidency ending up in the hands of either Germany or France, the two largest economies in the single currency bloc and already dominant forces in policymaking.
A further complication for Le Maire is France's poor record of meeting its own deficit targets over the past decade. German officials are not ruling out Le Maire, but they have also expressed a preference for giving the post to a smaller country.
Last week, one official in Berlin mentioned two possible alternatives: Pierre Gramegna of Luxembourg and Peter Kazimir of Slovakia. The official also floated the idea of extending Dijsselbloem, seen as a close ally of Berlin, even though he is not part of the new Dutch government.
"It is still quite unclear who will come forward," the German official said when asked about the presidency. "At this stage there does not seem to be one candidate everyone is rallying behind. There is no natural candidate."
The Eurogroup president will be chosen on Dec. 4, an EU official said last week, with the formal call for candidates opening in mid-November.
"It is not a done thing," the German official said of Le Maire's candidacy. "He will only apply if he gets the impression that he is the one."
The talks in Berlin on Wednesday could be decisive in determining whether he does throw his hat into the ring.
If Le Maire were to get the job, it could have repercussions for other top euro zone jobs. Mario Draghi will end his term as president of the European Central Bank on Oct. 31, 2019, and Germany's Jens Weidmann is already being mentioned as a potential successor.
Euro zone watchers say that if the French secure the presidency of the Eurogroup, it may be harder for them to argue against a German candidate taking over the ECB.
Still, as one senior French official told Reuters on condition of anonymity last month, Weidmann at the helm of the ECB "would be a problem for a lot of countries, not just for France".
(Writing by Luke Baker, editing by David Evans)
By PTI: plaint with cops
(Eds: clubs together related stories)
Mumbai/Chandrapur, Nov 6 (PTI) Facing criticism over his remark that using names of women would boost the sale of liquor brands, Maharashtra minister Girish Mahajan today apologised, saying he did not intend to hurt the sentiments of women.
The remark made at an event organised by a sugar mill in north Maharashtras Nandurbar district on Saturday, however, prompted a woman trade union leader to lodge a complaint against him in Chandrapur district yesterday.
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"I regret my remarks. I express my apologies. It wasnt my intention to hurt womens sentiments," Mahajan, the states water resources minister, told reporters in Mumbai.
Noting that he hade made the remark "in a lighter vein", he said it was an "unintentional mistake".
"If you want the demand for alcohol or any other product to rise, name it after a woman and see how the demand soars," he said on Saturday while attending an event of a sugar factory which also produces liquor under the brand name Maharaja.
A video of his speech was uploaded on YouTube.
Angry at the ministers comment, Paromita Goswami, president of Shramik Elgaar, an unorganised sector labour union, lodge a complaint at Mul police station in Chandrapur.
She said the minister had "insulted" women with his remark.
Citing article 47 of the Constitution, she said in accordance with the provision the government is supposed to enforce prohibition.
"I was simply taken aback by the statement by none other than a minister (Mahajan) and have lodged a police complaint," she said.
She also threatened to launch a protest if the police did not register an FIR against the minister.
The Maharashtra government had in 2015 declared Chandrapur district in the Vidarbha region dry, imposing a ban on the sale, purchase, production and consumption of liquor.
Chandrapur was the third district in the state, after neighbouring Wardha and Gadchiroli, where prohibition was imposed.
Mul police station inspector Jayvant Chavan confirmed the receipt of the complaint.
"Paromita Goswamis complaint has been forwarded to higher officials for legal opinion. However, there are no specific clauses under which the complaint could be registered," he said.
Mahajan, meanwhile, continued to face criticism over his remark.
"I think the minister is a habitual drinker and we appeal to all the women in Maharashtra to come out and fight against such a mindset," NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said.
In an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana today, the Shiv Sena also took potshots at Mahajan.
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"In a lot of places in Maharashtra, women are protesting against the sale of liquor. Despite being aware of it, Mahajan made these remarks which is unfortunate," the Sena said. PTI VT COR GK NSK TIR SK SK
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Donald Trump's commerce secretary has denied any wrongdoing after leaked documents revealed his business links to Russians currently under US sanctions.
Democratic politicians have called for an investigation into Wilbur Ross after the so-called "Paradise Papers" showed he retained an interest in Navigator Holdings - a firm which ships oil and gas for Russian energy company Sibur.
Mr Ross says claims he failed to disclose the holding to Congress were "totally incorrect", adding that he never met two Sibur owners who are the subject of US sanctions.
Kirill Shamalov, the son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin, also has a stake in the energy company.
Mr Ross said: "This would have been something not good had it not been disclosed, but it has been quite fulsomely disclosed.
"Navigator was not a security I was requested by the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to divest of... we have complied with all aspects of the OGE ruling.
"Navigator charters out vessels and one of its charter customers... happens to be Sibur.
"The negotiations to buy these vessels and the negotiations to charter the vessels to Sibur were done before I became a director of Navigator.
"The most important point is that Sibur was not sanctioned at the time that Navigator did the deal nor is it under sanctions right now, so there is no sanction prohibition against any of the dealings with Sibur."
In a statement, Sibur said its negotiations and meetings with Navigator were carried out by management and without shareholders' involvement.
It added: "Sibur expresses its surprise at the politically charged interpretation in certain media publications of regular commercial activities, over many years, which from the outset were reflected in the company's published accounts."
Earlier, Democratic senator Richard Blumenthal accused Mr Ross of making "inexcusable and intolerable" omissions to the Senate Commerce Committee.
Story continues
The Paradise Papers relate to the financial affairs of some of the world's top business people, companies and well-known figures.
Contained within the 13.4 million records were documents relating to the Queen's private estate , Premier League tycoons , U2 frontman Bono and late INXS rocker Michael Hutchence.
Bono used a company based in Malta to pay for a share in a Lithuanian shopping centre, the papers claim.
A spokesperson for the Irish musician told the Guardian that he was a "passive, minority" shareholder in the company "that was legally registered in Malta until it was voluntarily wound up in 2015".
Meanwhile, it is claimed that Hutchence's business manager, Colin Diamond, lawfully sought to set up a company in Mauritius to exploit "sound recordings, images, films, and related material embodying the performance of Michael Hutchence".
There is nothing to suggest that any of the investments are illegal.
SWNS
Feeling under the weather? Try the rom-com remedy three in five Americans say its their go-to movie genre when down for the count.
Thats according to a new poll of 2,000 millennial parents of kids ages 4-12, where theyre also watching action and adventure movies (37%) and series like Harry Potter or the Hunger Games (36%).
When sickness strikes, more than four in five (82%) spend most of their time in their bedroom, with 42% staying put on the couch in their living room.
This may contribute to the fact that the average parent watches five hours of TV or movies each sick day.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Delsym, results showed how respondents are optimizing comfort with their favorite things.
Results revealed that respondents get sick about three times per year.
Respondents were more likely to prefer old favorites than to wrap their heads around new content when feeling ill. (23% vs 15%).
When parents are sick with their children, the most popular movies to watch are the Harry Potter series (32%) and the Toy Story series (32%).
They also watch movies like Frozen (30%), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (28%) and Moana (25%).
More than half (56%) of respondents have a go-to or favorite feel-better comfort movie, with the average person saying they can watch it four times in a row without getting sick of it
In fact, 45% of those admit they can watch it more than four times and one in 10 of those (11%) even say they can watch it an infinite amount of times.
In total, respondents have watched their feel-better movie about 34 different times.
This movie has been respondents favorite for about six years, perhaps because it reminds them of good times (61%) and makes them laugh (53%).
Parents report feeling relaxed (54%), happy (48%) and calm (40%) after watching their favorite movie.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of parents agree that theyve passed their love of their favorite movie along to their child.
Nothing brings a family together quite like movie night, and nothing makes movie night better than a feel-good flick that fills you with warm, fuzzy feelings especially when youre sick. We understand that feeling better means more than just relieving your cough symptoms its about cozying up on the couch as you and your family work to feel better together, said Albert So, Marketing Director, Upper Respiratory Brands at Reckitt, including Delsym.
The survey also delved into how respondents are remedying their ailments by caring for their five senses.
In order to alleviate their symptoms, parents tend to want to taste soup (42%) and hot beverages like tea or coffee (26%).
They also want to touch things like their favorite blanket (40%), their significant other (19%) and their pet (14%).
When it comes to smell, respondents like to breathe in something clean like fresh linens (42%), medicine (36%) and something cooking in the kitchen (26%).
And while trying to feel better, respondents like to listen to music (58%) and their friends and family talking (29%).
When a family member is under the weather, the entire household is caught in the storm and that daily routine can be thrown off course, bringing with it discomfort and chaos. Families not only need fast-acting relief, but they need comforting remedies to help them navigate that storm, said So. Whether its moms chicken soup, your go-to feel better movie or cozying up with your kids, whatever it is that makes you feel better can go a long way.
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 millennial parents of kids aged 4-12 was commissioned by Delsym between October 6 and October 10, 2022. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).
Boxhill Technologies updated the market on Monday, after its announcement that it is launching a new high-value transfer service (HVTS) for transactions of more than 10m through its wholly-owned subsidiary Emex Technologies , on 28 July.
The AIM-traded firm said that, while its HVTS - dubbed emexGo - had not generated any revenue to date, it was a service that the board anticipated would produce significant revenues in the future, and provide for a substantial increase in the monies passing through Emex.
Emex receives ad valorem fees on all monies passed through emexGo, the board confirmed.
The development of [the] HVTS has involved substantial investment, the board explained in its statement.
It has been agreed that part of this investment will be funded by Phillite D UK Limited (PDU), a company which between December 2014 and November 2016 undertook certain regulated payment processing activities on behalf of the group.
Boxhill said PDU would market the HVTS to its clients as part of its offering of payment services, charging fees independently and not receiving any share of the processing fees.
PDU's share of the investment costs - about 1.43m - will be met from future receipts secured by PDU on HVTS transactions where PDU will in some circumstances be acting as the principal and other circumstances as an agent.
PDU's share of the investment costs are currently represented on the Boxhill balance sheet as a trade receivable.
As the company announced on 31 October, the historic legal matters surrounding its relationship with its former regulated payment processor, EU Pay Group, had been settled without any adverse cost implications.
PDU had - independently of Boxhill - taken responsibility for the amounts owed by EUPay to the group, the board said on Monday.
As a result of the settlement, PDU is now in a position to pursue the collection of these amounts without any hindrance from the now settled litigation.
This will facilitate the repayment of the amounts outstanding to the group - about 224k - under the arrangement.
Additionally, and further to its announcement on 31 October, the company contracted an independent expert to undertake a valuation of the intangible assets included in the Timegrand acquisition announced on 10 April, in consultation with its auditors.
The increase in the value of those intangible assets - which principally consists of software - announced on 31 October, reflected the outcome of that independent valuation, the board said.
The company confirms that it continues in its search for the best candidate to perform the chief executive officer role for the group, its update concluded.
Travel and leisure company Minoan Group revealed some positive progress with its controversial large Crete development on Wednesday, with news that appeals to its planning consent will take place in July.
The AIM-traded company said the Greek Council of State - its supreme administrative court - has set an early hearing of the appeals against the Presidential Decree granting the consent.
It confirmed the hearing has been set down for 4 July, at an extra session within the summer recess period of the court.
Given the circumstances, the early hearing outside of the normal flow of cases is an indication of the importance being attached to encouraging foreign investments in Greece, commented Minoan chairman Christopher Egleton.
The company is looking forward to the hearing with confidence in the Greek justice system, which has already twice confirmed that the Presidential Decree had been lawfully proposed.
Egleton said the company will update the market with further news as soon as it is available.
Investors appeared to be pleased with the development, with shares in Minoan Group up 1.82% at 1040 BST.
UK house prices are expected to fall for the first time since November 2012 over the next three months amid uncertainty over the European Union referendum, according to a survey on Thursday.
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) said a poll showed most of its members expect prices to fall in the next few months on worries about Brexit and higher taxes on buy-to-let and second home purchases.
Britain votes on its EU membership on 23 June. Chancellor George Osborne last month warned that house prices could decline more than 10% if Britain votes to leave.
RICS said house prices in central London had already fallen, with 35% more property professionals reporting a drop over the past month.
Sadly, for the many young people looking to enter the property market, it is unlikely that we are seeing the emergence of a more affordable market, said Simon Rubinsohn.
Instead, it appears to me that what we are looking at is a short term drop caused by the uncertainty resulting from the forthcoming EU Referendum coupled by a slow-down following the rush to get into the market ahead of the tax change on the purchase of investment properties.
The RICS headline house price balance for changes over the previous three months fell to +19% in May from +39% in April, the lowest reading since February 2015. Analysts had expected +35%.
Shares in Anglo Pacific Group were down almost 7% as the company warned the royalty from its Kestrel underground mine in Australia will be lower than expected.
Anglo owns a slice in certain of the Kestrel project's land areas. The project is operated by mining titan Rio Tinto, which means the company only receives royalties when mining is being undertaken on those specific areas.
It said Rio Tinto had indicated mining within the group's private royalty lands in first-half 2016 would be about 20-25%, from a previously guided range of 30-35%.
At 12:36 BST, Anglo's shares were down 6.44% to 83.5p each.
London- and Toronto-quoted Anglo said it understood this was due to the delayed commencement of mining of longwall panel 404, which was largely within the group's private royalty area.
Mining of the longwall panel 404 was now seen beginning at the start of second-half 2016.
"We expect mining within the group's private-royalty land will be approximately 85-90% in second-half 2016 resulting in significantly higher volumes than first-half 2016," the company said.
Anglo continued to expect that total mining within its private-royalty land in 2016 would be approximately 60-65%, as previously guided.
Insurance outfit Standard Life has completed the deal announced last year to sell its Canadian companies to Manulife Financial for 2.2bn, and will press on to get shareholder approval for a 1.75bn share buyback.
As previously announced, the group wants to return the equivalent of 73p per share to shareholders by way of a B/C share scheme accompanied by a share consolidation.
Further details will be published alongside its annual results on 20 February.
Standard Life announced the disposal to Manulife subsidiary The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company last September.
The deal includes a global collaboration agreement where Manulife will distribute Standard Life Investments funds in Canada, the US and Asia.
Judge slams 'disgraceful' behaviour of utility
Thames Water was fined a record 20m on Wednesday after pumping 1.4bn litres of raw sewage into the River Thames.
The judgement, ironically handed down on World Water Day, was delivered at Aylesbury Crown Court after a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency.
Privately-owned Thames was found guilty of devastating large sections of the river in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, along with smaller tributaries, killing fish and birds.
Judge Francis Sheridan described the incident as a shocking and disgraceful state of affairs.
It should not be cheaper to offend than to take appropriate precautions.
I have to make the fine sufficiently large that [Thames Water] get the message, he said.
One has to get the message across to the shareholders that the environment is to be treasured and protected, and not poisoned.
It is not the first time the company has been punished for polluting the environment. In 2016 it received a 1m fine for releasing sewage into the Grand Union canal in Hertforshire and a further 0.38m for doing the same in an area of outstanding beauty in the Chilterns.
In the period 200513 Thames Water was the most heavily fined water company in the UK for pollution incidents, paying 842,500 for 87 events.
The company made an operating profit of 742m in 2015/16 and paid out 82m in dividends, according to its annual accounts.
It is owned by a group of institutional investors, including the BT pension fund, China Investment Corporation and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and was managed by Macquarie Capital Funds, which sold its final stake earlier in March to the Kuwaiti Investment Authority and Canadian pension fund Omers.
By Pankaj P. Khelkar: Maharahstra BJP's four-time MLA Girish Mahajan's irresponsible anti-women comment has got himself entangled in controversy.
Addressing a sugarcane farmers public gathering at the Satputda co-operative sugar mill in Nandurbar district, the BJP Minister said sugar factories need to rebrand their liquor products with female names so as to increase the liquor sales.
THE ANTI WOMEN STATEMENT
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While discussing liqour sales with the chairman of the sugar factory Deepak Patil, Mahajan came to know that sale of its bi-product - liquor is not showing any positive growth.
During the discussion with the chairman, the Girish Mahajan inquired about the name of the liquor brand and was surprised to know that 'Maharaja' was the name given to the liquor. He quickly without thinking of the consequences said that the name was the cause for poor sales and said changing it to 'Maharani' will boost the sales.
MAHAJAN ADVOCATES FEMALE NAMES TO INCREASE LIQUOR SALES
Trying to justify his marketing advice - BJP Minister Girish Mahajan even spoke about his recent visit to other sugar factories in the nearby districts like Ahmednagar , Nasik - Nandurbar and Dhule.
Mahajan said that highest sales of liquor from the distillery units is of Shankar-Rao Kale as the name of their liquor brand is Bhingri, giving another example of the high liquor sale with female name, Mahajan said that former MLA Kolhe's factory bi-product liqour name is JULIE. He added that both the brands are reaping high sales just because of their female names.
In his speech, the BJP Minister Mahajan even stressed that products having female branding are getting better sales. To increase liquor sales companies and sugar factories need to rebrand their products with female names was advocated by Mahajan.
FADNAVIS VS MAHAJAN
Ironically, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the same day announced that Gram Rakshadal Act at Ralegaon Siddhi. This act gives special powers to the citizens to form a group and file a complaint against those involved in public nuisance due to liquor consumption or liquor sale. Mahajan also being the state health minister has the responsibility to care for the well being of the society.
However, the minister seems to have forgotten his duty as he went on to claim that tobacco products using female names were topping the sales charts.
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ANTI WOMEN STATEMENT CONDEMNED ACROSS PARTIES
Girish Mahajan's anti women - statement has been condemned across the political parties with NCP women's wing in the neighbouring Dhule district calling for a juta maro andolan, at the same time the NCP women's wing had also protested by putting cow dung to the Minister Girish Mahajan's poster.
Social activist Paromita Goswami from Chandrapur district has filed a police complaint against Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan. Paromita Goswami's NGO Sharmik Elgar has been working for the downtrodden and needy women especially the tribals of Maharashtra.
Addressing the press in Mumbai BJP Minister Girish Mahajan apologised for his statement, at the same time he said that he never meant to insult women.
Mahajan is not new to controversy. He is known to have attended the wedding of underworld's most wanted Don Dawood Ibrahim and has even been spotted at school event in Jagaon with a revolver. He was also known for Kumbhmela water release controversy and fee controversy of medical college.
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Easing concerns over Royal Dutch Shell (B) dividend payments by finding more savings from the 40bn takeover of BG Group helped The Telegraph's Questor column reach a "Hold" view on the oil major.
It also noted cuts to capital spending.
Shell has been the go-to stock for years because of its income-play potential, but Questor noted the problem going forward was that oil finds were increasingly more difficult and expensive to come by.
"Not an immediate threat, but Shell would face a time in the not too distant future when maintaining big dividends would become impossible alongside the need to constantly replace dwindling oil reserves," the column contended.
It pointed to Shell's proverbial aces up the sleeve -- its size and low debt levels -- that meant it could buy a solution, namely BG, the deal completing earlier this year.
"In a stroke it (Shell) replaced the reserves with BG's deep-water oil projects off Brazil, and big gas projects to add to its own Gorgon project off Australia," wrote Questor.
"The beauty is that many of these projects are new and deep-water oil production is expected to double to more than 900,000 barrels per day within the next five years."
But the question lingered, was this the right solution?
Shell's debt spiked after the deal completed -- to 26% from 14% -- bringing with them higher risks to holders of the equity if the profits began to fall.
The dive in crude prices to around $50 a barrel, from $115, has seen that happen.
Shell was now, in Questor-speak, "furiously hacking away at the business" to prove the deal could work.
It planned to save $4.5bn a year by 2018, $1bn more than the previous target of $3.5bn. The majority of those savings, or $3.5bn, should come by end-2017.
The company -- focused on oil, LNG, oil sands, and chemicals made from oil -- also planned to sell $30bn worth of assets within two years, up to $8bn of that targeted for this year, as it moved to quit up to 10 countries.
It would also spend less on new projects. Capex would be limited to $30bn for the next four years, with the flexibility to go below $25bn if the oil price fell. It will spend about $29bn this year, which was less than half the amount spent three years earlier.
"The good news is that all these measures mean the company can sustain 188 cents (129p) dividend payments that offer a prospective yield of 7.6% for the next year or two," explained Questor.
"Investors are not entirely out of the woods though. A prospective yield above 6% points to serious doubts in the market about sustainability."
Nonetheless, the column cautioned that disposals taking longer than expected, the ramp-up in oil and gas production assets being delayed and lower crude prices as potential risks.
"We recommend holding the shares for the dividend income."
Meantime, the Financial Times' Lex column focused on the UK competition sheriff's closer look at Tullett Prebon and ICAP's combined share in oil-product trading in Europe and the Middle East.
A tie-up of the pair would see their global energy and commodity revenues tot up to 323m, with the next largest being BGC Partners at 198m.
Tullett's element in this area has been boosted by deals -- PVM in 2014 and MOAB in 2015 -- as has BGC's following its acquisition of rival GFI last year.
"Market volatility should have helped energy trading but pressure form electronic trading and regulation has meant that only PVM has seen big sales increases," wrote Lex.
"So the increase in market concentration is real," the column added, suggesting a solution would be to spin off ICAP's European oil desk.
"The plan was to combine the traditional brokerage businesses and spin off ICAP's digital units -- fewer oil traders will not affect that much."
The University of North Georgia (UNG) is ranked among the top 100 colleges and universities in the nation on cost and campus safety, according to the 2018 College & University Rankings by WalletHub. It ranked 973 private and public colleges and universities on factors including student selectivity, cost and financing, faculty resources, campus safety, campus experience, educational outcomes, and career outcomes.
UNG ranks No. 35 in the nation on cost and financing and No. 76 in the nation on campus safety.
"UNG has established a hands-on financial planning approach through the Financial Aid Office and the Student Money Management Center," said Jill Rayner, director of financial aid for UNG. "We help students understand the importance of fiscal responsibility. It is important for the students to understand not only what a loan is, but the impact a student loan has on their budget after they graduate."
In the South regional rankings, UNG is No. 104 on the list among private and public colleges and universities. Georgia Tech (No. 32 nationally, No. 6 in the South) and the University of Georgia (No. 76 nationally, No. 14 in the South), were the only two public universities or colleges in Georgia ranked higher than UNG in either national or regional rankings. Overall, UNG ranks at No. 381 in the nation.
"In a fierce global economy, a college degree today is necessary both for securing employment and staying ahead of the competition," Richie Bernardo, senior writer for WalletHub, wrote about the rankings. "And though success ultimately rests on students own determination and performance, the quality of the schools they choose for the hefty price they often must pay can help ensure students are well prepared for the demands of the real world."
To produce the rankings, WalletHub analysts evaluated universities and colleges in seven areas using 26 relevant metrics on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the best school performance and the most favorable conditions for undergraduate students during and after attendance. Rankings considered only four-year or above schools and data collected was relevant to undergraduate students only.
Data considered included student-faculty ratio, graduation rate and post-attendance median salary. Specific metrics considered for the cost and financing rank included net cost, availability of employment services for students and student loan debt. Campus safety ranking considered on-campus arrests and on-campus crime.
The WalletHub website includes the full national and regional rankings, details about the methodology and a Q&A with researchers in relevant fields addressing current financial issues in higher education.
WalletHub, owned by Evolution Finance and based in Washington, D.C., offers free credit scores and full credit reports that are updated on a daily basis. Additionally, the website offers information about financial topics including ratings and reviews, articles and studies, financial calculators, and an ask-an-expert feature.
Richard C. Vari, senior dean for academic affairs at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, won the Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award.
The prestigious award provides national recognition to faculty members who have distinguished themselves in medical student education. Each LCME-accredited medical school in the United States and Canada may nominate only one faculty member each year for the honor.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) gave the honor to Vari at an awards presentation at its annual meeting in Boston, Massachusetts.
Getting this award is the pinnacle of my career and such an honor, said Vari.
Rick is one of the most energetic, engaging, and effective teachers I have ever seen, said Cynda Ann Johnson, founding dean of the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He is one of a kind. He teaches his students from his heart, his passion for his work is infectious, he leads his faculty by example, and he is revered by the students.
I always thought that Dr. Vari was influential in my ending up at VTC, because I remember feeling a connection with him when I interviewed. He inspired confidence in me that this school would be successful, even though on that day, there were no books and no physical school, said Christopher Vieau, a VTCSOM charter class graduate and family medicine physician at Union Family Practice in Carolinas HealthCare System. That so many students from VTC have enjoyed success is truly a testament to the type of man he is. Dr. Vari is deserving of the highest honor in teaching, and I couldn't be happier for a mentor and a friend.
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine In 20 years, this little-known trader didnt have a single losing year (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine In 20 years, this little-known trader didnt have a single losing year (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report The 3-Stock Retirement Blueprint (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine In 20 years, this little-known trader didnt have a single losing year (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
Maharashtra water resources minister Girish Mahajan later clarified that the remarks were made jokingly and not intended to hurt anyone's sentiment.
By India Today Web Desk: Maharashtra water resources and irrigation minister Girish Mahajan created a stir when he said that liquor manufacturers should name their alcohol brands after women to push sales.
The minister made the sexist remark while speaking at a function at the Satpuda cooperative sugar factory in Nandurbar in north Maharashtra.
The minister said, "One brand of alcohol is Bhingari, another is called Bobby and yet another is named Julie" and added that these brands register high sales. "So, I asked you, what is the name of your liquor brand? You said Maharaja. Then, how can things fit in? Change it to Maharani and see how the sales boom," the minister told the gathering.
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"The trend these days is to name alcohol brands after women. Same holds true for tobacco brands as well with names like Kamal, Vimal and Suman," the Maharashtra minister said.
MINISTER's CLARIFICATION
Caught in the eye of controversy, Girish Mahajan today clarified that his remarks were a joke. "I was in Sharada, where a guest told me that their brand of liquor has no demand. Thus, I jokingly asked him to change the name of their brand. My intention was not to hurt anyone's sentiment," he said and apologised for the remarks.
"I don't consume liquor or tobacco. I have always tried to raise my voice against it. I have never made such comments in my career of 25 years. My intention was not to hurt anyone." the Maharashtra minister said.
A complaint has been filed against the Maharashtra minister by a social activist following his sexist remarks on women.
(With inputs from Mayuresh Ganapatye)
ALSO WATCH: Maharashtra minister's sexist jab on liquor brand lands him in trouble
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PetroChina Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in a range of petroleum related products, services, and activities in Mainland China and internationally. It operates through Exploration and Production, Refining and Chemicals, Marketing, and Natural Gas and Pipeline segments. The Exploration and Production segment engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of crude oil and natural gas. The Refining and Chemicals segment refines crude oil and petroleum products; and produces and markets primary petrochemical products, derivative petrochemical products, and other chemical products. The Marketing segment is involved in marketing of refined products and trading business. The Natural Gas and Pipeline segment engages in the transmission of natural gas, crude oil, and refined products; and sale of natural gas. As of December 31, 2021, the company had a total length of 26,076 km, including 17,329 km of natural gas pipelines, 7,340 km of crude oil pipelines, and 1,407 km of refined product pipelines. The company is also involved in the exploration, development, and production of oil sands and coalbed methane; trading of crude oil and petrochemical products; storage, chemical engineering, storage facilities, service station, and transportation facilities and related businesses; and production and sales of basic and derivative chemical, and other chemical products. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. PetroChina Company Limited is a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation.
"I strongly feel the time for politicking over demonetisation is over. It is time the Prime Minister graciously acknowledges the blunder and seeks support from all to rebuild our economy," Dr Singh said in an interview to BloombergQuint.
By India Today Web Desk: In yet another strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the first anniversary of demonetisation, his predecessor and noted economist Dr Manmohan Singh today said the time for politics over note ban is over, and that Modi should accept the blunder and rebuild India's economy.
"I strongly feel the time for politicking over demonetisation is over. It is time the Prime Minister graciously acknowledges the blunder and seeks support from all to rebuild our economy," Dr Singh said in an interview to BloombergQuint.
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The veteran Congress leader has been at the forefront of the Congress assault on the Modi government over the sudden decision to ban high-denomination Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes on November 8 last year.
Amid chaos over cash crunch and serpentine queues at the ATMs across India, the 85-year-old had called demonetisation "organised loot and legalised plunder" said during the winter session of the Rajya Sabha.
"So, in all, these measures convince me that the way this scheme has been implemented is a monumental management failure, and in fact, it is a case of organised loot, legalised plunder of the common people," he had said, a phrase that soon became the Opposition's rallying point against the government.
Manmohan's latest attack would only galvanise the Opposition as it prepares to observe a Black Day on November 8. The ruling BJP, on the other hand, has decide to celebrate it as an Anti-Black Money Day.
VIDEO | Demonetisation colossal failure, Sachin Pilot to Piyush Goyal
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By PTI: (Eds: Rpt after correction in intro)
New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) A multi-agency group (MAG) probing the Panama Papers leak will look into the Paradise Papers on financial holdings abroad that list a number of Indian individuals and entities, official sources said today.
The sources said the MAG, constituted in April last year to investigate the legality of money stashed in offshore entities by Indians named in the Panama Papers, would probe the latest disclosure made by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
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The MAG comprises officials from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Financial Intelligence Unit and the RBI among a few others.
The panel will first "go through" the details of income tax returns filed by the 714 Indian individuals and entities named in the Paradise Papers and subsequently take action, in a case-to-case basis, the sources said.
"Obviously, notices will be issued once complicity of an individual or entity is established," a senior official said.
The leaked documents from Bermuda-based global offshore law firm Appleby and Singapore-based Asiaciti, published by the ICIJ, revealed off-sore investments by the high and mighty across the world.
The investments appear among a leak of 13.4 million files from the two firms and company registries of 19 tax havens.
The vast leak of financial papers has details on 180 countries. India ranks 19th in terms of the number of names.
The mention of names of the list does not mean that such entities have indulged in stash funds or have generated black money without paying due taxes. PTI NES SMN SMN
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Brown County approves Bailey Pro Rodeo as new stock provider
Bailey Pro Rodeo out of North Dakota has been selected as the new rodeo stock provider for the Dacotah Stampede Rodeo, a two-day event at the fair.
BRUSSELS Ousted Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and four close separatist allies regained their freedom at the end of a tumultuous Sunday that started when they surrendered in Brussels to face possible extradition to Spain for allegedly plotting a rebellion.
But a Brussels investigative judge quickly ruled there was no reason to put the five politicians behind bars and released them on condition they stay in Belgium and attend their court sessions within two weeks.
Hours after the former Catalan regional president and four ex-ministers turned themselves in to Belgian authorities, Puigdemonts party put him forward as its leader for an upcoming regional election called by the Spanish government meaning he could end up vocally heading a campaign from Brussels while he fights a forced return to Spain.
The decision was rife with implications for Spain and political consequences for Catalonia, the restive Spanish region fighting Madrid for independence.
The five Catalan politicians who fled to Belgium after Spanish authorities removed them from office Oct. 28 were taken into custody Sunday on European arrest warrants issued after they failed to show up in Madrid last week for questioning.
In Belgium, even the prosecutor didnt think it was necessary to detain the five after Puigdemont made it amply clear he would fully cooperate with Belgian authorities.
The request made this afternoon by the Brussels Prosecutors Office for the provisional release of all persons sought has been granted by the investigative judge, a statement from the prosecutors office said.
The office said the whole extradition process could take more than 60 days, well past the Dec. 21 date set for the regional election in Catalonia.
Puigdemont and the four ex-ministers left for Belgium last week as the Spanish government, seeking to quash Catalan separatists escalating steps to secede, applied constitutional authority to take over running the region.
The officials said they wanted to make their voices heard in the heart of the European Union and have refused to return to Spain, maintaining they could not get fair trials there.
Nine other deposed Catalan Cabinet members heeded a Spanish judges summons for questioning in Madrid on Thursday. After questioning them, the judge ordered eight of them to jail without bail while her investigation continues. The ninth spent a night behind bars before posting bail and being released.
Whether in Brussels or Barcelona, Puigdemont is at the heart of political jockeying for position to start a campaign that promises to be as bitter as it is decisive to Spains worst institutional crisis in nearly four decades.
While parties opposed to breaking away from Spain try to rally support to win back control of Catalonias regional parliament, pro-secession parties are debating whether or not to form one grand coalition for the upcoming ballot.
Another former president of the region, Artur Mas, told Catalan public television on Sunday that he backed a fusion of parties for the December vote. But Mas said the main goals of secession supporters must be recovering self-rule and the release of the jailed separatists.
If we add the issue of independence, we wont get as many people to support us, said Mas, who was the first Catalan leader to harness the political momentum for secession.
An opinion poll published by Barcelonas La Vanguardia newspaper on Sunday forecast a tight election between parties for and against Catalonia ending the regions century-old ties to the rest of Spain.
The poll predicts that pro-secession parties would win between 66-69 seats, less than the 72 seats they won two years ago. Sixty-eight seats are needed for a majority.
Puigdemont and his fellow separatists claimed that a referendum on secession held on Oct. 1 gave them a mandate for independence, even though it had been prohibited by the nations highest court and only 43 percent of the electorate took part in the vote, which failed to meet international standards and was disrupted by violent police raids.
Catalonias Parliament voted in favor of a declaration of independence on Oct. 27. The next day, Spains central government used the extraordinary constitutional powers to fire Catalonias government, take charge of its administrations, dissolve its parliament and call the December election.
Hundreds of pro-secession Catalans gathered in towns across the region on Sunday.
We want to send a message to Europe that even if our president is still in Brussels and all our government now is in Madrid jailed, that the independence movement still isnt finished, 24-year-old protester Adria Ballester said in Barcelona.
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Associated Press writer Raf Casert reported this story in Brussels and AP writer Joseph Wilson reported from Barcelona. AP writer Nebi Qena in Barcelona, AP video journalist Mark Carlson in Brussels contributed to this report.
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Find complete AP coverage on the Spain-Catalonia crisis here: https://apnews.com/tag/Spain
NEW YORK Newly leaked documents show that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, the Trump administrations point man on trade and manufacturing policy, has a stake in a company that does business with a gas producer partly owned by the son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to records obtained by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Ross is an investor in Navigator Holdings, a shipping giant that counts Russian gas and petrochemical producer Sibur among its major customers. Putins son-in-law Kirill Shamalov once owned more than 20 percent of the company, but now holds a much smaller stake.
Commerce Department spokesman James Rockas said Ross never met Shamalov and has generally supported the Trump administrations sanctions against Russia, according to the ICIJ report. Rockas added that Ross has withdrawn from matters related to transoceanic shipping vessels and has met the highest ethical standards.
The details are likely to add to the questions about ties between Russia and the Trump administration, connections that for months have shadowed the White House and are a focus of an investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller. Yet it wasnt immediately clear how many partners Ross might have or what the profit-sharing agreement might be.
ICIJ disclosed the Ross holding as part of reporting on 13.4 million records of offshore entities in tax havens leaked to German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung. The newspaper then shared the records with ICIJ and a network of more than 380 journalists in 67 countries. The New York Times is its U.S. partner in this inquiry.
The Times reported on the Ross holding on Sunday.
It wasnt immediately clear exactly how much of Navigator, which is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Ross personally owns. ICIJ reported that Ross and other investors own four Cayman Island entities that in turn own 31.5 percent of Navigator, a stake worth $176 million at Fridays closing stock price.
Ross stake in Navigator is likely a small fraction of that. In financial disclosure forms he filed with the government this year, Ross valued his holdings in the Cayman Island entities, which include other companies besides Navigator, at no more than $10.1 million.
Sibur contributed 8 percent to Navigators revenue last year, according to reports filed with securities regulators. Russias energy sector is largely controlled by individuals with ties to state actors, including Putin.
Much of the new trove of files includes bank statements, emails and loan agreements from Appleby, a law firm that helps set up offshore dummy companies and trusts. Appleby told the ICIJ that there is no evidence that it has done anything wrong.
Other records came from Asiaciti Trust, a family-run offshore specialist based In Singapore, and from 19 corporate registries maintained by governments in jurisdictions that draw the wealthy seeking privacy.
Big investments in two U.S. tech companies from a Russian government bank and Russian energy giant have also come to light.
The ICIJ reported that Silicon Valley investor and Russian citizen Yuri Milner got $191 million from VTB Bank, and invested that money in Twitter. The leaked records also show that a financial subsidiary of Russian energy company Gazprom funded a shell company that invested in a Milner-affiliated company that held roughly $1 billion in Facebook shares shortly before its 2012 initial public offering.
Milner told the ICIJ that he was unaware of any involvement by the Gazprom subsidiary in any of his deals and that none of his investments has been related to politics.
Milner has also invested in a tech-savvy real estate fund that was co-founded by Trump adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner called Cadre. Milner told the ICIJ that he used his own money for the investment.
Sundays revelations follow last years release of records from a Panama-based firm involved in setting up offshore accounts. That disclosure triggered investigations in several countries, the resignation of the prime minister of Iceland and ouster of the leader of Pakistan. The Panama Papers also revealed that close associates of Russias leader Putin had been using the dummy accounts abroad to store their wealth, including a close Putin friend who had $2 billion of offshore assets.
There are legitimate reasons for setting up offshore accounts, but lax regulation and anonymity in some jurisdictions make it easy to launder money, evade taxes and avoid regulatory scrutiny. Critics of the widening gap between the super-wealthy and the rest have seized upon the use of tax havens as revealed in the Panama Papers as evidence of a crisis, and governments have promised to crack down.
In the case of Ross, the ICIJ reported Navigators Russian customer, Sibur, has ties to Putin in addition to his son-in-law.
A big shareholder is Gennady Timchenko, who was targeted by the U.S. and other Western nations for sanctions after Russias invasion of the Ukrainian region of Crimea in 2014. A few months later, the U.S. barred banks from providing long-term financing to a gas company belonging to another large Sibur shareholder, Leonid Mikhelson. Mikhelson has also been sanctioned by the Treasury Department for propping up Putins rule.
Sibur itself was not targeted by the U.S. sanctions, but the Bank of America and the Royal Bank of Scotland reportedly backed away from doing business with the company.
The Russian gas producer last year contributed $23 million to Navigators revenue, an increase of more than 40 percent in two years
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Associated Press writers Jake Pearson in New York and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
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This story has been corrected to show the name of the organization is the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) The multi-agency group (MAG) probing the Panama Papers leak will monitor the probe and take "swift action" on the Paradise Papers on financial holdings abroad that list a number of Indian entities, the CBDT today said.
It said the investigation units of the income tax department across the country have been "alerted to take note of revelations for immediate appropriate action".
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The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said investigation in many cases of offshore entities is already on fast track.
"As soon as further information surfaces, swift action as per law will follow," the CBDT, the policy-making body for the IT department, said in a statement.
It said the government has directed that investigation in cases of Paradise Papers will be monitored by a re-constituted MAG, headed by the Chairman CBDT and having representatives from the CBDT, the Enforcement Directorate, the Reserve Bank of India and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
The MAG was constituted in April last year to investigate the legality of money stashed in offshore entities by Indians named in the Panama Papers.
The panel will first go through the details of income tax returns filed by the 714 Indian individuals and entities reportedly named in the Paradise Papers and subsequently take action, on a case-to-case basis, official sources added.
However, the CBDT said it is still to receive full details of the latest disclosures. It said the names of only a few Indians (entities and individuals) have appeared so far in the media.
The Paradise Papers relate to an investigation into offshore and banking assets of individuals and entities carried out by the Indian Express in collaboration with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
Even the ICIJ website (www.icij.org) has not yet released the names and other particulars of all the entities, it said.
"The website of ICIJ suggests that information will be released in phases and structured data connected to the Paradise Papers investigation will be released only in the coming weeks on its Offshore Leaks Database," a CBDT statement said.
A senior official said notices will be issued once complicity of an individual or entity is established in these cases.
THe CBDT said revelations made today in the media indicate that out of 180 countries represented in the data of offshore entities held by people of different nationalities, India ranks 19th in terms of number of names.
In all, 714 Indian entities and individuals figure in the list. The Paradise Papers include nearly 7 million loan agreements, financial statements, emails, trust deeds and other paperwork over nearly 50 years from inside Appleby, a prestigious offshore law firm with offices in Bermuda and other places.
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Indians who figure in Paradise Papers include Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan, defaulter businessman Vijay Mallya, corporate lobbyist Niira Radia, film star Sanjay Dutts wife Dilnashin, now known as Manyata, Union minister Jayant Sinha and Rajya Sabha MP R K Sinha, the report in the Indian Express, ICIJs media partner in the country, said.
The ICIJ worked with 95 media partners globally for the investigation.
The leaked documents include files from the smaller, family-owned trust company, Asiaciti (Singapore), and from company registries in 19 secrecy jurisdictions.
The mention of names on the list does not mean that such entities have generated tainted money or evaded taxes. PTI NES SK SK
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Two people were injured Sunday in a disturbance during which a deputy opened fire, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office.
Sheriff Manuel Gonzales said a deputy responding to a disturbance call around 12:30 p.m. near Edith and Vineyard in the North Valley fired at least one shot.
A man who was armed with a knife was shot and seriously injured, Gonzales said during a news conference close to the scene. The man was being treated at a local hospital Sunday evening, and Gonzales said it was not clear whether the mans injuries were life threatening. He did not specifically say whether those injuries were a result of the deputys shot.
A deputy came in contact with a person armed with a knife, Gonzales said. We know that there was at least one gunshot fired from a service weapon and that person received serious injuries.
Another person at the scene was taken to the hospital with a knife injury, Gonzales said.
BCSO spokeswoman Felicia Maggard said investigators have not yet determined whether anyone will be charged.
Deputies kept Edith closed between Osuna and Montano while officers investigated the complex complicated scene.
Police tape stretched across the roadway, blocking off a nearby convenience store and at least a portion of Vineyard, a small residential road that runs alongside a gated retirement community.
According to some of our investigators its a pretty large scene, and its a very complex scene, Gonzales said.
He said additional details may be released today or Tuesday.
As a young international trade specialist working for the New Mexico Economic Development Department in the early 1990s, I was sent to to Portland, Ore., for a week.
My objective was to study Oregons trade assistance sector and to ascertain what New Mexico could learn from it. At that time, Oregon was considered innovative in its approach by locating local, state, and federal officials all under one roof in Portlands World Trade Center, located on the banks of the Willamette River, thus fostering greater cooperation and productivity.
Upon arriving at the World Trade Center, I was escorted to a room down a hallway in which the door was left open. The administrative assistant told me that she would be gathering people from the different agencies for my first general meeting. During the next 15 minutes, a cavalcade of people tiptoed down the hall, peeked in or waved at me, and then disappeared. Finally, the meeting participants were assembled in my conference room and the meeting began. I made the comment that I thought I had been led to the wrong room because people kept showing up looking through the open door before quickly leaving. I thought that maybe the conference room had been double-booked.
The participants started chuckling and the director of the meeting sheepishly told me, I apologize, but when word got out that we were having a New Mexican guest in our offices for a week, curiosity got the better of the staff and they just had to see what a New Mexican looked like. And with the North American Free Trade Agreement being negotiated, all of us are envious of your state, because you share a border with Mexico and you are probably already benefiting from trade with Mexico.
Everybody, myself included, cracked up laughing, although I did admit that I felt that some type of animal in a zoo that people were examining. It was not an uncomfortable feeling; it was more of feeling that I had just experienced a big adventure, and I was on a stage so that everybody could figure out what just happened. As I chuckled, I could not help but think that Oregons exports to Mexico were double New Mexicos that same year. I knew we had a lot of work to do.
That feeling I experienced more than 20 years ago in Portland came back to me recently as I hosted a visiting group of journalists from throughout Germany, who were making stops within the U.S. to get a pulse of what is happening in our country. I was asked to make a presentation on U.S.-Mexican trade, cross-border relations, and how the border fits into the picture. As I went through my presentation, I was peppered with questions pertaining to President Donald Trump, his proposed southern border wall, immigration restrictions, and how business flows along the border could be affected by failed NAFTA renegotiations.
The Germans were extremely polite in their questioning, but I felt that they were viewing me as somebody who was in a very unenviable situation. They were generally concerned about the direction the U.S. was taking in terms of scaling back international relations and causing discord with its North American trading partners.
I was surprised at how knowledgeable they were about the NAFTA renegotiations and interested in whether a U.S. withdrawal from the agreement would shut down U.S.-Mexican trade. I assured them that although terminating the agreement would not be helpful and would certainly cause some negative effects, the three North American partners traded before NAFTA and would do so if no agreement were in place.
We discussed both legal and illegal immigration. I explained to them that apprehending undocumented immigrants on the U.S. border had been steadily declining during the past few years. In terms of legal immigration, the Germans were puzzled that the U.S., with an aging population and a need to compete with other trading blocs, would not want to capture the talent that comes to the U.S. to be educated in our schools and universities. Germany has taken advantage of talent and labor from other parts of Europe to fuel its large economy. In fact, one of the Berlin-based journalists was a lady originally from Catalonia who had been working in Germany for years.
I had the distinct feeling that the topic of Trumps border wall was a sore spot with the Germans, most likely due to the Berlin Wall, which was erected in 1961 and used until 1989 to separate Berlin into eastern and western sectors. One journalist commented about the futility of erecting a static barrier and asked why the U.S., with all of its technological prowess, wouldnt be focused on taking this route to control illegal entries. I explained that technology was being deployed at the border, and that I also saw the futility of erecting a border-long wall, which would be a waste of valuable resources that by itself would not stop illegal crossings.
As a final point of discussion, the Germans were alarmed at the ultra-right-wing and nationalist movements that were occurring in both the U.S. and Europe. It was encouraging to me that they still viewed the U.S. as the bastion of freedom and democracy in the world. However, they were puzzled to see the sudden change in the reduction of engagement with traditional allies by the U.S.
As they left my office, I hoped that each of our sides had gained knowledge about our respective countries, and that frank discussion can help foster understanding and greater cooperation in the future.
Jerry Pacheco is the executive director of the International Business Accelerator, a nonprofit trade counseling program of the New Mexico Small Business Development Centers Network. He can be reached at 575-589-2200 or at jerry@nmiba.com.
DEAR J.T. & DALE: I have an employee who is a single mom. As a result, she needs to come to work 20 minutes late every day. I dont have a problem with it, but a co-worker told me that the team is upset that she is getting special treatment. I never thought that other employees would take offense. At the same time, I dont want to take this flexibility away from a single mom. Hanna
J.T.: The answer is simple: If you can offer a single mom some start-time flexibility, why cant you do it for the rest of the staff? Flex time is one of the most sought-after perks among employees today. Not only will it make the rest of your team happy, but it can promote retention and greater overall productivity and job satisfaction. In a time when unemployment is low, why risk losing key staff members over something you can fix with a simple benefit? Also, Im sure it will make the single mom feel better because she wont be getting any special treatment, so she wont have to feel guilty for the exception youve been offering her at the expense of her co-workers.
Dale: Great idea. And, as sometimes happens when you offer employees flexibility, you might end up doing a better job of serving your customers. For instance, I once profiled a guy who won a hotel manager of the year award mainly because he got rid of check-in times at his hotel. It was a location where customers often showed up in the morning, wanting to check in after getting off red-eye flights; however, there was a policy stating that they had to wait till afternoon. The manager realized that the only reason they couldnt check in was because rooms needed to be cleaned. So he asked if anyone on the housekeeping team would be willing to come in earlier. One woman was delighted that way, she could take off early and pick up her kids from school. Heres my point: When you offer flexibility, you will find the workday expanding, which can have customer advantages. Im thinking Manager of the Year for you, Hanna.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I started a job three months ago. Since I started, two people have left. The boss doesnt seem in a hurry to replace them. As a result, Im picking up the extra work. Thats fine, but Id like to be compensated for it. Whats the best way to approach the subject? Matt
J.T.: I would start by pulling together a list of all the extra projects you are now responsible for that werent part of your job description. Id also identify any extra hours youve put in. Then, set a meeting with your boss to go over the work and ask if he or she plans to hire someone for the role, or if you should plan to keep it. If its the latter, you say: Great, Im thrilled I can be of more value to the company. That said, Im hoping we could discuss the possibility of an increase in pay to compensate for the extra workload? If the boss objects to paying you more, then I would follow up with the question, Is there a way we can map out a plan so I can eventually earn more? That way, he knows you are going to pursue this. If its still no, then its up to you to decide if you want to stay or look for a new employer.
Dale: Something is off here. How is it, Matt, that you can do the work of three? If youre working evenings and weekends, then I get it, and agree with J.T. But that doesnt seem to be the case here you would have mentioned it. So, assuming youre working normal hours, then one of two things may have occurred: One, management realized that the department had been overstaffed and now it isnt. Or, two, maybe you truly are a three-fer super-employee. Those are two very different conversations. So this is a time to be politically savvy and figure out which it is before you approach your boss.
Jeanine J.T. Tanner ODonnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm jtodonnell. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com. Please visit them at jtanddale.com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.
Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal
SANTA FE Its been a nagging question during the months of debate over reforming New Mexicos guardianship system:
How to ensure that estate plans and trust directives are honored if you or your loved one become incapacitated and are placed under a court-ordered guardianship?
That question from state Sen. Nancy Rodriguez, D-Santa Fe, came during the rollout of some 18 proposed guardianship reforms to the health and human services committee of the state Legislature on Friday. The proposals are the product of six months of study by a state Supreme Court appointed commission.
For Rodriguez, the issue of planning for the care of an incapacitated loved one hit close to home.
Conservators and guardians seem to have quite a bit of authority, in fact, all the authority to take over someones finances, their accounts that were going to belong to that person, she said. Does that mean a conservator or a guardian also has the authority if a trust is in place for that individual, that (the conservator has) access to the trust? That, too?
Guardianship commission chairwoman Wendy York responded that under New Mexicos current system that could happen.
One of the issues that we heard repeatedly from members of the public was that very issue, York added. When a person had an estate plan in place or a trust in place that a conservator could determine that that money should go in a different direction for care of that person.
Rodriguez explained her worries as the mother of a special needs daughter.
My daughter now lives in heaven. She had an illness a few years ago. One of the things that crossed my mind all the time was, Oh, my gosh, I hope God keeps me here long enough. I dont want her to be alone, because she couldnt take care of herself.
I was prepared then to do a trust, specifically for her, thinking back then there would be no way that anyone would have a chance to possibly make any changes to that trust. I wanted the most secure way to know that our daughter would have enough money for medical needs or whatever it may be.
What happens to parents who put a trust in place? To me there should be a document thats solid stone, that doesnt get changed, Rodriguez said.
York, a retired state district judge from Albuquerque, said judges in guardianship cases are confronted with so many different scenarios,its difficult to say there should never be a situation in which a trust would not need to be invaded for the protected person.
But under a commission proposal, she added, judges in New Mexico would have to make specific findings of fact if they deviate from a protected persons advance directive, trust, will or estate plan.
So that the judge goes through the exercise of saying, OK, why am I doing this when the protected person has put another plan in place? York said.
State Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino, D-Albuquerque, a guardianship commission member, added, What this does is, it reinforces the notion that the trust takes precedence, unless . And we dont have that in law now. Right now the conservator has a great deal of latitude in convincing the court into overturning the trust.
Rodriguez echoed others on the committee who voiced support for the reforms, which so far dont have a projected price tag.
If it was up to me, I would get every one of these (recommendations) into statute, Rodriguez said, because we cannot see this happening anymore. Not to one person, at all, anywhere. I think we need to prioritize our funds at the state level. Do whats right here.
The legislative hearing, in which no vote was taken, touched upon the lessons learned from the downfall of a leading New Mexico guardianship firm, Ayudando Guardians, whose two top executives are facing federal charges of embezzling more than $4 million of clients money. Its clientele included military veterans and special needs or developmentally disabled people. Another Albuquerque firm, Desert State Life Management, is alleged to have diverted millions of dollars set aside in trusts for special needs and elderly clients, but no criminal charges have been filed.
Even with meager funding next fiscal year, the states budget priorities need to be adjusted, Rodriguez said. This is something that we cannot let continue to happen.
State Rep. Christine Trujillo, D-Albuquerque, said the Legislature needs to act now.
Theres no other option for us except to move forward. If we continue to allow this without any oversight and accountability then we just continue to perpetuate the problem. It should be our political will to make sure this gets done.
State Rep. Joanne Ferrary, D-Las Cruces, said district judges she has spoken with stressed the importance of conducting audits. Without admitting anything, I think they (the judges) were aware of the problems, Ferrary said.
Guardianship companies file annual reports with the courts. But the commission is proposing the legislature fund investigators or auditors who would review such reports and alert the judge in the case about red flags.
Ortiz y Pino, a longtime advocate of reform, said the state hasnt provided adequate resources for oversight of guardianship cases.
Legislative action is needed because the system is no longer trusted in New Mexico, he said.
It operates under a shadow of suspicion that we may not be doing the best for our loved ones, Ortiz y Pino said. We need to restore a level of confidence in the guardianship/conservatorship system in the state. To do that, we need more adequate financing.
After graduating last month from the ABQid business accelerator, six new companies focused on health and wellness issues have hit the streets to fully develop and market novel technologies.
Only two of them were launched by people in New Mexico. ABQid recruited the rest from other states, and one from Egypt. Of those, three are now pursuing their businesses here.
That out-of-state recruitment, combined with the accelerators new themed approach to focus on companies working in just one industry, successfully propelled the program in a new strategic direction that can both intensify the accelerators impact on startup development while also bringing new businesses to the state, said ABQid Executive Director T.J. Cook.
The accelerator, which launched in 2014, had previously accepted a broad mix of companies working in a range of industries, nearly all of them from New Mexico.
Our new themed, focused approach helped us connect the companies in this cohort much faster and with a lot more mentors, potential partners and customers compared with our previous cohorts, Cook said. In addition, our ability to attract startups from other places to locate in New Mexico is a boon for the local ecosystem.
All the companies are bringing innovative, novel technologies and services to market that can help solve pressing health-related problems and issues.
They all have strong social missions, such as dealing with the opioid addiction crisis, sexual assault and autism in children, Cook said. Theyre applying real solutions to real-world problems.
One entrepreneur, Mohamed Khashaba, relocated from Egypt to Albuquerque to participate in ABQid and establish his business, TakeStep LLC, in New Mexico as a beachhead for penetration into the U.S. market. Khashaba worked with three business partners in Egypt to create a web-based software platform and mobile app that connects recovering drug addicts online with everybody thats involved in their treatment, including family, treatment facilities, therapists, insurance companies and more.
It empowers recovering addicts and all stakeholders by linking everyone together in a single web-based and mobile platform, Khashaba said.
TakeStep wants to turn its platform into the worlds first virtual-treatment system for addiction.
It offers treatment facilities a new tool to reach more patients in distant places, such as rural areas, Khashaba said. It can also directly connect therapists individually with people, providing virtual-recovery services.
Two facilities in Egypt are already using TakeStep with about 400 recovering addicts. Pilot projects will begin in December with a New Mexico facility and a local doctor.
New Mexico is a big market for us, because its one of the top three states in the U.S. for drug addiction, Khashaba said. Well remain headquartered here to serve the local market, and to demonstrate our platform for other states.
Another entrepreneur, Marsha Battee, relocated from Washington, D.C., to Albuquerque last summer to join ABQid and build her company, SANEsuite, here. Battee created a software platform for forensic nursing programs to standardize the reporting and charting process on victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
Today, some 800 programs in the U.S. and Canada use individual systems to collect different types of information.
Nothing is standardized, and thats a problem for addressing patients needs and getting legal justice, Battee said. With standardized charting software, everybody could get on the same page to collect the same data. That could make a big difference in patient outcomes.
Through the ABQid program, Battee changed her marketing strategy to focus directly on helping potential abuse victims before selling her platform to forensic nursing programs. Shes now broadening SANEsuite into a web-backed app that human resource departments, professionals and other organizations could use as a reporting tool for employees to document sexual harassment in the workplace. It could also be used at universities as an anonymous reporting tool for students.
Apart from out-of-state recruits, the ABQid cohort included some homegrown innovation.
The Albuquerque-based Egg Project, for example, has developed an egg-shaped device to help de-escalate autistic episodes among children. Company founder and CEO Ralph Pena, a former tech coordinator for Albuquerque Public Schools, originally built it as a toy for autistic children that changes color, vibrates and warms up when held.
Teachers said it helps calm autistic children experiencing episodes by providing outside stimuli to bring them back into focus, so Pena worked to build it into a marketable product.
Albuquerques Team Accelerator, a hardware development assistance program, helped Pena build a potentially marketable prototype during the ABQid program that could be sold directly to parents of autistic children. Pena is now filing a provisional patent, and he plans an IndiGoGo crowd funding campaign for later this month.
Managers of ABQids venture fund are now considering investments in the new companies. To date, the fund has pumped about $1.3 million into 30 startups. That, in turn, has helped attract another $2.7 million for those companies from other funding sources.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabias heir to the throne is overseeing an unprecedented wave of arrests of dozens of the countrys most powerful princes, military officers, influential businessmen and government ministers some potential rivals or critics of the crown prince now consolidating his power.
Among those taken into custody overnight Saturday in the purported anti-corruption sweep were billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the worlds richest men with extensive holdings in Western companies, as well as two of the late King Abdullahs sons.
The arrest of senior princes upends a longstanding tradition among the ruling Al Saud family to keep their disagreements private in an effort to show strength and unity in the face of Saudi Arabias many tribes and factions. It also sends a message that the 32-year-old crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has the full backing of his father, King Salman, to carry out sweeping anti-corruption reforms targeting senior royals and their business associates, who have long been seen as operating above the law.
Reports suggested those detained were being held at the Ritz Carlton in Riyadh, which only days earlier hosted a major investment conference that the crown prince attended with global business titans. A Saudi official told The Associated Press that other five-star hotels across the capital were also being used to hold some of those arrested.
The Ritz Carlton had no availability for bookings until Dec. 1, 2017 a possible sign that an investigation of this scale could take weeks. Marriott International said in a statement that it is currently evaluating the situation at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, but declined to comment further, citing privacy concerns.
A Saudi government official with close ties to security forces said 11 princes and 38 others were being questioned. The official spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The surprise arrests were immediately hailed by pro-government media outlets as the clearest sign yet that Prince Mohammed is keeping his promise to reform the country, wean its economy from its dependence on oil and liberalize some aspects of the ultraconservative society.
The kingdoms top council of clerics issued a public statement overnight saying it is an Islamic duty to fight corruption essentially giving religious backing to the high-level arrests.
Its unclear if the U.S. had any advance word of the arrests. President Donald Trumps son-in-law and White House adviser Jared Kushner and others made an unannounced trip recently to Riyadh. Earlier on Saturday, Trump said he spoke to King Salman, though the White House readout of that call did not include any reference to the impending arrests.
The Saudi government says the arrests are part of a wider effort to increase transparency, accountability and good governance key reforms needed to attract greater international investments and appease a Saudi public that has for decades complained of rampant government corruption and misuse of public funds by top officials. Surprise moves reshaping the kingdom, however, are likely to worry investors.
Among those reportedly taken into custody were two sons of the late King Abdullah: Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, who Saturday evening was ousted from his post as head of the prestigious National Guard tasked with protecting the Al Saud family, and Prince Turki bin Abdullah, who was once governor of Riyadh.
Prince Miteb was once considered a contender for the throne, though he has not been thought of recently as a challenger to Prince Mohammed.
Saudi Twitter accounts released several other names of those arrested, including Alwalid al-Ibrahim, a Saudi businessman with ties to the royal family who runs the Arabic satellite group MBC; Amr al-Dabbagh, the former head of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority; Ibrahim Assaf, a former finance minister, and Bakr Binladin, head of the Saudi Binladin Group, a major business conglomerate.
Analysts have suggested the arrest of once-untouchable members of the royal family is a clear sign that the crown prince is sidelining potential rivals for the throne.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-owned, Dubai-based satellite news channel Al-Arabiya reported that a helicopter crash Sunday in the kingdoms south killed Prince Mansour bin Murquin and seven others. Prince Mansour was the son of Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, a former intelligence director and a one-time crown prince of the kingdom. Authorities gave no cause for the crash.
The young Crown Prince Mohammed has risen from near obscurity to become Saudi Arabias most talked about and powerful prince in less than three years since his father ascended to the throne. The princes swift rise to power has unnerved more experienced, elder members of the royal family, which has long ruled by consensus, though ultimate decision-making remains with the monarch.
The moves in Saudi Arabia mirror those in China, where President Xi Jinping has used corruption charges as a battering ram to consolidate his own power and authority, said John Hannah, the senior counselor at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, an Iran-skeptic think tank in Washington whose hawkish geopolitical views often coincide with the kingdoms.
Hannah said Prince Mohammed has latched onto corruption as a way to consolidate his power and remake the regime in his image, purging those who might be resistant.
It is not clear what Prince Alwaleed or the others were being investigated for.
Without naming those arrested, the Attorney Generals office said the suspects are being granted the same rights and treatment as any other Saudi citizen. The statement did not disclose specific details about the investigation, but stressed that no assets have yet been frozen and that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
A high-level employee at Prince Alwaleed bin Talals Kingdom Holding Co. told the AP that the royal was among those detained. The senior employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to fear of repercussions, said security bodies informed him of the arrest.
Prince Alwaleeds many investments include Twitter, Apple, Citigroup, and the Four Seasons hotel chain. He is also an investor in ride-sharing services Lyft and Careem. He was once a significant shareholder in Rupert Murdochs News Corporation, but sold much of those shares in 2015.
The prince, pictured sometimes on his 85-meter (278-foot) super-yacht in the Mediterranean, is among the most outspoken Saudi royals and a longtime advocate of womens rights. He is also majority owner of the popular Rotana Group of Arabic channels.
After word of his arrest, his companys stock dropped 7.6 percent in trading Sunday on the Saudi stock exchange.
An earlier crackdown this year on perceived critics of the crown prince included clerics and lesser-known princes.
In July, Prince Mohammeds most formidable challenger to the throne, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, was plucked from the line of succession and ousted from his post as interior minister, overseeing internal security. This laid the groundwork for the kings son to claim the mantle of crown prince.
Prince Mohammeds gambles have not always succeeded . A yearslong war he has overseen as defense minister against Iranian-allied rebels in Yemen has not made the kingdom safer.
As news was unfolding about the anti-corruption probe, Saudi Arabia said late Saturday it had intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen at Riyadh International Airport, on the outskirts of the capital.
The dismissals and detentions suggest that Prince Mohammed rather than forging alliances is extending his iron grip to the ruling family, the military, and the national guard to counter what appears to be more widespread opposition within the family as well as the military to his reforms and the Yemen war, James M. Dorsey, a Gulf specialist and senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, said in an analysis of the shake-up.
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Associated Press writer Abdullah al-Shihri reported this story in Riyadh and AP writer Aya Batrawy reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AP writers Jon Gambrell and Fay Abuelgasim in Dubai, Jonathan Lemire aboard Air Force One and Maggie Michael in Cairo contributed to this report.
A 2005 La Cueva High School graduate and Albuquerque native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the nations nuclear deterrence mission at Strategic Communications Wing ONE based at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma.
The mission stems from the original 1961 Cold War order known as Take Charge and Move Out! Adapted as TACAMO and now the commands nickname, it provides a survivable communication link between national decision makers and the nations nuclear weapons.
Petty Officer 1st Class Derrick Geiger, as a Navy aviation machinists mate, is responsible for maintaining aircraft engines and fuel systems, according to a news release from the Navy.
We ensure that America stays safe by keeping enemies away and being prepared to take action at a moments notice, said Geiger in a statement.
The Navys presence in the middle of America may seem like an odd location, but it allows rapid deployment of aircraft to both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico.
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas The gunman who killed 26 people at a small-town Texas church had a history of domestic violence and sent threatening text messages to his mother-in-law, a member of First Baptist, before the attack in which he fired at least 450 rounds at helpless worshippers, authorities said Monday.
A day after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, the military acknowledged that it did not submit the shooters criminal history to the FBI, as required by the Pentagon. If his past offenses had been properly shared, they would have prevented him from buying a gun.
Investigators also revealed that sheriffs deputies had responded to a domestic violence call in 2014 at Devin Patrick Kelleys home involving a girlfriend who became his second wife. Later that year, he was formally ousted from the Air Force for a 2012 assault on his ex-wife in which he choked her and struck her son hard enough to fracture his skull.
In the tiny town of Sutherland Springs, population 400, grieving townspeople were reeling from their losses. The dead ranged from 18 months to 77 years old and included multiple members of some families.
Our church was not comprised of members or parishioners. We were a very close family, said the pastors wife Sherri Pomeroy, who, like her husband, was out of town when the attack happened. Now most of our church family is gone.
The couples 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy, was among those killed.
Kelleys mother-in-law sometimes attended services there, but the sheriff said she was not at church on Sunday.
The massacre appeared to stem from a domestic situation and was not racially or religiously motivated, Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Freeman Martin said. He did not elaborate.
Based on evidence at the scene, investigators believe Kelley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he was chased by bystanders, one of whom was armed, and crashed his car.
The 26-year-old shooter also used his cellphone to tell his father he had been shot and did not think he would survive, authorities said.
While in the military, Kelley served in logistics readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his 2014 discharge, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said.
He was discharged for the assault involving his previous wife and her child and had served a year of confinement after a court-martial. Under Pentagon rules, information about convictions of military personnel for crimes such as assault should be submitted to the FBIs Criminal Justice Investigation Services Division.
Stefanek said the service is launching a review of its handling of the case and taking a comprehensive look at its databases to ensure other cases have been reported correctly.
A few months before he received the bad-conduct discharge, sheriffs deputies went to his home to check out the domestic violence complaint involving him and his then-girlfriend. People in the house said there was no problem, and no arrests were made. Kelley married the girlfriend two months later.
Also in 2014, he was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in Colorado after a neighbor reported him for beating a dog. Kelley initially refused to speak with officers about the incident. He denied abusing the animal but complied with an order to pay almost $370 in restitution. He was also the focus of a protective order issued in Colorado in 2015.
Once the shooting started, there was probably no way for congregants to escape, Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr. said.
The gunman, dressed in black tactical gear, fired an assault rifle as he walked down the center aisle during worship services. He turned around and continued shooting on his way out of the building, Tackitt said.
About 20 other people were wounded. Ten of them were still hospitalized Monday in critical condition.
Investigators collected hundreds of shell casings from the scene, along with at least 15 empty magazines that held 30 rounds each.
Kelley lived in New Braunfels, about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of the church, authorities said. Investigators were reviewing social media posts he made in the days before the attack, including one that appeared to show an AR-15 semi-automatic weapon.
Less than two months ago, Kelley had started a job as an unarmed security guard at a nearby resort.
He seemed like a nice guy and did not cause any problems, said Claudia Varjabedian, manager at the Summit Vacation Resort in New Braunfels.
On Sunday, the attacker pulled into a gas station across from the church, about 30 miles (48.28 kilometers) southeast of San Antonio. He crossed the street and started firing the rifle at the church, then continued firing after entering the white wood-frame building, Martin said.
As he left, the shooter was confronted by an armed resident who had grabbed his own rifle and exchanged fire with Kelley.
The armed man who confronted Kelley had help from another local resident, Johnnie Langendorff, who said he was driving past the church as the shooting happened. The armed man asked to get in Langendorffs truck, and the pair followed as the gunman drove away.
He jumped in my truck and said, He just shot up the church. We need to go get him. And I said Lets go,' Langendorff said.
The pursuit reached speeds up to 90 (144 kph) mph. The gunman eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed. The armed man walked up to the vehicle with his gun drawn, and the attacker did not move. Police arrived about five minutes later, Langendorff said.
The assailant was dead in his vehicle. He had three gunshot wounds two from where the armed man hit him in the leg and the torso and the third self-inflicted wound to the head, authorities said.
There was no thinking about it. There was just doing. That was the key to all this. Act now. Ask questions later, Langendorff said.
Church member Nick Uhlig, 34, who was not at Sundays service, told the AP that his pregnant cousin and her in-laws were among those killed. He later told the Houston Chronicle that three of his cousins children were also slain.
Three weapons were recovered. A Ruger AR-556 rifle was found at the church, and two handguns were found in the gunmans vehicle, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The church has posted videos of its Sunday services on a YouTube channel, and authorities said they were reviewing footage recorded inside the church.
In a video of its Oct. 8 service, a congregant pointed to the Oct. 1 Las Vegas shooting a week earlier as evidence of the wicked nature of man. That shooting left 58 dead and more than 500 injured.
The previous deadliest mass shooting in Texas had been a 1991 attack in Killeen, when a mentally disturbed man crashed his pickup truck through a restaurant window at lunchtime and started shooting people, killing 23 and injuring more than 20 others.
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Weber reported from New Braunfels. Associated Press writers John Mone in Sutherland Springs, Nomaan Merchant in Houston and Diana Heidgerd in Dallas also contributed to this report.
SEOUL, South Korea President Donald Trump said efforts to curb North Koreas nuclear weapons program would be front and center of his two-day visit to South Korea and he projected optimism that the rising tensions could be abated peacefully.
Trump repeatedly addressed interlocking issues of security and trade at the heart of his visit after arriving Tuesday, saying he would be meeting with generals about North Korea. Ultimately it will all work out. Because it always works out. It has to work out, he said.
And later, after receiving a formal welcome from South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Trump also praised Seouls expansive purchases of American military equipment, which he said goes a long way to making the trade relationship between the two nations more equitable.
Moon said he hoped Trumps visit would be an opportunity to resolve anxiety in the region over North Korea.
I know that you have put this issue at the top of your security agenda, Moon said at the presidential residence known as the Blue House, so I hope that your visit to Korea and to the Asia Pacific region will serve as an opportunity to relieve some of the anxiety that the Korean people have due to North Koreas provocations and also serve as a turning point in resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.
Trump, in his own brief remarks, said Pyongyang would be front and center of discussions but avoided the fiery language he has used so often against North Korea and its dictator, Kim Jong Un.
The president also said he had a terrific meeting scheduled on trade, adding, hopefully thatll start working out and working out so that we create lots of jobs in the United States, which is one of the very important reasons Im here.
Trump, during a visit to Camp Humphreys that began his visit, sat with troops for lunch in a large mess hall. Moon was also seated at the table. Good food, Trump told reporters as he chatted with U.S. and Korean service members.
U.S. and South Korean officials have said the base visit was meant to underscore the countries ties and South Koreas commitment to contributing to its own defense. Burden-sharing is a theme Trump has stressed ever since his presidential campaign.
South Korea is the second stop on Trumps five country Asian tour. In Japan, he refused to rule out eventual military action against the north and exhorted dictator Kim Jong Un to stop weapons testing, calling the recent launches of missiles over American allies like Japan a threat to the civilized world and international peace and stability.
Trump is skipping the customary trip to the demilitarized zone separating north and south a pilgrimage made by every U.S. president except one since Ronald Reagan as a demonstration of solidarity with the South. A senior administration recently dubbed the border trip as a bit of a cliche and several other members of the administration, including Vice President Mike Pence, have visited the DMZ this year. And the White House believes that Trump has already made his support of South Korea crystal clear.
Trump and Moon agree on the need to pressure the North with sanctions and other deterrence measures. But Trump has warned of unleashing fire and fury, threatened to totally destroy the North, if necessary, and repeatedly insisted that all options are on the table. Moon, meanwhile, favors dialogue as the best strategy for defusing the nuclear tension and vehemently opposes a potential military clash that could cause enormous casualties in South Korea.
Trump backed up his strong words about North Korea by sending a budget request to Capitol Hill on Monday for $4 billion to support additional efforts to detect, defeat, and defend against any North Korean use of ballistic missiles against the United States, its deployed forces, allies, or partners.
And as he departed for South Korea, he tweeted that Moon is a fine gentleman, adding, We will figure it all out!
On a personal level, Trump and Moon have not developed the same close rapport as Trump has with Abe or even Chinas Xi Jinping. Part of Moons mission during the visit will likely be to strengthen his personal ties with Trump, said Michael OHanlon, a senior fellow in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution.
Now poor President Moon is playing catch-up ball because everyone acknowledges that hes not bonding quite as much with Donald Trump as the rest of the region, said OHanlon. He said Moon could face pressure to deliver a stronger relationship whereas in most other parts of the world, people are trying to keep their distance from Donald Trump.
Trump was spending Tuesday in meetings with Moon, hold a joint press conference and be feted at a state dinner.
Trade also is expected to be a major topic of discussion: Trump has considered pulling out of the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, also known as KORUS, blaming it for the U.S.-South Korea trade deficit.
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Associated Press writers Ken Thomas and Catherine Lucey in Washington contributed to this report.
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Follow Colvin on Twitter at http://twitter.com///twitter.com/@JonLemire.
EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS:
Here are our latest all-format coverage plans for the deadly rampage targeting a Texas church:
TEXT:
CHURCH SHOOTING-TEXAS The gunman who killed 26 people at a small-town Texas church had a history of domestic violence and sent threatening text messages to his mother-in-law, a member of First Baptist, before the attack, authorities say. By Jim Vertuno, Will Weissert and Paul J. Weber. SENT: 1,200 words. With CHURCH SHOOTING-TEXAS-THE LATEST.
CHURCH SHOOTING-TEXAS-WEAPONS The gunman who slaughtered 26 people at a Texas church was able to buy weapons because the Air Force failed to report his domestic violence conviction to the federal database that is used to conduct background checks on would-be gun purchasers, authorities say. By Lisa Marie Pane and Robert Burns. SENT: 520 words, photos. With CHURCH SHOOTING-PENTAGON (sent); CHURCH SHOOTING-TEXAS-WEAPONS-GLANCE (sent).
CHURCH SHOOTING-TEXAS-HERO A former National Rifle Association instructor who grabbed his rifle and ran barefoot across the street to open fire on the gunman who slaughtered 26 people at a small-town Texas church is hailed as a hero, along with the pickup truck driver who helped chase the killer down. By Will Weissert and Jim Vertuno. SENT: 910 words, photos.
CHURCH SHOOTING-TEXAS-GUNMAN The gunman in a mass shooting at a Texas church was discharged from the Air Force after 2012 court-martial for assaulting his spouse and child, and recently began working as a security guard at a vacation resort. By Frank Bajak, Nomaan Merchant and Paul J. Weber. SENT: 1,000 words.
SCIENCE SAYS-CHURCH SHOOTING-MENTAL HEALTH President Donald Trump called the gunman in the Texas church shootings deranged, the New York bike path attacker a very sick and deranged person, and the Las Vegas massacre shooter a sick, demented man. Its a common reaction to mass violence: Who in their right mind would commit these senseless crimes? The truth is more nuanced. By Medical Writer Lindsey Tanner. SENT: 490 words, photos.
CHURCH SHOOTING-TEXAS-VICTIMS The victims ranged in age from 18 months to 77 years, and include several members of an extended family. By Will Weissert and Emily Schmall. SENT: 460 words. UPCOMING: Developing.
NOT REAL NEWS-CHURCH SHOOTING No indication Texas shooter connected to antifa. SENT: 200 words, photos.
HOUSE OF WORSHIP SHOOTINGS-LIST A list of some US house of worship shootings since 2012. SENT: 700 words, photos.
PHOTOS:
Among notable images that have moved for this cycle:
TXEG138: A law enforcement officer helps a man lower an American flag to half-staff near the scene of the bloodshed.
TXAUS218: FBI agent Christopher Combs briefs reporters about the deadly violence.
TXAUS217: Meredith Cooper of San Antonio, Texas, and her daughter Heather, 8, visit a memorial of 26 crosses near the scene of the massacre.
TXAUS216: Johnnie Langendorff stands a block from the shooting scene. He and another man chased down the gunman.
TXAUS215: An FBI Evidence Response Team works at the crime scene.
TXEG140: Rebecca Thompson prays at a makeshift memorial to the victims.
VIDEO:
Among online packages available at this hour:
US TX Church Shooting Wrap (CR): The small town of Sutherland Springs, Texas, is reeling from a horrific mass shooting.
US TX Hero Neighbor (CR): Man describes chase for Texas church suspect.
US TX Shooting School (CR): Many children were among the dead and wounded.
US TX Shooting Hospital 2: Several people remain hospitalized after the shooting.
US TX Shooting Briefing 2: Sherry Pomeroy, whose husband is the pastor at First Baptist and whose own daughter was killed, says the shooting has been devastating.
US TX Shooting Briefing: The dead range in age from 18 months to 77 years old.
GRAPHICS:
CHURCH SHOOTING WHAT HAPPENED: Satellite image of Sutherland Springs with an explanation of events; 3c x 4 inches; 146 mm x 101 mm.
MASS SHOOTINGS: Chart updated to reflect numbers as of Monday; shows mass US shootings by month; 2c x 2 inches; 96.3 mm x 50 mm.
RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS: Death toll from major mass shootings since 2012; 2c x 6 inches; 96.3 mm x 152 mm.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Editors are posting updates to https://twitter.com/AP and https://www.facebook.com/APNews .
The AP
Jayant Sinha, the minister of state for civil aviation, has been named in the Paradise Papers leak and has been linked to two companies whose financial transactions were revealed in the expose.
By India Today Web Desk: Jayant Sinha, a minister of state in the Narendra Modi cabinet who describes himself as a former venture capitalist, has refuted any suggestions of wrongdoing or impropriety after his name cropped up in the Paradise Papers leak.
The minister, in a series of tweets, said all transactions related to him that have been mentioned in the mega offshore document expose "have been fully disclosed to relevant authorities through all necessary filings as required".
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Sinha was reacting to a report in the Indian Express, which is party to the global investigation into documents leaked mostly from a Bermuda-based firm.
The documents purport to show big corporations and even individuals use offshore transactions to hide wealth or evade tax. Readers should note that not all offshore transactions are necessarily illegal.
Among its reports on Paradise Papers, the Express published one about Jayant Sinha, the minister of state for civil aviation, and his links to two companies whose financial transactions are revealed in the Paradise Papers leak.
According to the Express report, Jayant Sinha used to be the managing director of a company named Omidyar Network as well as a director at another D.Light Design, a company Omidyar had invested in.
The Express report then talks about a decision taking at D.Light to procure a loan through the company's subsidiary in the Cayman Islands, an offshore tax haven. The report notes that Jayant Sinha was at the company while these decisions were taken.
Responding to the report, Sinha, who is not associated with the companies anymore, said on Twitter, "These were bonafide and legal transactions undertaken on behalf of highly reputed world-leading organisations in my fiduciary role as Partner at Omidyar Network and its designated representative on the D.Light Board."
After leaving Omidyar Network, I was asked to continue on the D.Light Board as an Independent Director 4/n- Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) November 5, 2017
"All these transactions have been fully disclosed to relevant authorities through all necessary filings as required," Sinha also said, adding that he severed his association with D.Light when he joined the Modi cabinet.
On joining the Union Council of Ministers, I immediately resigned from the D.Light Board and severed my involvement with the company 5/n- Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) November 5, 2017
"It is crucial to note that these transactions were done for D.Light as an Omidyar representative, and not for any personal purpose," Sinha ended his clarification.
--- ENDS ---
JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged 200 million shekels ($57 million) Monday to build safe bypass roads for Jewish West Bank settlers, in a move that looks to satisfy a key constituent but anger Palestinians who consider it a further encroachment upon their hoped for future state.
Facing bereaved families of those killed in Palestinian attacks in the West Bank at parliament, Netanyahu assured them the government was committed to improving the roads, as well as the lighting and cellular coverage there to help prevent such attacks.
We have a clear commitment to solve or help solve the problem of the bypass roads in Judea and Samaria, he said, referring to the West Bank by its biblical name. I come now from a meeting with the finance minister and we decided together to immediately allocate 200 million shekels to paving roads Were not just talking, were doing. Our actions are consistent, systematic and determined.
He said he planned to budget another 600 million shekels ($170 million) for further improvements. West Bank settlers have been demanding the improved infrastructure for some time, protesting outside Netanyahus residence against what they called a cavalier approach to their safety.
Israel captured the West Bank, along with east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war. Most of the international community opposes all settlements there, considering them illegal obstacles to peace that gobble up land for a future Palestinian state. Israel says the fate of the settlements, home to more than 600,000 Israelis, should be decided through negotiations.
The announcement followed previous approval of additional settlement housing construction. The Palestinians see the roads as another way for Israel to seize land and entrench what they call a segregated system that favors settlers over Palestinians.
The Israeli prime minister is accelerating the settlement enterprise on all levels, said Nabil Shaath, an adviser to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. All of this has only one goal, which is to destroy any possibility to revive the peace process based on the two-state solution.
Abbas himself was scheduled to arrive Monday in Saudi Arabia for a meeting with King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman about the recent Palestinian reconciliation efforts between the Islamic militant group Hamas and Abbas Fatah movement. Also on the agenda are ideas presented to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks during a recent visit to Saudi Arabia by Jared Kushner, President Trumps son-in-law and adviser.
Also Monday, Netanyahu said Israel will not return the bodies of five Palestinian militants killed last week when it destroyed a tunnel running from Gaza into Israel. He implied that Israel will hold on to the bodies until Hamas militants agree to return the remains of two soldiers killed in a 2014 war, as well as two live Israeli civilians believed held in the Gaza Strip.
The family of one of the dead soldiers has urged the government not to return the militants bodies.
We will bring our boys home, there are no free gifts, Netanyahu said.
In this Oct. 26, 2017 photo, Daniela Carvajal, 8, arrives from school followed by a classmate, as they enter the arched doorway of the Holyrood Episcopal Church in the Bronx borough of New York. When immigration authorities ordered Carvajal's mother, Amanda Morales, deported to her homeland of Guatemala, Morales sought sanctuary at the house of worship. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) In this Oct. 26, 2017 photo, 2-year-old David Carvajal plays in the hallway of the Holyrood Episcopal Church in the Bronx borough of New York. David and his two sisters, all U.S.-born, and Carvajal's mother, a Guatemalan immigrant living illegally in the United States since 2004, have lived in the church since August when their mother Amanda Morales sought sanctuary from immigration authorities seeking to deport her to Guatemala. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) In this Oct. 26, 2017 photo, Guatemalan immigrant Amanda Morales holds her 2-year-old son David Carvajal, inside their temporary residence at the Holyrood Episcopal Church in the Bronx borough of New York. Morales, mother of three children who are U.S. citizens, sees two of her children off to school each day from the entrance of the gothic church, but she won't even venture onto the sidewalk for fear of what may happen if she leaves the building where she has been a virtual prisoner for more than two months. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) In this Oct. 26, 2017 photo, Dulce Carvajal, 10, second from left, and her sister Daniela, 8, raise their hands during voice lessons at the Holyrood Episcopal Church in the Bronx borough of New York. Since August, the girls and their brother have been living inside the church with their mother, a Guatemalan immigrant living illegally in the United States. At least two dozen immigrants have sought sanctuary at U.S. churches since the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency stepped up arrests by 40 percent under President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) In this Oct. 26, 2017 photo, 2-year-old David Carvajal, plays with Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls in a hallway outside his family's temporary living quarters at the Holyrood Episcopal Church in the Bronx borough of New York. The toddler, his mother and two sisters have been living in the church since August. Although David and his sisters were born in the United States, their mother, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala, brought her children to the church to avoid deportation by immigration agents who have declared her a fugitive. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) In this Oct. 26, 2017 photo, 10-year-old Dulce Cavajal, left, and friend Arlyn Almanzar, read a book curled up in a pew at the Holyrood Episcopal Church in the Bronx neighborhood of New York. Dulce, her two younger siblings and their mother, Amanda Morales, a Guatemalan immigrant, living illegally in the United States, have sought sanctuary at the church to avoid being deported. Morales, whose children are U.S. citizens, says she cannot go back to her country and does not want to leave her kids. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) In this Oct. 26, 2017 photo, Amanda Morales, a Guatemalan immigrant living illegally in the United States, watches a nightly news program, inside a small converted classroom and library, at the Holyrood Episcopal Church in the Bronx neighborhood of New York, where she has sought sanctuary with her three children. Morales describes a life of constant anxiety that involves staying hidden most of the day, except for a few furtive trips to a nearby dentist and occasional appearances on the church steps. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) In this Oct. 26, 2017, photo, 2-year-old David Carvajal watches cartoons on his mother's cell phone while lying in his bed in a converted classroom and library inside the Holyrood Episcopal Church in the Bronx borough of New York. Carvajal's mother, Amanda Morales, is a Guatemalan-born immigrant living illegally in the United States. She brought him and his two sisters, all of them U.S.-born, to live in the church where they sought sanctuary from immigration agents threatening to deport Morales back to Guatemala, where she fears her children will have no future. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens) Prev 1 of 8 Next
NEW YORK Amanda Morales sees her children off to school each day from the entrance of a gothic church, but she wont even venture onto the sidewalk for fear of what may happen if she leaves the building where she has been a virtual prisoner for more than two months.
Morales has been living in two small rooms of the Holyrood Episcopal Church at the northern edge of Manhattan since August, shortly after immigration authorities ordered her deported to her homeland of Guatemala. She says she cannot go back to her country and does not want to leave her three kids, who are all U.S. citizens by birth, so she sought sanctuary at a house of worship.
Being cooped up like this is starting to drive me crazy, the 33-year-old said on a recent morning as her two oldest children headed off to school escorted by a volunteer and she stayed behind with her youngest. Some nights I hardly sleep.
At least two dozen immigrants have sought sanctuary at U.S. churches since the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency stepped up arrests by 40 percent under President Donald Trump. Morales provided a glimpse of her experience to The Associated Press, describing a life of constant anxiety that involves staying hidden all day, except for a few furtive trips to a nearby dentist and occasional appearances on the church steps.
She has reason to be anxious. As a fugitive, she could be arrested at any moment, though the agency considers churches to be sensitive locations and generally does not pursue people inside.
Morales stays close to the doorway as her kids head off to school, holding her toddler sons bottle as he plays in the wooden pews. It is the only glimpse of sunlight she will get all day.
Most of her life revolves around a small church library where there are two bunk beds for the family of four to share and an adjacent room with a refrigerator, small table, a few chairs and a microwave oven. They eat simple meals, a lot of macaroni and cheese or chicharron and yuca.
The stately church is empty on a weekday morning. Morales spends much of the day chatting with parishioners who come from the mostly Latino neighborhood. Three days a week, while her daughters are at school, volunteers give her English language classes while 2-year-old David watches cartoons on her phone. The older girls 10-year-old Dulce and 8-year-old Daniela come back in the afternoon with their escort, and the family tries their best to pass the time inside.
I never thought this would happen to me, Morales said at one point, shaking her head sadly.
Since 2014, at least 50 publicly known cases have emerged of people seeking sanctuary in churches for immigration-related reasons, according to Rev. Noel Anderson, a coordinator for the Church World Service, a New York organization that supports the sanctuary efforts. Of those, 30 have come up since Trump took office in January and pledged a harder line on immigration.
Eighteen of the 50 eventually won legal reprieves, and their deportation orders were canceled. More than half are still waiting in limbo like Morales and fearing that they could be picked up suddenly, just as several immigrants in Virginia were when they got arrested in February while leaving a homeless shelter at a Methodist church.
It was hardly a surprise that Morales would turn to a religious organization for help. Back in her small Guatemalan hometown, the local Catholic church was one of the largest buildings and the center of community life. She grew up not far from the border with Mexico, in a landscape known for Mayan ruins scattered through the deep green forest. But while aesthetically beautiful, the area was desperately poor, with few jobs.
Like many Guatemalans, she turned north to raise money to send back to her family. She was detained crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas in 2004 and released with an order to appear before an immigration judge, who issued a removal, or deportation, order four months later.
Morales stayed in the U.S., living first in Maryland with a sister who died in an accident in 2006 and then on Long Island, New York, in a neighborhood that has filled in recent years with Central Americans fleeing the poverty and gang violence of their home countries. She worked at a dry cleaner, among other under-the-table jobs, and had her children with a father who she would not discuss.
In 2012, she was in a car accident, and immigration authorities re-discovered her. She checked in regularly as required while she sought some way to stay in the U.S. This past summer, she came to her appointment and was told to come back with a one-way ticket to Guatemala. At that point, she fled to the church with the help of a New Sanctuary Coalition, an interfaith group that helps immigrants.
Trump has said that anyone in the United States illegally is subject to deportation, unlike under President Barack Obama, who said immigrants with long-standing ties to the United States and clean records were not a priority. More than 97,000 immigrants who live illegally in the U.S. were detained over the first eight months of this year, a 43 percent increase over the same period in 2016, according to ICE data.
Morales is afraid of being part of those statistics so she tries to stay calm and upbeat for David, who hardly leaves her side and plays in her lap, pulling her long curly dark hair, kissing her and tickling her ears, laughing. She says taking the kids back to Guatemala is out of the question.
It would be taking the future away from my kids if they go to Guatemala, she said.
While Dulce and Daniela attend an after-school program at the church, Morales puts David down for a nap and watches Spanish-language TV at low volume. Throughout the day she often looks at the photos and videos on her phone of her kids birthday pinata parties in her Long Island yard and talks with excitement about her big family and the most recent job she had at an instrument strings factory.
The church pastor, the Rev. Luis Barrios, said she will be there as long as needed, which for some immigrants in church sanctuary has meant a few days, weeks or many months, usually until the government grants a temporary stay of the deportation.
On a recent evening, the girls and David sat on the floor and tried to put together a toy volcano. Morales complained because Daniela ate only a hard-boiled egg and some mango for dinner. The girls did some homework and read in bed.
I tell myself, Morales said, this is going to end one day.
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Associated Press Writer Philip Marcelo contributed to this report from Boston.
SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, Texas A former National Rifle Association instructor who grabbed his rifle and ran barefoot across the street to open fire on the gunman who slaughtered 26 people at a small-town Texas church was hailed as a hero Monday, along with the pickup truck driver who helped chase the killer down.
Stephen Willeford, 55, said he was at his Sutherland Springs home Sunday when his daughter alerted him that shed heard gunfire at the First Baptist Church nearby. Willeford said he immediately retrieved his rifle from his weapon safe.
I kept hearing the shots, one after another, very rapid shots just Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! and I knew every one of those shots represented someone, that it was aimed at someone, that they werent just random shots, Willeford said Monday during an interview with television stations KHBS/KHOG in Fort Smith and Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Willeford said he loaded his magazine and ran barefoot across the street to the church where he saw gunman Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, and exchanged gunfire.
He saw me and I saw him, Willeford said. I was standing behind a pickup truck for cover. I know I hit him. He got into his vehicle, and he fired another couple rounds through his side window. When the window dropped, I fired another round at him again.
As Kelley sped away, Willeford said he ran to a pickup truck stopped an intersection and told the driver, That guy just shot up the Baptist church. We need to stop him.
The driver, Johnnie Langendorff, said he had been driving to Sutherland Springs on Sunday to pick up his girlfriend when a man whod been exchanging gunfire with Kelley suddenly landed inside his truck.
He jumped in my truck and said, He just shot up the church, we need to go get him. And I said, Lets go,' Langendorff, a 27-year-old Seguin resident, told The Associated Press on Monday, adding that the ensuing pursuit eventually clocked speeds upwards of 90 mph.
Willeford said he and Langendorrf kept a 911 operator advised as the high-speed pursuit continued. He said Kelley ultimately hit a road sign and flipped his vehicle into a roadside ditch.
Willeford said he then exited Langendorrfs pickup, perched his rifle on the rooftop and trained it on Kelleys vehicle. He then yelled: Get out of the truck! Get out of the truck! But Kelley did not move.
Langendorff said police arrived about five minutes later. Based on evidence at the scene, investigators believe Kelley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
There was no thinking about it, Langendorff said. There was just doing. That was the key to all this. Act now. Ask questions later.
Asked if he felt like a hero, Langendorff said: I dont really know how I feel. I just hope that the families and people affected by this can sleep easier knowing that this man is not breathing anymore and not able to hurt anyone else. I feel I just did what was right.
Though he did not identify Willeford by name, Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Freeman Martin said at a news conference Monday that the armed resident who confronted Kelley was toting an AR assault rifle and engaged the shooter.
Martin later praised Willeford and Langendorff: The number one goal of law enforcement is to neutralize the shooter. In this situation, we had two good Samaritans who did that for law enforcement.
Julius Kepper, Willefords next-door neighbor for the past seven years, described Willeford as a gun and motorcycle enthusiast who regularly takes target practice at property out in the country, and has as many as five Harley Davidson motorcycles.
Avid gun collector, a good guy, Kepper said.
Kepper and other neighbors said Willefords family has been in the Sutherland Springs area for at least three generations, including a father and grandfather who were in dairy farming. Stephen Willeford is married with two grown children and works as a plumber who installs lines on major projects such as hospitals, Kepper said.
He called Willeford a free spirit sort who loves motorcycles despite losing both parents to a motorcycle crash when he was a young adult. It was almost the same spot where they ran (the shooter) off the road, Kepper said.
Kepper said hes not surprised Willeford would exchange gunfire with the church gunman. Others in the neighborhood would have done the same if they knew what was happening, he said.
Just like everybody else around here. He was just the first one there, Kepper said.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz on Monday praised Willefords actions, after talking to law enforcement officials and visiting the church in Sutherland Springs. He lauded the ordinary citizen who engaged the gunman.
One individual demonstrated bravery and courage. We need to be celebrating that bravery and courage, Cruz said.
Still, Willeford proved a reluctant hero.
I didnt want this and I want the focus to be on my friends, Willeford told The Dallas Morning News for a story published Monday that also confirmed he was the first person to confront Kelley. I have friends in that church. I was terrified while this was going on.
No one answered the door at the Willeford residence Monday. Food that had been delivered to the house was stacked up on the front porch.
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Associated Press writer Diana Heidgerd in Dallas contributed to this report.
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SANTA FE, N.M. Local governments in New Mexicos oil and gas country are losing millions of dollars in revenue because energy companies are not telling county tax officials about drilling rigs, miles (kilometers) of pipeline and other assets, according to an appraisal expert.
Equipment that should be taxed is missing from the tax rolls, said Jerry Wisdom owns Total Assessment Solutions Corp., which has done work valuing energy company assets in Rio Arriba, Eddy and Lea counties. He testified recently before a panel of state lawmakers.
Wisdoms appraisers drive thousands of miles (kilometers) to locate gas pipelines, rigs and other equipment. They then cross-check county records to see of the assets are being reported and properly taxed. Even equipment that is mobile is supposed to be reported as taxable property while operating in New Mexico.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that if various assets are not reported or are underreported, then homeowners and other businesses end up paying higher property tax bills. For schools, colleges and hospitals, which collect a set rate on the value of all taxable property, money is actually lost, so there is less to cover bond debt or pay for services.
From a fairness standpoint, we have a huge problem here, said Sen. John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee.
Like some other states, New Mexico relies on a self-reporting method since county property appraisers do not have the staff or the expertise for on-site inspections of all machinery and equipment.
Wisdom said that honor system is not working for New Mexico counties at a time of record crude oil production.
We deal with these companies, and we know how they report property, Wisdom told the Taxation and Revenue Stabilization Committee. Its all self-reporting; this is the process we go through to find these items. These omissions are creating an inequity among the other taxpayers.
A map presented to lawmakers showed the number of rigs operating in Eddy County on Jan. 1 of each year from 2007-16. Of 318 rigs, just 111 were reported as personal property and taxed.
Data for Lea County showed that of 247 operating rigs, 136 were omitted from the tax rolls.
As for natural gas compressors in Eddy County, 623 were inspected, but half were not reported for tax purposes.
The lawmakers were also told that the state Taxation and Revenue Departments valuation table guideline for counties has not been updated since 1978, while the cost of new drilling rigs has nearly doubled.
So even in cases where assets are being taxed, local governments are not assessing the equipment at full value and are losing out on tax money as a result.
The state general fund gets a small amount of property tax revenue, less than 5 percent. But the issue came to the Legislature because of concerns that assessors are not receiving support from county commissioners to hire the staff and experts they need so the taxes can be collected.
Smith agreed that no one at the county level is trained to do such appraisals.
We need to be giving local governments the tools they need, he said. Shame on county elected officials not stepping to the plate to provide those resources to county assessors. If you escape paying your fair share, that burden is passed on to the residential user.
SANTA FE Five-term state Rep. Dennis Roch, R-Logan, will not seek re-election in 2018, he confirmed Monday.
Roch, who is the only school superintendent in the Legislature and is regarded as a top voice on education issues, cited his career and family as reasons for his decision to step away when his current term expires.
Serving in a volunteer Legislature requires a considerable time commitment, said Roch, who was first elected to the House in 2008. While the work is clearly important, I cannot ask others including my family to continue making sacrifices so that I might serve.
Serving in a volunteer Legislature requires a considerable time commitment, said Roch, who was first elected to the House in 2008. While the work is clearly important, I cannot ask others including my family to continue making sacrifices so that I might serve.
Roch represents a sprawling district House District 67 that encompasses much of northeastern New Mexico.
He is the superintendent of the Logan Municipal Schools and formerly served as chairman of the Legislative Education Study Committee, a bipartisan legislative agency that focuses on education issues.
However, Roch has also made a mark at the Roundhouse on other issues. He was the sponsor of a 2015 right-to-work bill that passed the House, but died in the Senate.
The bill would have ensured that New Mexico employees in both the private and public sectors would not have to pay union fees as a condition of employment. Union membership cannot be required under federal law, but such fees can be mandated under contracts in unionized workplaces.
Roch is the first incumbent legislator to announce plans to step down at the end of 2018. All 70 seats will be up for re-election next year in the House, where Democrats hold a 38-32 majority.
Meanwhile, Roch also told the Journal he has recruited a candidate, Jack Chatfield of Mosquero, to run for his seat next year in the Republican-leaning district.
A Ruidoso police officer shot two people, killing one of them, after police say each person struck the officer with their vehicles while trying to flee from a suspected burglary Sunday morning.
Lt. Elizabeth Armijo, a spokeswoman for the New Mexico State Police, said around 6:20 a.m. Ruidoso police officers were called to a house on Timberline Drive in Ruidoso for a burglary in progress.
She said the officer arrived at the house and was outside his police cruiser when both suspects tried to flee. They were driving two vehicles.
The first vehicle, a Ford Mustang, driven by Johnathon Brownell, 28, drove into and struck the officer. The officer fired, striking Mr. Brownell, Armijo wrote in a press release. The second vehicle, a Ford pickup, driven by Marlysa Sanchez, 31, of Los Lunas, NM, drove into the officer, striking him a second time and knocking him to the ground.
The officer then shot and killed Sanchez, Armijo said. She said Brownell tried to flee the scene but he struck another police cruiser and was arrested.
Brownell was taken to the University Medical Center in El Paso by helicopter and is now in stable condition. He is charged with three counts of aggravated battery upon a peace officer, receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle, and other charges. He will be booked into jail when he is released from the hospital.
Armijo said the officer was injured as well but is now in stable condition. She said he had not been interviewed as of Monday and she will release his name after he has talked to investigators.
The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau is investigating the shooting.
Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal
SANTA FE The legal wrangling over the validity of 10 vetoes issued in March by Gov. Susana Martinez isnt over yet.
The New Mexico Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear an appeal filed by the two-term Republican governor, paving the way for a final ruling in a landmark case that could set a precedent about how vetoes must be carried out.
The Supreme Court issued a unanimous order accepting the case from the Court of Appeals, which had opted to defer to the states highest court.
At stake is whether 10 bills passed by the Legislature during this years 60-day session and then vetoed by Martinez should stay in effect as the litigation plays out. A district judge in August invalidated the governors vetoes and allowed the bills to become law.
Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen, D-Las Cruces, said shes optimistic the Supreme Court will uphold the lower courts ruling, but she said shes looking forward to a resolution in the case.
I would hope the Supreme Court would go ahead for both sides and get it done, Papen said Monday.
A group of top-ranking lawmakers filed a lawsuit over the vetoed bills in June, after a contentious session in which the Democratic-controlled Legislature clashed frequently with the Governors Office over budgetary matters.
The suit was authorized in a closed-door vote by the Legislative Council, a bipartisan group of top legislators, but GOP lawmakers have been largely silent about the effort. Legislators have contended the governors vetoes are invalid either because she acted too late or failed to explain her objections to the bills.
Martinez, in turn, has insisted she met the legal requirements to veto the bills and has accused top-ranking Democratic legislators of wasting taxpayer dollars in the case.
As the governor has repeatedly said, theres no question she vetoed these bills, Martinez spokesman Joseph Cueto said Monday. The governor is hopeful that the Supreme Court will put politics aside and respect the crucial separation of powers outlined in the Constitution.
The governors attorneys filed an appeal of the lower court ruling last month, arguing that District Judge Sarah Singleton erred both in making her initial ruling and in allowing the bills to take effect before an appeal could be filed.
Since the appeal is based on those two separate issues, it could take weeks before there is a ruling. The Supreme Court did not schedule oral arguments in the case, but that could still happen.
The 10 bills at issue generally passed with broad, bipartisan support during this years legislative session. The legislation includes measures allowing computer science to count toward high school math and science requirements, allowing industrial hemp to be grown for research purposes and giving local governments more leeway to expand broadband access.
Half the bills passed without any dissenting votes, and the Martinez administration even testified in support of at least one of them.
With lawmakers set to return to Santa Fe in January for the start of a 30-day session, Papen said she doesnt foresee any bad blood.
I dont see why we should do any retribution against the governor, or vice versa, she told the Journal. Its a legal question that needs to be settled.
Legislators also filed a separate court challenge against Martinez in April over the governors line-item vetoes on a $6.1 billion budget bill. The state Supreme Court ultimately declined to weigh in on that case.
TOPEKA, Kan. The death certificate for a black man killed by police in Kansas capital city in September says he died from gunshot wounds to his back.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that it obtained a copy of Dominique Whites death certificate Saturday. The document isnt a public record.
Topeka police said initially that White was shot after a struggle and that at least one shot struck his chest.
The death certificate lists gunshot wounds of back as the immediate cause of death for White, who was 30 and just months out of prison after being prosecuted for burglary and illegal gun possession.
Kelly White, his father, said he believes his son was running away from Topeka police when he was killed.
Dominque Whites mother, Theresa Wynne, said his death and unanswered questions have been all-consuming for her. Police havent disclosed the race of the officers or their names. The family also wants to know what led to the shooting.
Topeka police said in a statement released after the shooting that White was shot after officers responded to a disturbance involving gunshots in a park and encountered a suspicious person with a handgun. As officers attempted to secure the firearm, White attempted to flee and reached for the pocket containing the weapon. Thats when officers fired, the statement said.
The police department in Lawrence, about 20 miles (30 kilometers) east of Topeka, is investigating the shooting. Both departments declined Monday to release body camera footage from the officers involved in the shooting and other officers at the scene.
In rejecting a request from The Associated Press, each department cited provisions of the Kansas Open Records Act that allow law enforcement agencies to keep criminal investigation records closed. The Topeka departments legal adviser specifically noted provisions saying such records can remain closed if disclosing them would interfere with a criminal investigation or prosecution, or if it would endanger someones life or safety.
Bill Cochran, who was named Topekas interim police chief Friday, said he understood why Whites family wants answers as soon as possible.
I empathize with them on the timeline, but one thing I can tell you is that the investigation is being conducted very professionally its going to be thorough. Its going to be very complete, he said.
Topeka police spokeswoman Colleen Stuart declined to discuss the death certificate further in an email Monday, referring questions to Lawrence police.
Lawrence police Sgt. Amy Rhoads described the investigation as ongoing in an email Monday.
Shawnee County District Attorney Mike Kagay told the AP on Monday that his office will review the investigative report once it is completed and decide whether to charge any of the officers.
The family has hired attorneys to help them obtain information.
Were waiting on the evidence so we can weigh out our options, Kelly White said.
A group demanding to know more about what happened has been camping since Thursday in front of law enforcement headquarters in Topeka. The group calls the encampment Camp Justice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that freedom to write should not be misused by media. He advised the press to focus more on social and environmental issues.
By India Today Web Desk: Quoting Mahatma Gandhi at an event in Chennai today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that there was freedom in the country to write but it did not include the freedom to be 'factually incorrect'. Speaking on the occasion of 75 years celebration of Daily Thanti, PM Modi said that to misuse press freedom was "criminal."
"Editorial freedom must be used wisely in public interest. The freedom to write, does not include the freedom to be 'factually incorrect'. Mahatma Gandhi said, "The press is called the Fourth Estate. It is definitely a power, but, to misuse that power is criminal," Narendra Modi said.
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He further said that the media should focus on social and environmental problems including climate change. "Even though media may be owned by private individuals, it serves a public purpose. As scholars say, it is an instrument to produce reform through peace, rather than by force. Hence, it has as much social accountability as the elected government or the judiciary," PM Modi said.
The prime minister said, "Natural calamities seem to be occurring with increasing frequency across the world. Can media take a lead in the battle against climate change? Can media devote just a little space to report or increase awareness about what we can do to combat climate change?"
WHAT ELSE NARENDRA MODI SAID: THINGS TO KNOW
"A lot of the media discourse today revolves around politics. However, India is more than just us politicians. It is the 125 crore Indians, which make India what it is. I would be happy to see media focus a lot more, on their stories, and their achievements," Modi said "Today, newspapers do not just give news. They can also mould our thinking and open a window to the world. In a broader context, media is a means of transforming society. That is why we refer to the media as the fourth pillar of democracy," PM Modi said. PM Modi said that the colonial British government was fearful of the Indian Vernacular Press. "It was to muzzle vernacular newspapers, that the Vernacular Press Act was enacted in 1878. The role of newspapers published in regional languages remains as important today, as it was then," he said. The prime minister said, "Today, every citizen analyses and attempts to verify the news that comes to him through multiple sources. Media, therefore, must make an extra effort to maintain credibility. Healthy competition among credible media platforms is also good for the health of our democracy." "I have often heard people wonder, as to how the amount of news that happens in the world every day always just exactly fits the newspaper," Modi said on a lighter note.
--- ENDS ---
Worshipped as a Goddess; suppressed for being the weaker sex -- in a country that is shrouded with contradictions, a woman must struggle to find her rightful place in the society. Gender equality is an issue that women have faced since time immemorial. Bringing alive the tale of strong and resilient women, COLORS is set to launch the second chapter of its iconic and simulating drama, Na Ana Iss Des Laado with Laado Veerpur Ki Mardaani. Premiering on 6th November, the show will air every Monday to Friday at 9.30 PM on COLORS.
Produced by Dhaval Gada Productions, Laado Veerpur Ki Mardaani traces the life of Ammaji years after the closure of the first chapter; with her raising her granddaughters far away from the land she called her own. Making a comeback in this riveting plotline, Meghna Malik reprises her role as the fierce Ammaji with the same boldness and intensity as she did in its first season. The show will also feature the versatile Avika Gor as the protagonist Anushka whose firm belief in law weaves together the thread of this narrative along with Palak Jain as her sister, Janvi.
Commenting on the launch of the show, Manisha Sharma, Head Content, COLORS said, Na Ana Iss Des Laado, at that time was a very strong character based story that did very well for COLORS. Looking at the socially relevant shows on our network and with the success of strong character based shows like, Shakti Ek Ehsaas Ki and Udaan we decided to get Laado back but with a very exciting twist. Hope the viewers will enjoy watching the two very impressive faces, Avika Gor and Ammaji (Meghna Malik) create ripples together on screen.
Elaborating on the same, producer Dhaval Jayantilal Gada said, Its been quite some time since weve been developing the concept of this edition of Laado. The return of Meghna Malik as the formidable Ammaji alongside Avika who has been one of the most loved faces of Indian television brings to life our vision for this show. Supported by an ensemble cast with some very powerful performances, Laado Veerpur Ki Mardaani is sure to appeal to viewers across India.
Commenting on portraying the complex character of Ammaji, Meghna Malik said, Ammaji in this edition of Laado is different in mind, body and appearance. Earlier, being the victim of a certain mindset, she was not in favor a girl child. This time around she will be seen championing the cause of women and addressing sensitive issues of womens dignity, safety and rights.
On essaying the role of Anushka, Avika Gor said, The show has a legacy attached to it and this second chapter will see a fresh take on the issue of women rights. I feel very privileged that I was chosen for a show that has so much relevance in todays day and time. COLORS has been my home turf and together we have given the viewers iconic shows like Balika Vadhu and Sasural Simar Ka. My character of Anushka reflects the brave and independent young woman of today who fights for what is right, no matter what, and this is something that I believe will resonate with the audiences deeply.
Set in the modern day, the story opens in Delhi where Ammaji, who has given up her volatile past, is living a sedentary retired life in Delhi with her two loving granddaughters. However, a twist in fate leads them to Veerpur (in Haryana) which is now a grim place full of notoriety, blood and violence. The show also features a stellar line-up of actors including Balwant Singh Chaudhary (Rituraj Singh), Ranbeer (Ankit Raj), Komal (Zalak Desai), Tej Singh Chaudhary (Himaan Chodhery) and Sunehri (Sudipti Parmar) amongst others who will be playing pivotal roles.
Starting 6th November, 2017, watch Laado Veerpur Ki Mardaani, Every Monday to Friday at 9:30 pm only on COLORS
After 11 years with the company, Deepak Dhar has decided to move on from his position of Managing Director & CEO at the end of 2017, to pursue a new venture
Abhishek Rege, Chief Operating Officer of Endemol Shine India, becomes CEO
Dhar will work closely with Rege and the Endemol Shine India team during a transition period through to the end of 2017
Market leading independent producer, Endemol Shine India, today announced forthcoming management changes.
After 11 years with the company as a key driving force behind its success, Deepak Dhar, has decided to step down from his position as Managing Director & CEO to pursue a new venture. Endemol Shine Indias Chief Operating Officer Abhishek Rege, has been appointed as the companys new CEO and will initially work alongside Dhar, during the transition period.
Commenting on behalf of the Endemol Shine India Board, Nicola Bamford, CEO of International Operations at Endemol Shine Group, says: Abhishek has played a central role in Endemol Shine Indias growth during his time as Chief Operating Officer and we couldnt ask for stronger leadership to further build on the companys remarkable successes across non-scripted and scripted genres. Deepak will be leaving with our sincere thanks for all he has done in driving Endemol Shine India to become the market leader that it is today and we wish him every success for the future.
Abhishek Rege comments: I want to say a big thank you to Deepak for his leadership and support over the years and wish him the very best in his next venture. These are incredibly exciting times for Endemol Shine India, and the world class teams we have here. The success of global titles such as Big Boss and Fear Factor, alongside our ever-growing slate of drama and film, has propelled the company to the number one position it holds in the Indian market today, and the strength of our IP and talent ideally positions us for further growth.
Deepak Dhar said My journey at Endemol Shine will always hold a special place in my life. We started with a small team and big dreams back in 2006. Today, we have grown the company to be the largest content producer in the country with expertise spanning across scripted & non scripted television content, digital content and films in multiple Indian languages. The opportunity to lead Endemol Shine in making its vision a reality in India is something that I will always cherish. It has been a privilege to helm a company with disruption at its very core and to be able to bring innovation and scale to everything that we sought out to do.
Having joined Endemol Shine India as Head of Commercial and Legal in 2008, Abhishek Rege went on to be promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2012 and has since led the companys business strategy and operations across television, film and online. This has included regional diversification, which has seen the business establish a strategic presence in seven key markets across India. Prior to Endemol Shine India, Rege held a number of senior positions in the industry, including Director of Business Operations at Viacom 18 Media Pvt. Ltd., and leading roles in scheduling, acquisitions, commercial affairs and compliance at Star India.
Deepak Dhar was appointed Creative Director of Endemol India in 2006, before being promoted to Managing Director in 2008, then Managing Director & CEO of Endemol Shine India in 2015. Under his tenure, the company has won 23 awards and produced over 40 shows a year, totaling over 1500 hours of programing. Working with Abhishek, Dhar has also led the companys expansion beyond non-scripted television into drama, film and online content, as well as the diversification into regional markets, including the launch of new versions of Big Boss in in Bengali, Kannada, Tamil and Telegu. Before joining the company, he held senior industry positions including overseeing output for MTV, Channel V and Star TV, as Head of Programming.
Endemol Shine India is now the countrys number one producer of unscripted television as well as having an extensive slate of drama, film and online content. Over the last decade the company has produced over 6,000 hours of programming in eight languages including Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, Telegu, Malyalam, Bangla, Marathi and English. The companys credits include Big Boss, the top-rated local version of Big Brother, which is now a hit in five regional languages across India, and Fear Factor, which recently completed its ninth season as the number one Hindi show across all channels. Other unscripted hits include local productions of MasterChef,Deal or No Deal, So You Think You Can Dance, The Voice and many more.
Since diversifying into drama and film, Endemol Shine Indias credits also include hit TV series such as Geet, Miley Jab Hum tum and Sabki Ladli Bebo, as well as scripted output for OTT platforms and major movies including Brothers, Traffic, TE3N and Anaamika.
Endemol Shine India is majority-owned by Endemol Shine Group, with the remaining share held by CA Media.
As CEO of International Operations at Endemol Shine Group, Nicola Bamford oversees the Indian business as part of her remit and has now become Chair of the Endemol Shine India Board.
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Mindshare, the global media agency network that is part of WPP, has appointed Sudipto Roy as Managing Director, Team Unilever for AAR (APAC, Africa, Middle East, Turkey, and Russia). Roys mandate is to bring the collective power of WPP to Unilever, and help create a horizontal offering for one of the agencys most important global accounts. His role is effective immediately.
Roy first started at Mindshare, heading strategy for the Mindshare Unilever team in Mumbai back in 2007. He relocated to Singapore in 2011 to lead the Unilever relationship out of the Singapore hub and went on to play a wider role as Chief Client Officer for Mindshare APAC in 2014. He later joined Tenth Avenue (WPPs connected experiences company) as CEO of developing markets in 2015.
Roy will be based out of Singapore and will wear two hats in his new role. In his first role, he will assume leadership of the Mindshare central and market teams in AAR and ensure they remain ahead of the curve on new products and services. His other role will see him proactively work with various WPP agencies to create compelling offerings across digital, data, research, consulting services, content, shopper, and e-commerce.
I am very excited to be back with WPP at such an interesting point in the development of this industry. We are perfectly poised to build on the advances of the last few years and create the next iteration of the marketing services model powered by data, technology, content and commerce. What we do now sets the tone for the next decade, said Roy.
Commenting on the appointment, Peter Dart, Global Team Unilever Lead at WPP, said, Roy joins us at a time when we are beginning a significant business transformation task as we bring many of our units together to create a more impactful service for one of our largest global clients. His deep knowledge of our markets, our network, and of the Unilever marketing teams will serve as a great enabler to drive this change.
Himanshu Shekhar, Chief Executive Officer, Mindshare South East Asia, added here, It is great to have Roy back into the extended Mindshare & WPP family. He is a unique talent whose product and business orientation helps us create impact at speed. We look forward to exciting innings from him.
Indias iconic Hindi movie channel, Sony MAX2 brings to you the smashing hit movie of 90s Krantiveer. It is one of the highest grossing film of 1994 for which Nana Patekar bagged the National Film Award for best actor. With the iconic dialogues by Nana Patekar and gripping storyline, Krantiveer was a huge hit amongst the masses. After the success of Krantiveer, the film was even remade in Telugu and Kannada.
Krantiveer is the story of Pratap Narayan Tilaks (played by Nana Patekar) fights against gangsters and corrupt politicians. Disowned by his parents at a young age Pratap Narayan Tilak end up in a small time village which is controlled by underworld dons and powerful politicians. With an idle mind but constructive thinking and inspired by a journalist Megha Dixit (played by Dimple Kapadia); Pratap Narayan Tilak finds that he can get the people from his community to stand up for their rights by taking strict measures against outlaws. In this revolution, Pratap lands up in jail because of strong opposition from the police, politicians, corrupt businessmen and gangsters.
Dont forget to watch Nana Patekars stellar performance in Krantiveer on 11th November, Saturday at 7pm only on Sony MAX2
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.
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba has began a six-day visit to France to explore new avenues of cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries.
Admiral Lanba will meet French Defence Minister Florence Parly and will hold talks with Chief of Defence Staff General Francois Lecointre and Chief of French Navy Admiral Christophe Prazuck, the Navy said in a statement.
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"The visit aims to consolidate cooperation between the armed forces of both India and France and also to explore new avenues of defence cooperation," it said.
Admiral Lanba, during his November 5-10 visit, will also visit the French Airbase at Landivisiau where he will be briefed on the operational employability of the Rafale aircraft by the French Air Force.
In September last year, India had signed an Euro 7.87- billion (approx Rs 59,000 crore) deal with the French government for the purchase of 36 Rafale twin-engine fighter jets.
The supply of Rafale jets is scheduled to start from September, 2019.
Admiral Lanbas visit to France comes 10 days after the French defence minister visited India during which both sides had decided to expand their military cooperation in the strategically key Indo-Pacific region, besides resolving to further ramp up the overall defence and security ties.
Admiral Lanba is also the chairman of the powerful chiefs of staff committee (CoSC) which comprises the Army, Navy and IAF chiefs.
He will also be visiting the Maritime Prefectures at Brest and Cherbourg, and the French submarine facility at Cherbourg.
Defence and security ties between India and France have witnessed an upward trajectory in the last few years.
The two countries established a strategic partnership in 1998, enhancing bilateral cooperation in strategic areas such as defence, nuclear energy and space.
The Indian Navy cooperates with the French Navy on many issues, which include operational interactions such as the Varuna series of bilateral exercises.
French shipbuilding major Naval Group, formerly DCNS, is part of the Indian Navys project P 75 under which six Scorpene submarines are being made in India with the transfer of technology from the French firm.
Warships from Indian Navy have been regularly visiting ports at France. PTI MPB SMN
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October 31, 2017
CASABLANCA, Morocco For years, Mohamed Abdelwahab al-Rafiqi, also known as Abu Hafs, was a hardcore Salafist defending a strict application of Sharia and jihadist ideas. But after spending nine years in jail for inciting terrorism, his discourse has changed dramatically. Since his release in 2012, he has spoken out in defense of individual liberties and on taboo topics in Moroccan society such as freedom of conscience and the decriminalization of homosexuality.
More recently, Abu Hafs outraged conservatives by addressing an extremely sensitive subject that many political and religious actors refuse to even discuss in the kingdom and throughout the Muslim world: equality in inheritance rights between men and women. Under current Moroccan law, a female inheritor is entitled to half of what her male counterpart gets.
I think it is time to launch this dialogue because there is a great deal of injustice against women on this issue," Abu Hafs told Al-Monitor. "Moroccan society has witnessed great social and economic developments. The law must be adapted to these changes.
On Nov. 7, Abu Hafs plans to take part in a conference in the Moroccan town of Azrou a new stop in the lecture tour he has launched with human rights activist and philosopher Ahmed Assid. Through live debates with the audience, he hopes to convince Moroccan youths that the inheritance issue is not a red line anymore and that it should be discussed, and hopefully changed.
Until now, only a few leftist activists and secular political actors had spoken publicly about the issue. The National Council for Human Rights published a report advocating for equal inheritance rights for men and women in 2015. But Abu Hafs position and religious background introduced a new dynamic when he raised the subject on national TV in April.
He was harshly criticized by his former fellow Salafists, among them Hassan al-Kettani, who accused him of being an unbeliever and called him a lunatic. Abu Hafs said he received death threats over social media. He was attacked by religious scholars and expelled from the Arab Maghreb Scholars League.
As part of Abu Hafs' lecture tour, he has visited major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech and Beni Mellal as well as smaller towns. His dialogues with philosopher Assid, moderated by professor of Islamic studies Farida Benani, have promoted debate. In October they went to Fkih Ben Salah, in the center of Morocco. The conferences are organized by Hakima Lebbar, an artist, psychoanalyst and editor of the book of essays Men Defend Equality in Inheritance," Assid told Al-Monitor.
Abu Hafs speaks of the religious framework and I focus on human rights and the social, cultural and economic reality of Morocco, Assid told Al-Monitor. This law absolutely must change, he said. If men are opposed to this demand, it is not for religious motives but to preserve their own interests.
Abu Hafs also contributed to the writing of a play, Al-Qasma ("The Sharing") by Isam Yousfi, performed throughout the country in the summer of 2017. Abu Hafs took to the stage after performances to facilitate discussions with the audience.
"Other Salafists never listen when you talk. They think they possess the absolute truth, whereas Abu Hafs is still searching for this truth.
His involvement in this campaign might be surprising to those who have not followed his path since his release from jail. The new Abu Hafs seems very different from the young preacher he was 15 years ago. Abu Hafs told Al-Monitor his position on inheritance rights fits into his broader call for a review of Islamic heritage and a reinterpretation of the Islamic literature to fight extremism. According to him, this heritage Islamic jurisprudence and the application of Quranic teachings must be considered in its historical and geographical context. It is not only permissible but necessary to think about them critically, he holds.
My position on inheritance rights has changed with my progress. I am not the old Abu Hafs anymore, he said.
In 2016, Abu Hafs opened Al-Mizane, a center devoted to research on extremism supported by the conservative Istiqlal Party, which he joined prior to the legislative elections in September 2016.
Abu Hafs was arrested several weeks prior to the May 2003 attacks in Casablanca that killed 41 people and injured dozens. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison for having inspired the attacks in his sermons, during which he openly voiced jihadist ideas and said the 9/11 attacks were justified. He was, Abu Hafs insists, a product of his environment back then and reproduced what he had been taught as a child by his family and later during his studies. His earlier path was steered by Wahhabi doctrine: He studied Islamic law in Saudi Arabia and went to Afghanistan at the age of 16 to join his father, a nurse who had traveled there to support the mujahedeen.
But Abu Hafs said that during his stay in prison, he took the opportunity to return to his studies and earned another degree in law and another in sociology. He claimed his change began with reading in his solitary cell, to which he was confined for seven years. There, he discovered cultures and ideologies he had previously ignored. For instance, he developed a passion for Russian literature after reading Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina."
He now cautiously cultivates the image of a media-savvy and open-minded Muslim intellectual who wants to play an important role in the evolution of Moroccan society. However, his critics doubt his sincerity and claim he has not changed his positions but found his way out of jail through making concessions. He was granted a royal pardon along with other Salafi clerics sentenced in the wake of the Casablanca attacks after Morocco was shaken by the protests of the pro-democracy Feb. 20 Movement, which called for the liberation of all political detainees held in the kingdom.
But Abu Hafs public positions on issues of major concern in the Salafi sphere are clear. Unlike his former co-detainees Kettani and Omar al-Haddouchi, he has openly expressed his opposition to religiously motivated violence and to the participation of Moroccan young people in the conflict in Syria.
He listens," Assid told Al-Monitor. "I have had debates with him right after he was released, when he still maintained the Salafi position. He was against my ideas but he was listening and you could see it was on his mind. Other Salafists never listen when you talk. They think they possess the absolute truth, whereas Abu Hafs is still searching for this truth.
November 6, 2017
Turkeys opposition Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) is weakened yet resolute a year after the detention of a dozen of its lawmakers and a wider crackdown crippled the Kurdish political cause and damaged the European Union candidate's democratic credentials.
Joint leaders Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag, along with 11 other parliamentarians from the pro-Kurdish bloc, were arrested in dawn raids on Nov. 4, 2016. The party leaders and seven other HDP lawmakers remain behind bars, and some of their trials on charges ranging from membership in the armed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to inciting deadly protests have yet to begin.
The party, the parliaments third-biggest, has seen five of its 59 lawmakers, including Yuksekdag, stripped of their seats in the legislature. The state has seized control of 94 of 102 municipalities from its sister party in the mainly Kurdish southeast. Thousands of party activists are in prison, pro-Kurdish media has been all but silenced and dozens of civil society groups shuttered.
The measures followed an eruption of violence between the PKK and state security forces in 2015 following the collapse of peace talks with the militants. Swaths of cities in the southeast were leveled and nearly 3,000 people were killed, according to the International Crisis Group.
A state of emergency in place since a failed coup in 2016 has allowed authorities to bypass parliament, extend pre-trial detention periods and sack more than 110,000 state employees.
Despite the unlawful methods we have faced, the HDP maintains its defense of democratic principles and that the only way to end violence is to strengthen liberal politics. We derive our strength from our rightfulness, lawmaker Meral Danis Bestas told Al-Monitor.
At this stage, we do not expect the judicial process to be fair, but we will continue to fight to expose and challenge the inequities, said Bestas, who was sentenced to 25 months in prison last week for comments she made about police violence.
Bestas is free pending an appeal, but has already spent more than two months in prison this year on separate charges that she belongs to the PKK, considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the EU.
The HDP may nominate a jailed parliamentarian for the position of deputy parliamentary speaker in a vote next week to draw attention to their plight.
The arrests have taken a toll on a party that was once central in the negotiations to end the PKKs insurgency that has claimed more than 40,000 mainly Kurdish lives since 1984. A public opinion poll released last week showed the HDP with just 7% support, below the 10% barrier to enter parliament.
In June 2015, the charismatic Demirtas, a 44-year-old human rights lawyer, helped expand support beyond the traditional base of Kurdish nationalists to clinch an unprecedented 13% of votes, depriving President Recep Tayyip Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP) of single-party rule for the first time since 2002. The HDPs platform of progressive policies including respect for the environment and gay rights and campaign against constitutional amendments to expand Erdogans powers resonated broadly.
Weeks later, the peace process was shattered, and the AKP and many other Turks roundly blamed the HDP for failing to halt the violence. Another election held amid spiraling violence in November 2015 saw Demirtas party eke past the vote threshold. Six months later, parliament voted to lift lawmakers immunity from prosecution, paving the way for the HDP arrests.
Erdogan has called Demirtas a terrorist, holding him responsible for the deaths of Kurdish protesters and accusing him of lauding the PKK. The HDP denies direct links with the autonomy-seeking PKK.
In April, the president narrowly won the referendum giving him greater executive powers helped in part by the sidelining of his fiercest critic, critics said. Demirtas spends his days in a prison near the Greek and Bulgarian borders painting and writing ahead of his first hearing on Dec. 7.
Bestas said the long delay in the start of the trial was part of an effort to keep Demirtas out of the limelight.
In July, the European Parliament cited an unfair referendum campaign and the arrests of the HDP lawmakers among reasons to suspend EU accession talks with Turkey.
By killing off the party, by imprisoning its political leaders, representatives and mayors and arresting its activists, you have disabled its ability to function, Kati Piri, Turkey rapporteur who prepared the European Parliament draft resolution, told Al-Monitor in an interview.
This is a huge mistake, because it has forced many who voted for the HDP to feel that peaceful, democratic policies are not the way forward in Turkey and that they should support more extreme approaches that are not fit for a democracy. The government, with its crackdown, is creating bigger support for more radical approaches, she said.
For its part, the HDP says it remains committed to peaceful politics.
It may appear that injustice has won, but this will not last. Turkeys future truly lies in democracy, rights and freedoms, said Bestas.
November 6, 2017
Egypt is taking action to assess the situation in Cairos notorious Tora Maximum Security Prison, also known as Al-Aqrab (Scorpion) prison, and determine its suitability to host inmates.
The decision came after complaints filed by prisoners families and nongovernmental organizations called on the government to shut down the prison. The State Commissioners Committee, which is part of the countrys administrative courts, approved the complaints and assigned Cairo University to set up a tripartite committee comprising specialized experts in the fields of medicine, engineering and human rights in order to prepare a report about the prison.
The report, the committee said, should include the capability of the prisons buildings and its annexes, especially the hospital, to receive inmates and whether the prison provides suitable living conditions, including clean water, healthy food and proper health care, for prisoners.
Human rights activists have praised the committees decision, saying that it gives hope to the prisons inmates and highlights the states willingness to improve its human rights record.
George Ishaq, an activist and a member of the state-run National Council for Human Rights, said that the decision by the State Commissioners Committee is a move in the right direction. It is a decision that should have been taken a long time ago, Ishaq told Al-Monitor.
Ishaq noted that in a previous visit to the Tora prison he had observed inappropriate living conditions inside the prison. He highlighted the lack of beds and poor health-care services. The prison is not a place for humans, the veteran politician said. That's why it is sound to take such a decision, he added.
Egypt has recently been criticized for human rights violations. In September, Human Rights Watch released a report, accusing the Egyptian authorities of systematic torture in prisons.
In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry lashed out at the Human Rights Watch report, saying that it harmed the reputation of the country and ignored the recent progress made by the government in the field of human rights.
It is lamentable that an organization claiming to be defending freedoms and human rights in the world adopts an approach that contradicts with such values. The report has lent a deaf ear to all aspects of progress that were achieved in the field of human rights in Egypt in recent years, Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement.
In a September meeting with Mohamed Fayek, the head of the National Council for Human Rights, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi asserted the states determination to pursue its efforts for fostering human rights and guaranteeing principal freedoms. This, the president said, comes in line with efforts to combat terrorism and extremism as well as protect the national security from various risks that Egypt and the region are subject to at present.
Fayek presented to Sisi a report that called for improving living conditions for prisoners, upgrading the level of detention centers and paying due attention to the role played by the civil society. The report also included recommendations that go in line with Egypts international commitments regarding human rights as well as with the provisions of the Egyptian Constitution. The recommendations included the organization of events aimed at spreading the culture of human rights in addition to continuing the improvement of economic and social conditions for citizens.
The Egyptian parliament also debated this year the introduction of a subject on human rights in the Egyptian curriculum in order to eliminate extremist ideology and raise awareness among young people about their political rights and their national duties.
Margaret Azer, a member of the parliamentary Human Rights Committee, said that international gatherings usually use human rights to pressure certain policies in Egypt.
It is always used against Egypt because there is a lack of a good mechanism that can address the West or the media and is capable of clarifying the true picture of what is happening in Egypt abroad, Azer told local media. The parliamentarian suggested the launch of a specialized channel that can clarify the visions of the Egyptian state and all sticking points to the West.
November 3, 2017
All countries face the phenomenon of an "informal economy." Focusing on the definition of that term which means all economic activities that are not covered or are insufficiently covered by formal arrangements, not including illicit activities a World Bank report finds: Informality arises both from a lack of development and poor governance, and each of them to a different extent for every country. While these two factors, as well as tax evasion, play a role in the formation and sustainability of the informal sector in Iran, some legal and cultural aspects such as the strict womens dress code and extensive cultural prohibitions like the ban on satellite dishes also contribute to the size of the informal economy. Assessing the extent of Irans informal economy is very difficult; however, the most serious and reliable estimates state that about 30% of economic activity in Iran is unaccounted for. A recent study believes that about 38% of the economic activity in the Iranian calendar year 1393 (which ended on March 20, 2015) belonged to the informal sector, which translates to unrealized tax revenues for the government amounting to 43 trillion Iranian rials ($12.3 billion), i.e., the annual funds that the government pays to citizens as cash handouts.
As mentioned, some of the activities are not necessarily illegal, but rather legal occupations conducted outside the visible economic structures, such as civil servants working as taxi drivers in their free time or housewives working as tailors and hairdressers from home. On the illegal side, smuggling and trade in prohibited goods represents the most significant informal activities. Experts believe that some $10-$15 billion worth of goods are smuggled across Iranian borders annually, though there are signs that the volume of smuggling has been in decline. According to reliable estimates, an institutionalization of the smuggling in legal goods would create some 200,000 job opportunities in the country. This is where the various border markets come to the fore, but weak governance of such markets has undermined their actual potential.
According to Ahmad Meidari, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare, about 6 million Iranians are active in the countrys informal economy. The figure is derived from the fact that from a population of 23 million working people, only 17 million are insured by the Social Security Organization. This doesnt mean that all of these individuals are engaged in illicit activity, but that their economic contribution is unaccounted for. Another state institution, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Finance, estimates that 36.5% of the countrys economic activity is attributed to the informal sector.
While no one denies that the extent of the informal sector is very damaging to the country, the key question is what the government is doing to contain it. One thing is certain, and that is the increase in public comments by key stakeholders about tax evasion and also lost job opportunities resulting from the extent of the countrys informal economy. However, the existing patterns lead to phenomena that expand rather than decrease the size of the informal sector. For example, in order to compensate for tax evasion, the government moves to tax the formal economy more heavily, which in turn pushes formal players into the informal sector.
On a practical level, the most visible strategy that the administration of President Hassan Rouhani has pursued since 2013 has been the improvement of the investment climate. Indeed, the World Banks 2018 Doing Business Report highlights progress in a number of areas where government reforms have improved the overall business conditions. Notwithstanding, Iran needs a lot more reforms to address the informal sector and the government is aware of some of the remedies. For example, Iran was party to an International Labor Organization (ILO) conference in Geneva in 2015 where the so-called Recommendation 204 was presented by ILO. This document provides valuable guidance on reforms needed to facilitate the transition of workers and economic units from the informal to the formal economy, promote the creation, preservation and sustainability of enterprises and decent jobs in the formal economy and prevent the informalization of formal economy jobs.
Within that context and based on the positive experiences of other countries the Iranian government has started to look at reforms in areas such as fighting corruption; introducing tax reforms, including e-government solutions to reduce the potential for corrupt dealings; reforming customs regulations; promotion of entrepreneurship, especially support for young entrepreneurs; and promotion of cooperatives as an instrument of formalization of informal individual activity. While these steps will gradually shift some employment to the formal sector, there will be the need for much more comprehensive reforms that will have to involve all three branches of government.
One of the key reforms will be amending the labor law, including the provisions for social security. In fact, Iranian businesses are most affected by very rigid labor and social security regulations as well as arbitrary implementation processes that have been considered the main barrier to permanent employment by Iranian companies. As mentioned above, 6 million active Iranians are not covered by social security arrangements, mainly due to the inefficiency of the current regulations. Various past attempts to amend the labor law have faced political and institutional bottlenecks, and even the latest attempt by the Rouhani administration has been hampered by political lobbying to an extent that the government has taken the original bill back from parliament to revise it.
In paving the way for an increase in formal employment, the government has to also pay attention to the need for proper and functioning workforce representation. The lack of organizations that understand and represent the interests of various labor categories is a serious flaw in a country where the government is the largest employer and also the de facto representative of the working class.
Furthermore, addressing the massive smuggling activity in the country needs to become a top priority. Unfortunately, the intense external sanctions that the country was subject to prior to the implementation of the nuclear deal paved the way for extensive smuggling and money-laundering activity. Now that most of the sanctions have been lifted, the pushback against interest groups that benefited from the sanctions regime has proven to be very challenging. According to parliament member Yahya Kamalipour, there is a lack of resolve in the official institutions to counter the mafia structure around the smuggling of goods and hard currency.
There are valid ways to push back against Irans informal sector and consequently improve the governments fiscal position as well as the overall welfare of the society. However, the state as a whole needs to engage in a broad and comprehensive reform process, which will require a political will on par with the will that generated the nuclear deal.
November 6, 2017
Mohammad Ali Jafari, the head of Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has denied claims by President Donald Trump that Iran was responsible for the missile that was launched into Saudi Arabia from Yemen over the weekend. After Saudi Arabia claimed that the Houthis fired a ballistic missile into a heavily populated area for the first time, Trump, while on tour in Asia, said, A shot was just taken by Iran, in my opinion, at Saudi Arabia.
Jafari said in response to questions by reporters Nov. 5, Trump has made many unaccountable, false and untrue statements and this is also one of those accusations. Jafari continued, Shipping missiles to Yemen is not even possible and these missiles that are being launched belong to Yemen, which are rebuilt and have had their range increased to pursue revenge for the blood of their martyrs.
When Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), backed by the United States, launched their war on Yemen in 2015, Iranian officials and media became more vocal in their support of the Houthis, who are formally called Ansar Allah and belong to the Zaidi sect, an offshoot of Shiite Islam.
While Jafari denied any involvement in the missile attack, conservative Iranian media appeared to be trying to ratchet up tensions. Ansar Allahs missile fires at Riyadh, the next target, Dubai, was the headline of Kayhans top story Nov. 6. The article claimed that the Saudi princes who are currently involved in quarrels over the nations wealth will no longer have peace and quiet in their palaces and that the leaders of the UAE have learned they are next.
Trumps claim that Iran was behind the missile attack on Saudi Arabia is not the only Saudi-related story in Iranian media. The resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri over the weekend and the wave of arrests of the Saudi elite in the so-called anti-corruption campaign also received a great deal of traction in Iranian media.
Hariri announced his resignation in Saudi Arabia, and blamed Iran for meddling in Lebanese internal affairs. This brought the following reaction from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi: Mr. Hariris sudden resignation and from a different country is not only unfortunate and surprising, but it shows that he is playing a game that those who want ill for the region have designed. He added, The winner of this game will not be Arab and Islamic countries but the Zionist regime.
The general consensus in Iran, given the location of Hariris resignation announcement, is that Saudi Arabia forced Hariri to cede office. Hariris suicide was the headline of the conservative Vatan-e Emrooz. Hariris humiliating resignation was the headline in Kayhan.
The conservative Jahan News wrote that Hariris resignation was a Saudi and American attempt to create a crisis in the region and decrease Irans influence. The article said that after failing in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the United States are setting their sights on Lebanon and Irans main ally in Lebanon, Hezbollah. The article continued that comments by Israeli officials in recent months regarding another Lebanon war must be taken into consideration as part of a wider plot to weaken Hezbollah.
Moreover, in the latest reaction to events in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif took to Twitter, writing, Visits by [Jared] Kushner & Lebanese PM [to Riyadh] led to Hariri's bizarre resignation while abroad. Of course, Iran is accused of interference, adding, "[Saudi Arabia] is engaged in wars of aggression, regional bullying, destabilizing behavior & risky provocations. It blames Iran for the consequences."
November 6, 2017
Labor Party Chairman Avi Gabbay barely had three days to enjoy the flattering polls that were released Nov. 1. The Hadashot Channel 2 poll gave the Labor Party under his leadership 21 seats, while the Channel 10 News poll gave it 19 seats. Meanwhile, both polls showed the Likud Party losing an average of 5 seats.
Pundits and commentators all complimented him for this achievement. Some even spoke about the strengthening of the left-wing bloc led by Gabbay and Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid, and of the possibility of bringing down the right-wing government. However, while the chairman of the Labor Party was reveling in his achievement, the two senior partners in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon and Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman were coordinating a plot against Gabbay that would knock him to the political ground floor in a single blow.
In two separate interviews with two different news shows for Hadashot News Company Nov. 4, with just two hours in between, both men declared unequivocally that they would not be part of a government formed by Gabbay. "I will say it as clearly as I can: The Kulanu Party will not be a fig leaf for a left-wing government," Kahlon answered, when asked if he would sit in a coalition headed by Gabbay. "I am part of the national camp," he continued, "unlike the Labor Party or whatever happens to be leading it. I opposed the disengagement [from the Gaza Strip], and I support the land of Israel and a united Jerusalem. That is why I see no way for Kulanu to join the Labor Party's left-wing government."
Liberman called Gabbay "irrelevant" and said, "There were at least two parties [his] Yisrael Beitenu and [Kahlon's] Kulanu which would never join a coalition with Gabbay." He added, "It would be impossible to put together a coalition without these two parties. He doesn't have a chance. The whole idea can be erased from the lexicon."
This political maneuver by two senior players in the Netanyahu government may have been painted in the ideological colors of opposition to the left-wing platform of the Labor Party, but for the most part it was driven by a very painful and personal vendetta. In contrast, in the 2015 election, not only did Kahlon refuse to reject the Zionist Camp (Labor is the major partner in the Zionist Camp alliance) led by Isaac Herzog, he even held preliminary meetings with Herzog before the election about the possibility of forming a coalition. Then, after the election, he prodded Netanyahu to bring the Zionist Camp into the government. In the case of Gabbay, it seems as if ideology can be flexible.
The fact is that Kahlon will never forgive Gabbay for abandoning Kulanu about a year after he was appointed to be one of the party's ministers, only to join the Labor Party.
And Liberman? He is just waiting to strike back at the political newbie who turned his resignation from the government in May 2016 into a protest against Liberman's appointment as defense minister after Moshe Ya'alon was deposed. After all, it was Gabbay who said, "This is a very grave decision. It is bound to foster extremism."
Kahlon and Liberman have maintained a very close relationship while they wait for the right time to take their revenge. It now looks like the time came, when Gabbay started to gather momentum after spending the past two weeks signaling to the right.
These coordinated statements by the finance and defense ministers should cause serious concern to the Labor Party chairman's campaign, despite all his efforts to draw votes from the right. Over the next days and weeks, Israel will learn how steep a price Gabbay paid by being branded so bluntly as the head of a left-wing party.
The immediate beneficiary of the blows that Gabbay received was his main rival in the center-left camp, Lapid. But Lapid has problems of his own, which could deny him any chance of forming a coalition. The ultra-Orthodox ban the possibility of an alliance with Lapid; they will not sit in a government with him.
The truth is that even before Kahlon and Liberman played their little game, the interpretation of the recent polls may have been too far-reaching. Attempts to present them as indicators of change or of some significant movement between the blocs were wishful thinking at best, and an attempt to manufacture headlines at worst.
Even if Gabbay and Lapid are worth 40 seats together, even if they could both form a government on paper, this really is not feasible as long as Kulanu and Yisrael Beitenu prefer to form a coalition with the Likud. They need the support of a 61-Knesset majority to form a government. Furthermore, for Gabbay or Lapid to form a government, they will have to cooperate in some way or other.
Common sense would say that if they would really want to bring down the Likud government, they will, in fact, work together. The problem is that the whole scenario is just a pipe dream. They both want to be prime minister. Neither of them will compromise on that. What this means is that the rivalry between them will only get worse as elections approach. Furthermore, Lapid is a lot like Kahlon and Liberman in that he has always fled from any cooperation or even any affiliation with the Labor Party, which he describes as a party on the left.
What is really absurd is that both Yesh Atid and Labor chairs are appealing to voters on the right. Often, they even sound like they are really part of the Likud. And yet, all of their calculations rely on a center-left electorate, which has held a steady 35-40 seats for the past decade.
What we are seeing now is a chaotic political system, in which the definitions of left and right are flexible and in flux. When it comes to public attitudes, however, there is no real sign that there has been any change to the slight advantage held by the right. The proof is Gabbay's own shift to the right as head of the major left-wing party. Gabbay faces an enormous challenge; he must try to keep his hard core of Labor Party voters despite his recent statements and shifts to the right. Furthermore, to reach 30 seats as he promised when he was elected party leader last July he will have to take votes away from Yesh Atid. But right now, Lapid is only getting stronger.
That's why it is too early to say that there has been a change in the breakdown of the rival blocs, even if the polls give Gabbay and Lapid 40 or more seats. If elections were held today, the right-wing bloc would hit the campaign trail with a bigger, more united electorate and a clearer message and platform. On the other hand, if Netanyahu is forced to resign as a result of his legal entanglements, it would cause the kind of political explosion that would completely reshuffle the deck. If that happens, anything is possible.
November 2, 2017
AMMAN, Jordan Budget-cutters in Amman have bread subsidies in their crosshairs once again, as the government tries to satisfy the conditions of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement designed to help the economically strapped kingdom. The subsidies have come under government fire numerous times over the years, with each episode sparking protests and riots. This time around, authorities are trying to justify their intentions by claiming that 3 million non-Jordanian residents benefit from subsidized bread, in addition to 7 million Jordanian citizens.
On a talk show that aired Oct. 28 on the Roya satellite channel, government spokesman Mohammad al-Moumani said, A total of 140 million dinars [around $197 million] is spent to subsidize bread consumed by 3 million non-Jordanian residents. He also alleged that some bread is wasted and some of it is smuggled into other countries to take advantage of the price difference.
With Jordan struggling under an economic crisis, the country's leadership is striving to meet the requirements of the IMF agreement signed in August 2016 to extend Amman $723 million in loans over three years to support the countrys economic and financial reform program. The requirements include removing budget distortions and lifting subsidies on goods within the scope of the economic adjustment programs developed by the IMF since 1989. Jordanian economists and opposition figures say such programs have dictated the economic policies of successive Jordanian governments.
The IMF is imposing its policy on debtor countries, including Jordan, the economist Fahmi al-Ktout told Al-Monitor. It requires these countries, in exchange for obtaining new loans, to lift subsidies on goods, liberalize markets and trade, and raise direct and indirect taxes. According to Moumani's statements on Roya TV, however, the IMF is just an adviser, while the government has the final say on lifting and distributing subsidies.
Previous Jordanian governments led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Tarawneh in 2012 and by Abdullah al-Nisour during 2014-16 attempted to lift subsidies on bread, a critical staple for Jordanians. Ultimately, the high political and social costs of those efforts thwarted their plans, amid the emergence of a nationwide protest movement after the outbreak of the Arab Spring in 2011.
The IMF is asking the government to raise its revenues by certain percentages, and the government is thinking about the measures it can take to do so, Salama al-Derawi, an editor and columnist with the Maqar news website, told Al-Monitor. Derawi estimates that lifting the bread subsidy would add about $100 million to the treasury. He also believes that revenue generated by raising the sales tax to 16% on some items currently taxed at 4% and 8% and some that are not taxed at all could produce an additional 500 million dinars ($705 million) toward the 2018 budget.
Derawi added, The middle and poor classes will be harmed if the government doesn't find an appropriate mechanism to deliver cash subsidies to citizens, who no longer trust the cash subsidies system after the government stopped making cash disbursements just months after lifting oil subsidies in 2014. In 2014, the Jordanian government decided to remove oil subsidies and provide cash disbursements to people instead. After global oil prices plummeted, however, the cash payments stopped, and as prices recovered, the government failed to resume the disbursements as it had pledged.
The Ministry of Finance expects the 2018 budget to total 9 billion dinars (about $12.7 billion), of which 7.5 billion dinars (about $10.6 billion) are current expenses, mostly allocated to pay public servant salaries. The indicative budget was estimated for next year amid unemployment rates that jumped in the first quarter of 2017 to 18.2%, up from 14.6% for the same period last year, according to the Department of Statistics.
In an interview with Al-Monitor, Jordanian political activists warned that the government's economic measures, including the removal of bread subsidies, will ignite popular protests like those in April 1989 and the bread price protests of 1996 against poor economic and political conditions.
Basil al-Bashabsheh, a political activist in Karak, told Al-Monitor, Lifting subsidies on bread would harm Jordans middle and poor classes, warning of social protests and chaos, especially in the south, where the economy is reeling. He accused the government of resorting to intimidation maneuvers, in light of the violence in neighboring countries, forcing the Jordanian citizen to choose between security and bread.
Trade union activist Mohammed al-Snaid also fears the repercussions if bread subsidies are removed. This government decision could ignite popular protests and a revolution of the hungry, he asserted to Al-Monitor. The citizens economic and living conditions are going from bad to worse because of the economically fruitless government policies that further increase the burdens on the broadest and poorest class. The government ought to address the causes of indebtedness and not hold the society liable for its debts.
Tamer Bino, spokesman for the National Alliance for Reform, a 15-member parliamentary bloc, doubts the government will raise fees and taxes to generate revenue for the treasury, opting instead for other economic alternatives. The government should take into account the [public] reaction to the decision of lifting bread subsidies, he told Al-Monitor.
Bino said the public probably cannot rely on parliament to keep bread subsidies in place, while also speaking of official interventions in the work of parliament members, some of whom might succumb to pressure or bribes or be manipulated by the government and act as its executive arms.
Meanwhile, Moumani asserted to Al-Monitor, The government has not yet decided whether it will lift subsidies on bread or provide cash subsidies to Jordanian citizens.
By one account, Jordanians are estimated to consume 10 million pita-sized loaves of bread per day, with their per capita annual consumption of bread estimated at 90 kilograms.
By PTI: Mumbai, Nov 6 (PTI) NSE benchmark Nifty closed flat at 10,451.80 points today following selling in energy, infra and private bank sectors amid tepid global cues.
European shares were trading lower as investors focus on earnings and monitor President Donald Trumps comments in Asia.
Asian stocks were mixed following a surprise shakeup over the weekend in Saudi Arabia.
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The NSE Nifty opened lower at 10,431.75 and hit an intra-day record of 10,490,45 before finishing at 10,451.80, down just 0.70 points, or 0.01 per cent, from its last close.
It saw an intra-day movement of about 76.70 points.
Broader markets remained bullish as Nifty Midcap and Smallcap indices rose 0.15 per cent and 0.14 per cent, respectively.
Sector-wise, Energy fell 0.70 per cent, Infra 0.59 per cent, Private Bank 0.56 per cent, Bank 0.31 per cent and Pharma 0.03 per cent.
Auto rose 1.32 per cent, PSU Bank 0.92 per cent, IT 0.84 per cent, Realty 0.44 per cent, Metal 0.34 per cent, FMCG 0.12 per cent and Media 0.11 per cent.
Major index gainers were ONGC, M&M, Bharti Infratel, Tata Motors, Cipla, TCS, Wipro, Hindalco and Maruti.
Losers included HPCL, Zee, Yes Bank, Sun Pharma, UPL, BPCL, IndusInd Bank and Bharti Airtel.
The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was in favour of losers. On the NSE, 854 stocks advanced, 886 declined and 75 remained unchanged.
Total securities that hit their price bands were 186.
Turnover in the cash segment rose to Rs 35,436.46 crore from Rs 34,160.95 crore as on last Friday.
A total of 17,380.21 lakh shares changed hands in 12,446,757 trades. The market capitalisation of listed firms on NSE stood at Rs 1,44,30,131.64 crore. PTI ARR ABM
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November 6, 2017
AIN ISSA, Syria At just 21 years old, Zilan's burdens are already heavy. She has a pair of violent ex-husbands and a daughter from each. But she said she has left all that behind in her home village near Raqqa, the recently liberated capital of the so-called Islamic State in Syria.
Zilan is among scores of women joining an all-Arab womens force that was formed earlier this year as part of the Syrian Kurdish Womens Protection Units (YPJ), the globally acclaimed womens militia that has become the bane of jihadis. These fresh recruits are testing the limits of the deep-rooted patriarchy of Arab communities and more critically, the uneasy cohabitation of Arabs and Kurds that is meant to serve as a blueprint for the future of Syria.
I feel respected as a woman. My life has meaning now, Zilan told Al-Monitor during an interview at the Shahid Arin Military Academy for Women in Ain Issa, a nondescript town northwest of Raqqa.
The YPJ and its male equivalent, the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), are the US-led coalitions top allies against IS. As the fight expands beyond Kurdish-dominated areas into Arab-heavy territory, a growing number of Arabs are either directly joining the Syrian Kurdish forces or Arab groups allied with them. They are collectively known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF. An SDF official told Al-Monitor that as of Oct. 22, at least 500 Arab women had enlisted with the YPJ. Female fighters were the first to declare victory on Oct. 19 in Raqqas main square. Many were Arabs, the official said.
Hassan Hassan is a senior fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy and the co-author of ISIS: Inside the Army of Terror.
Hassan, a native of Deir ez-Zor, told Al-Monitor, The social upheaval that has convulsed Syria for the past six years and how women have been impacted by the conflict dynamics, displacement and living on their own will take years to understand.
He believes the jury is still out on how much the Syrian Kurds can fundamentally change attitudes toward women. The far bigger question, though, is whether the United States will stay on and steer the SDF into a national project or pull out and allow it all to collapse," Hassan said. In the meantime, So long as women are doing their jobs in the public sphere and there is full transparency, I dont think even becoming fighters is that controversial in our society. Eastern Syria is not too religious.
On a recent afternoon Zilan and her comrades sat in a circle at Shahid Arin, full of teasing camaraderie. The spartan camp consists of a couple single-story buildings and modestly sized training grounds. Male fighters who help train the women smoked and swapped jokes with them during a break.
The academy was named after Arin Mirkan, a Kurdish female fighter who blew herself up rather than be taken alive by IS, and is also dedicated to Dewreye Silan, the first Arab female fighter who fell in the battle for Manbij, an Arab-majority town that was wrested from IS last year. These actions earned Mirkan and Silan the distinction of shahid, which means "martyr" in Kurdish and Arabic. Silan's smoky dark eyes stare down from a giant portrait hanging in the communal room where the women drank tea and described what drew them to the YPJ.
Their backgrounds are mixed. Some are secular, middle-class urbanites. Others are rural and conservative. Many were seduced by online propaganda videos of YPJ fighters or recruited at university. Then there are those such as Zilan who fled abusive families or the gray monotony of their previous lives.
Zilan, from Raqqas populous Jamassah tribe, was the first to speak. Both of my husbands beat me. Their mothers beat me. Her first husband refused to grant her custody of their 3-year-old daughter. The second took their 10-month-old baby and disappeared. I was left with nothing. Thats when I decided to join the YPG to fight for a better future for my daughters, for all women. Zilan is a nom de guerre that means "storm." She displays no hint of self-pity.
Leila, an Iraqi Shiite who alternates between driving Hummers and firing Soviet-designed Doshka machine guns at the enemy, says she joined the YPJ in 2014. She had seen video clips of YPJ women fighting in the epic battle for Kobani that same year. I was very impressed, she said. I wanted to be like them."
Eylem, or Action, is an Alawite from Latakia. Her comrades said she has already lived up to her name, displaying exemplary valor at the Tabqa and Raqqa fronts. The 22-year-old was at university when a fellow Kurdish student introduced her to the radical feminism preached by Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which spawned the YPG and the YPJ. I used to support [Syrian President] Bashar al-Assad, but now I support Ocalan, she said. Assad only cares about Alawites. Ocalan cares about everybody, especially women.
For 20 years, the fugitive Turkish Kurd ran his armed campaign for Kurdish independence, then for self-rule in Turkey, from Damascus and Aleppo with the full blessing of Assads father and predecessor, Hafez, until the elder Assad booted Ocalan out in October 1998 under threats of Turkish military intervention. Ocalan was captured four months later by Turkish special forces in Kenya. Some 17 years on, Ocalan remains the uncontested leader of the PKK, which is formally labeled a terrorist organization in the United States and Europe. The groups cocktail of leftish ideas, martial discipline and Kurdish pride has broadened its appeal among Kurds across the globe, and its success in mobilizing and empowering women is unparalleled among other guerrilla groups.
Ocalans rambling treatises on gender equality known as jineoloji a play on words based on jin, which means woman in Kurdish resonate with women of different ethnicities and creeds. This self-professed science of women is drilled into men and women across Rojava, or Western Kurdistan, as the Kurdish-dominated swath of territory controlled by the YPG is known.
Martin van Bruinessen is a Dutch academic widely acknowledged as one of the most authoritative voices on the Kurds. He noted in a 2001 essay, Kurdish society is highly male-dominated, and it has been for all its known history.
This observation still holds true. A sprinkling of colorful matriarchs such as Adela Khanum, a Persian Kurd who married into the powerful Jaf tribe in Iraqi Kurdistan and reigned over Halabja, have long been held up as proof of gender equality among the Kurds. A more contemporary example is that of Hamayl, the second wife of the legendary Kurdish leader Molla Mustafa Barzani and mother of Massoud Barzani, who stepped down from the Iraqi Kurdistan Regions presidency Nov. 1. The daughter of a chieftain of the powerful Zibari tribe, the formidable Himayl enjoyed a certain leverage even toward her husband. Such women owed their status mainly to their privileged backgrounds and tolerant spouses. Yet as Van Bruinessen noted, The anomaly of female leadership appears to be more acceptable among the Kurds than in most other Middle Eastern societies. Ocalan wants this mindset to be institutionalized.
Polygamous, imam-officiated and underage marriages permitted by the supposedly secular central government have soared since the start of the conflict in Syria but have been banned in Rojava. For every male mayor, there is a female co-mayor vested with equal powers a model repeated at almost every level of government and civic authority. Women manage traffic and run schools. In an interview with Al-Monitor, Fawza al-Yusuf, a top Rojava official who spent long years in the PKK before returning to Syria in 2011 at the start of the uprising, boasted, We have launched a feminine revolution not just for Kurdish women but for all Syrian women that ought to inspire the world.
Hassan said, This [system] will encourage more Arab women to participate in public life, which will have a huge impact on education and on the economy. It breaks new ground.
All but one of the Arab women interviewed at Shahid Arin claimed their families had not objected to their choice. My mother, my grandmother, my father, my brothers, all of them support me, said Asmin from Aleppo. I use the Bixi, she proudly added. She was referring to another Soviet-type machine gun. Like many of her fellow Arab fighters she has picked up Kurmanji, the most common Kurdish dialect spoken in Rojava. We are applying reverse assimilation here, jokes her commander, a Syrian Kurd. She is referring to the central governments decadeslong drive to forcibly assimilate the Kurds by transplanting tens of thousands of Arabs into their midst, among other schemes.
Perhaps one reason the parents are relaxed about their daughters joining the YPJ is the celibacy that is encouraged among fighters and that is mandatory for those who choose a lifelong career within the PKK and its affiliates, becoming kadro or cadres.
Male conscription is mandatory in Rojava, but not so for the opposite sex. They can join and leave as they please. Hence female fighters enjoy a status surpassed only by that of female "shahids." Ruken Isik, a US-based Kurdish American academic who specializes in gender issues, told Al-Monitor, Female fighters are at the top of the pecking order in PKK culture. This, Isik contends, has the negative, if unintended, effect of rendering war a vehicle for upward mobility. To be sure, there is a certain aloofness even harshness among some seasoned female fighters, who treat a female reporter with polite disdain.
If women start using their positions to humiliate men, that could be a real problem in Arab society, far greater than any ethnic frictions that are likely to arise, Hassan warned. Our men are very sensitive, after all.
Samsungs new Galaxy Note 8 commercial stars a struggling Apple loyalist, with the South Korean tech giant launching its latest dig at the iPhone lineup on Sunday. The minute-long clip that can be seen below is seeking to highlight all current and historic shortcomings of Apples iOS-powered smartphones compared to Samsungs Android flagship series, with the largest phone maker in the world recalling everything from a lack of expandable storage space and waterproofing to the fact that charging a contemporary iPhone while listening to music requires a dongle. While some of the previous complaints shown in the commercial like the lack of wireless charging have been addressed by Apple with the newly launched iPhone X, Samsung appears to be suggesting that its Cupertino, California-based rival has been behind with implementing many popular features of the Galaxy Note lineup for many years now and that this state of affairs is expected to continue in the future.
The ad itself was also written as a coming-of-age story, showing its main character as switching to the Galaxy Note 8 after a decade of blind loyalty to Apple, i.e. associating Samsungs products as being made for adults. This particular sentiment has been rather prevalent in the companys Galaxy Note 8-related marketing efforts even outside of its promos criticizing Apple, with its phablet being repeatedly described as a blend of style and functionality, i.e. a refined version of the Galaxy S8 Plus equipped with a new S Pen stylus.
Samsung has a long history of taking digs at Apple and its iPhones in its Galaxy commercials, with the Seoul-based original equipment manufacturer mocking its rival for the better part of the last decade. Most of the motifs shown in the newly launched advertisement have been seen in Samsungs previous promos, with the most recognizable one being the running joke about Apple loyalists waiting in long lines to get their next device. Samsung appears to still be looking to position itself as an ideologically different company whose devices arent meant to define you but simply seek to make your life easier from the moment you (decide to) purchase them.
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Sprint stock started plummeting after trading opened on Monday morning in the immediate aftermath of its collapsed merger negotiations with T-Mobile. After concluding Friday trading with a valuation of $6.67 per share, the company opened at $5.86 earlier today and is presently more than ten percentage points down, with investors valuing it at $5.98. The Overland Park, Kansas-city based wireless carrier attempted to alleviate the markets negative reaction to its failed consolidation by announcing a major MVNO agreement with Altice USA before the market opened on Monday but its currently unclear how successful was the company in doing so, with investors generally appearing to be unimpressed with its recent business decisions.
T-Mobile stock is also declining, having opened at $56.09 on Monday morning and currently being valued at $55.34, down more than six percentage points compared to last week. The Deutsche Telekom-controlled mobile service provider is still expected to weather through the aftermath of the collapsed consolidation more easily than Sprint, with some recent estimates describing its stock as being valued in a relatively realistic manner and not overly reliant on a major tie-up like Sprints market cap appears to be. Over the weekend, both wireless carriers said that theyre still willing to explore future mergers between themselves and other parties inside and outside the industry but explicitly stated that despite the potential to add significant value to their businesses, they werent able to reach an agreement during their widely reported consolidation talks held in recent months.
The breaking point of the negotiations was the corporate structure of a potential combined entity as neither SoftBank nor Deutsche Telekom was willing to yield significant control over the merged company to the other party. The decision to call off talks was reportedly made by the Japanese conglomerate and accepted by its German counterpart in a matter of days last week. According to some estimates, Sprint and T-Mobile missed an opportunity to add up to $50 billion of value to their businesses, though it remains to be seen whether investors will punish this development in the medium term as the Monday drop in the valuations of both companies was to be expected and the two may still recover from it going forward.
The facility at Deesa is near the border and is expected to bridge aerial gaps in Gujarat that already has major fighter bases in Jamnagar and Naliya.
By Ajit Kumar Dubey: Within two months in office, defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman is clearing the decks for setting up a new fighter aircraft base for the IAF in Gujarat to guard against any reckless acts by Pakistan.
The facility at Deesa, which is located in Banaskantha district, is near the border and is expected to bridge the aerial gaps in the state that already has major fighter bases in Jamnagar in Saurashtra region as well as Bhuj and Naliya in Kutch.
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"The IAF has been planning to set up a new airbase in Deesa in Gujarat which has been in the files for the last many years. Due to the new defence minister's push, the plan is now moving fast towards reality," senior sources in the Air Force told Mail Today.
The officials said the plan to develop the base was discussed with Sitharaman during one of her first visits to Jamnagar after she took charge of the ministry in September.
In the last few weeks, the proposal has moved swiftly and is expected to reach the Cabinet Committee on Security headed by the Prime Minister in the near future, the sources said.
The development comes less than a month after Air Chief BS Dhanoa declared that the IAF is prepared to fight a "short and swift war" at a short notice and that the force has the capability of striking across the border if the government decides.
Sources said the new team in the defence ministry follows up all the long-pending proposals and suggestions that are brought to their notice during field visits.
The project to set up the base in Deesa, which has a civilian airfield, has been hanging fire for a long time due to "procedural issues" and has been discussed many times at the ministry-level in the past.
The need for creating a stronger presence of forces has been felt in view of the increasing economic activities on the Gujarat coastline including petroleum refineries and new ports coming up.
This airbase would address the huge distance between the Barmer Air Force Station in Rajasthan and air force stations in Gujarat.
Officials say the facility would give the Air Force the capability to launch counter air campaign, counter surface force campaign and strategic air campaign in case of a war with Pakistan.
The IAF also has plans of using the airbase as a training centre for its rookie pilots and for operating its remotely piloted vehicles.
The Air Force has been working to plug gaps in the western sector with Pakistan in the last few years as it started operations from the Phalodi airbase under the south western air command a few years ago.
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In recent times, assets such as the SU-30MKI combat aircraft have been deployed under the command at the Jodhpur air force station along with new ground-based air defence systems on the western front.
Slowly but steadily, the Indian Air Force is preparing itself for a two-front war with both Pakistan and China as it has been developing airfields on both sides.
On the Chinese side, the IAF has developed the Daulat Beg Oldie airfield in the eastern Ladakh sector while it is in the process of developing old advanced landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh.
Some of the airfields have already been readied while some of them would be ready for use in the near future.
The force is also in the process of finding and developing more airbases in eastern Ladakh area to be able to airlift troops swiftly in case of a Chinese misadventure in border areas.
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Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
HID
By comparison, the hybrid variant of the Ioniq settles for an acceptable rating in this department. The South Korean model and the Prius are evenly matched in the headlight performance department, with both hybrid vehicles rated acceptable by the experts at theThe Ioniq and its arch-nemesis performed similarly in the crash avoidance and mitigation test (superior), as well as in all crashworthiness tests. With good ratings across the board (driver-side small overlap front , moderate overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints & seats), its no wonder Hyundai and Toyota are entitled to brag as much and as loud as they care for.The 2017 Ioniq Hybrid's high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, which come with the Limited trim on vehicles built after May 2017, earn an acceptable rating, notes the IIHS . Most of the other headlight variants earn a poor rating, adds the Institute, though the curve-adaptivelights offered in the U.S. after May 2017 have yet to be tested by the nonprofit organization.Joining the ranks of the 2018 Elantra GT and 2018 Santa Fe Sport, the Ioniq Hybrid is the seventh Hyundai to qualify for the 2017 Top Safety Pick+ award. Manufactured in Ulsan, South Korea, the Ioniq starts at $22,200 for the hybrid powertrain. The Ioniq Electric is $29,500 and is EPA-rated 124 miles of range.The Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid has yet to go on sale in the United States of America. The third member of the Ioniq family will arrive at dealership this winter for the 2018 model year, and its expected to retail at no more than $27,000.
Draken on its maiden 200 mph club run Au @koenigseggautomotive #200mph #200mphclub #checkyourunderwear #cars #champions #race A post shared by Dan (@dan_am_i) on Nov 5, 2017 at 10:42pm PST
That accolade came thanks to the Swedish missile hitting 447 km/h (make that 277.9 mph), a feat that took place in Pahrump, NV. Nevertheless, with Christian von Koenigsegg having traveled to the US for the feat, the man behind the Angelholm brand took the time to enjoy other kinds of speeding delights.For instance, the Koenigsegg founder got behind the wheel of Lamborghini's latest toy, the Huracan Performante. You know, the Raging Bull that used to hold the Nurburgring production car record (the supercar set a lap time of 6:52 ) before the Porsche 911 GT2 RS grabbed it.Sure, the V10 Italian exotic may only have half the power of an Agera RS with the Megawatt engine, but the Sant'Agata Bolognese machine has something that the Swede is missing, namely a naturally aspirated heart.The 640 hp V10 mill of the Performante must be one of the main reasons for the positive attitude shown by Christian, with this supercar's scream being one of the most vicious out there.The group of aficionados who accompanied Koenigsegg in the said adventure was obviously larger, as, for instance, the Agera RS used for the record was a privately owned vehicle.And, as you can imagine, the shenanigans that took place on the stretch of road serving as a playground for the feat spread beyond that one Koenigsegg's run.For instance, another K machine joined the Agera RS, with the two enjoying the closed public road together. And we've brought along a piece of Instagram footage that shows the hypercars doing their thing.Warning: 200+ mph adventures await you behind the "play" button below.
Both these sportscars are offered in both stick shift and double-clutch form and the units engaged in this drag race come with the paddle shift hardware.The two slabs of German got together on an airfield in Sweden, which means that drivers could fully stretch the mechanical legs of their machines.Despite the fact that both the Porscha and the Bimmer comes with highly effective Launch Control features, the go-fast machines skipped the standing start.In fact, it seems that the rolling take-off caused a bit of an imbalance, but, given the length of the race, the initial phase was easily left behind.It's worth mentioning that the Zuffenhausen machine was used as a camera car from the shenanigan we're discussing here.Now, before inviting you to check out the drag race, we'll go over a few figures that reflect the differences between the Porsche 718 Boxster S and the BMW M2 A rushed aficionado might expect the 370 hp, 500 Nm 3.0-liter straight-six of the M2 to allow the BMW to easily top the Porsche, which is animated by a 2.5-liter turbo-four delivering 350 horses and 420 Nm of torque.However, there are two aspects we need to keep in mind. First of all, the 718 Boxster S bests the M2 in terms of the power-to-weight ratio (think: 4.5 kg/hp vs. 4.4 kg/hp).Secondly, Porsches have built a reputation for dominating their classes without being the most powerful members of the segments. And the speeding fight we have here is by no means an exception to this.
We're no market experts so if that's what its thorough analysis and focus groups told its management, then so be it. It's just that if they questioned the same people as the ones who gave the go-ahead for this commercial for the South Korean brand's N Series range, then we fear the worst for Hyundai's success and future.We know Halloween has passed, but trust us, if you haven't already watched this ad, your biggest scare this year is still ahead of you. And it's not the kind of leap-out-of-your-chair single jolt - no, this feels like the slow and terrifying descent into the mind of a mentally deranged person.Why would any company want to associate its image with something like this is beyond us, but Hyundai just did, and we're a little bit afraid for it. And of it. It turns out it was "to stand out of the crowd, to shake-up the staid formula of car advertising, and most importantly to have some fun with viewers." Well, it definitely stands out and shakes up everything we knew about advertising, including the fact it was meant to increase the client's sales, not scare people into never going near it.There are just so many wrong things going on in this one-minute-long clip that we don't even know what to begin with. You can almost see how the pitch must have seemed funny initially, but the production just turned it into a short horror flick.If you're wearing headphones while watching this - as I was - you will immediately take them off fearing you too could soon start a career modeling for companies that sell oats. But at least the ladies might appreciate it a little since there are plenty of bare-chested men.
I asked Richard McGregor, the longtime Asia correspondent and former Financial Times bureau chief, to read between the lines of the Trump administration's revealing decision to rename the "Asia-Pacific" as the "Indo-Pacific."
McGregor emailed:
The U.S. is now entrenching new language for America's role in the Asia. It is now officially the Indo-Pacific, not the Asia-Pacific. That attempts to bring India permanently into the U.S. web of alliances and partnerships in the region. And it is the precursor to the new partnership "the quad" which will bring together the U.S., Japan, India and Australia. Abe tried this in 2007 in his first term. A decade later, it is real. The first meeting will be soon.
The U.S. and the Japanese militaries have long been deeply integrated in the region. But the partnership is deepening, driven both by the DPRK in the short-term and China in the longer term. The big change is: Japan under Abe is slowly unshackling itself from the postwar constraints on its military, allowing it to do more with the U.S.
6 November 2017 12:54 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
Armenians still remember the notorious promise of their president Serzh Sargsyan in which he claimed that the population of the country will reach 4 million by 2040. The statistics that Armenias National Statistical Service has shared this week makes it clear that Sargsyans speech was only his dream that will never come true.
The data shows that over the past five years, the number of permanent residents of Armenia has decreased by 302,400 people in 2012, there were almost 3.3 million people in the country, but today their number cannot even reach 3 million. Since the beginning of the year, the number of permanent residents has decreased by 6,500 people and this trend continues to grow.
The Armenian government promised to raise the birth rate in the country during the first nine months of this year, but this figure has also decreased, and whats more, this year is showing the lowest birth rate in Armenia in the last five years.
Only 27,655 children were born in the country in January to September, whereas the number of births in the same period of 2016 was 29,868, and 30,613 in 2015.
International observers also have bad news for Armenia the report of UN published in 2015 predicted that the countrys population will decrease to 2,729,000 people by 2050, and to 1,793,000 by the turn of the century.
There are many reasons for why Armenias population is decreasing, but the main ones are the widespread unemployment, rampant corruption and lack of peoples confidence in the future with the current leadership of the country.
The unemployment rate in Armenia still remains highest in the CIS area, while the wages in the country keep falling down. Even young Armenians who have higher education face difficulties with finding a descent job, not to mention those who dont have a university degree. Therefore, if young people have any opportunity, they leave Armenia for good.
Meanwhile, statistics show that every third citizen of Armenia lives in poverty, and this indicator is still growing. In addition, the conflicts with neighbors, including the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, do not allow Armenia to join any regional project and gain any benefits.
Thus, countless failures of the Armenian government because of its wrong domestic and foreign policy turns Armenia in a real desert with no people. There is no doubt that the countrys population is doomed to this deplorable situation until a qualified team comes to power.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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6 November 2017 10:11 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 127 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on November 6.
Armenians were using large-caliber machine guns.
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.
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6 November 2017 16:52 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
The South Caucasus is a mountainous region where the seismic activity is considerably high. Due to this reason, the operation of large industrial facilities is very risky for the life of millions of people living in the region and beyond. Despite this, Armenia still operates its outdated Metsamor nuclear power plant, which was built more than 40 years ago.
The NPP was built in six years in the city of Metsamor and began to operate in 1976. After the devastating earthquake of 1988 in the town of Spitak, it was closed; but in 1995, despite numerous international protests, the Armenian government renewed the operation of the NPP moreover, the second reactor was launched.
Last fall, the license for the exploitation of the plant expired, but the Armenian government made the decision to prolong the date of exploitation of the plant for additional 10 years.
During all these years, international ecologists and scientists have been noting that the seismic activity of the area makes the operation of the plant in Metsamor an extremely dangerous enterprise even if a reactor of new sample is constructed. They urge that due to its deplorable state, the Armenian NPP could repeat the fate of the Chernobyl NPP in Ukraine. The possible tragedy will jeopardize the life of people and environmental state of the region, and its consequences will be also felt in Europe and in the Middle East.
The need to close down the plant in Metsamor has been also noted by numerous media publications. Last week, the Washington Post has published an article describing the threats of the Armenian NPP.
The plant has long been a cause for concern for at least two reasons: It was built without containment vessels, and it sits in a seismic zone In 2011, National Geographic even suggested that it might be the worlds most dangerous nuclear plant, wrote the author of the article Stefano Morelli.
The author noted that despite the risks, the power plant is still open, and people still live in the town created for the plants workers.
Photographer Stefano Morelli visited the town in January to document its way of life. What he found was 10,000 people (1,000 who still work at the plant) living in a town of old Soviet buildings, caught in suspension between doubts and fears, between poverty and survival, between life and death, reads the article.
The French newspaper Le Monde diplomatique has also published an article describing the threats and possible consequences of the Metsamor NPP.
The article entitled Metsamor, a potential Chernobyl informs that the Metsamor NPP was built during the time of the Soviet Union and on a highly seismic zone.
This plant continues to pose a considerable risk for the whole of Europe because of its age and its situation in a region with strong seismic activity, wrote a European Union envoy later.
The organization proposed an aid of 100 million euros for the closure of the plant, the newspaper reminded, adding that Armenia refused the aid and continues to operate the NPP, risking life of millions of people.
The whole world tells Armenia that it is high time for the closure of the Metsamor NPP, but the countrys government, as always, tries to postpone the process, thus forcing the people of the whole region to live in a constant concern about their lives.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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China on Monday said that the visit of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to forward Army posts in Arunachal Pradesh near the China border was "not conducive to peace".
By Ananth Krishnan: China on Monday said that the visit of Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to forward Army posts in Arunachal Pradesh near the China border was "not conducive to peace".
In her maiden visit to the state as minister, Sitharaman had visited posts near the border in Anjaw district and was briefed on the state of preparedness along the China border.
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Asked for a response to the visit at a regular press briefing by Indian media, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying reiterated China's official position on the dispute. Beijing claims around 90,000 sq km in the eastern sector in Arunachal.
"You must be very clear about China's position," Hua said. "There is a dispute in the eastern section of the China India boundary. This visit by the Indian side to this disputed area is not conducive to peace and tranquility of the relevant region."
"We hope the Indian side would work with the Chinese side to continue to make contribution to properly resolve the boundary issue through dialogue and create an enabling atmosphere and conditions for this. We hope India will work with China for the shared goal of seeking a solution application to both sides and to accommodate our concerns in a balanced way," Hua added.
Last month, Sitharaman's unscripted interaction with Chinese soldiers on the border in Sikkim went viral in China, with the minister praised for her "goodwill gesture" at a time when both countries were looking to set ties on track after the 72-day stand-off in Doklam.
The minister taught them how to say namaste, and they responded with "ni hao", or "hello".
The greeting "sent a goodwill signal towards mending bilateral ties and putting relations back on track toward normality", Qian Feng, an expert at the Chinese Association for South Asian Studies, told the Party-run Global Times newspaper last month.
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6 November 2017 10:30 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
NIKOIL Bank and AccessBank, the two banks with foreign capital in Azerbaijan, are negotiating the merger, a source in the countrys banking market told Trend.
The negotiations are at an early stage, the source noted, adding that NIKOIL Banks takeover of AccessBank is being discussed.
AccessBank owns a 100 percent foreign capital. AccessBanks shareholders include the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, KfW Development Bank, Germanys LFS Financial Systems and AccessHolding companies.
Although the shareholders of NIKOIL Bank include local companies (Topaz Investments, ISR Holding) and individuals, Vagit Alekperov, head of Russias LUKOIL oil and gas company, is the final beneficiary.
It is yet unknown known how the shares of the merged bank will be distributed, considering the presence of such a great number of shareholders, the source noted. It is possible that the foreign shareholders of AccessBank completely sell their shares, said the source.
Despite all this, the bank maintains its stability, as it has a capital of 140 million manat, and the main guarantor is the availability of such a list of foreign shareholders.
NIKOIL Bank has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1994, and AccessBank since 2002.
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6 November 2017 18:06 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
The National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support (NFES) under the Economy Ministry has started receiving investment projects on priority development areas of the Pirallahi region, the Economy Ministry reported on November 6.
Following a business forum, NFES considered it appropriate to start accepting proposals of entrepreneurs on financing startups, investment projects to create olive and almond farms, as well as facilities on sock manufacturing and processing of plastic and polyethylene packages.
Entrepreneurs can apply to the Fund through authorized credit organizations, in accordance with the rules for using the funds of the NFES. At the request of entrepreneurs, small projects can be fully financed through concessional loans.
As for Pirallahi, the island district of Baku has good prospects of turning into a significant industrial zone of the country. Along with the investment assistance by NFES, the district will soon enjoy the Pirallahi Industrial Park. Its establishment was launched in September 2016 to improve the situation in the pharmaceutical industry of Azerbaijan. The plant of the countrys Diamed C company and two pharmaceutical plants with foreign capital, namely, Azerbaijani-Russian and Azerbaijani-Iranian plants, are being currently built in the Park. A similar agreement has been recently signed with Ukraines Indar company.
The NFES, created in 1992, issues loans to entrepreneurs through authorized banks and non-bank lenders. During the first half of the year, the Fund contributed to the creation of 2,300 new jobs in Azerbaijan.
The main goal of NFES is to provide preferential loans from the state budget for small and medium business in order to develop entrepreneurship in the country. In general, the Fund plans to allocate 150 million manats ($88 million) for granting preferential loans to entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan until the end of 2017.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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6 November 2017 15:07 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Azerbaijan proceed to the next step of modernization of the countrys legislative basis on bilateral investment agreements, head of the Investment Policies Branch of UNCTAD Jorg Weber told Trend.
He noted that UNCTAD and Azerbaijan have already done a lot of work as part of modernization of bilateral investment agreements.
Currently, Azerbaijan has more than 50 such agreements with various countries.
Weber believes it is very important that investment agreements are consistent with the countrys development strategy. He added that in this context, UNCTAD wants to help Azerbaijan harmonize international obligations with the national policy.
"A big challenge for Azerbaijan is not only the fulfillment of international obligations, but also the need to ensure that these obligations are not contrary to the countrys development strategy," he noted.
Weber cited the agriculture sector as an example, which is one of the priority directions of economic development amid falling oil prices.
"[In the preparation of investment agreements] it is necessary to take into account in what areas the country has a competitive advantage. Bilateral investment agreements should be flexible enough to allow the country to develop in the direction it wants," he added.
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6 November 2017 13:09 (UTC+04:00)
By Laman Ismayilova
UNESCO, aiming to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting international collaboration, will celebrate the 100th anniversary of prominent national composer Gara Garayev and the Baku State University.
The proposals were put forward alongside with other 48 in the list of anniversaries for 2018-2019 submitted by the UNESCO Executive Board, within the 39th session of General Conference held in Paris.
At the Conference it was adopted to celebrate the jubilee of the outstanding composer in 2018 and the year later to mark the anniversary of establishment of the first national university the Baku State University.
In addition, Azerbaijan has joined the proposal put forward by the Islamic Republic of Iran to hold the 850th anniversary of the creativity of the great Eastern poet, born in Azerbaijan, Shikhabuddin Yahya Suhrawardi.
Legend of national music
Gara Garayev is one of those great composers who have enriched the Azerbaijani music with his immense legacy. He is the author of nearly 110 pieces, including ballets, operas, symphonic and chamber pieces, piano solos, cantatas, songs, and marches.
The great composer juxtaposed features of Mugham (national music) with jazz, blues, African music, European counterpoint styles, and developments related to the 20th century Western music such as the 12-tone technique.
His music combines a strict, logical spirit of classicism with a poignant, romantic passion. After years of creating consonant and tonal pieces, he turned to a dissonant style in which links with folklore became less obvious, especially in such works as the Third Symphony and Violin Concerto.
Nations first university
The Baku State University established in 1919 by the decision of the Parliament of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, was the first national university in the country. The new educational institution set up at the intersection of Europe and Asia in Baku, had two faculties -- Faculty of Philology and the Medical Faculty and an enrollment of 1,094 students in its first year.
One of the leading educational institutions in Azerbaijan with over 20,000 students, BSU is offering 57 specializations under Bachelor and 190 under Masters degree education and PhD degrees. Currently, the multiprofile University is made up of 17 faculties that offer 60 specializations under bachelor and 37 under masters degree in three languages (Azerbaijani, Russian and English). Students of BSU study 14 world languages.
Azerbaijan became member of UNESCO on June 3 1992, after restoration of its independence. In 2003, Azerbaijan and UNESCO signed the framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.
This may the organization marked the 600th anniversary of the death of the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi.
Moreover, this year UNESCO also celebrated the 200th anniversary of the first settlement of Germans in Azerbaijan. In 2013, with the support of UNESCO the 900th anniversary of Azerbaijani poetess Mahsati Ganjavi was celebrated in Paris.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova
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6 November 2017 14:53 (UTC+04:00)
By Laman Ismayilova
Everybody knows how tempting it can be to have one too many chocolates or an extra slice of cake, even if we know it's not good for us. So why is it so difficult to pass up these sweet treats?
Neuroscientists say that consuming sugar increases dopamine, which is the brains reward and pleasure center. Most people dont realize how easy it is to gain weight from sugar.
Taking this into account, Turkish artist Sevincy aims to show to live without sugar through her art works.
An exhibition "Without sugar" opened in Art Tower gallery on November 2, Trend Life reported.
The exhibition is timed to the 94th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey and aims at strengthening of bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey in the field of culture.
The works of the Turkish artist aroused great interest among art lovers.
Azerbaijani artists also enjoyed works by their fellow. Their attention was attracted by materials used by the author and an idea of the project.
Sevincy believes that sugar today is the rea "alcohol for children".
"Do not allow your children to become an object of the corporate industry. Through my art works I show how to live without sugar. In this creative struggle, I combine hyperrealism, pop art and abstraction," said the artist.
The unusual "desserts" by Sevincy literary grasps the imagination even more than the traditional desserts.
"My desserts just demolish the imagination, unlike traditional desserts from the "sweet poison". Often, this kind of visualization is called "cherry on the cake", I also add a fez, a symbol of the culture of our great-grandfathers at the top of my work, which is designed to protect your head from poison and decorate your life," she added.
The exhibition is co-organized with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the State Historical and Architectural Reserve "Icherisheher" and NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan.
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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova
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6 November 2017 15:39 (UTC+04:00)
By Aygul Salmanova
Isfar Sarabski, Azerbaijans well-know young jazzman, pianist and composer gave a solo concert organized by The European Azerbaijan Society (TEAS) at Sunnyside Jazz Festival in Reims, France.
Azerbaijani jazz music, distinguished by its melody and rhythm, was warmly welcomed by jazz fans.
The young jazzman started his solo concert at the Cartonnerie Music Hall in Reims, with Auryol, a new song that has not yet been included in his album.
Sarabski then impressed the audience with the popular song "G-Man" filled with melodious tones. The musician then performed Chet Baker's version of the standard jazz ballad "Blame it on my Youth".
As stated by the young jazzman in his interview with Azertag, the solo concert at the Reims Jazz Festival was the beginning of his European tour, and concerts in Belgium and other cities of France, as well as in UNESCO.
The musician noted that the Azerbaijani jazz is constantly evolving. International competitions, festivals and concerts held in the country are an example of this. Noting that jazz has a special place in Azerbaijani culture, he recalled that Baku won the title of Jazz Capital in the Soviet era.
The young man playing splendid compositions in piano inspires many with this magic musical instrument. He is attractive with his smart talent. He thrills up the souls of many lovers with his enigmatic music.
The talented composer expresses his feelings, emotions and moods through music. His energy and style have a magical effect on the audience, bringing people into a trance and taking them into the world of music.
Isfar began playing the piano at the age of seven. He studied classic piano for eleven years at the Bulbul Music School in Baku. His early influences included Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie, while Keith Jarrett, Brad Mehldau, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, and Vagif Mustafazadeh have inspired Sarabski to compose his own music.
Sarabski was merely twenty when he won First Prize in the Solo Piano competition at the 2009 Montreux Jazz Festival. His success led to his name's entry in the Golden Book of Young Talents in his native country, and he was awarded the title "Honorary Artist of the Azerbaijan Republic", a country where jazz has continued to bloom since the thirties.
Isfar's music skilfully mixes classical American origins with mugam, traditional Azerbaijani music, to form mugam-jazz-fusion with such emblematic artists as Vagif Mustafazadeh (the father of "jazz princess Aziza") or Bayati Shiraz."
Sarabski is a laureate of State prize titles "Zirve". In 2009, Isfar became the winner of the International Jazz Festival "Montreux jazz festival" in Switzerland.
Azerbaijan's young virtuoso has performed in the most prestigious concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Miles Davis Hall, the Vibrato Jazz Club, Jazz Club Ronnie Scott's, the Zinco Jazz Club, the Konzerthaus, Asphalt Jazz Club, Duc des Lombards Jazz Club, Porgy & Bess Jazz Club, Birds Eye Jazz Club and the Apollo Theater.
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6 November 2017 16:17 (UTC+04:00)
By Aygul Salmanova
Elchin Safarli's new book "When I return, be at home" hits the record for sales.
The novel of the famous Azerbaijani writer, which is published in the largest Russian publishing house AST and tells about the relationship of the father and daughter, for the first 20 days of sales was realized with all the starting circulation 30,000 copies.
The publishing house was shocked by the circulation, reporting that such a success of a book in the century when sales of printed materials decreased worldwide is very impressive.
The presentation of the novel When I Come Back, Stay Home was held at the Moscow Book House on Novy Arbat, where over 200 readers came to congratulate the author.
"When I return, be at home" is an emotional, deep book about boundless parental love, the dimensionless bitterness of losing your child and searching for ways to overcome this grief. The narrative is conducted on behalf of the father in the form of letters, which he writes to his deceased daughter, unable to reconcile with her absence in this world.
It is noteworthy that the year 2017 is marked as the 10th writing anniversary of Safarli.
We have been walking along the same road for more than ten years, during this time someone joined us, and someone - left. In any case, the movement continues. Thank you for waiting for me and my stories, writes Safarli in his instagram account, addressing subscribers.
One of the most popular young writers of the East, an author of the bestseller, Tell me about the sea, Elchin is the winner of several literary youth competitions. In his books he talks about the Eastern traditions, culture, life and love.
Forbes Russia Magazine included "Tell me about the sea" in Top 20 best-selling novels and collections of 2016.
Thirty-two-year-old novelist is an author of the bestseller "Sweet salt of the Bosphorus" and "There without Back." The novel "Sweet salt of the Bosporus" has earned the approval of the Nobel laureate for literature Orhan Pamuk.
Famous Turkish writer, with whom Safarli met at the XI Congress of the Union of Writers of Azerbaijan presented the first review to the book. "When I talk to this talented young man, I am convinced that the world literature still has a future," Pamuk said.
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6 November 2017 17:05 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
Last week Tbilisi hosted the First General Assembly of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Civil Peace Platform. Already at its first congress, the Platform showed that it has every opportunity to become one of the serious assistants for resolving the long-standing Armenia-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Head of the Caucasus History Center Rizvan Huseynov, who is a member of the of the Platforms Board, talked about the event in an interview with Day.az.
The historian said the assembly showed that the Peace Platform has a future and a great prospect. Despite various attempts to discredit this initiative, to denigrate it and present as a failed project, the assembly and the subsequent conference showed the great interest, support and understanding of international organizations and diplomatic missions of the countries whose representatives participated in the event.
The assembly participants appealed to the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs with the initiative to establish a review board of representatives of the Armenian and Azerbaijani civil societies, which would have an advisory mandate within the Minsk Group.
Huseynov noted that the idea of creating such a review board was presented in Tbilisi. The expert believes that this will help to intensify the Minsk Groups activities and make them accountable to the civil sector.
The event was held at a fairly high level. The Armenian side was represented by an entrepreneur from St. Petersburg, a native of Baku Erik Khachaturov, a well-known researcher, a native of Nagorno-Karabakh Arthur Agajanov, Baku Armenian Oksana Altunyan. Moreover, famous economist Rafael Isakhanyan and public figure living in Ukraine Philip Ekoziants joined the event via Skype.
On behalf of Karabakh Armenians, Arthur Agajanov described the tragedy of the situation arising from the fact that Karabakh is temporarily cut off from Azerbaijan. Agadzhanov consistently stands for the sovereignty of Azerbaijan, and resolution of the conflict within the territorial integrity of the country,
Agadzhanov also proposed an economic formula that would involve Karabakh Armenians in integration processes, and his suggestions aroused great interest in the expert community.
Predictably, the assembly in Tbilisi was not publicized by the Armenian media. However, the Platforms Board is going to visit Yerevan within the initiative.
The updated composition of the Platform is people who do not engage in politics and do not criticize the authorities of Armenia, they simply offer peace. The next stage should be a trip to Yerevan within the framework of the Platform. We are waiting for a response from non-governmental organizations, civil sector and political circles of Armenia. We are waiting for the answer to the question if they want peace or not, he said.
Thanks to the event in Tbilisi, the international community representatives of international organizations, diplomats, experts, scientists understood who is responsible for the escalation in the frontline and on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Hopefully, the Armenian leadership will eventually abandon its aggressive and unjustified position on the long-standing problem, and the countrys society will be more willing and decisive in joining the Civil Peace Platform in order to help resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as soon as possible.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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6 November 2017 10:13 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov is in the Kingdom of Sweden on an official visit, the press service of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported on November 6.
The visit will last until Nov. 7, according to the press service.
Mammadyarov will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden Margot Wallstrom and other officials within the framework of the visit.
Wallstrom paid a visit to Azerbaijan Feb. 10, 2016.
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6 November 2017 13:35 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
Baku will host the 7th ministerial conference as part of the Heart of Asia Istanbul Process from November 30 to December 1, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Trend on November 6.
HoA IP participating and supporting countries and organizations will take part in the 7th Ministerial Conference, which will be preceded by a Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) on November 30, 2017.
HoA IP 6th Ministerial Conference held in Amritsar, India on December 4, 2016 in its final Amritsar Declaration welcomed the willingness of the Republic of Azerbaijan to host the next Ministerial Conference of the HoA IP as Co-chair along with Afghanistan in 2017.
Within the Co-chairmanship of Azerbaijan of the HoA IP, the Senior Officials Meeting was held in Baku on March 17, 2017.
HoA IP is an important regional platform for political dialogue and close regional cooperation aimed at promoting stability, peace and prosperity in the Heart of Asia region, and for enhancing Afghanistans connectivity with the entire region.
HoA IP participants are the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Republic of Azerbaijan, People's Republic of China, Republic of India, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Russian Federation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of Tajikistan, Republic of Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations. The process is also supported by wide range of other countries and international and regional organizations. Having strong intention to contribute to regional peace, stability and prosperity and the traditional bonds of friendship with Afghanistan, Azerbaijan joined HoA IP in 2012.
With a view of integrating Afghanistan to the regional economy and reviving trade with its neighbors and beyond through increased regional connectivity, Azerbaijan is engaged in active cooperation with Afghanistan. As the co-lead country together with Turkmenistan in the Regional Infrastructure Confidence Building Measures (CBM) of the Istanbul process, Azerbaijan will continue working with Afghanistan and other partners in this field. The next meeting of the regional technical group of the Regional Infrastructure CBM will be held in Baku on November 27, 2017.
The ongoing regional connectivity projects initiated by Azerbaijan, including, recently launched Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the new Baku International Sea Trade Port, logistics center on the shores of the Caspian Sea, linking up railway networks of Azerbaijan and Islamic Republic of Iran represent qualitatively new achievement in developing trans-regional infrastructure with multi-modal capabilities along the East-West and North-South axes. These projects will facilitate Afghanistans access to global markets and provide connectivity in the region, capable of handling cargo and containers in a much shorter, faster, efficient and cost-effective way.
As the co-lead country together with the Russian Federation in the Counter-Narcotics CBM of the Istanbul process, Azerbaijan works with Afghanistan and other partners in addressing illicit drug trafficking, which is indeed a grave threat to the region. The next meeting of the Counter-Narcotics CBM regional technical group is planned to take place in Baku on November 10, 2017.
Through bilateral channels, Azerbaijan shares its experience with Afghanistan, and provides training assistance in good governance, defense, law-enforcement and mine action.
Azerbaijan also contributes to the post-ISAF Resolute Support Mission of NATO by providing troops, multimodal transit, training and financial assistance. Azerbaijan has already made donations to the Afghanistan National Army Trust Fund and pledged to continue to support this Fund.
As a Co-chair of Heart of Asia Istanbul Process and host of 7th Ministerial Conference, Azerbaijan remains committed to further supporting the stabilization, peaceful reconstruction and development of Afghanistan through bilateral efforts as well as within HoA IP and other multilateral platforms.
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"It's my opinion that there must be reservation in private sector too. There must be a debate on this at the national level," the Janata Dal-United leader said.
By India Today Web Desk: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wants a 50 per cent reservation for backward classes in the private sector jobs and has called for a national debate on it.
"It's my opinion that there must be reservation in private sector too. There must be a debate on this at the national level," the Janata Dal-United leader said.
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Nitish, whose JD-U is now a BJP ally, said there should not be any contract signed in the private sector unless the employers ensure the quota in their organisations.
While the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) had suggested enacting a law to make private firms set aside jobs for marginalised sections, the government earlier this year denied any move to introduce reservations in the private sector.
The NCBC had last year recommended that the government enact a law to make it mandatory for the private sector to reserve 27 per cent of jobs for OBCs, while food minister Ram Vilas Paswan has suggested that private sectors voluntarily set aside jobs for SCs, STs and OBCs.
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6 November 2017 10:47 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran could cooperate in the energy sector, Francis Perrin, Senior Fellow at the OCP Policy Center (Rabat) and Senior Research Fellow at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS, Paris), told Trend.
In fact, the three countries are competitors, but it does not mean that they cannot cooperate. They are competitors because each of them wants to sell its oil and gas on world markets and each of them wants to attract foreign investors, said the expert, adding that in the energy and the economic sectors countries and/or companies can at the same time compete and cooperate with one another.
Regarding the Azerbaijan-Iran-Russia trilateral cooperation platform, Perrin noted that Azerbaijan has common borders with Iran and Russia and it is of course in the interest of the three countries to exchange on several political, security, economic and energy issues.
As far as energy is concerned, the three countries are oil and gas producers and exporters. Russia and Azerbaijan are two of the non-OPEC states which are cooperating with OPEC in order to rebalance the world oil market and Iran is a member country of OPEC. This cooperation did generate positive results and oil prices now exceed the $60 per barrel threshold. Russia and Iran are members of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and Azerbaijan is an observer at the GECF. The three countries border the Caspian Sea and there are talks about the legal status of this sea with important consequences on the exploitation of its oil and gas resources. There are opportunities for swaps of crude oil and refined products, he said.
There is thus no doubt that the energy field and some other economic sectors, especially transport and infrastructure, offer good areas of trilateral or bilateral cooperation, said Perrin, adding that there are also discussions about the reduction or elimination of obstacles to trade.
Azerbaijani, Iranian and Russian presidents held a trilateral meeting Nov. 1 in Tehran.
Ali Hasanov, Azerbaijani presidents aide for public and political affairs, said in an interview with Trend that this meeting is first of all, a platform important for ensuring stability, security and promoting collaborative environment in the region, for further development of trade-economic ties, cooperation in energy and transport sectors between the countries, and solution of other pressing issues
The mutual respect and fruitful cooperation between the three countries is of great importance for solution of pressing issues of the whole region, and all participants are determined to continue the fruitful cooperation, Hasanov added.
I should also note that initiative and leadership of the majority of bilateral and multilateral meetings, held in the region lately, belong to Azerbaijan. The initiative to hold a tripartite meeting of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia, to create partnership between them, as well as the initiative of joint projects that are being implemented or intended to be implemented also came from Azerbaijan, and they have already begun to yield positive results.
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6 November 2017 12:49 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
Migration authorities of Uzbekistan and Russia will be exchanging information.
The Federal Service for Labor and Employment of the Russia (Rostrud) and the Agency for External Labor Migration under the Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations of Uzbekistan signed an agreement on information exchange, said the ministry's message.
The Uzbek ministry said that the document was signed in Tashkent with participation of the two countries prime ministers on November 2.
The document is aimed at effective implementation of the agreement between the governments of Uzbekistan and Russia on the organized recruitment and attraction of Uzbek citizens for temporary work in Russia.
Under the agreement, the Uzbek Agency receives a number of rights and powers.
Thus, the Agency is provided with a personal account on the Rostrud information portal Work in Russia, where it can post information about Uzbek citizens who wish to temporarily work in Russia. Meanwhile, the Agency will have access to information about vacancies, which Russian employers have.
The Agency can also provide Rostrud with information on the facts of violation of labor rights of migrant workers from Uzbekistan in Russia, including non-payment of wages and work accidents, including fatal accidents and others.
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6 November 2017 12:26 (UTC+04:00)
By Kamila Aliyeva
South Koreas government announced the inclusion of eighteen North Korean citizens to the blacklist on November 6 as part of international efforts aimed to end funding of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
This was stated in the message of the South Korean Foreign Ministry, TASS reported.
The unilateral sanctions targeted managers and employees of the branches of five banks in several countries, including China, Russia and Libya, and barred any financial transactions between those sanctioned and any South Koreans.
Under the sanctions were the representative of the Korean United Development Bank in Moscow, Li Ying-soon, and the representative of the DPRK Foreign Trade Bank in Vladivostok, Chu Hyok.
The list also includes 14 representatives of the Bank for Foreign Trade of the DPRK, the Korean Joint Development Bank, the banks of Taeson, Islim and East Land in China, as well as two employees in Libya.
The Foreign Ministry claims that all citizens of North Korea included in the sanctions list participated in operations aimed at financing the country's nuclear program. The document emphasizes that these steps "will help to block illegal currency flows to North Korea."
The ministry also noted that it will continue its efforts to peacefully resolve the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue.
The current decision of Seoul is of more symbolic nature and the sanctions are expected to have little impact on North Koreas illegal activities, since all trade and financial exchanges have been barred since May 2010, according to the experts.
The active phase of the crisis on the Korean peninsula began in August 2017, when Pyongyang tested ballistic missiles and announced the successful testing of the hydrogen bomb.
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously imposed a set of sanctions against North Korea on September 11 over the countrys hydrogen bomb test which was conducted on September 3.
The sanctions included limits on import of crude oil and oil products, a ban on textile exports and new visas for North Korean oversees workers.
However, North Korea tested another missile on September 15 in response to the latest set of sanctions imposed by the UN.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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6 November 2017 14:40 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
The 7th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII) is planned to be held in Ashgabat on Nov. 14-15, said the Turkmen Foreign Ministry in a message on November 6.
The message says that Geneva has recently hosted a panel discussion dedicated to the upcoming forum. An exchange of views was held on the prospects for RECCA projects being implemented in energy, transportation, trade and transit, communications, labor support and others.
Representatives of international organizations from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Pakistan, as well as the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) addressed the event.
The RECCA, initiated in 2005 in Kabul, aims to consolidate the efforts of the countries of the region in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan and promoting regional economic integration of South and Central Asia.
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6 November 2017 15:24 (UTC+04:00)
By Kamila Aliyeva
Turkmenistan, enjoying vast of hydrocarbon resources, has prepared about 300 prospective oil and gas structures for deep drilling.
This was stated by Shahim Abdrakhmanov, chairman of the state corporation Turkmengeology, at the international conference entitled "Oil and Gas of Turkmenistan - 2017".
Energy rich nation of Turkmenistan has opened about two hundred of oil and gas fields so far. The main prospects are related to the Neogene, Cretaceous and Jurassic deposits.
In the near future, it is planned to study the prospects of the oil and gas content of the pre-Jurassic deposits in the central and northern regions of Turkmenistan.
More active search and exploration of deep-lying highly promising deposits of the Pliocene and Miocene complexes in the areas of southwestern Turkmenistan, which have not yet been studied by drilling, are being carried out. At great depths, it is often necessary to drill exploratory wells in difficult mining and geological conditions.
Solving problems on the opening and developing deep-lying productive horizons is unthinkable without the widespread introduction of modern advances in science and technology, especially since new deposits are often confined to complex deposits.
"This opens great opportunities for investment and mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign companies that have modern and new technology technologies in this area," Abdrakhmanov said.
To date, 3D seismic work has been successfully carried out within the territories of south-eastern and south-western Turkmenistan. This work allowed preparing new, deep-lying, promising structures with large forecast resources and oil and gas reserves, as well as developing a system of exploration and prospecting methods aimed at finding previously unidentified prospects for oil and gas structures.
Similar works are successfully underway in the central regions of the country. The 3D seismic surveys, which will allow evaluating further prospects of the oil and gas content of the Jurassic and Cretaceous deposits, have been launched in the Central Karakum.
The Turkmengeology corporation introduces new developments in the field of seismic exploration and equipment, as well as deep hole drilling technology. Based on the contract concluded with the company "South-Neftegaz" (Singapore), 2D and 3D field seismic operations continue to be carried out in the west of Turkmenistan, within the areas of Goturdepe, Barsagelmez and Darje.
"The works are being carried out both on land and in the shallow part of the Caspian Sea. Soon, South-Neftegaz plans to submit a preliminary report on the results of work on the Northern Goturdepe square," according to the message.
After the UKs Gaffney, Cline & Associates carried out an independent appraisal of reserves and resources of natural gas at the Galkynysh field, Turkmenistan ranked 4th in the world in terms of proven natural gas reserves. As for the worlds second biggest gas field, Galkynysh, located in the eastern part of Turkmenistan, it is stated that this filed is unique for its geological conditions.
The recently revised data shows that the reserves of Galkynysh and the nearby fields are estimated at 27.4 trillion cubic meters. Of them, 21.2 trillion cubic meters of gas account for Galkynysh, 5 trillion cubic meters account for Yashlar and 1.2 trillion cubic meters account for the nearby Garakel field.
Potential hydrocarbon resources of the country amount to 71.2 billion tons of oil equivalent, of which 53 billion falls on the land, and 18.2 billion tons - on marine areas.
Turkmenistan has great opportunities for future which lie in exploration and development of oil and natural gas fields, especially Galkynysh, Osman, Minara, Tagtabazar-I, offshore blocks, and the Central Karakum group of fields and construction of gas treatment and processing units at the above mentioned fields.
Currently, Turkmenistan exports gas to Iran and China. The route of the transnational Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline, also known as Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline is under construction.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
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6 November 2017 15:54 (UTC+04:00)
By Kamila Aliyeva
The Turkey-U.S. alliance goes back several decades with their relations being anchored in such international structure as NATO.
However, it seems to be not enough to stabilize the relationship at the time. Tension between the U.S. and Turkey has flared up after the recent arrest of U.S. Embassys worker.
The U.S. and Turkey will discuss regional issues during the visit of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim to the U.S., the Turkish media outlets reported on November 6.
The visit is expected to take place on November 7 and last for four days.
The agenda of the forthcoming talks includes the crisis in the U.S.-Turkish relations, as well as the issue of extradition of Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of being involved in the 2016 military coup attempt in Turkey.
The U.S. special delegation arrived in Turkey on October 17 in an effort to resolve the crisis between the two countries which erupted following the arrest of an employee of the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul.
As part of the negotiations aimed at normalizing Ankara-Washington ties, the U.S. delegation put forward a number of conditions. One of the conditions is to present evidence that the previously arrested U.S. consular officer in Turkey had links with Fethullah Gulen movement, as Turkish authorities claim. Moreover, Turkey should provide the U.S. with full information about the progress of the investigation.
The U.S. and Turkey previously suspended the mutual issuance of non-immigrant visas. This decision followed the October 4 arrest of a Turkish national who works at the U.S. consulate in Istanbul for alleged involvement in the July 2016 coup attempt aimed to overthrow the Turkish president.
Earlier, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that the U.S. should think about how the members of the Fethullah Gulen organization infiltrated the ranks of embassy workers. He also said that Ankara no longer considers Ambassador John Bass as the U.S. representative to Turkey.
This latest incident aggravated the already tense relationship between Washington and Ankara. The two countries have clashed over the U.S. support for Kurdish rebels in Syria as well as Turkish demands that the United States extradite Fethullah Gulen, a cleric whom Ankara blames for a military coup attempt of last July.
In addition, Ankaras rapprochement with Russia and purchase of S-400 missiles become the subject of criticism by the U.S.
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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva
Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
6 November 2017 17:19 (UTC+04:00)
By Trend
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Russia Nov. 13, the Turkish media reported on November 6.
During the Moscow visit, Erdogan is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss bilateral relations and the settlement of the Syrian crisis.
Syria has been suffering from an armed conflict since March 2011, which, according to the UN, has claimed more than 500,000 lives.
Militants from various armed groups are confronting the Syrian government troops. The Islamic State, the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) and the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) are the most active terrorist groups in Syria.
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More health plans are participating in value-based contracts with physicians, according to Geneia.
Here are seven key points;
1. A 2015 Deloitte survey found 72 percent of health plans had one or more patient-centered medical homes for their commercial population and 62 percent had ACOs with shared savings.
2. Forty-five percent of health plans had ACOs with shared risk and 45 percent used global capitation.
3. In the survey, 41 percent propertied using bundled payments.
4. Throughout the United States, there are more than 935 ACOs with 1,300 or more contracts.
5. As these models gain traction, Geneia said physicians have several considerations before participating in a value-based contract with their health plans such as ensuring reporting tools are user-friendly.
6. Physicians should consider whether a reporting tool will work with all of their ACOs and value-based contracts.
7. Geneia said another consideration is ensuring physicians have access to timely information.
It is unclear if the District of Columbia's proposal to build a new hospital would be viable given recent shortfalls at its financially-struggling Washington, D.C.-based United Medical Center, according to The Washington Post's editorial board.
As the district's only public hospital, UMC has come under scrutiny in recent months amid reports of potential care protocol breaches linked to a patient death and a 90-day obstetrics ward shutdown order by regulators in August, among other issues.
The district spent $179.7 million on UMC during the past 10 years, according to the report. "What it has gotten in return is a perennially troubled hospital that has done little to meet the real health needs of residents," the editors wrote. "Instead, officials are blithely talking about spending as much as $330 million to build a new hospital."
The proposed $330 million hospital would be built at the St. Elizabeths Hospital campus near the district, The Washington Post reports. The editors questioned if the new hospital would be financially viable given UMC's past, and whether hospital systems would be interested in partnering with the district.
On Oct. 16, the District of Columbia Hospital Association said it has "been very clear that a new acute care facility is not the cure all for the health system." Rather, the association said, "The solution must encompass a hub model where specialists, primary care doctors, acute and sub-acute services work in concert to ensure that the system is all encompassing."
To read the full op-ed, click here.
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Demonetisation has affected the country in many ways in one year since it was announced by PM Narendra Modi in a televised address. Read here what all happened because of note ban.
By Prabhash K Dutta: "To break the grip of corruption and black money, we have decided that the 500 rupee and 1,000 rupee currency notes presently in use will no longer be legal tender from midnight tonight, that is, 8th November 2016." With these words, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced demonetisation a year ago that took everyone by surprise.
One year down the line, the jury is still out on the success of the Narendra Modi government's decision to discontinue about 15.4 lakh crore of currencies in denominations of Rs 500 and Rs 1000.
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The objectives of demonetisation, as defined by government in various phases, were to crack a whip against black money, fight counterfeit currency in circulation, formalisation of cash-dependent businesses, bringing back money lying idle in the banking system and hitting hard at the financial backbone of terrorism and naxalism.
HOW MONEY FOUND WAY TO BANKS?
According to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's statement in Parliament, Rs 4.9 lakh crore was deposited in about 1.48 lakh bank accounts post-demonetisation. These were high value deposits of over Rs 80 lakh each. The average deposit size was over Rs 3.3 crore for all 1.48 lakh bank accounts.
Smaller deposits, ranging Rs 2 lakh to Rs 80 lakh, were made in about 1.09 crore bank accounts after demonetisation was announced. The average deposit size in these accounts was Rs 5 lakh. According to one estimate the total deposits made after demonetisation accounted for more than Rs 10 lakh or simply about two-thirds of the total demonetised money.
In August, the Reserve Bank of India declared in its annual report, that of demonetised currencies worth Rs 15.4 lakh crore, the high value notes worth Rs 15.3 lakh crore were deposited in the banks. This means, about 99 per cent of the demonetised currency came back to the banking system by June 30.
Several critics raised questions about the success of demonetisation saying that coming back of almost entire invalidated currency stock into the banking system meant, the government could not find any black with the note ban. However, the real import of the figures could be gauged only after the taxmen have done their job by establishing money trail.
ACTION AGAINST BLACK MONEY
The government has projected demonetisation is a big ongoing success story in fight against black money. Addressing a rally in Himachal Pradesh yesterday, PM Narendra Modi yesterday said, "Rs 4,000 crore fraud found in probe into 5,000 companies out of 3 lakh that have shut down after demonetisation."
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs in a release said, "Preliminary enquiry on the basis of information received from 56 banks in respect of 35,000 companies involving 58,000 accounts has revealed that an amount of over Rs 17,000 crore was deposited and withdrawn post demonetisation."
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In one case, a company which had a negative opening balance on November 8, 2016, deposited and withdrew Rs 2,484 crore post-demonetisation. "Based on the massive drive undertaken by Ministry of Corporate Affairs around 2.24 lakh companies have been struck off till date for remaining inactive for a period of two years or more," the statement read.
Earlier, the government said that 1.63 lakh companies were shut down across the country on the basis of data mined after demonetisation. Of these, nearly 38,000 were found to be shell companies - firms in existence not for business but financial deception.
Assuming that government's that most black money has been detected after demonetisation, economist Surjit Bhalla estimated that the move would yield Rs 2.5 lakh crore additional revenue in the first year while Rs 1.5 lakh crore additional earning will accrue to the central coffer every year in perpetuity.
TACKLING COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY
As per the records available in public domain till date, demonetisation does not seem to have been a blow to fake currency business. According to the National Investigation Agency, counterfeit currencies worth only Rs 400 crore were in circulation in 2015. This was found to be about 0.028 per cent of the total currency in circulation.
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Earlier this year, a report suggested that of all the returned Rs 1000 notes, only 0.0007 per cent was found to be counterfeit. Of the all the returned Rs 500 notes, 0.002 per cent was counterfeit. The total value of the fake currency notes identified by the banks of the returned demonetised currency is Rs 41 crore.
The critics argue that either the banks failed to distinguish counterfeit currencies from the genuine ones on mass scale or the counterfeit currency did not exist in the measure expected by the government.
DIGITAL PUSH BY DEMONETISATION
Among other things, demonetisation brought digital cash payment awareness in the country. According to the Payments Council of India, the growth rate of the digital payments industry accelerated post-demonetisation by 40-70 per cent. It was earlier in the range of 20-50 per cent.
The spike in digital transactions was evident soon after demonetisation but it saw decline in the subsequent months with remonetisation eased currency shortage. In November last year, there were 671.49 million digital transactions which increased to 957.50 million in December.
But, by July it had come down to 862.38 million digital payments. In terms of value of digital transactions, November 2016 saw digital payments worth Rs 94 lakh crore. They rose to Rs 149 lakh crore in March. The corresponding figure for July was Rs 107 lakh crore.
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As per records, digital money transfer through Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) grew by 6 per cent in terms of number and by 20 per cent in value of transactions this year in comparison 2016-17.
FISCAL GROWTH AND INSURGENCIES
In the first fiscal quarter after demonetisation was announced, the GDP growth rate fell to 6.1 per cent compared to 7.9 for the same period the previous year. The GDP growth rate further slipped to 5.7 for April-June quarter compared to 7.1 for the corresponding period last year.
But, it is not clear yet, if the decline in GDP growth rate was due to demonetisation or a continuation of the trend after the last quarter of 2015-16. Further, pre-GST uncertainty is said to have played a major role in production sluggishness in April-June period this fiscal. Expectations are that the GDP figures for June-September would show a revival trend.
Another argument for demonetisation was to break the backbone of terrorism and naxalism. However, there is not adequate proof to back the claim. Incidents of terrorism have seen spurt in Kashmir Valley where the casualties on both sides have gone up sharply.
Maoist insurgency has shown decline. But, activists working in the affected regions have credited the law enforcing and counter-insurgency agencies for what is perceived as a dull phase in naxal insurgency in eastern states.
Demonetisation came as a major disruption that, many economists believed, was necessary for the Indian economy before it could be projected to the next level. Demonetisation further got integrated with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) rollout. The government expects that the twin measures would pay rich dividends in terms of revenue to carry out its social welfare and development programmes while cracking down on black money.
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Regional Health Spearfish (S.D.) Hospital and Market President Larry Veitz, 59, died of injuries sustained in an ATV accident Nov. 4, according to the Rapid City Journal.
The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office did not release additional information about Mr. Veitz or the accident, the report states.
"We are deeply saddened by the news of Larry's passing. He was a longtime leader, colleague and friend. His contributions to Regional Health and the greater Spearfish and Belle Fourche communities over the past 15 years will have a lasting impact," a spokesperson for Rapid City, S.D.-based Regional Health said in an emailed statement to Becker's Hospital Review. "[Mr. Veitz] was so proud of what his team has accomplished, and he set a great vision for the future."
Editor's note: This article was updated at 10:13 a.m. to include a statement from Regional Health.
A spokesperson for Sen. Rand Paul, MD, R-Ky., confirmed Nov. 5 the senator was assaulted by a physician in Kentucky Friday and suffered five rib fractures and lung contusions, according to the Bowling Green Daily News.
Rene Boucher, DO, was arrested Nov. 3 and charged with fourth-degree assault causing minor injury. Police said Dr. Boucher, who is reportedly Dr. Paul's neighbor in Kentucky, was released from Warren County Detention Center in Bowling Green, Ky., Nov. 4 on a $7,500 bond, according to Reuters.
According to the arrest warrant obtained by the Bowling Green Daily News, Dr. Paul told police Dr. Boucher, 59, came onto his property around 3:20 p.m. Friday and tackled him from behind. The arrest warrant also stated Dr. Paul suffered injuries to his face and had trouble breathing, the report states.
Police said it is unclear what motivated the altercation and Dr. Paul did not report to a nearby hospital after the incident, Reuters reports. Dr. Paul was reportedly mowing his lawn at the time of the incident.
Dr. Paul tweeted Sunday morning he and his wife "appreciate the overwhelming support after Friday's unfortunate event."
If convicted, Dr. Boucher may face up to 12 months in jail and further charges may be brought against him based on the extent of Dr. Paul's injuries, according to the Bowling Green Daily News.
Danville, Ky.-based Ephraim McDowell Health revealed plans to acquire Harrodsburg, Ky.-based James B. Haggin Memorial Hospital, The Advocate-Messenger reports.
Sally Davenport, RN, president and CEO of Ephraim McDowell, told The Advocate-Messenger there are no plans to close James B. Haggin Memorial. Instead, it will become the third hospital in Ephraim McDowell's portfolio.
"It's a move that will make us have greater ability to serve those who are in Mercer County because we'll be working together. We will not be in competition," Ms. Davenport said. "The people who work for Haggin are good people, strong and capable and skilled. And I know that they will bring much to [Ephraim McDowell], and I'm looking forward to working with them."
Ms. Davenport also said there are no plans in place to eliminate any services, nor are there any plans to lay off employees, the report states.
Officials expect to finalize the deal by Dec. 1.
Officials expect to close the sale of Philadelphia-based Girard Medical Center Nov. 30, one month after its original closing deadline, according to The Inquirer.
Iron Stone Real Estate Partners in Philadelphia purchased Girard Medical Center and Goldman Clinic, also in Philadelphia, for $8.5 million during a bankruptcy auction in August. The properties previously belonged to North Philadelphia Health System, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2016.
According to the sale agreement, Iron Stone officials said they intend to maintain the functions of both properties and will provide an additional $2.9 million to the city to lease the facilities for one year. NHS Human Services in Lafayette Hill, Pa., will provide health services at both sites.
However, attorneys for Iron Stone told a bankruptcy court judge Nov. 1 the leases "are not complete, but the parties are close," according to the report.
Crockett, Texas-based Timberlands Hospital may reopen under new management if negotiations are successful, according to KTRE-9 News.
Rockdale, Texas-based Little River Healthcare ended its affiliation with the Houston County Hospital District, which owns Timberlands Hospital, in June, forcing the hospital to close.
However, Deborah Blackwell, president of the Houston County Hospital District, told KTRE-9 News Nov. 1 the district is in negotiations with Austin-based Crockett Healthcare Partnership to potentially reopen the hospital.
"Crockett Healthcare Partnership is very excited about increasing services as the utilization demands," Ms. Blackwell told KTRE-9 News.
It is unclear when a decision will be made on the issue.
The following healthcare organizations shared plans to add jobs since Oct. 24.
1. CoxHealth has more than 200 job openings
Springfield, Mo.-based CoxHealth hosted a hiring event Oct. 24 seeking to fill more than 200 positions.
2. Cincinnati Children's has more than 150 open positions
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center will host a clinical career fair Nov. 8 to fill more than 150 full-time and part-time jobs.
3. 20 hospitals hiring nurses
Here are 20 hospitals and health systems that recently posted job listings seeking nurses.
4. UPMC Susquehanna adds 22 full-time jobs at Lock Haven Hospital
UPMC Susquehanna added 22 new full-time positions across various departments since its purchase of Lock Haven (Pa.) Hospital from Brentwood, Tenn.-based Quorum Health.
Becker's Hospital Review reported on the following events related to hospital-union relationships including pickets, contracts and elections since Oct. 24.
1. Kaiser nurses picket at more than 20 locations amid contract negotiations
Kaiser Permanente registered nurses and nurse practitioners picketed Nov. 2 at more than 20 California medical centers.
2. Tufts nurses hold first picket since July strike
Nurses at Boston-based Tufts Medical Center picketed Nov. 2 as a contract agreement with management remains unreached.
3. Allegheny General reaches labor deal with nurses union
Nurses at Pittsburgh-based Allegheny General Hospital ratified a new contract agreement with management Oct. 30, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
4. Lima Memorial Health System nurses ratify labor deal
Lima (Ohio) Memorial Health System nurses voted to ratify a new contract Oct. 23.
5. Tri-City Medical Center nurses ratify 3.5-year agreement
Tri-City Medical Center in Oceanside, Calif., reached an agreement with the California Nurses Association.
6. Kent Hospital, nurses union reach agreement
Kent Hospital in Warwick, R.I., part of Providence, R.I.-based Care New England, reached an agreement with the United Nurses and Allied Professionals.
7. Cashiers at Mayo campuses vote to join SEIU
Cashiers at Mayo Clinic's Saint Marys and Methodist campuses in Rochester, Minn., voted in favor of unionization, according to a Workday Minnesota report.
8. Hi-Desert Medical Center workers unionize
Healthcare workers at Joshua Tree, Calif.-based Hi-Desert Medical Center voted in favor of unionization.
Fort Wayne, Ind.-based Lutheran Health Network, part of Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems, is suing LHN's former CEO Brian Bauer for breach of contract and defamation, according to WANE.
The lawsuit, pending in circuit court in Williamson County, Tenn., claims Mr. Bauer breached his contract with the health network by sharing confidential information with the system's competitors. Mr. Bauer was removed from his position at LHN in June after CHS rejected a buyout offer from a group of LHN physicians, but the lawsuit alleges he spread confidential and proprietary information about CHS' affiliates even after he was fired. The lawsuit claims Mr. Bauer created a Facebook account in August under the pseudonym Sajin Young to share updates and opinions about CHS and LHN, according to the report.
The lawsuit alleges Mr. Bauer, who was recently contracted by Indianapolis-based Indiana University Health to help develop a physician practice in Fort Wayne, defamed LHN and engaged in a scheme to disrupt the health network's business, interfere with patient and physician relations, and "[sowed] the seeds of unfounded fear with staff," according to the report.
Mr. Bauer's continued dissemination of confidential information, and the solicitation of current employees of CHS and LHN in the course of his engagement by IU Health and otherwise are causing immediate and irreparable harm by damaging the reputation of CHS and LHN in the Fort Wayne community, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages in an amount to be determined at trial and an order requiring Mr. Bauer to cease all activities in violation of his contract.
Mr. Bauer told WANE he has been advised by counsel not to comment on the litigation. However, he said the allegations are without merit.
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At least three Texas hospitals are treating several of the victims injured during a shooting at Sutherland Springs, Texas-based First Baptist Church Sunday that killed at least 26 people and injured at least 20 others, according to Kens-5 News.
Here are six things to know about the incident.
1. Devin P. Kelley, 26, was first spotted outside a nearby gas station just after 11 a.m. Sunday. He reportedly crossed the street toward the church and began firing outside of the facility before entering and opening fire, The Washington Post reports.
2. Upon exiting the church, Mr. Kelley was confronted by at least one local resident, who was reportedly armed. Mr. Kelley proceeded to flee the scene. Police later found Mr. Kelley dead in his vehicle near the site of the incident, according to The Washington Post.
3. Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt told CBS News police believe Mr. Kelley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He also said police are unsure of Mr. Kelley's motive for the attack, according to The Washington Post.
4. Mr. Kelley was a former member of the U.S. Air Force. He was court-martialed in 2012 on charges of assaulting his wife and child. He received a bad-conduct discharge in 2014, along with a reduction in rank and was sentenced to confinement for 12 months, Reuters reports.
5. At least three Texas hospitals received and treated victims of the shooting, including Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville; San Antonio-based University Hospital; and Brooke Army Medical Center, also in San Antonio, according to Kens-5 News.
6. Police officials said the estimated 26 victims ranged in age from 5 to 72 years old. Eight relatives spanning three generations of the same family were reportedly killed during the incident, including a 1-year-old girl, The Washington Post reports.
Ten-year-old Rosa Maria Hernandez was released from a federal detainment center Friday, roughly 11 days after U.S. officials arrested her for crossing an immigration checkpoint to undergo emergency gallbladder surgery at Corpus Christi, Texas-based Driscoll Children's Hospital Oct. 24, The New York Times reports.
Lawyers on behalf of the family said Rosa Maria was released from the San Antonio detention facility around 4:30 p.m. Nov. 3 and was transported back to her family in Laredo, Texas, the report states.
Despite her release, Rosa Maria is still under the threat of deportation, according to The New York Times.
Upon learning she had entered the U.S. without legal permission, U.S. Border Patrol agents accompanied Rosa Maria's ambulance to Driscoll Children's Oct. 24 and stood guard outside her room until she was officially released from the facility. Officials then transported her to a HHS Administration for Children & Families Office of Refugee Resettlement detainment facility, where she was placed into deportation proceedings Oct. 26.
HHS told The New York Times Nov. 3 the agency could not comment on Rosa Maria's case citing privacy rules.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection previously stated its agents were legally obligated to detain Rosa Maria because she was an unaccompanied minor and had not been traveling to the hospital with a parent or legal guardian. While a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy discourages officials from engaging in enforcement actions at "sensitive locations," which include hospitals, a spokesperson for the agency told The New York Times the agents involved in the case had taken Rosa Maria into custody at the checkpoint prior to her arrival at Driscoll Children's.
The American Civil Liberties Union sued the Trump administration Oct. 31, alleging federal officials violated several laws by detaining Rosa Maria and for treating her as an unaccompanied minor. The organization said federal policies identify "unaccompanied children" as children who do not have a parent or guardian able to care for them in the U.S. However, Rosa Maria lives with her parents in Laredo and was with a family member when she was taken into custody.
"Finally, Rosa Maria has been released to her family where she belongs," Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, said in a statement Nov. 3. "This young girl and her loved ones have been through a traumatizing ordeal. The United States should not be a place where children seeking life-sustaining medical care are at risk of apprehension."
By PTI: Islamabad, Nov 6 (PTI) Pakistan today condemned the killing of its diplomat in Afghanistan and summoned the Afghan Charge daffaires to protest the murder.
Nayar Iqbal Rana, an employee at the Pakistani consulate general in Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province, was gunned down by unidentified men this evening as he returned after prayers at a mosque.
Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said on Twitter "Pakistan condemns the killing of its diplomatic staff in Jalalabad" and demands increased security for the rest of staff.
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He said Pakistan also lodged formal protest over the killing of the diplomat.
"Afghan charge daffaires summoned by the foreign secretary to protest the gruesome murder of Pakistani diplomatic official in Jalalabad," he tweeted.
There was no claim of responsibility for the attack and Afghan officials were still clueless about the motive of the murder, according to Pakistani officials.
The incident occurred after two officials of the Pakistani consulate went missing in July as they were returning to Pakistan by road but were rescued later.
The killing took place as Pakistani officials are trying to recover an Afghan politician who went missing in Peshawar last month.
Muhammad Nabi Ahmadi, deputy governor of Afghanistans Kunar province, was visiting Peshawar for medical treatment. PTI SH KUN
--- ENDS ---
Gail K. Boudreaux has been named president and CEO of Indianapolis-based Anthem and appointed to the company's board of directors, effective Nov. 20. She is replacing Joseph Swedish, who will stay on as executive chairman of the board until May 2018 and then serve as senior adviser through May 2020.
Ms. Boudreaux previously served as CEO of Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealthcare, the medical insurance subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. In that role, she oversaw 60,000 employees and approximately $120 billion in revenue. Prior to UnitedHealthcare, Ms. Boudreaux was executive vice president of Chicago-based Health Care Services Corp., where she was responsible for Blue Cross/Blue Shield plans in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.
"Gail Boudreaux is a decisive leader with deep expertise in the healthcare industry and an outstanding track record of driving results throughout her impressive career," said George A. Schaefer Jr., lead independent director of Anthem's board. "The Anthem board is confident Gail will draw from her extensive experience to deliver strong operating performance, excellent financial results and a laser focus on customer experience and shareholder value."
Mr. Schaefer also thanked Mr. Swedish for his leadership. "We are fortunate that, as a result of Joe's leadership, we have a foundation of strong performance that allows us the opportunity to transition to a new Chief Executive Officer," said Mr. Schaefer. "Joe has reinvigorated the company's culture, built a strategic growth platform, and put Anthem on track to realize our vision of being America's valued health partner. The entire board would like to express our gratitude to Joe for his invaluable contributions."
Mr. Swedish, who has served more than four years at the helm of Anthem, orchestrated the company's $54 billion merger proposal to Hartford, Conn.-based Cigna in 2015. The deal was ultimately called off due to regulatory issues.
More articles on payer issues:
Molina Healthcare posts $97M net loss as restructuring efforts continue
UnitedHealthcare to lay off 381 in Phoenix
Kentucky health system to shut down insurance arm, lay off 34 employees
CVS Health and Aetna aim to finalize their proposed merger as soon as December, sources familiar with the deal told Reuters.
The deal, to be valued at more than $70 billion, would link up one of the country's largest pharmacy benefits managers with one of its oldest health insurers. The merger, if successful, would boost the companies' price negotiations with pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The companies will set a merger price as the signing of the deal nears, according to the sources, who asked for anonymity since negotiations are ongoing. The deal could value Aetna at much higher than $200 per share, the sources added. CVS Health and Aetna agreed CVS would purchase Aetna through cash and stock, which would decrease Aetna shareholders' tax liabilities.
Aetna and CVS Health did not comment on the potential merger, according to Reuters.
Spine technology continues to evolve at a fast pace. Significant development focused on less disruptive procedures allows surgeons to perform a quicker, safer and less costly procedure than ever before. Technology designed to improve procedure accuracy, preserve the patient's natural anatomy and promote faster healing are represented on this list.
Becker's Healthcare developed this list through recommendations from several spine surgeons across the country. Please contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com for questions or comments on this list, or to recommend spinal technology for future lists.
Ziehm Vision FD Vario 3D (Ziehm). Ziehm Vision FD Vario 3D is designed for surgical navigation during orthopedic, spine and neurosurgical procedures. The technology includes 3-D images for intraoperative visualization of anatomical structures and can be combined with navigation systems, allowing surgeons to perform image-guided procedures with greater accuracy. The system includes intuitive touchscreens on the C-arm and monitor to change from 2-D fluoroscopy to 3-D mode.
Aero-C (Stryker). Stryker launched Aero-C Cervical Stability System for anterior cervical discectomy and fusions in March 2016. The Aero-C is part of the Aero platform for spinal devices based on patented Compression Technology, an advanced anchor fixation system that draws the vertebral bodies toward the implant, creating compressive forces at the implant-to-endplate interface. The implant is designed for straight forward inline insertion as a more streamlined, less-disruptive approach than traditional screw-based ACDF.
Airo Mobile Intraoperative CT (Brainlab). The Airo Mobile Intraoperative CT can assist surgeons with accurate spinal instrumentation placement and decrease radiation exposure, which is ideal for busy surgeons performing complex cases. The FDA cleared Airo Mobile Intraoperative CT in September 2013. Two years later, Brainlab reported 50 hospitals acquired Airo Mobile Intraoperative CT scanners, with the first shipment headed to the Salt Lake City-based University of Utah Health Care and Detroit-based Henry Ford Hospital.
Altera (Globus Medical). Altera is a minimally invasive fully articulating expandable spacer for spinal fusion procedures. The implant is designed to restore lordosis and maintain sagittal balance. Surgeons insert the spacer at minimized height and articulate it into the anterior position before expanding the implant vertically to optimize fit. Surgeons can then deliver autogenous bone graft into or around the implant.
AnchorKnot (Anchor Orthopedics). The AnchorKnot Tissue Approximation Kit was developed for minimally invasive herniated disc repair. The kit's suture passer is designed to pass the suture into different access locations for repair. In April, Scott Blumenthal, MD, of Texas Back Institute in Plano, performed the first U.S. procedure using the AnchorKnot Tissue Approximation Kit.
Aspen MIS Fusion System (Zimmer Biomet). Zimmer Biomet's Aspen MIS Fusion System is designed for rigid, posterior fixation in T1 to S1. Surgeons take a midline approach to minimize muscle and tissue disruption, and are able to insert the implant. Aspen's central barrel design has load-sharing support and bone graft containment to facilitate fusion. A study published in 2016 found positive two-year results for the system, touting a 94.9 percent interbody fusion success rate.
BoneBac Press (ThompsonMIS). Surgeons can use the BoneBac Press to harvest and collect suction-drilled bone from the surgical site and then press out the fluid to obtain a useable autograft that promotes fusion. BoneBac Press is designed for orthopedic, spine, cosmetic and oral procedures and can reduce surgical costs by reusing this bone instead of autograft or allograft to promote fusion.
BoneScalpel (Misonix). The BoneScalpel is designed for a gentler osteotomy than standard bone cutting tools. The instrument's ultrasonic cutting technology can slice crystalline bone while leaving the tissue largely unaffected. BoneScalpel amplifies an electrical signal and converts it into a high back-and-forth motion, moving 22,500 times per second. The drill is designed to promote efficiency in the OR and lower complication rates and blood loss.
Coflex (Paradigm Spine). Paradigm Spine's coflex Interlaminar Stabilization is a non-fusion solution to relieve lumbar spinal stenosis pain. The procedure can be performed at one or two levels from L1 to L5 for patients with persistent back pain after undergoing six months of nonoperative treatment. The device is placed midline between adjacent lamina of one or two contagious motion segments. The FDA granted coflex approval in 2012 and surgeons recently began using the device in the outpatient setting.
DTRAX (Providence Medical Technology). DTRAX Spinal System is a set of single-use disposable surgical instruments for spinal fusion. The DTRAX system includes four trials, an awl and a multi-angle driver that can reach up to 45 degrees. In May, Providence Medical Technology received $10.5 million in equity financing and entered into a $10.5 million debt agreement with Bridge Bank; the company designated proceeds to expand distributing in the U.S. and internationally.
Exparel (Pacira Pharmaceuticals). Exparel is a non-narcotic local anesthetic administered at the surgical site that can help reduce postoperative pain. Exparel is long lasting, designed to reduce reliance on narcotics, promote mobility sooner after surgery and allow patients to feel more comfortable returning home.
Gordoncoptor Universal Pedicle Screw Removal Device (Gordoncoptor). The Gordoncoptor is a reusable, universal pedicle screw removal device that comes with a ratcheting T-handle. The device has several rod and tulip sizes to accommodate different types of screws so surgeons don't need the original screwdriver for removal. The Gordoncoptor does need the original locking cap nut and compatible wrench to remove the screw.
i-FACTOR Bone Graft (Cerapedics). i-FACTOR Bone Graft, categorized as an "attachment factor," is the only bone graft that uses a novel mechanism of action based on the cell binding of osteogenic precursor cells to a synthetic protein segment found in Type I human collagen, simply known as P-15. Cells bind to the P-15 found in i-FACTOR Bone Graft just as they would bind to the natural amino acid sequence in collagen, the primary organic component in bone. This novel mechanism of action enhances the bodys natural bone healing process, resulting in safe and predictable bone formation. The P-15 technology has been extensively evaluated in scientific and preclinical studies. The published clinical experience with i-FACTOR Bone Graft includes the results of the investigational device exemption study in single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion that demonstrated superiority to autograft in overall success.
iFuse Implant System (SI-BONE). The iFuse Implant System is used to perform a minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion procedure. Surgeons have used the technology in more than 25,000 procedures since the technology became available in 2009. There is considerable literature supporting the procedure, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications covering clinical results, biomechanics and economics. In June, Highmark established a positive coverage policy for minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion exclusively for iFuse.
Kyphon Xpede Bone Cement (Medtronic). In March 2017, Medtronic received FDA clearance for the Kyphon Xpede Bone Cement for pathological fracture fixation of the sacral vertebral body through sacral vertebroplasty or sacroplasty. Xpede previously received FDA clearance for treatment of vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis, cancer or benign lesions. The quick-to-dough bone cement paired with the Kyphon Cement Delivery System allows clinicians to perform the procedure with minimal radiation exposure from up to four feet away from the patient during the injection.
Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology (K2M). The Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology uses advanced 3-D printing to create structures traditionally considered impractical for manufacturing. The implants are grown through selective application of a high energy laser beam on titanium powder, incorporating a porosity and surface roughness associated with bone growth activity.
Mazor X (Mazor Robotics). Mazor X is a spine surgery guidance platform developed to enhance predictability in spinal procedures. The technology combines analytical tools, multiple-source data and precision guidance with optical tracking, intraoperative verification and connectivity technologies for the surgeon to perform a more precise procedure. Mazor entered into a strategic partnership with Medtronic in May 2016 to co-develop and commercialize the technology, which was launched in October 2016. Over the past year, Mazor reported significant interest in Mazor X, and Medtronic decided to accelerate investment in the company.
M6-C (Spinal Kinetics). The M6-C is an artificial cervical disc that incorporates an artificial nucleus, made from polycarbonate urethane and a polyethylene woven fiber annulus. The M6 is designed to mimic the motion of a natural disc, with the disc's nucleus and annulus allowing 6 degrees controlled range of motion. The M6 has two titanium plasma spray-coated titanium outer plates with keels to anchor the disc into the vertebral body bone.
Mobi-C (Zimmer Biomet). Designed by a French surgical team, Mobi-C was first implanted in November 2004 and eventually received FDA approval in August 2013. Mobi-C became the first cervical disc to receive FDA clearance for two-level disc replacement procedures. Mobi-C is made of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum, and is designed with teeth on the top and bottom to help hold plates to the vertebra.
Endoskeleton with nanoLOCK surface technology (Titan Spine). Titan Spine received FDA clearance to market its Endoskeleton interbody fusion implants with the next generation nanoLOCK surface technology in 2014. The nanoLOCK surface technology increases the amount of nano-scaled textures to up-regulate a statistically significant greater amount of the osteogenic and angiogenic growth factors critical for fusion. In 2016, CMS created a new technology ICD-10 code for a nanotextured surface on an interbody device and the nanoLOCK was first to receive access to this code.
NVM5 (NuVasive). The NVM5 platform is a set of intraoperative technologies designed for spine surgery, including multimodality monitoring of the spinal cord and nerves. The system also includes refinements such as the rod-bending technology Bendini. NVM5's modalities include simulated electromyography, motor evoked potentials and computer-assisted surgery applications.
Tritanium (Stryker). Tritanium PL is a posterior lumbar cage designed for bone in-growth and biological fixation. The implant has a microstructure of cancellous bone enabled by Stryker's patent protected 3D Additive Manufacturing process.
XLIF (NuVasive). More than 350 published clinical studies support the efficacy of eXtreme Lateral Interbody Fusion over 10 years. NuVasive developed the minimally invasive procedures as a lateral lumbar interbody fusion, approaching the patient's spine from his or her side to avoid disrupting back muscles. Studies show XLIF is associated with less blood loss, shorter hospital stay and reduced postoperative recovery time when compared with the traditional approaches to surgery.
Minimally invasive spine surgery is becoming more common as technological advancements in surgical procedures and pain management make less invasive surgery safer and more effective than traditional open procedures.
Here are 30 minimally invasive spine devices and companies to know.
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Allen Medical is an industry leader in patient positioning and surgical site access. Our passion is improving patient outcomes and caregiver safety while enhancing our customers efficiency. We strive to provide innovative solutions to address our customers most pressing needs. By immersing ourselves in our customers world, we are able to better address these needs and the daily challenges of their environment.
Note: Companies do not pay and cannot pay for placement on this list. Devices are listed in alphabetical order. For questions or comments, please contact Laura Dyrda at ldyrda@beckershealthcare.com.
Advance Table L2P Platform (Allen Medical). The Advance Table L2P Platform is designed for minimally invasive lateral spine surgery patient positioning. The system works with Allen Medical's Allen Advance Table to deliver lateral flex up to 32 degrees and quick rotation directly from the lateral to the prone position through manual rotation. L2P could reduce the number of staff required for repositioning and eliminate the need to transfer patients from one table to another.
AxiaLIF (TranS1). The AxiaLIF procedure allows surgeons to perform reproducible anterior retroperitoneal pre-sacral access routes to the L5-S1 vertebral bodies. With more than 85 published research studies supporting its use, AxiaLIF has a shorter procedure time and results in less blood loss on average than TLIF, PLIF and ALIF approaches. TranS1 also conducted an economic study, released in 2015, which found AxiaLIF reduced the cost per procedure for L5-S1 fusions by $3,500 when compared with TLIF procedures through shortened hospital stays, lower readmission rates and faster return-to-work for patients.
Avenue T TLIF Cage (Zimmer Biomet). Zimmer Biomet launched the Avenue T TLIF Cage with integrated VerteBRIDGE plating in the U.S. on Oct. 2. The system facilitates simplified cage insertion and zero-profile, intradiscal fixation through the direct minimally invasive surgical approach. Avenue T is the first posteriorly implanted cage with integrated, anti-migration fixation, and is indicated for intervertebral body fusion from L2 to S1 in skeletally mature patients. The cage and VerteBRIDGE plates can be simultaneously loaded on the inserter and, once implanted, surgeons can advance both at the same time to reduce implantation steps.
Battalion Lateral System (Alphatec Spine). Alphatec Spine launched the Battalion Lateral System with the Squadron Retractor as a minimally invasive lateral access procedure in April. The Battalion system is a next-generation lateral system that reduces tissue creep, minimizes psoas retraction time, and aims to achieve alignment and fusion objectives. The system's design allows surgeons to customize access to match the patient's unique anatomy through independent retraction of the cranial and caudal blades. Battalion was Alphatec Spine's introduction into the $500 million U.S. lateral market.
Coflex (Paradigm Spine). The coflex Interlaminar Technology is a stabilization device indicated for use in one- or two-level procedures for lumbar spinal stenosis from L1-5. With more than five years of long-term, Level 1 data proving the procedure is effective when compared to fusion, coflex received a boost when the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery issued a policy statement recommending coverage of decompression with interlaminar stabilization in December 2016. Payers took notice, with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medical Policy becoming the first commercial payer to issue positive coverage for coflex in September 2017. Surgeons in more than 40 countries now use the technology to treat patients worldwide in the inpatient and outpatient settings.
Dreal (Carevature Medical). Dreal is a curved device designed to cut bone in all sections of the spine and could improve access to the foramen. A relatively new device it's been used in around 550 patients worldwide Dreal spinal decompression and bone removal system has been used in over 60 successful commercial lumbar and cervical procedures at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Frisco, Texas. Surgeons performing those procedures are optimistic; John Peloza, MD, one of the initial surgeons using the technology, reported shorter decompression time and maximum healthy tissue preservation when using Dreal in cervical and lumbar cases.
Endoskeleton Next Generation nanoLOCK Surface Technology (Titan Spine). The next generation nanoLOCK surface technology is used in Titan Spine's full line of Endoskeleton interbody devices and designed to increase the osteogenic response. Titan's nanoLOCK was the first FDA-cleared interbody device to feature nanotechnology, a proprietary blend of textures at the macro, micro and cellular levels. Fully launched in the U.S. in 2016, the Endoskeleton titanium implants with nanoLOCK surface technology have been used at more than 14 hospitals and received a new technology code from CMS. The company's sales grew 51 percent as a result of the launch, and Titan saw rapid surgeon adoption nationwide.
ExcelsiusGPS (Globus Medical). The first spine surgeries using Globus Medical's ExcelsiusGPS system were performed in October at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and St. Mark's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Designed to take typical surgical workflow into account and facilitate procedural efficiency, the robotic system combines surgical navigation and robotic guidance for spinal procedures to improve accuracy and reduce radiation exposure. ExcelsiusGPS supports minimally invasive and open screw placement and integrates with Globus Medical implants and instruments.
Everest Minimally Invasive XTower (K2M). K2M launched the Everest Minimally Invasive XTower instrumentation globally in September as an enhancement to the Everest MI XT Spinal System, originally launched last year. The percutaneous screw platform provides a new surgical solution to treat complex deformities with a less invasive approach and achieve 3D spinal balance. XTower instrumentation includes entire tab-to-screw assembly and can be used throughout the procedure with streamlined instrumentation. Surgeons can treat the full spectrum of pathologies with the single system.
iFuse (SI-Bone). iFuse is SI-Bone's minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion system, which has been used in more than 28,000 procedures since 2008. Over the past half-decade, several Medicare Advantage, Tricare and commercial payers including Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, have approved coverage of the iFuse Implant System. In January 2017, SI-Bone rolled out a warranty program for the implant, guaranteeing the product and results with a promise to supplement or replace the implant within one year of the initial procedure if revision is required. More than 50 peer-reviewed studies have been conducted on iFuse, with positive results.
FLXfit 3D Expandable TLIF Cage (Expanding Orthopedics). The FLXfit is an expandable, articulated interbody fusion device surgeons can use in conjunction with supplemental fixation in skeletally mature patients after total or partial discectomy. The titanium cage articulates laterally and expands in height to enable larger footprint support and disc height restoration. The technology can be used with the MIS FLXfit Inserter, designed to fit through a narrow access tube and maintain a clear line of sight for visualization through the microscope.
Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology (K2M). The Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology uses an advanced three-dimensional printing method to create unique structures that aren't possible with traditional manufacturing techniques. The implants are grown through selective application of a high-energy laser beam on titanium powder to incorporate porosity and surface roughness associated with bone growth activity. K2M received FDA clearance in June for the Mojave PL 3D Expandable Interbody System featuring the Lamellar 3D Titanium Technology, and became one of the first companies to market 3D-printed titanium interbody devices.
LessRay (NuVasive). NuVasive commercially launched the LessRay in September 2017. The system uses a proprietary software algorithm and hardware components to reduce radiation exposure in hospital operating rooms, focused on minimally invasive spine procedures. The image enhancement platform takes low-quality, low-dose images and enhances them to look like full-dose images, which can preserve surgeon and staff longevity without compromising on quality. The platform can also lead to reduced radiation exposure for patients.
MANTIS Percutaneous Screw System (Stryker). The MANTIS minimal access non-traumatic insertion system Percutaneous Pedicle Screw System is designed for up to three-level procedures in both degenerative and deformity patients. The system's cannulated screw design is based on Stryker's Xia Pedicle Screw system. Surgeons take a true percutaneous approach to the procedure, and precise rod contouring allows for a more anatomic fit.
Mazor X (Mazor, Medtronic). Mazor X allows surgeons to develop a plan preoperatively using 3D images of the patient's anatomy. The surgical plan includes implant and trajectory placement that surgeons follow during the procedure; however, they have the ability to change course intraoperatively if necessary. Mazor X is Mazor's next-generation robotic spine system, launched last year. Medtronic made a $72 million investment in Mazor X, purchasing several Mazor X systems and assuming exclusive global spine market commercial responsibility for the system. Mazor reported 22 system orders in the third quarter of 2017, 11 by Medtronic.
Mobi-C (Zimmer Biomet). First approved for use in the U.S. in 2004, Mobi-C has become one of the most popular cervical discs on the market. The artificial disc has since achieved FDA clearance for two-level procedures and appeared in peer-reviewed literature examining long-term outcomes. Mobi-C demonstrated a 62.8 percent success rate at 60 months after surgery, compared to 34.1 percent among fusion patients. Mobi-C patients also reported fewer subsequent surgeries, adverse events and lower adjacent level degeneration rates. Return to work was also 21 days quicker for Mobi-C patients than fusion patients.
MySpine (Medacta). MySpine is a patient-matched, 3D-printed technology that tailors minimally invasive spine surgeries to the patient's anatomy for more accurate pedicle screw placement. The technology also allows for customization and reduced radiation requirements as well as shorter hospital stays. Surgeons first take a CT of the patient's spine with specific low-dose CT protocol, and Medacta creates a plastic 3D model based on the images to select the best implant position and size. The company then works with surgeons to create personalized instruments and a surgical plan for patients.
PathFinder NXT Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw System (Zimmer Biomet). The PathFinder NXT Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw System is Zimmer Biomet's next-generation minimally invasive spinal fusion system, offering enhanced procedural freedom and streamlined workflow. The system includes proprietary decortication and aspiration instruments to facilitate solid fusions and the PedicleAccess Tool to streamline the pedicle targeting process and workflow. Originally launched in 2011, the PathFinder NXT System addresses multiple pathologies with a less invasive approach.
PediGuard (SpineGuard). The PediGuard probe, a handheld device that detects possible vertebral cortex perforation during pedicle preparation for screw placement, incorporates SpineGuard's DSG Technology. The probe alerts surgeons to breaches by analyzing the electrical conductivity of surrounding tissue in real time. PediGuard probes come in a variety of shapes and sizes to address multiple anatomies and approaches. In June, the company signed an exclusive distribution agreement with XinRong Medical Group to distribute PediGuard in China.
Prolix SI Joint Fusion System (Camber Spine). Camber Spine launched the Prolix SI Fusion System in April 2016 as a minimally invasive approach to treat sacroiliac joint pain. The system's approach is between the posterior superior iliac spine and posterior inferior iliac spine. The surgeon first implants a machined cortical bone spacer between the sacrum and ilium through a cannula. Then, the surgeon treats the space like a discectomy to promote fusion, as opposed to only limiting joint motion, as occurs when only lateral screws are used. The percutaneous procedure consists of implanting a custom machined allograft through direct visualization and a supplemental lateral fixation of the sacroiliac joint.
S4 Element MIS System (Aesculap). The S4 Element MIS system is designed to increase direct surgical site visibility during minimally invasive procedures. The posterior lumbar pedicle screw fixation system uses endoscopic technology to give surgeons a direct view of the surgical site, a comparable view to open procedures. Surgeons can confirm rod delivery, position and length with the system and troubleshoot issues in real time before they develop into complications. S4 also offers a rescue technique and instrumentation to reduce the risk of open conversion.
SiCure Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System (Alevio). The 500th case using Alevio's SiCure Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System was performed in June 2017. This second-generation comprehensive sacroiliac joint fusion system with titanium screws can be implanted with the lateral or posterior approach. SiCure features a patented dual-lead helical thread design for harvesting and repacking the patient's own bone into the screw as it advances, saving time and reducing biologic material costs. Founded in 2015, the company has grown rapidly over the past two years without reporting significant complications with the technology.
SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System (Zyga Technology). In April 2017, Zyga enrolled its 100th patient in the EVoluSIon Clinical Study to examine the long-term fusion rate and pain reduction for the SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System. Two years after surgery, 83 percent of the patients who had already undergone the minimally invasive procedure as part of the study reported a solid fusion, and 73 percent reported pain reduction. The system consists of several threaded, cannulated implants and associated instrumentation that transfixes the sacrum and ilium, creating the appropriate conditions for bony growth across the SI joint. In June, Zyga received a new U.S. patent representing continued advancement of the SImmetry Sacroiliac Joint Fusion System.
STALIF L (Centinel Spine). The STALIF L is the first FDA-cleared no-profile minimally invasive lateral integrated interbody system to feature a compressive lag screw fixation and Centinel Spine's proprietary anti-backout technology. Built on 30 years of STALIF heritage innovation, the STALIF L is an all-PEEK integrated interbody device that was developed to have multiple lordotic implant configurations that can closely match the patient's normal anatomy. The system is designed to optimize fixation with self-drilling, self-tapping screws and a variety of cage sizes.
Tessys (joimax). Developed more than 15 years ago, Tessys is an endoscopic spine surgery system marketed in 45 countries for use in decompression procedures. Beginning in 2017, the American Medical Association assigned an endoscopic spine surgery code covering endoscopic spinal cord and nerve root decompression, including laminotomy, foraminotomy and discectomy. Tessys uses a lateral transforaminal endoscopic approach for surgeons to resect the herniated disc through the foramen intervertebrale. Surgeons can perform the procedure in the lateral or prone position under general anesthesia or moderated anesthesia care. In August, joimax opened a new Training and Education Center in Irvine, Calif., to instruct U.S. surgeons on endoscopic technique.
Thunderbolt Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw System (ChoiceSpine). Thunderbolt is a minimally invasive pedicle screw system that provides immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments as an adjunct to fusion in patients with degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, trauma, stenosis, deformity, tumor and pseudoarthrosis. The system includes a user-friendly rod reduction and a dovetail screw set to minimize head splay and cross threading. Thunderbolt received FDA clearance in 2014 and Robert Knetsche, MD, performed the first procedure using the technology in April 2015.
UNiD MIS Rod (Medicrea). The first minimally invasive spine surgery with Medicrea's patient specific UNiD MIS Rod was performed in July at Aurora-based University of Colorado Hospital. The rod is compatible with percutaneous and mini open applications and eliminates the need to modify implants intraoperatively. The company manufactures each rod specifically for the patient prior to surgery. Studies show the patient-specific rod can reduce rod breakage in adult spinal deformity patients.
Viper Prime (DePuy Synthes). Unveiled earlier this year at Eurospine 2017 Congress, DePuy Synthes' Viper Prime is a minimally invasive pedicle screw system designed for fusion procedures. The system reduces instrumentation needed and steps required to insert percutaneous screws by combining the pedicle preparation instruments into one tool. Surgeons only need two instrument trays for Viper Prime procedures, which could make the back table easier to organize and reduce processing costs. A bench study conducted with Viper Prime showed a 33 percent reduction in pedicle screw insertion time compared with other minimally invasive techniques.
Yeung Endoscopic Spine System. Anthony Yeung, MD, developed the Yeung Endoscopic Spine System in partnership with the Richard Wolf Instrument Company to perform selective endoscopic discectomy in patients with herniated, protruded, extruded and degenerative discs. Visualization through the endoscope allows surgeons to selectively remove portions of the herniated nucleus pulposus that contribute to the patient's pain. Dr. Yeung has trained several surgeons in using the FDA-cleared system and helped develop the Dr. Anthony T. and Eileen K. Yeung Endoscopic Spine Center at the University of New Mexico's Rio Rancho-based Sandoval Regional Medical Center, which also trains surgeons in the technique.
A new 1.4m library and museum at Benburb Priory will be opened next week by Ireland's two Archbishops of Armagh
A new 1.4m library and museum at Benburb Priory will be opened next week by Ireland's two Archbishops of Armagh.
The facility will celebrate over 1,000 years of history and will house several unique historical collections of national and international importance, including Servite, Marian and O'Neill collections and archives.
It will be opened by the leader of Ireland's Catholics, the Most Revd Eamon Martin, and the Church of Ireland primate, the Most Reverend Richard Clarke on Thursday, October 26.
The money to fund the development was raised over an eight-year period, and the new centre in east Tyrone is based in the refurbished stables at the centre of the priory estate.
Its exhibits also include a collection of Irish literature, and a wide range of religious books. The archives date back over 150 years, and include the complete records of the Servites, one of the five original Catholic mendicant orders, in Britain and Ireland.
Fr Colm McGlynn, the Prior of Benburb, said: "The development of the library and museum is a further extension of the community outreach which has been central to the priory since its establishment here in 1949, and it will enhance and broaden the experience and knowledge of visitors to the priory, which is open to all.
"The Servite Community is very grateful for the funds which made this important project possible and for the dedication and hard work of the Project Team."
Professor Gerry McKenna, chair of the Management Board, said: "This represents a major development not just for the priory, Benburb village and the wider community but also for the local, national and international community of individuals, researchers and groups - including schools - who are interested in the heritage represented within its collections."
He added: "The establishment of the Stables Coffee Shop will also be a focal point for greater social interchange within the village and between visitors from near and far."
The priory, which is owned by the Servites, is a cross-community centre, and the new library and museum has been developed with this ethos.
The priory estate is of considerable historic interest. It was originally a Plantation estate, which was later bought by the distiller James Bruce in the late 19th century. Bruce built the manor house and stables and also remodelled Benburb village.
After a period of relative disuse, the estate was used in the Second World War as a field hospital for British, Belgian and US troops. It was bought by the Servites in 1947, and a priory and seminary was opened in 1949.
The priory has evolved over the years in functional terms, and since the 1980s it has been a major community centre and meeting place for over 30 community groups. It has over 20,000 visitors annually.
This article has been specially written for thousands of pupils from across Northern Ireland who are doing the Belfast Telegraph cross-curricular project on the Titanic (PA)
This article has been specially written for thousands of pupils from across Northern Ireland who are doing the Belfast Telegraph cross-curricular project on the Titanic.
Ship reflected society's class divide
In 1912 when the Titanic set sail for America, class played a major part in society.
It was the same on the most iconic ship of all, with passengers split into first class, second class and third class.
Those travelling in first class were the richest on board while some of the third class passengers thought they were leaving poverty behind for an exciting new life.
There were big differences in facilities and food for those travelling in the various sections.
For those in first class, public rooms included a reception room, reading and writing room and smoking room. There was also a gym and squash court as well as Turkish baths.
Everything in first class was the height of luxury, from the 114 foot dining room to the Grand staircase, which was around 60 feet in size from the lower landing to the glass skyline above.
The accommodation was also of the highest order, with 39 private suites which included private toilet facilities.
Some members of the British aristocracy and extremely wealthy people were on the Titanic in the first class compartments. They included multi-millionaire Colonel John Jacob Astor IV, one of the richest men in the world.
Travelling as a second class passenger was not considered a hardship either, as both the facilities and accommodation were very good.
The third class passengers travelled in much less luxurious surroundings, though it is noted that the Titanic had better third class facilities than other ships.
For third class passengers on board, who included British, Irish and Scandinavian immigrants and passengers from Central and Eastern Europe, their accommodation was comprised mainly of two to six berth rooms.
On the first class lunch menu passengers could enjoy roast beef, grilled mutton chops and Chicken a la Maryland.
Those in second class were offered baked haddock, spring lamb in mint sauce and roast turkey in cranberry sauce while dishes for the passengers in third class included rice soup and boiled potatoes.
As you would expect, the cost of tickets to sail on the Titanic were different depending on whether you were a first, second or third class passenger.
For a first class parlour suite in 1912, the cost was 870. Today it would be just over 93,600.
For a first class berth, a one way ticket was 30, a second class berth was 12 and third class berths ranged from 3 to 8.
When the Titanic hit the iceberg and started to sink, a larger percentage of third class passengers died in comparison to those travelling in first and second class.
Each week we will write about various people with a connection to the Titanic. Today we feature Joseph Bruce Ismay
Joseph Bruce Ismay served as chairman and managing director of the shipping company White Star Line, which financed the building of the Titanic.
He was born on December 12, 1862, in Lancashire and was the eldest son of Margaret Bruce and Thomas Henry Ismay, who was the senior partner in Ismay, Imrie and Company and founder of the White Star Line.
After gaining his education at Elstree School and Harrow, Joseph Bruce Ismay started an apprenticeship at his dad's office before touring the world and working for the company in New York.
In 1891 he came home to the United Kingdom and when his dad died in 1899, he took over the family business, which flourished under his guidance. He liked the idea of building the biggest and best ocean liners in the world.
In 1907 Ismay met Lord Pirrie from Harland & Wolff and it was decided they would build three great ships, one of which would be the Titanic. It is said that Ismay authorised a reduced number of lifeboats for the ship.
Ismay was on board the Titanic for its only voyage. After the ship struck an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean, he was one of those who was saved by boarding a lifeboat.
After the disaster Ismay was heavily criticised by American and British newspapers for leaving the ship while women and children were on board, though the official British inquiry into the tragedy found that he had helped women and children.
In the United States Inquiry, Ismay said that in the future all vessels to do with his company would have enough lifeboats for all passengers.
Ismay had married Julia Florence Schieffelin in 1888. They had five children. After the Titanic disaster he kept a low profile and died on October 17, 1937.
Recently, descendants of Ismay have defended him, insisting that he was treated badly after the disaster, especially by the American press.
Angela McGowan, regional director of the CBI: "There is little doubt that this years celebration of our Top 100 companies is a true testament to the tenacity and ambition of the Northern Ireland business community."
Northern Irelands top profit-making companies have shown tenacity and ambition to make it into todays Belfast Telegraph Top 100 Companies, one of the provinces most high-profile business leaders has said.
The magazine, published in association with law firm Arthur Cox, charts a dizzying range of successes from Danske Bank at number one with profits of 117m, to Lough Erne Investments the owner of a company which makes cooked egg products which came in at number 100 with pre-tax profits of 3.3m.
Catriona Gibson, managing partner of Arthur Cox, said it was extremely proud to continue its support of the Belfast Telegraphs Top 100 Companies. And Kevin Kingston, chief executive of Danske Bank, said the bank was delighted to retain the top for the third year in a row.
Hopefully it acts as a strong message to the marketplace that Danske Bank is continuing to support the Northern Ireland economy and, most importantly, the ambitions of our customers.
We recorded a strong financial performance in 2016 despite significant change in the external environment, slower growth in the local economy and the first Bank of England rate change in seven years. There is no doubt that in Northern Ireland the business community finds itself in a more uncertain environment than we have been in for some time, but the worst thing that we as a business community could do is to stifle our ambitions for progress and growth.
Writing in the magazine, Angela McGowan, regional director of the CBI, said: There is little doubt that this years celebration of our Top 100 companies is a true testament to the tenacity and ambition of the Northern Ireland business community.
Companies from right across the industrial spectrum are represented from financial firms to pharmaceutical companies... each and every company is a reflection of Northern Ireland at its best.
But she said that for future growth, businesses needed reassurance that their interests would be protected in Brexit negotiations. Local businesses are eager for the UK-EU talks to get off to a good start because that will be vital to securing stability and a deal that delivers for both sides... the next year of negotiations will be crucial for Northern Irelands future prosperity and to the future of these Top 100 firms.
Catriona Gibson added: We are extremely proud to continue our ongoing partnership with the Belfast Telegraph for a business commentary that demonstrates the effort and strategic foresight being displayed by our highest-performing companies.
As adviser to many of the Top 100 firms, we are fully aware of the drive and hard work of Northern Ireland business leaders as they continue in their pursuit of excellence.
The Top 100 is a welcome opportunity to take an objective look at the performances of Northern Irelands most successful businesses.
This year, perhaps more than others, the publication of the league table serves as a reminder of the depth and breadth of talent in the Northern Ireland corporate world, set as it is against a wider backdrop of economic uncertainty.
It is very pleasing to see that the list once again showcases a blend of indigenous firms and multinational companies that have chosen to set up in the region. This illustrates the historic and continued attractiveness of Northern Ireland to foreign direct investors, as well as the talent of home-grown entrepreneurs - both of which are hallmarks of a successful economy.
On behalf of Arthur Cox, I would like to strongly commend and congratulate every company included in the Top 100. To the significant number of other growing businesses striving to make the list, well hopefully see your name in there next year.
Ms McGowan, Mr Kingston and Ms Gibson will this morning address a business breakfast with guests including leaders of many of the Top 100 companies where the publication was launched.
The London Stock Exchange has made a very strong case for oil giant Saudi Aramco to choose Britain for its expected $2 trillion (1.5 trillion) flotation, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May has said.
Obviously there are lots of big stock exchanges which have an interest in Aramco, including the London Stock Exchange, which we believe has made a very strong case for it being based here, the spokesman told reporters on Monday.
Mrs May and London Stock Exchange boss Xavier Rolet met with the companys boss Khalid Al-Falih in April when they pressed home the advantages of bringing the listing to London, which is facing competition from rival financial centres including New York.
US President Donald Trump launched his own appeal in recent days, taking to Twitter over the weekend to say: Would very much appreciate Saudi Arabia doing their IPO of Aramco with the New York Stock Exchange. Important to the United States!
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The White House said Mr Trump also pressed the issue during a call with Saudi Arabias King Salman on Sunday, asking him to strongly consider a US listing.
Britains financial watchdog recently put forward its proposals that would allow state-owned Saudi Aramco which is preparing to list around 5% of its shares to sidestep rules that companies must sell at least 25% of their shares to gain a premium status.
The move would create a new category of listing that could pave the way for Aramco to float in London in what is set to be the biggest initial public offering (IPO) in history.
Financial Conduct Authority chief executive Andrew Bailey defended the move in front of MPs last week, saying the requirement for a 25% flotation was not a hard and fast rule.
Twenty-five percent of one company is vastly different from 25% of another company in terms of liquidity and scale, he said.
Mr Bailey also confirmed the date of a previously reported meeting with the oil giant, saying it met with the finance chief on January 27 which was just weeks before it launched consultations over enhancements to the market listing regime.
The FCA head said there was nothing out of the ordinary about the fact that the meeting took place.
We meet people, thats what we do.
By PTI: By Sajjad Hussain
Islamabad, Nov 6 (PTI) Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif today said his country will welcome the US mediation in easing tensions with India but is opposed to President Donald Trumps proposal to give a bigger role to New Delhi in war- torn Afghanistan.
Addressing the media after the fourth round of Pakistan- US Track-II diplomatic talks here, Asif said giving more role to India in Afghanistan would result in more chaos there.
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President Trump had sought bigger role for India in his new South Asia policy, but Pakistan is against giving India an expanded role in Afghanistan.
The minister said that the US has assured Pakistan that New Delhis role in Afghanistan will be limited to economic assistance only.
"Pakistan welcomes mediation by the United States in easing its ties with India as Pakistan has always opted for comprehensive dialogue for peaceful neighbourhood," he said addressing the US-Pakistan Bilateral Dialogue - Convergence amid Divergence: Identifying Pathways to Cooperation in a Challenging Environment.
India has maintained that there is no role for a third party in resolving the Kashmir issue which Pakistan says is the "core issue" in the Indo-Pak relations.
He also said that Afghanistan should deal with the issue of terrorists safe havens which are used to launch attack in Pakistan.
The minister also emphasised that SAARC should be made active and steps be taken for promotion of regional trade as the region has long been suffering due to instability in Afghanistan.
Asif said Pakistans effective counter-terrorism efforts have dismantled the surge of terrorist networks.
He said that with self defence and self-interest being our first priority, we are fully committed to protect the sovereignty of our motherland.
Asif said Pakistan would not allow its soil to be used against any other country.
In the era of challenging and complex international relations, states should focus on long-term partnerships and cooperation, he said.
The minister said Pakistan has also reached out to other regional countries and regional fora like SAARC in its efforts for peace in Afghanistan.
Stressing that intelligence sharing is imperative for improving border management with Afghanistan, Asif said that the US should share timely intelligence and Pakistan will take action.
"With peace and stability in Afghanistan as our ultimate goal, we have been and are ready to extend every possible cooperation to achieve that end," he said.
Asif also said it is unfair to blame Pakistan for whatever ails Afghanistan today as his country has eliminated terrorism from its soil after great sacrifices and now there are no terrorist safe havens here.
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Talking to media, the minister said differences in Pak-US bilateral relations were only misperceptions which are being put aside by continued dialogue.
He said that the recent high-level exchanges between the two countries have cleared the air and "we look forward to confidence building to achieve the goal of peace in the region". PTI SH SMJ
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Hollywood star Kevin Spacey is being investigated by British police over an alleged sexual assault.
It is understood officers from the Met Polices child abuse and sexual offences command are looking into claims the House Of Cards actor sexually assaulted a man in Lambeth in 2008.
The Met declined to identify the alleged attacker but said in a statement: On Wednesday, 1 November, City of London Police referred an allegation of sexual assault to the Metropolitan Police Service.
It is alleged a man assaulted another man in 2008 in Lambeth.
Officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating.
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City of London Police confirmed they had referred an allegation of sexual assault from 2008 in Lambeth to Scotland Yard.
Last week, allegations against the star emerged when actor Anthony Rapp claimed Spacey had placed him on a bed and climbed on top of him following a party at his apartment in 1986.
It comes after production was halted on the sixth season of the hit drama days after the historical harassment allegation was made against its lead star.
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The former artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre would have been 26 at the time of the alleged incident, while Rapp would have been 14.
Following Rapps allegation in a BuzzFeed interview, Spacey said in a post on Twitter he did not remember the alleged incident and announced he is living as a gay man.
Spaceys talent agency, CAA, is no longer representing the actor amid the growing claims of sexual harassment, according to Associated Press.
On Wednesday, Spaceys representative said the actor was taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment in light of the allegations.
His lawyers have been contacted for comment.
Prue Leith has expressed regret after accidentally revealing the winner of the Great British Bake Off, saying: Im in too much of a state to talk about it.
The shows new judge told the Press Association she was in Bhutan when she made the slip.
An upset-sounding Leith said: Im in Bhutan. The time difference is massive. I thought that they got it six hours ago. Im in too much of a state to talk about it. I f***** up.
The judge tweeted in anticipation of tonights Channel 4 finale: No-one told me judging a GBBO final would be so emotional. I wanted them all to win. Bravo.
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The tweet, which was later removed, came seconds after Leith announced that she would be returning to the show next year, along with Paul Hollywood, Noel Fielding and Sandi Toksvig.
Leith replaced Mary Berry when she decided not to move to Channel 4.
Fielding raised eyebrows when his name was announced along with Toksvig as replacements for hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.
Hollywood was criticised when he decided to move with the ex-BBC programme, with fans saying that the show could be doomed.
The series was taken to Channel 4 by its former chief creative officer, Jay Hunt, who was later hired by Apple.
Channel 4 has been contacted for comment.
Peering through the window at the MAC
Controversial artists Gilbert and George, who earned the wrath of Ian Paisley's Free Presbyterian Church nearly 20 years ago, have paid a flying visit back to Belfast to prepare for a new exhibition in the city - and this time there wasn't a protester in sight.
In 1999 the quirky English duo were picketed by dozens of demonstrators at their last exhibition at the Ormeau Baths gallery.
The church members were incensed at the artists' work, which included naked portraits of themselves. The displays also included examples of human excrement and semen.
Free Presbyterians who sang hymns and waved placards outside the exhibition said it was an offence against human decency and was using sewage as an arts presentation.
At one point a bewildered Gilbert and George peered outside to see the protesters on Ormeau Avenue but decided against inviting them in.
The artists have now been back in Belfast to promote a new exhibition which opens at the MAC Belfast in January.
The pair posed for photographs at a number of landmarks in Belfast including the Harland & Wolff cranes
It's not clear if Free Presbyterians will protest at the new exhibition.
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Scapegoating Pictures has excited officials at the MAC, which has shown work by world famous artists like David Hockney and Andy Warhol
Hugh Mulholland, senior curator at the MAC, said: "We are delighted to be bringing Gilbert and George to Belfast again after an absence of nearly 20 years.
"In many ways Northern Ireland is a very different place to what it was in 1999 when they last exhibited here, but in many ways we remain the same and still have unresolved issues around equality and the recognition of individual rights."
Noirin McKinney, director of arts development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: "Gilbert and George are the most influential duo of contemporary British art.
"Scapegoating Pictures, like all their epic works, will no doubt offend, provoke and intrigue us, presenting the viewer with an unrelenting portrayal of the fractures evident in Britain today.
"The Arts Council is delighted to endorse this latest exhibition at the MAC; we hope it will inspire many thousands of people to come along and be challenged and engaged by the unique vision of the remarkable artistic collaboration which is Gilbert and George."
The exhibition will run from January 25 until March 31, 2018
A carer from Belfast has been charged with a number of offences in relation to stealing money from a pensioner who was found dead in her apartment.
Robert Sharkey (23) of Larkspur Rise has also been charged with preventing the lawful burial of a corpse.
The charges relate to the finding of the body of Marie Conlon (68) two years after she died.
Ms Conlon was found dead in the bedroom of her Larkspur Rise apartment earlier this year.
At the time her body was discovered, the PSNI said they believed she may have been dead for two years before her body was discovered.
Appearing before Belfast Magistrate's Court this morning (Monday), Mr Sharkey was charged with five offences which include trespassing, stealing cash and a bank card.
The court heard he was a carer.
He was released on bail and will next appear in court on December 18.
A Crown Court judge issued a stark warning on Monday that anyone who robbed small shops or businesses should expect "immediate imprisonment."
Belfast Recorder Judge David McFarland spoke as he sent two men who stole money from the till of a south Belfast coffee shop to prison.
William John Mulholland and Adam Coleman appeared at Belfast Crown Court where they each admitted a single charge arising from the incident, which occurred at the Community Cafe on University Street last summer.
Mulholland (36) from Westland Way in Belfast was handed a 16-month sentence for theft, while his 31-year old co-accused, from Saul Street in Downpatrick, was sentenced to two years for robbery.
Both men were told they would spend half their terms in prison, followed by the same period on licence when they are released.
A Crown prosecutor said the pair targeted the coffee shop around tea-time on July 14 last year. At 6.15pm, the pair were seen outside a local hostel. Five minutes later they were captured on CCTV talking to a woman, and Mulholland was seen taking a grey hoodie from her.
The pair were then seen walking down an alleyway before re-appearing a few minutes later with their hoods up and their faces covered.
They then entered the cafe, and the prosecutor said there was "some shouting about giving them the money." Both men then grabbed money from the till before fleeing with around 100.
While Mulholland was arrested the following day, Coleman was apprehended on July 20. Mulholland admitted he had put his hand in the till and taken around 50. He also told police he thought what he did was wrong, and that he was sorry.
When he was interviewed, Coleman accepted both grabbing money from the till, and that his behaviour would have frightened staff.
The prosecutor told the court Mulholland had 47 previous convictions, while at the time of last summer's incident, Coleman had a clear criminal record. She also said: "Both defendants seem to have issues with drink and drugs."
A barrister acting for Mulholland said his client was diagnosed with schizophrenia, was "vulnerable to coercion", and often "gets himself into trouble under the guidance of others".
The barrister also spoke of difficulties in Mulholland's life which included little family support, addiction issues and living a "hand to mouth, nomadic, homeless existence".
Coleman's barrister said his client was "pretty heavily intoxicated at the time of the offence", and occurred during a period when his life was "in freefall", depressed and paranoid.
Pointing out the offence "completely out of character", the defence counsel also spoke of Coleman's alcohol addiction.
Sending both men to prison, Judge McFarland warned that targeting small businesses would result in "immediate custody."
Belfast Zoo has announced the death of Tina the elephant.
The Asian elephant had been a resident at the zoo since 1966. She collapsed on Sunday morning and staff and a vet took the difficult decision to put her to sleep.
The Fire Service had been called to the Cave Hill site on Sunday to assist.
A Belfast City Council statement said: "Belfast Zoo staff are extremely saddened by the death of much-loved Asian elephant, Tina. At age 54, Tina was one of the oldest elephants living in the Zoo arriving in 1966.
"Tina collapsed in the early hours of this morning and the very difficult decision was made by zoo staff and veterinary staff to put her to sleep.
"Belfast Zoo will remain open as normal, however the elephant house will be closed until further notice."
Tina arrived at the zoo from Tyseley Pet Store in Birmingham, at a shipping cost of 20. She became notorious for stealing and sometimes eating visitors' items, including handbags, coats, gloves and cameras.
Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman for the provincial governor in Nangarhar, says the consulate employee was shot by two gunmen on a motorcycle in Jalalabad, the province's capital.
By AP: An Afghan official says that a Pakistani employee of the Pakistan consulate has been shot and killed in the eastern Nangarhar province.
Attaullah Khogyani, the spokesman for the provincial governor in Nangarhar, says the consulate employee identified as Nayyar Iqbal Rana was shot by two gunmen on a motorcycle in Jalalabad, the province's capital.
The victim was working in the consulate's visa section and went shopping without a security detail, Khogyani added.
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No one immediately claimed responsibility for the killing.
The Pakistani consulate did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
PAKISTAN CONDEMNS KILLING
Meanwhile, the Government of Pakistan strongly condemned the killing of Rana, a diplomatic official serving at the Consulate General of Pakistan at Jalalabad, Afghanistan.
Rana was shot by two unknown assailants on a motor bike at a shop near his residence today.
The President and the Prime Minister in separate messages, strongly condemned this heinous act and conveyed their deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.
The Foreign Minister in his message condoled with the aggrieved family and denounced this tragic act of violence. He urged the Afghan government to take urgent steps to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safety and security of the Pakistan's diplomatic personnel and its missions in Afghanistan.
The officers and staff of the Foreign Ministry extend their most heartfelt condolences to Rana's family, who had completed his three year tenure in Jalalabad and was due to return to Headquarters.
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A convicted killer who absconded to Dublin while on day-release from a prison in Northern Ireland will appear in court today.
Murderer Stephen Henry (41), from Belfast, is charged with being unlawfully at large after failing to return to Magilligan Prison, Co Londonderry, last week.
He had been granted permission to see his family on October 30 on the proviso that he return to jail.
Henry is due to appear at Lisburn Magistrates' Court today.
The prisoner, who was initially believed to be hiding in Belfast or the Craigavon area, had instead made his way to Dublin where he was arrested for a public order offence. Garda had picked him up on Merrion Road, Dublin, with no shoes on and "completely unaware where he was". He had also been mugged.
Henry appeared in Dublin District Court on Friday, was ordered to pay 75 fine and released. The Irish authorities could not remand him into custody as the offence was not punishable by a jail term.
A European Arrest Warrant had not yet been issued to enable him to be handed over to the PSNI and could take a week, the court was told.
The father-of-two was then arrested that evening in the Waringstown area of Co Armagh.
An appeal had been issued by PSNI urging the public not to approach him due to his "history of violence".
Henry was jailed in 2004 and handed a 13-year sentence for the murder of John Cooke that year at a house in Lisburn.
Henry had almost completed serving the sentence when he absconded.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Police have charged a 41-year-old man with being unlawfully at large while under sentence and possessing a Class C controlled drug. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the PPS (Public Prosecution Service)."
Katie Hopkins has revealed she is a DUP supporter - but believes it is only a matter of time before Ireland is reunited.
In a typically frank interview she revealed she was "increasingly torn" about Northern Ireland's future in the UK.
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She was also critical of the continuing deadlock at Stormont, accusing MLAs of stealing taxpayers' money.
Hopkins said she had an affinity for the province as it would have been the first place she would have been posted to had she not been kicked out of Sandhurst Military Academy for not disclosing she was an epileptic.
The outspoken columnist was speaking ahead of the release of her autobiography, Rude.
Dubbed the most hated woman in Britain, Hopkins is no stranger to controversy.
Her views on everything from working mothers to Muslims have led to death threats, a libel case and her sacking.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, she said: "The DUP increasingly have a role here in British life. I find the DUP and our transfer of cash to them was a curious thing. But a lot of what they stand for seems to be fairly sensible politics in my book. I am a supporter."
Yet Hopkins revealed she has serious doubts about Northern Ireland's future as part of the UK.
She added: "I don't think that Northern Ireland will remain part of the UK. I can't imagine a time where we continue the divisions of countries according to lives that don't seem to make sense anymore.
"As much as I am a huge patriot and a defender of the United Kingdom, you watch Catalan (sic) and Spain, you see how passionate the Catalans are, and you hear Scotland, and you can't help, given the way I feel about Brexit, think that you are either a supporter of independence or you are a hypocrite. I am increasingly torn."
She was particularly critical of the deadlock at Stormont.
We have been without a functioning Assembly since January, and Hopkins had a sharp message for our politicians. "The situation with Stormont is dreadful," she said. "Government money is not money, there is only taxpayers' money.
"Any person who takes any taxpayers' wage and sits at home or doesn't do their job is stealing from the taxpayer.
"As an outsider, what I want to do in Northern Ireland is to get all your politicians in a room together and tell them to stop being such a divisive bunch of idiots and work out how they are going to make it happen."
Her book was officially released yesterday.
Thirty years on from the IRA's Poppy Day bombing, Joan Wilson recalled the horrific events that claimed her daughter Marie's life as though it had happened just yesterday.
As she sat on the sofa in her living room, Joan was flanked by the picture of Marie in her nurse's uniform, and a picture of her late husband, Senator Gordon Wilson, who was badly injured in the explosion that claimed 11 lives.
Gordon died several years later in 1995 from natural causes, but the tragic loss of Marie in the no-warning Provisional IRA bombing on November 8, 1987, and the untimely death of their son Peter in a car accident in December 1994 weighed heavily on him until his dying day.
Some people believe that after suffering so much from the loss of Marie, the sudden death of his son broke his heart.
As Joan reflected on the past, the presence of Marie and Gordon was almost tangible in that room where the Wilsons had shared so many happy occasions before the explosion struck deeply at the very heart of that innocent family.
"It took place many years ago, but I remember the details of that day as if it was yesterday," she said.
"My last memory of Marie in the full vitality of her youth was of her crossing the back yard of our house to join her father Gordon in the car before driving off to the Cenotaph.
"There was mizzling rain, and I shouted to Marie: 'Have you got your umbrella?'
"She replied, typically: 'Don't be silly, mother, of course I have!' The next time I saw her was in the Erne Hospital, and she died later that afternoon."
The next days were a blur of heartache and of trying to cope with the funeral and the full glare of the media, who were covering what was then a world story.
However, the reporters and cameras soon moved on to other things, and the Wilsons were left to endure the burden of an unending grief in the knowledge that their beloved daughter would never be home again.
Three decades later, Joan said: "The waves of grief and pain still come and go, but as the years pass, the pauses between those waves get longer.
"Some people say that time heals, but it doesn't. It only teaches you how to cope better."
Joan does not dwell on self-pity.
"I could never do that. No matter how bad you feel, you have to make yourself get up and go, do something and keep busy until the temptation towards self-pity passes," she said.
"However, you cannot help but think at times of what might have been. How would Marie's career as a nurse have progressed, maybe she would have married and had a family?
"Sadly, you have to tell yourself: 'These things did not happen, so don't go down that road'."
In the long aftermath of Marie's death Joan kept herself busy by visiting other people who had been bereaved.
"I particularly met widows, and families who had lost a young son or a daughter. I took with me a copy of a book that had been written about Marie, and I did my best to bring hope and comfort wherever I could," she explained.
"You only begin to understand fully the deep grief of bereavement which people are experiencing when you have gone through that experience yourself.
"I often recall the words of one of my teachers at Stranmillis College, who closed his book of notes at the end of one of his lectures and said: 'The greatest teacher of all in life is experience'.
"How true that is."
After the Enniskillen bomb, and Gordon's memorable words that "I bear no ill will", there was even greater international coverage.
"I still get Christmas cards and Easter messages from people in Canada and Australia, and from others in the British Isles. Some of those people in England, Scotland and Wales still come to see me," Joan said.
She has always been deeply conscious of all the other victims of the Enniskillen bombing, and of the Troubles in general.
"People on all sides lost loved ones, and so many others were injured, that it is impossible to express the degree of heartache and suffering all round. It is my dearest hope that we will have a lasting peace in our country, but it is difficult to know how things will turn out in the long run."
Just when the Wilson family were trying to come to terms with Marie's death, they were rocked by Peter's death in December 1994, and then, some six months later, by the death of Gordon himself.
"I will never forget the night Peter died, and once again we were plunged into grief. Later on Gordon died so unexpectedly from a cerebro-vascular illness. I still miss him terribly, but I dream about him frequently," she said. "Shortly after he died I was feeling nervous because I had to make a short speech at a church event. The night before doing this I dreamt about Gordon - he was smiling and happy, and he pointed to his wristwatch. Then he disappeared.
"Gordon was always punctual, and I was always a few minutes late. So in his dream he was telling me to be on time the next day when I was due to make my speech. It gave me strength and comfort to know that somehow he was still looking after me.
"Gordon was a good husband and father, and a truly great and loving man.
"When he said about those who had killed Marie 'I bear no ill-will', he really meant it.
"Even before that awful Enniskillen bomb he had watched other atrocities on television, and he always said to me: 'There's got to be a better way'."
Despite the tragedies that Joan has lived through, she has managed to rebuild her life and to take comfort from her large, loving and supportive family, including her only surviving child Julie-Anne.
"At the time of Marie's death I had two grandchildren, and later three more little ones came along. I now have five great-grandchildren, and I thank God daily for that, and for the love and care of my family and friends."
Throughout her ordeals Joan's deep Christian faith has grown even stronger.
"I still read a passage from the Bible every day, and I know that I have been able to come through everything because of the strength I have been given by God. He has been and still is with me every step of the way."
Joan, now aged 86 and a little frail, still retains great dignity and charm. During lunch in a local restaurant on the day we talked she was approached by two of her former music pupils, now young women, who came across to our table to pay their respects.
Reflecting on her life in general, Joan told me: "I have been spared by God for these 30 years since Marie's death, and for whatever time I have left I want to make the most of each day - to appreciate the beauty of a flower or the power of the sea and all of nature, and I want to try to bring help and comfort to as many people as I can."
Nevertheless, the November time of Remembrance and the anniversaries of the Enniskillen bombing are always difficult. Each November Joan lays a poppy wreath on the grave of Marie and Gordon, as well as Gordon's late sister, and she also lays a wreath on her father's grave nearby.
"I no longer attend the Remembrance Day service at the Enniskillen Cenotaph because I cannot stand for long periods. This year members of my family will attend the Cenotaph service as they always do, but I will go to the local Methodist church early to pray and meditate, and they will join me later.
"I think daily of Marie and what happened, but I would never want to meet the people who planted and detonated the bomb. I wonder if they are still alive and if they realise how they robbed all of us of so much. I hope that they have truly repented because that's the only way they could obtain God's forgiveness."
After the 30th anniversary of the Enniskillen bombing life will go on for Joan as she remembers the past and makes the best she can of the present. She is also looking forward to the future.
"On the day after Marie was killed an old school friend of mine came to our house and she immediately drew me aside to talk, away from the buzz. She said: 'Joan, for you Marie will always be 20'.
"She was right. I still think of Marie as my bright, rebellious and deeply loving daughter. I know we will meet again some day. I think we both deserve that, and I am convinced that it will happen through the power and strength of God Almighty. That will be a wonderful day for both of us."
Alf McCreary is the co-author with the late Gordon Wilson of Marie: A Story From Enniskillen, as well as the biography of Gordon, An Ordinary Hero. He is also the co-author with Joan of a book of bereavement meditations titled All Shall Be Well
Former economy minister Simon Hamilton with Lou Shipley, president and chief executive officer of Black Duck Software, after firm set up in Belfast
A US cybersecurity firm with 30 employees in Belfast is set to expand after being taken over in a $565m (432m) deal.
Black Duck Software, which opened here last year, is being sold to US tech firm Synopsys in a deal which is expected to close next month.
Black Duck chief executive Lou Shipley said all employees based in Belfast will be retained and that the firm planned to continue increasing the number of jobs here.
Mr Shipley, speaking from the company's Belfast office in Donegall Square West, said: "The first thing after we announced to our US employees yesterday was to jump on a plane and come over and talk to our employees here.
"The investment we have made here in open source security research is really strategic to the company.
"We will continue to invest heavily and expect to grow jobs here, not reduce them at all." The Belfast Telegraph understands Black Duck's Belfast employees were told of the takeover last Friday afternoon.
Invest NI put 377,000 into Black Duck when the firm opened here last October with a view to creating nearly 60 new tech jobs in Belfast.
Mr Shipley said: "When we originally signed up with Invest NI it was to create 58 jobs.
"We are up to 30 now, and we are continuing to grow.
"We will see further expansion in 2018. The acquisition by Synopsys is not expected to close for maybe 35 or 45 days and then we will do full resource planning and budgeting for 2018/19.
"We will then have a better handle on the exact number of jobs after we go through that budgeting process."
Black Duck helps companies manage their use of open source software.
The company is projected to contribute around $60m (46m) to Synopsys' fiscal revenue in 2018.
Mr Shipley added: "It gives our company the opportunity to grow and to be part of an even larger company. So it is really good for employees over all and it is very good news for Belfast. We are really happy with what we have done here."
A spokesman for Invest NI said: "We have worked closely with Black Duck Software to secure its initial investment in Northern Ireland.
"We look forward to continuing this relationship with Synopsys Inc. and to explore opportunities for the further development of its Belfast operation. This will enhance the reputation of Belfast as the leading destination city globally for US FDI cyber security projects."
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood is calling on the British and Irish governments to "decisively intervene" to end the political drift in Northern Ireland.
He said it would be "deeply reckless" if efforts to avert direct rule and restore devolution were placed on hold until after the DUP and Sinn Fein conferences later this month.
The two parties failed to meet Northern Ireland Secretary Jame Brokenshire's deadline for a deal last week, after Stormont had been effectively in limbo since January.
Mr Eastwood said: "Since the failure of the talks last Wednesday confusion has reigned on whether a talks process is still in place between the DUP and Sinn Fein.
"Weeks ago the British Secretary of State talked about a glide path; however, it is clear for all to see that this process is not gliding, it is drifting aimlessly.
"We are hurtling towards London direct rule served up by a Tory/DUP government.
"As co-guarantors, it is now the role of the two governments to grab hold of these talks and give everyone certainty.
"They need to map out a timetable and an inclusive process between now and Christmas."
The SDLP leader said if direct rule continued into the new year, it would be very difficult to restore devolution in the short-to medium-term.
"It would be deeply reckless to allow the schedules of the DUP and Sinn Fein party conferences to delay that effort," the Foyle MLA said. "Appeasing these parties further by providing them with time and space to speak to their own party bases could end up setting this process back rather than moving it forward.
"Left to themselves and left to their own contradictions, neither of these two parties are capable of delivering anything."
The devastated girlfriend of a Northern Ireland man who was killed in an horrific hit and run has told how they had planned to spend the rest of their lives together.
Matthew Bradley, an award-winning landscape architect from Glenavy, Co Antrim, was on a stag night with friends in Liverpool on Friday when he was struck by a grey BMW car on the Strand in the Albert Dock area around 11.40pm.
It is the second roads tragedy to hit the Bradley family as Matthews brother David who was only five years old was killed after being struck by a car near the family home in August 1994.
The 24-year-old, whose family described him as funny, kind-hearted and generous, was taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital at 2.30am on Saturday but later died from his injuries.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last night, Rhiannon Williams (24), who lived with Matthew in Guildford, said she dropped him off ahead of his night out before travelling on to north Wales to stay with family.
On the way in the car we were making plans for Christmas, she said.
We spent last year with his family so he was going to have his first Christmas at my house this year. Then we were going to Barcelona in the new year. Wed never been on holiday together so it was going to be our first one.
Fighting back tears she added: I dont think Ill ever get over him.
It was the early hours of Saturday when Rhiannon received a call from Matthews distraught mum, Margaret, explaining what had happened.
I was less than an hour away; my uncle drove me straight to the hospital ... but Matthew wasnt alive when I got there. I cant even describe how I felt.
The couple, who met at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2016 and both worked for the same company, had been together for 18 months and had talked about spending the rest of their lives together.
He was always talking about us getting married, it was all he would talk about to the guys at work and his family, she said.
We both shared the dream of moving back to Northern Ireland to build our own house and make a home together.
But it wasnt to be. That Friday Rhiannon received the last-ever communication from him just minutes before he was ruthlessly mown down by a driver who callously fled the scene.
Hed texted me a few times, but I told him I didnt want him to feel as though he had to message me all the time but he sent me one about 10 minutes before it happened, she said.
Wed been talking about the beer festival he was at.
I sent a message back saying it sounded interesting but he never replied...
Rhiannon, who described Matthew as the love of my life and the best person Ive ever known, said she doesnt know how shes going to get through the dark days that lie ahead.
He was not only my best friend, he was my one and only. We did everything together, she said.
He was kind and caring and he was so funny. He made sure that everything was always perfect for me, and he always made sure I was safe and never in harms way.
He was such a gentleman. He wouldnt let me walk on the outside of the pavement. He always opened the door.
He always had his arm around me or he was holding my hand. He was always in contact with me. We were really in love.
Everyone kept teasing us about being in the honeymoon period but it never ended. Im still as in love with him as the first day I met him.
Friends of Matthew told how he loved to jive, and Rhiannon admitted that it was a dance he had been teaching her in the run up to his premature death.
We were always dancing in the kitchen at home. Any excuse and hed twirl me around, even on the pavement when we were walking in town, she said.
Rhiannon said she didnt believe in love at first sight until she met Matthew, whose family parents Donal and Margaret and sisters Claire, Roisin and Megan she described as incredible.
I feel so honoured to even know them and to be considered part of their family, she said. For the first nine months of our relationship we were long distance so I spent every other weekend at his house.
I consider Glenavy as my second home.
She added: My parents feel theyve lost a member of the family. Although we werent engaged or married yet they saw him as a son-in-law.
Joe OBoyle, from St Josephs GAA club where Matthew used to play, said: Its awful that the Bradleys have had to suffer a second tragedy.
Matthews lifelong friend Chris Prior (24), who went to Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School with him, said he looked up to Matthew as a role model and is heartbroken as they had so much more to accomplish in life.
Carryduff Car Meets (CCM), a car enthusiast group of which Matthew was a member, will hold a special tribute evening on Thursday, with a book of condolence open for friends to sign that will then be passed on to Matthews family.
CCMs Emma Murray said Matthew was a good friend and really lovely guy whod belonged to the club for four years until he moved to England.
He loved his cars, he loved his friends and he loved to jive, she said.
She added: Matthew will be sorely missed. We really loved and cared for him. Were so sorry for his loss and if theres anything we can do for his family and friends, well be there.
An investigation by Merseyside Police is under way and the car believed to have been involved in the collision has been found and forensically examined. Anyone with information can contact police on 0151 777 5747 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A convicted killer who failed to return to jail was formally remanded into custody accused of being unlawfully at large.
Standing in the dock of Lisburn Magistrates Court, 41-year-old Stephen Henry was charged with two offences, alleging that on 30 October he was unlawfully at large and possessed class C drug benzodiazepine.
A detective constable told the court he believed he could connect Henry to the two offences while defence barrister Patrick Taylor asked for it to be recorded that Henry would be pleading guilty to the drug offence.
Henry was jailed for murdering father-of-two John Cooke in Lisburn in 2004.
He did not return to Magilligan Prison last Monday after being given a pass to visit his family.
After he did not return to prison on Monday, the PSNI appealed for information into his whereabouts and urged Henry to hand himself in to the authorities without further delay.
He was picked up by the Gardai in Dublin on Friday, but later released by a court in Dublin after an arrest for a public order offence but he was released because a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) had not been issued.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said Henry was arrested in Waringstown in County Armagh on Friday night.
On Monday, November 6, District Judge Rosie Watters confirmed the case come under the jurisdiction of Craigavon Magistrates Court and ordered Henry to appear there via videolink on 24 November.
As Henry, who appeared wearing a black hoodie and grey T-shirt, was being taken out of the dock, a woman in the public gallery was led from the court shouting abuse.
The Congress has dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take punitive action against those named in the Paradise Papers leak.
By India Today Web Desk: The multi-agency group (MAG) that is currently probing the Panama Papers leak will also look into the Paradise Papers, whose leaks reveal financial holdings abroad that list a number of 714 Indian individuals and entities .
Meanwhile, the Congress has dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate action against the suspected Indian tax evaders who feature in the Paradise Papers leak, including one of his ministers Jayant Sinha and BJP Rajya Sabha MP RK Sinha , and put the entire facts before the Supreme Court bench overseeing black money investigations.
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The Paradise Papers are a set of 13.4 million leaked financial documents from law firm Appleby on investments of major multi-national corporations (MNCs) and that of well known individuals in India and abroad in tax havens. The German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung obtained the documents and subsequently shared them with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and the Indian Express.
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR: Sources in the government said the MAG, constituted in April last year to investigate the legality of money stashed in offshore entities by Indians named in the Panama Papers, would probe the latest disclosure made by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). The MAG comprises officials from the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the Income Tax Department, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Financial Intelligence Unit and the RBI among a few others. The panel will first "go through" the details of income tax returns filed by the 714 Indian individuals and entities named in the Paradise Papers, and subsequently take action on a case-to-case basis, the sources said. "Obviously, notices will be issued once complicity of an individual or entity is established," a senior official told news agency PTI. The leaked documents from Bermuda-based global offshore law firm Appleby and Singapore-based Asiaciti, published by the ICIJ, revealed offshore investments by the high and mighty across the world. The investments appear among a leak of 13.4 million files from the two firms and company registries of 19 tax havens. The vast leak of financial papers has details on 180 countries; India ranks 19th in terms of the number of names. The mention of names of the list does not mean that such entities have indulged in stash funds or have generated black money without paying due taxes. Meanwhile, the Congress has dared Modi to act against the suspects, and demanded the resignation of Union Minister Jayant Sinha. "Will the Prime Minister show the courage of conviction to hand over this entire information to the bench of Supreme Court that is looking at action against black money holders? Will the 'Compromised Bureau of Investigation' (CBI) and ED (Enforcement Directorate) take action?" Congress Spokesman Randeep Surjewala said. The leaked papers allegedly reveal that Jayant Sinha was a director in a US company D Light Design that has a subsidiary of the same name in Cayman Islands. This subsidiary raised a loan of US$3 million. A loan agreement dated December 31, 2012 was signed with Jayant Sinha as a signatory and a director. Surjewala said that Jayant Sinha concealed this information of being a director of D. Light Design in his declaration to the Election Commission as also to the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Prime Minister's Office. He said that Jayant Sinha continued as a director of D. Light Design even after being elected as an MP in May 2014 and "continued to receive money and shares" of D Light Design during this period. While Jayant Sinha has explained his position through a series of tweets, RK Sinha, when confronted by media, wrote on a piece of paper that he is on a "maun vrat" (vow of silence) for seven days for religious reasons. Surjewala said that RK Sinha and his wife Rita Kishore Sinha are owners of an offshore company called SIS Asia Pacific Holdings Ltd (SAPHL) in Malta, a tax haven. He further said that another company called SIS International Holding Ltd (SIHL) is incorporated in the offshore tax haven of British Virgin Islands and owns 39,99,999 shares of SAPHL. The Congress leader said that Prime Minister Modi's "so-called" fight against black money and corruption remains a "complete flop" as it failed to take action in the Panama Papers leak where around 500 names emerged, including those of persons linked to the BJP.
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Eamon Owens Date of birth: 18/01/1962 Last known address: Cushendall, County Antrim. Description: 6' 0" medium build, pale complexion, short grey hair, blue eyes Distinctive features: Tattoo on left arm with heart and Dad also a Volcano. Eamon was last seen in Cushendall on the 03/07/01. He is also believed to be driving a red Volkswagen Golf car, Reg No ICZ 3692
Timothy Hall Date of birth: 14/04/57 Last known address: Portstewart, County Derry. Description: 5' 10 " slim build, pale complexion, dirty fair hair and blue eyes. Timothy has been missing from home in the Portstewart area of County Derry, since 02/01/83 and is thought to have been suicidal.
Alexander Carson Date of birth: 14/01/49 Last Known Address: Ferris Avenue, Larne Description: 5' 10" tall, stocky build, swarthy complexion with graying hair Distinctive Features: Has a speech impediment. Alexander left home on 01/01/1990 to go to a friends house but never arrived there. He was wearing a blue anorak, grey trousers and black and white trainers.
John O'Hara Date of birth: 27/07/62 Last known address: Limavady Description: 6' 00", stocky build, pale complexion, grey / brown hair, blue eyes John was wearing a 'Parka' type jacket with hood, blue trousers and dark shoes. He was last seen at his home in a depressed state in February 1994.
Arlene Arkinson Date of birth: 20/04/79 Last known address: Castlederg, County Tyrone. Description: 5' 4" medium build, fresh complexion, dirty fair shoulder length hair, blue eyes. Arlene was last seen in Castlederg, County Tyrone in the early hours of Sunday the 14 August 1994, after having been at a disco in Bundoran, County Donegal in the Irish Republic.
Sean Ryan Sean, from Ardmore Avenue in Downpatrick, was last seen by his family at around 9:00am on the morning of Tuesday 1 September 1998. It is believed he may have later made his way to Belfast where he boarded a bus to Galway. Police are aware of a further two confirmed sightings of Sean in the Doolin area of Co Clare, on Saturday 5 September 1998 however there have been no other confirmed sightings reported since.
Michael Anthony Lynch Also known as Tony, was last seen at about 2pm on Sunday January 6 2002. At that time Tony had been living at Clones, although the family home is near Newtownbutler in Co Fermanagh. Tony owned a distinctive white Mitsubishi Galant GLSi, registration TIL4670. This vehicle was last seen at about 11pm on Saturday January 12 2002, travelling north on the Dublin to Newry road.
Zhara Ibdi D.O.B believed to be 19/12/1989 and thought to be from Mogadishu in Somalia. Zhara arrived in Belfast on 16/03/2005 seeking asylum and was reported missing on 22/06/2005
Martin Kelly Martin is about 6ft 1in tall of slim build with short dark hair, was wearing a black Guinness t-shirt and blue jeans when he was last seen around 7pm on 01/01/2006. Police in South Belfast are growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of 21-year-old Martin Kelly from Kinnegar Drive, Holywood, who was last seen by friends at a bar in Garmoyle Street in South Belfast on New Years Day.
Azzedine Ben Moradi Azzedine's place of birth is thought to be Morocco and he is of French/Moroccan nationality. It is thought he arrived at Dublin in August 2006 before arriving in Belfast on 09/11/2006. He was reported missing in Belfast on 01/12/2006.
Gerard Conway Gerard, 33 years old, was last seen in the Cookstown area at the end of January 2007. Despite extensive enquiries on both sides of the border, no clues as to his whereabouts have been discovered. Gerard is 6 feet tall, of a medium build. He has short, dark brown hair and blue eyes and has a scar running through his right eyebrow and another above his right eye
Mark Gourley Mark, aged 36 years old, from the Castlemara area of Carrickfergus, was last seen in that vicinity around 9.30am on the morning of Saturday 7 March 2009. He has had no contact with friends or family since then and police are concerned for his safety. Mark, who is considered by police to be vulnerable, is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, of medium build, with fair cropped hair. His right eyebrow is pierced, and he has tattoos on his left shoulder and left forearm, and a tattoo on his right arm bearing his Christian name. Mark was last seen wearing a black waterproof jacket with a grey design on the shoulders, black Umbro tracksuit bottoms, black leather trainers and a blue Rangers Football Club woollen hat.
Samuel Campbell Samuel, 49 years old, left his home to go out on his bicycle on New Year's Day and was last seen at around 2.15pm on the Tully Road in Kells near Ballymena. His bicycle was discovered in a coastal area close to Glenarm on Tuesday 3 January. When last seen he was wearing a red top with the letters T.C.G. on it and long black leggings. Samuel is around six foot tall, of a slim build with short dark hair.
Nadra Sharif Ali D.O.B believed to be 05/04/1995. Nadra is thought to be from Afoye in Somalia. Nadra arrived in Belfast on 27/12/11 and was reported missing on 14/01/12. Nadra was 16 years old when she was reported missing.
Charlotte Murray Charlotte is 34 years old, originally from the Omagh area but whose last known address was in The Moy, Co. Tyrone. She was reported to police as missing on Monday 13th May but family or friends have not had contact with Charlotte since the beginning of November 2012. Charlotte is described as being approx 5'4" tall, of slim build with blue eyes.
Dean Patton Dean is 24 years old, and is approximately 61 in height, and of slim to medium build. He has short black hair and brown eyes. Dean has been missing from Portrush, County Antrim, since Wednesday 25th July 2012. Dean was last seen in the Dunluce Avenue area of Portrush, close to his home on Eglinton Lane. There were several confirmed sightings of him in this area throughout the Wednesday he went missing. He is a very social and well liked individual, so both Deans family and the PSNI are extremely concerned as to his whereabouts. It should be noted that Dean has not had access to regular medication which he takes, and therefore may not be aware of his own identity.
Trang Houng Tran DOB: 24/11/1990. She was last seen on 30th November 2014 at around 9.10pm in Ulsterville Avenue, South Belfast. When last seen she was wearing a black waist length quilted style coat and long black leggings. Trang is around 5 feet tall, of a slim build with brown hair and brown eyes. She has a smiley face tattoo on her left hand the size of a 50 pence piece.
Peter Quiqley The 35-year-old has not been seen since 11am at Moira Train Station on 26th September 2013. Peter is described as being 58 tall, of medium build with dirty fair hair and blue coloured eyes and speaks with a strong London accent. Peters family are desperate for information about their sons whereabouts and his welfare.
There are 21 people listed as missing persons on the PSNI's website - can you help trace them?
These people have all disappeared in Northern Ireland.
The list includes missing Omagh woman Charlotte Murray, who's ex-boyfriend has recently been accused of her murder.
Also named is Castlederg's Arlene Arkinson who attended a disco in Castlederg in 1994 and never returned home.
There are no official photographs for the following missing persons;
Chi Dan - an oriental female believed to be about 16-18-years. Chi, who may also be know as Huang Qi Lin, was last seen in the Magherane Road area of Randalstown on 15 May 2008. She is described as being 5ft 4ins tall, of slim build with black straight hair. When last seen she was wearing green combat trousers, trainers, a cream floral top and a cream jacket.
Chang Swee Chaun - DOB 02/02/1968, a Malaysian student who was studying at the University of Ulster at Coleraine and resided at an address in Portstewart. He went missing after attending a disco at the Londonderry Hotel, Portrush, on the evening of 15 March 1991. He was last seen on 16 March 1991, in Main Street, Portrush.
If you know the of whereabouts or have any information of any of the listed missing people, contact the police on 101.
Stephen Henry, 41yrs of no fixed abode, pictured leaving the Criminal Courts of Justice after he appeared before the Dublin District Court. Pic: Collins Courts
Murderer Stephen Henry is to appear in court on Monday charged with being unlawfully at large.
Henry was arrested on Friday evening in the Waringstown area after he failed to return to prison on Monday sparking a police manhunt for the 41-year-old.
Earlier on Friday he had appeared in a Dublin court but released over a public order offence. The court heard how it would take a week to organise a European Arrest warrant.
Henry, who has also been charged with possession of a Class C drug, will appear at Lisburn Magistrates' Court on Monday. As is usual procedure the charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
He has been serving a 13-year sentence for the murder of John Cooke in 2004.
Tina being scrubbed down by pupils from Everton Girls School and St Josephs Primary in 1984
Tina the elephant, who died at Belfast Zoo yesterday
Belfast Zoo's best-known resident, Tina the elephant, has died.
Tina arrived at Belfast Zoo in 1966 from Tyseley Pet Store in Birmingham, with a shipping cost of 20.
She became notorious for stealing - and sometimes eating - visitors' items, including handbags, coats, gloves and cameras. She often stole visitors' umbrellas, handbags and property.
Over more than 50 years in the zoo, she won the hearts of thousands of Ulster children.
In a statement yesterday the zoo revealed that Tina collapsed early yesterday morning.
"Belfast Zoo staff are extremely saddened by the death of much-loved Asian elephant, Tina.
"At age 54, Tina was one of the oldest elephants living in the zoo, arriving in 1966.
"Tina collapsed in the early hours of Sunday morning and the very difficult decision was made by zoo staff and veterinary staff to put her to sleep.
"Belfast Zoo will remain open as normal. However, the elephant house will be closed until further notice."
Former Lord Mayor Nichola Mallon was among the hundreds of animal lovers last night who shared their memories of Tina.
"Tina was a Belfast legend," she said. "It's very sad to hear of her passing. Everybody knew Tina.
"The zoo has changed a lot in recent years, but the one constant was Tina. I'll never forget pampering her on her 50th birthday."
The zoo's Facebook page was flooded with messages of sympathy to the zoo staff.
Margarita Lismore wrote: "So sad to hear this! Tina has been part of Belfast Zoo for all of many people's lives. RIP Tina. I hope you didn't suffer.
"My thoughts go out to her keepers - this will be heart breaking for them." Christine McDonald posted: "So sad to hear that Tina has passed away. I remember seeing her as a child and I also took my son up to see her and he loved seeing Tina all the time. RIP."
The Assembly backed teps to encourage broader use of electric cars
A green tax on farming and an end to state subsides on peat extraction are among measures to tackle climate changes recommended by the Citizens' Assembly.
Prioritising investment in public transport services over new road developments and an expansion of bus and cycle lane networks have also been proposed by members of the Assembly.
A majority of citizens backed paying more tax on carbon intensive activities and urged the adoption of steps to encourage broader use of electric cars.
The proposals were among 13 recommendations on climate change made by the Assembly on Sunday.
An end to state subsidies for peat extraction would likely usher the end of peat fired electricity production in Ireland. The Assembly recommended that subsidies should be phased out over five years rather than axed immediately.
Members said the money should instead be spent on peat bog restoration and support for impacted workers.
Citizens also recommended a tax on green house gas emissions produced by the agriculture industry. They also proposed incentives for farmers who adopt environmentally friendly practices.
The Assembly's function is to consider key issues facing the Irish state.
It compromises 99 citizens randomly selected to be representative of society under the chair of retired Supreme Court judge Ms Justice Mary Laffoy.
The body spent the weekend hearing evidence on climate change from a range of experts. It was the second weekend the Assembly had examined the issue.
The recommendations will form the basis of a report that will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas for further debate by politicians.
Environmentalists have welcomed the outcome of the Assembly's deliberations.
Oisin Coghlan, director at Friends of the Earth, said: "These common-sense, practical recommendations for climate action will not get us from laggard to leader.
"But they will allow us to catch up with our European neighbours. If implemented by Government they will end nearly a decade of dithering and delay".
Newly released documents have revealed the reason why Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams was barred from the White House.
In March 2016 the Sinn Fein leader was invited to Barack Obama's White House for the annual St Patrick's Day events along with Mary Lou McDonald and the late Martin McGuinness.
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However, on arrival the Louth TD was told by staff there was a security issue which needed to be addressed before he was let in to the event, attended by an array of US and foreign dignitaries. After a 90 minute wait Mr Adams cut his losses and left.
The US Secret Service apologised saying a delay in processing Mr Adams for entry was due to the an "administrative input error".
However, Mr Adams reacted angrily accusing the US Government of treating Sinn Fein "differently" to other political parties. In a scathing attack, he said Sinn Fein will "not sit at the back of the bus for anyone", in reference to civil rights activist Rosa Parks.
Now documents, seen by Irish broadcaster RTE state the reason for his refused entry was because the Secret Service thought the name "Gerry Adams" was the nickname of another guest attending the event.
And when an email was sent to a member of the organisation tasked with the President's security about it, he was out for a run and did not respond for 45 minutes, holding up the process.
The documents released to RTE under Freedom of Information show there was a flurry of emails over the incident.
"I walked into a firestorm... the last flames are just being put out as we speak. Wow, what a day!" wrote one official.
The UK was part of the coalition led by the US which invaded Iraq (Maurice McDonald/PA)
Former prime minister Tony Blair will almost certainly be remembered for the Iraq war despite all that he achieved, Gordon Brown has said.
Mr Brown, who was chancellor when the decision to go to war in 2003 was made, also said he accepted that the war was not a glorious chapter in British history.
The former prime minister was speaking as he launched his memoir My Life, Our Times at an event at the University of Edinburghs McEwan Hall.
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In extracts from the book, due for release on Tuesday, he has claimed the UK was misled over Saddam Husseins weapons of mass destruction, revealing that top-secret US intelligence that cast serious doubt over the dictators destructive capabilities was not shared with Britain.
Mr Brown claimed that only after leaving office did he become aware of crucial papers held by the US Department of Defence and believes the course of history could have been different had the information been shared.
He told the audience that the evidence at the time had appeared irrefutable.
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He said: I regret what has happened, I tell you honestly that I believed the evidence that I was given, it was very compelling but I tell you now that the evidence that the Americans had at the time was more detailed and was more profound and more in depth and it was not shared with us for whatever reason.
I believe that most of you sitting in this audience, if you had seen the evidence that we had seen at the time would have concluded exactly what I and others concluded but I believe also youve got to be honest with yourself and honest with the country about what happened and I now know that there was evidence that was not available to us.
This is not a glorious chapter in British history but it is a chapter that allows us now I believe to be honest about what happened and Im trying to be as honest as possible.
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Reflecting that all political careers end in failure one way or another, he added: Tony probably, great things he achieved, great things and we must not forget that, but he will be remembered almost certainly because of what happened over the Iraq war.
My feeling is that I did not manage to persuade people to take the view that I took about how we dealt with the global recession.
Mr Brown also said a national conversation was needed to tackle the big issues facing Britain, including Brexit, maintaining the Union and sexual harassment in politics.
He said: If there were a proper national conversation I dont think anyone would tolerate the standards we have seen in public life, the sexism and also the racism, and I think that people would demand, rightly so, because politicians have an influence on young people in our country, would demand that politicians have the highest possible standards and show the best forms of behaviour when dealing with other people, whether its women or whether its people of other colours or people who are in minorities who are often discriminated against.
The leaked "Paradise papers" is likely to embarrass the government which is trying to showcase its battle with black money ahead of the first anniversary of the demonetisation drive.
By Meetu Jain: The influential, public figures and businessmen from India has yet again figured in some of the high profile documents on the off shore equity firms whose data was leaked by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
The leaked "Paradise papers" is likely to embarrass the government which is trying to showcase its battle with black money ahead of the first anniversary of the demonetisation drive - November 8. The documents leaked belong to two firms, Appleby of Bermuda and Asiaciti of Singapore, fast emerging as a tax haven. These companies operated in 19 tax havens across the globe.
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The most prominent Indian name is MoS Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha who worked as Managing Director of US investment firm, D.Light Design, in India. D.Light's holding company is Omidyar Network. D.Light took a secured loan worth USD 3 million from its Cayman Island subsidiary and Jayant SInha was one of the six signatories to this decision.
Sinha has however mentioned the fact that he worked for a Omidyar Network subsidiary from 2009 to 2013 when he subsequently resigned to join 'public service'. In a series of tweets, Sinha said he was a designated representative on the D.Light board on behalf of Omidyar Network. "On joining the Union Council of Ministers, I immediately resigned from the D.Light Board and severed my involvement with the company".
While the jury is out on that one, there are other notables which the CBI is taking note of. Beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya as per the Paradise Papers managed to get the Diageo group, which has invested in United Spirits Limited, to waive off a USD 1.5 billion debt which enabled him to get away with a whopping Rs 10,000 crore as per the Appleby documents.
Top CBI officials probing the Mallya case say they are studying the papers which they hope will come in handy in extraditing the businessman now residing in London. The ICIJ leaks say the waiver through a complex restructuring of the debt structure enabled Mallya to take away much more then the Rs 11,225 crore that he reported to the Bombay Stock Exchange.
But a clear conflict of interest appears to be of Fortis Escorts Hospital chief and well known cardiologist Dr Ashok Seth. The doctor got shares of a Singapore based company that manufactures stents. Biosensors International group listed in Singapore which manufactures and markets medical devices for critical care procedures was incorporated in the Bermudas and listed on the Singapore stock exchange.
Seth admitted he made a made a profit of Rs 54 lakh from these shares. Seth wasn't the only one. Doctors from countries like Japan, Indonesia and Singapore benefited from the Biosensors largesse as per the minutes of the meeting of the board of directors. Seth said he did not use any Biosensor products as long as he possessed the shares.
The cache of 13.4 million documents were accessed by German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and amongst the other notables who figure in the Appleby and Asiaciti documents are Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt's wife, Manyata, corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and BJP MP and promoter of security company SIS Securities R K Sinha.
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Police had been called to reports of a man threatening to harm himself and others (Andrew Milligan/PA)
A teenager has been arrested and charged after a police officer was allegedly stabbed at a college campus.
The male constable with Police Scotland suffered an injury to his back after being called to Edinburgh College in the Granton area of the city on Monday morning.
The officer, who is in his twenties, was taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment to the non-life-threatening injury.
Expand Close The incident happened at Edinburgh College's campus in Granton (Jane Barlow/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook
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Whatsapp The incident happened at Edinburgh College's campus in Granton (Jane Barlow/PA)
Police Scotland said they have charged a 19-year-old man in connection with the incident.
He is expected to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday.
The incident, in a building within the campus on West Granton Road, happened at around 9.30am as police responded to a report of concern for an individual made around 20 minutes earlier.
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Chief Inspector Stevie Sutherland, area commander for North West Edinburgh, said: Our thoughts are with our colleague as he continues to recover from what is thankfully a non-life-threatening wound.
This incident continues to be treated as isolated and were working closely with Edinburgh College to offer support to students and staff.
There will be an increased police presence across the campus over the coming days and anyone with concerns is urged to speak to us or contact Edinburgh Colleges student services department.
Edinburgh College remained open on Monday in line with guidance from police.
A spokesman for the college said: The safety of our students and staff is our most important consideration and Police Scotland have confirmed this is an isolated incident.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Police Federation (SPF), which represents rank-and-file officers, has raised questions about officers being properly equipped to deal with such incidents.
Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone said: Police Scotland always takes the welfare of its officers very seriously.
We continually keep officer safety under review and regular liaison takes place with staff associations around this issue.
As always, we will investigate this incident to see if there is anything to be learned from it. The officers injuries are thankfully not life-threatening and I intend to visit him tomorrow (Tuesday).
Dozens have died in protests in Eritrea, it is claimed
At least 28 people have been killed in rare protests in the capital of Eritrea, one of the world's most reclusive nations, an official with the largest Eritrean opposition group said on Wednesday.
More than 100 people were injured in the protests in Asmara that began on Monday and escalated on Tuesday, spokesman Nasredin Ali with the Red Sea Afar Democratic Organisation told The Associated Press, citing sources on the ground in Eritrea.
The group is based in neighbouring Ethiopia.
The US Embassy in Eritrea late on Tuesday reported gunfire "at several locations in Asmara due to protests" and advised US citizens to avoid the centre of the city.
The statement did not say why the protests occurred.
Mr Nasredin's claims of deaths and injuries could not be independently verified.
He said the demand by Eritrea's government to control a Muslim community school in Asmara led to the clashes.
"Following the refusal to hand over the school, some 40 people were arrested and this led to the massive protests," he said, adding that Asmara was tense on Wednesday as a funeral ceremony took place.
"The army is bringing forces from outside the capital."
Eritrea's Information Minister Yemane Meskel downplayed the reports of unrest, saying on Twitter that "small demonstration by one school in Asmara dispersed without any casualty hardly breaking news".
Eritrean officials at the African Union mission in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, were not immediately available for comment.
The small East African nation is a major source of migrants arriving in Europe.
Its government has long faced criticism by human rights advocates over its harsh military conscription laws.
The government has denied allegations of abuses.
According to a State Department report in 2016 on international religious freedom, roughly half of Eritrea's population is Sunni Muslim and the country's government includes Sunni Islam as one of four officially registered religious groups.
Other practices of Islam are banned.
The report also says religious education is allowed in private schools but religious groups are prohibited from any involvement in politics.
AP
The prosecutor said US forces in Afghanistan may have committed the war crime of torture while interrogating detainees
The chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court is seeking an investigation of alleged war crimes committed in the war in Afghanistan, an unprecedented probe that could involve US troops.
Fatou Bensouda said in a statement that a preliminary examination found "a reasonable basis to believe that war crimes and crimes against humanity" were committed in Afghanistan after US-led troops moved in following the September 11 attacks in 2001.
Once the prosecutor submits her investigation request to the court, based in the Dutch city of The Hague, it is up to the tribunal's judges to decide whether to open one.
Ms Bensouda's office said her request will be filed publicly "in the days to come".
An Afghanistan probe would be exceptional because until now most ICC trials have dealt with events in Africa. The only case currently under investigation outside Africa is in the former Soviet republic of Georgia.
Human Rights Watch welcomed the announcement as a step towards ending impunity for crimes in Afghanistan.
"Thousands and thousands of Afghans have suffered horrendous human rights abuses and war crimes over the years and there has been no accountability," said Richard Dicker of the group's international justice programme.
"The announcement today by the prosecutor opens the door to the possibility that for the first time there may be some justice possible for the victims."
Ms Bensouda said in a report last year that US forces and CIA agents may have committed war crimes by torturing detainees in Afghanistan between 2003 and 2014.
That opens the possibility that Americans could be among those investigated for possible prosecution, even though the US is not among the court's more than 120 members.
Taliban and Afghan government forces may also have used torture and committed other atrocities in Afghanistan's long and bitter conflict, the report said.
Ms Bensouda said in a statement that if judges approve an investigation, her office "will investigate, within its mandate and means, in an independent, impartial and objective way, crimes within the court's jurisdiction allegedly committed by any party to the armed conflict".
Americans could face prosecution if their alleged crimes took place in a country that is an ICC member, such as Afghanistan, and if they were not prosecuted at home.
However, legal experts say the chances of American service members being charged and sent to face justice at the ICC are remote.
Katherine Gallagher, senior staff attorney at US rights organisation the Centre for Constitutional Rights, said the possibility that Americans could be charged sends a "long overdue message that no one is above the law".
Established in 2002, the ICC is the world's first permanent court set up to prosecute war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.
As president Bill Clinton signed the Rome treaty that established the court, but George W Bush renounced the signature, citing fears that Americans would be unfairly prosecuted for political reasons.
Ms Bensouda's 2016 report said the alleged US war crimes "were not the abuses of a few isolated individuals. Rather, they appear to have been committed as part of approved interrogation techniques in an attempt to extract 'actionable intelligence' from detainees".
The prosecutor's report noted that US authorities have conducted dozens of investigations and court martial cases.
After the September 11 attacks, the Bush administration allowed the use of waterboarding, which simulates drowning, and other interrogation techniques against suspected terrorists. Barack Obama banned such practices after taking office in 2009.
A full-scale investigation, if approved by judges, could take months or years before the prosecutor decides whether to file charges. Then it remains to be seen if suspects can be detained and handed to the court for trial.
"We have seen that arrest and surrender is the Achilles heel of international justice," Mr Dicker said.
AP
Israel will not return the bodies of five Palestinian militants killed last week in a tunnel demolition as a "free gift", the country's prime minister said.
The comment by Benjamin Netanyahu implied that Israel will hold on to the bodies until Hamas militants agree to return the remains of two soldiers killed in a 2014 war, as well as two live Israeli civilians believed held in the Gaza Strip.
"We will bring our boys home, there are no free gifts," Mr Netanyahu said on Monday.
Israel announced on Sunday that it was holding the remains of five militants killed last week when it destroyed a tunnel running from Gaza into Israel.
The family of one of the dead soldiers has urged the government not to return the militants' bodies.
AP
Fraud by Red Cross workers and others wasted more than six million dollars (4.6 million) meant to fight the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa, the organisation has confirmed.
The revelations follow an internal investigation of how money was handled during the 2014-2016 epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.
Up to two million dollars (1.5 million) disappeared due to "likely collusion" between Red Cross staff and employees at a Sierra Leonean bank, the investigation found.
The International Federation of the Red Cross also revealed evidence of fraud in the two other hardest-hit countries during the Ebola crisis, Liberia and Guinea.
Investigators in Liberia found "evidence of fraud related to inflated prices of relief items, payroll and payment of volunteer incentives."
The IFRC estimated the loss at 2.7 million dollars (2.1 million).
And in Guinea, at least one million dollars (765,000) disappeared because of fraudulent billing practices by a customs clearance service provider. Two other investigations there are pending, the IFRC said.
Ebola erupted in Guinea and spread rapidly to Sierra Leone and Liberia.
The international aid response was initially slow, and once money arrived it was often disbursed quickly in the rush to purchase supplies and get aid workers into the field.
"I feel disappointed and concerned by the reaction of a few individuals, that their actions detract from the amazing work of the Red Cross staff and volunteers during the Ebola outbreak," said Paul Jenkins, head of the delegation for the IFRC and Red Crescent Societies in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown.
"Their actions saved thousands of lives and the IFRC will continue to ensure that its funds are used for the purpose for which they are given," he said.
The IFRC said it was strengthening its efforts to fight corruption, including introducing cash spending limits in "high-risk settings."
It also plans to send trained auditors along with emergency operations teams.
Other measures will include additional staff training and the establishment of a dedicated and independent internal investigation function.
The IFRC said it was working with Sierra Leone's Anti-Corruption Commission to "investigate and legally pursue any persons involved."
AP
Syrian troops stand next to a sign in Arabic which reads 'Deir el-Zour welcomes you' (Sana via AP, File)
The Syrian army has announced it has liberated the long-contested eastern city of Deir el-Zour from the Islamic State group.
It marks another defeat for the extremists as their self-proclaimed caliphate crumbles and almost all their urban strongholds in Syria and Iraq have been lost.
The recapture of Deir el-Zour, on the west bank of the Euphrates River, is another victory for President Bashar Assad's forces, though largely symbolic in the military's bigger fight to capture most of the oil-rich province along the border with Iraq.
Deir el-Zour, which had been divided into a government-held and an IS-held part for nearly three years, is the largest city in eastern Syria and the capital of the province with the same name. It is the largest to be recaptured by the Syrian government from IS.
Army spokesman General Ali Mayhoub declared victory in Deir el-Zour, describing it as the "last phase" in the military's campaign towards the complete annihilation of IS in Syria.
His statement, read on Syrian state TV, hailed the city's recapture as a strategic win, noting its location on a crossroad linking the country's eastern, northern and central regions, as well as an "oil and gas reservoir" - a reference to the province.
"With the loss of Deir el-Zour, Daesh loses its ability to lead terrorist operations by its militants who are now isolated and encircled east of the city," he said, using the Arabic name for IS.
The extremist group has lost more than 90% of the territory it once held in Iraq and Syria at the height of its power in 2014 and 2015, including Mosul in Iraq and Raqqa in northern Syria.
It also comes as Iraqi forces and allied Shiite militiamen are chasing IS remnants inside the town of Qaim, on the Iraqi side of the border.
The militants, routed from one urban stronghold after another, have recently been moving deeper into Syria's remote desert, where experts say they are regrouping and preparing to return to guerrilla-style attacks including scattered hit-and-run and suicide bombings.
In a statement, the Syrian military said it was in full control of the city, after a weeks-long campaign carried out with allied forces. It said army units are removing booby traps and mines left behind by the extremist group.
Syrian government forces and their allies first broke the militant group's siege of their part of the city in September in a Russian-backed offensive, and have been advancing against IS positions since then.
The Syrian army, backed by Russia and Iran, and Kurdish-led Syrian forces, backed by the US, are now racing to take the rest of the oil-rich eastern province of Deir el-Zour, including the key town of Boukamal near the Iraqi border.
IS's last territorial stronghold in Iraq was the town of Qaim, across the border from the Syrian town of Boukamal.
An Iraqi officer in Iraq's western Anbar region said on Friday that Iraqi forces have reached the border with Syria as they continue to close in on the pocket of militant-held territory.
The Iraqi forces are pushing into western neighbourhoods of Qaim, the joint command said and Iraq's prime minister Haider al-Abadi pledged the battle will be finished within days.
AP
A lone gunman walked into a church in a small Texas town yesterday and opened fire as the congregation worshipped - leaving as many as 27 dead and others injured.
The 14-year-old daughter of the church's pastor was one of a number of children killed.
The mass shooting occurred at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 50km from San Antonio, with witnesses saying the gunman started shooting at about 11.30am local time.
The gunman was later "taken down" by authorities after he fled the scene in his vehicle, according to Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt, who said that at least 20 people had died. Local media said the death toll amounted to around half the congregation.
The exact number of dead was unclear, with estimates ranging from 20 to 28. Police official Albert Gamez Jr told CBS News 27 were killed.
"The details are kind of sketchy but what I know right now, what they're telling me, like 27 deceased and over 20, 25 injured," Mr Gomez Jr said. Other estimates put the number of injured at 10 to 15.
Church pastor Frank Pomeroy and his wife Sherri were out of town in two different states when the attack occurred.
"We lost our 14-year-old daughter today and many friends," Mrs Pomeroy said.
"Neither of us have made it back into town yet to personally see the devastation."
President Donald Trump tweeted his condolences from Japan where is undertaking a five-country trip of Asia.
Video on KSAT television showed first responders taking a stretcher from the church to a waiting AirLife helicopter.
Some victims were taken by medical helicopter to the Brooke Army Medical Center.
The church's website said its schedule was for a fellowship breakfast on Sunday mornings, followed by Sunday School.
A morning worship service was scheduled for 11am.
Megan Posey, a spokeswoman for Connally Memorial Medical Center, which is in Floresville and about 15km from the scene of the shooting, said "multiple" victims were being treated for gunshot wounds.
She declined to give a specific number but said it was less than a dozen.
A woman who lives about 10 minutes away from Sutherland Springs in Floresville, and who was monitoring the chaos on a police scanner and in Facebook community groups, said everyone knew each other in the sparsely populated county.
"This is horrific for our tiny little tight-knit town," said Alena Berlanga.
"Everybody's going to be affected and everybody knows someone who's affected."
Witnesses close to the small church reported hearing a rapid barrage of about 20 gunshots.
"It was very close," said Carrie Matula, who had been working in a store across the street from the scene. It was semi-automatic, rapid fire. This is just devastating in a small town like this."
Pastor Frank Buford, of the neighbouring River Oaks church, just a few blocks away from the scene of the shooting, said relatives of victims had started to congregate at a makeshift community centre where water and food was being brought.
"We're holding up as well as we can - we are a strong community, we are strong in our faith," he said.
Pastor Buford described Sutherland Springs as a close-knit community. The town has a population of around 600.
"We have a post office, two churches and a dollar store," he explained.
One law enforcement official said the gunman fled in a vehicle after the attack and was killed, though initially there was confusion as to whether he shot himself or was killed by police.
Federal law enforcement swarmed the area, including Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) investigators and members of the FBI's evidence collection team.
Friends and family of the victims gathered near the church waiting for words of what had happened to loved ones, tears flowing with many incredibly anxious.
"We're shocked. Shocked and dismayed," said state Senator Judith Zaffirini, a Laredo Democrat whose district includes Sutherland Springs. "It's especially shocking when it's such a small, serene area. These rural areas, they are so beautiful and so loving."
According to the Gun Violence Archive, which tracks gun violence, there have now been more than 300 mass shootings in the US this year.
The deadliest mass shooting in modern US history was just over a month ago in Las Vegas.
Fifty-eight people were killed and more than 500 injured by gunman Stephen Paddock.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the attack an "evil act".
A gunman has opened fire at a church in Texas killing at least 27 people.
Another 20 are thought to have been injured.
The attack happened at the the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs in Wilson County, in the south of the state.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said the man walked into the church and opened fire on the congregation. The gunman was later "taken down" and killed, he said.
Emergency services rushed to the church and local media showed helicopters airlifting victims to nearby hospitals.
As well as local police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) and US Marshalls are all said to be at the scene.
The police commissioner confirmed that at least 27 people had died.
President Donald Trump, who is on a visit to Japan tweeted: "May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan."
Texas governor Greg Abbott said: "Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response."
Sutherland Springs is a community of about 400 people 30 miles south east of San Antonio.
More to follow.
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Rohingya refugees collect water from a tube well as local Bangladeshis dig a hole to build another (AP)
The United Nations has appointed a Norwegian as an interim resident coordinator in Burma and resident representative for the UN development programme in the country.
Knut Ostby, who has served as a UN resident coordinator for more than 11 years, replaces Renata Lok-Dessallien in his new role, the UN said in a statement.
The announcement comes after more than 600,000 minority Rohingya Muslims have been driven out from Burma since late August amid a brutal crackdown by military security forces in northern Rakhine state.
International humanitarian assistance, the UN and international media have not been allowed to enter the region, amid allegations of human rights abuses.
Ms Lok-Dessallien has been criticised both by the UN and other international organisations for allegedly not effectively handling the human rights concerns in Rakhine.
The UN statement said Ms Lok-Dessallien will take another assignment at UN headquarters.
UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said he was "grateful" for Ms Lok-Dessallien's "important contribution and service" to the UN's work in Burma.
AP
I am called various names, many of which are unsuitable for a family newspaper, but two of the cleaner ones are "public intellectual" and "revisionist", both of which were applied to the late Dr Conor Cruise O'Brien, the centenary of whose birth on November 3 was commemorated in Trinity College Dublin by a two-day symposium.
I checked the definition of "public intellectual" and found "a well-known, intelligent, learned person whose written works and other social and cultural contributions are recognised not only by academic audiences and readers, but also by many members of society in general".
I prefer to describe it as someone who thinks and writes about serious stuff, but rather than confine their thoughts to academic audiences is prepared to explain and defend them in the public arena.
A revisionist is harder to define.
When used by Irish republicans, it's a term of abuse implying that you are a turncoat who, for malevolent reasons, challenges the primitive version of history in which the Irish were the Most Oppressed People Ever (MOPE) who groaned under the British yoke until freed in 1916 by a tiny band of patriots led by seven selfless visionaries.
What makes that amusing is that Sinn Fein are startlingly revisionist as they cynically lie about the past to justify a 30-year campaign of terror against servants of the legitimate governments and anyone else who got in their way.
Thus, since the IRA failed to achieve the united Ireland they killed and died for, they claim that Roman Catholics were treated as badly as South African blacks, had no rights and had been forced to fight for equality.
I'm a proud revisionist who believes it is the job of historians to be prepared constantly to revise their opinions in the light of fresh evidence, and that if their conclusions are of national relevance they should defend them publicly.
The greatest of 20th century Irish public intellectuals was Dr Conor Cruise O'Brien: diplomat, politician, historian, journalist and wit, whose parents were both involved in the 1916 Rising, who at the beginning of his adult life was a traditional nationalist but who changed his views as a result of his exposure to the horrors being inflicted on Northern Ireland.
As John Maynard Keynes, one of the most influential and famous economists of the 20th century, put it: "When events change, I change my mind. What do you do?"
O'Brien - aka "the Cruiser" - was a man with a fine intellect and exceptional moral and physical courage.
In 1972, in his uncompromising States Of Ireland, he analysed the way in which, in schools and public life, the Irish State glorified the political violence of 1916, peddled "the fantasy of a United Ireland", and yet hypocritically then punished the brainwashed who joined the IRA to make the fantasy reality through force.
In his own words, he administered "an electric shock to the Irish psyche". For the rest of his life, he continued applying the live wires.
It would take many decades of argument and a stoical acceptance of vitriolic abuse and ridicule, but Conor would change Irish public opinion dramatically, leading to the abandonment of the constitutional claim to the territory of Northern Ireland and forcing even Sinn Fein to accept the principle that its people would have to consent to a united Ireland.
In a brilliant contribution to the symposium, Eoghan Harris who, like me, was greatly influenced by Conor, lambasted the "bilious begrudgery" of official Ireland who refused to honour a great man, epitomised by President McAleese in 2008 failing to go to his poorly-attended funeral or praise his immense contribution to peace.
Some amends were made last week, with a glittering array of scholars from America, Ghana, and the UK, as well as Ireland, arguing over his astonishing career, the attendance at the symposium of President Michael D Higgins, and a reception in the Department of Foreign Affairs.
I was amused by the leaflet being handed out by forlorn traditionalists advertising a publication called The Embers Of Revisionism.
Hey, guys, the truth is the revisionists won.
The Cruiser has had the last laugh.
The Supreme Court has refused to stay a plea filed by animal rights activists challenging the annual buffalo race known as Kambala.
By India Today Web Desk: The Supreme Court has refused to stay a plea filed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals to ban a legislation in Karnataka that permits the annual buffalo race known as Kambala.
The sport is similar to the other controversial traditional game called Jallikattu. The Kambala season begins in November and goes on till March.
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10 things you should know about Kambala Kambala is a contest where two pairs of buffaloes tied ploughs are made to race on slush-filled tracks with a jockey guiding them while they run. The buffaloes are made to run at a speed that they time close to 12 to 13 seconds while covering a distance of 140 to 160 metres. The farmers use a whip to nudge the buffalo ahead and try and make them a medal winner. The Kambala season generally starts in November and lasts till March l the following year. The winning pair of buffaloes were awarded coconuts as part of this centuries-old tradition but these days the race is for a gold medal or a trophy. Kambala races are nowadays conducted day and night under floodlights. Animal rights activists have opposed the sport saying that tying the noses of the buffaloes with a rope and using a whip amounts to cruelty. Supreme Court in 2014 had banned Kambala and Jallikattu based on a petition filed by various animal rights organisations. Kambala supporters have been protesting since the ordinance on jallikattu was moved by the Tamil Nadu government lifting the ban. Massive protests and processions are being taken around with buffaloes to put pressure on the Karnataka government to move a similar ordinance. Kambala is a traditional bull sport similar to Jallikattu
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Stormont is clearly not working in its current guise and needs a new model
What is wrong with Northern Ireland? If you had asked me that question in 1968, 1978, or even 1998, I would have had a simple answer at hand: it was that society was divided along sectarian lines.
One of the communities had a majority and could not be trusted not to abuse its power in an ordinary, democratic system, even if the paramilitaries could be persuaded to give it a chance.
In 1973 participating parties and governments came up with a solution: power-sharing with an Irish dimension. That would give both communities a guaranteed stake in the running of the place and neither one would be able to dominate the other.
Perfect. All we needed was another 20-odd years of killing before Sinn Fein and the DUP, the plan's critics, could beef themselves up enough to get a slice of that power for themselves.
We didn't know that was how things would progress and, in 2007, we were a bit surprised that a solution was suddenly so easy, but there it was in front of us: Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley, sitting roughly side-by-side at the corner of a table, resolved to govern together.
But it hasn't worked, and in our exasperation with trying to find a heartbeat in a recumbent horse, we might be overlooking another important change that has occurred in that same time period.
And it is this: the old structure of Northern Ireland, which inspired power-sharing in the first place, has changed. There is no longer a majority unionist community and a minority nationalist one. Both are minorities.
The prospect of a resumption of the 50 years of misrule is gone. So, why do we need power-sharing?
Well, we need it because these two communities, as represented by Sinn Fein and the DUP, do not trust each other to govern. Yet the same might be said of the Tories and Labour.
They are, in some ways, even further apart. No one in Sinn Fein has suggested that the DUP secretly wants to run down the health service. Labour voters take that as read about the Tories.
Sinn Fein and the DUP are close on many things and both are essentially working-class parties.
There is a paradox in British politics. Two parties sincerely believe that the other might destroy the economy, public services and the national defence, yet each consents to be governed by the other when it loses an election.
Why do they do that? Why do we not?
Well, Labour expects, however bad its losses at one election, to be back in office in a few years.
We devised power-sharing because nationalists had no such hope to reassure them. But now they have.
If we scrapped power-sharing, Sinn Fein would probably find itself in Opposition against the DUP, but perhaps not. And, even so, it would have a realistic prospect of power next time.
It could woo friends in the Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance and form a coalition that would govern. The numbers are there. Of course, it would have to change.
In British politics there is an understanding that a party can only take power if it appeals to the middle ground; if it can sell its message to people who might otherwise vote against it. This is a moderating dynamic.
Tories may secretly dream of an American-style health service and directorships on retirement with insurance companies, but they cannot declare that to the electorate. They have to be nicer.
If we had a simple majority rule system, Sinn Fein would have to attract soft unionists; the DUP would have to attract soft nationalists.
We would have a dynamic that worked against sectarian factionalism. The dynamic of power-sharing, on the contrary, works to promote sectarianism.
There was a period when it seemed it might work otherwise. We had the 'Chuckle Brothers' Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. We had genuine warmth and co-operation between ministers. We had ministers working to help constituencies they didn't even get votes from.
Gregory Campbell put an end to flooding in the lower Ormeau and introduced free travel for 60-year-olds (for which, much gratitude).
But then he couldn't contain his mischievous reflexes enough not to sneer at the Irish language, poking a sleeping bear.
Many of us believed that participating in the Executive would teach the art of the possible to parties which had only been oppositional for decades.
The virtuous circle went into reverse and parties discovered that their electoral advantage lay not in being sweet to the other side, but in needling them.
Sinn Fein took the hump. McGuinness resigned and said there would be no going back to the status quo. That was the status quo in which a Sinn Fein minister would shake hands with the Queen, but get precious little reciprocation from an uppity DUP.
And all this against a background of mismanagement of a hugely expensive heating scheme.
The election that followed brought Sinn Fein to almost level-pegging in the Assembly with the DUP.
The DUP rallied its forces when Theresa May obligingly called a Westminster election and the party's fortunes flourished beyond their dreams, putting them at the right hand of May herself.
Acrimony delivers votes. It serves a sectarian base which likes to see the other side annoyed and takes no reassurance from them getting on well.
This dynamic consolidates the sectarian blocks at the expense of the more biddable parties in the same community, the SDLP and Ulster Unionists, but it makes government dysfunctional.
The logic of attracting votes by amplifying your contempt of the other side, in a power-sharing arrangement, is that your voters will expect you to make fierce demands, or pull out.
By my rough count, power-sharing devolution has been challenged with the threat of withdrawal, the exercise of a veto by one partner or the other, on nine separate occasions.
David Trimble crashed it over the IRA's refusal to decommission, then over the Stormont spy scandal. Seamus Mallon once resigned in a huff. The DUP refused to participate until Sinn Fein recognised policing. Sinn Fein threatened to pull out until Justice was devolved.
The DUP threatened to pull out over the On The Runs scheme and Sinn Fein over welfare reform.
The DUP threatened to pull out over Provo participation in the murder of Kevin McGuigan. Now Sinn Fein is out over RHI, an Irish Language Act, same-sex marriage, legacy issues and whatever you're having yourself.
If you had a car that broke down as often as that you would trade it in for a model that worked.
Power-sharing was an unfortunate compromise of democratic practice that was necessary, because, for half-a-century, unionists had governed smugly in a "cold house" for Catholics.
Since there isn't the remotest prospect of that happening again, why don't we just drop the whole idea?
Beltel
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A PERVERT ex-cop is still walking the streets despite being convicted of two new sex crimes and breaching a suspended prison sentence.
'Dirty' John Stanfield (83) was in Belfast Crown Court last week to admit openly rubbing his private parts at a Homebase DIY store and flaunting the terms of Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
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But the pensioner was yet again freed on bail despite being one of the most prolific perverts in Northern Ireland.
Since 2010 'Dirty John' - as he is known to neighbours in the Rosetta area of south Belfast - has been convicted of a staggering 19 sex crimes. However, he has only spent a total of four weeks behind bars.
The former RUC man was told to come back to the Crown Court on November 28 for sentencing for his latest offence, which occurred in the aisle of Homebase on the Saintfield Road in June last year. The creep was seen shamelessly caressing his genitals by disgusted customers. They alerted staff who called police.
Stanfield, who is well-known to local PSNI officers as he is banned from entering parks and some supermarkets, was later arrested.
He was also in breach of his SOPO, which prevents him from being near anyone under the age of 18 without prior approval because he is considered such a risk.
The court, which last year suspended his two-year prison sentence for three years, made the order after Stanfield was caught touching himself in front of kids at a Tesco store in south Belfast.
He claimed he was scratching his psoriasis, but police inquiries found he had behaved in a similar fashion at a nearby Sainsbury's supermarket. Officers showed Stanfield CCTV footage of his lewd behaviour, but he denied any wrongdoing.
A court was later told the recordings clearly displayed the paedophile "actively seeking out children in the aisles" before acting indecently in their presence.
Stanfield was first put on the Sex Offenders' Register in 2010.
Two years later he was in the dock at Antrim Crown Court to be convicted of flashing kids at Castlerock beach near Portstewart and pleasuring himself in public.
Disgusted onlookers told police Stanfield had his hand down his trousers and was "playing with himself" and "shuffling".
Since then the pensioner has been in court more than a dozen times to answer new sex offence charges.
He picked up the 'Dirty John' nickname after buying Viagra-style pills from local teenage drug dealers.
cbarnes@sundaylife.co.uk
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By PTI: (Eds: Updating with tweets of Modi and Stalin)
Chennai, Nov 6 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met ailing DMK supremo M Karunanidhi, a former Tamil Nadu chief minister, here and enquired about his health.
This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi became the prime minister in May 2014. The meeting lasted about 20 minutes.
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Modi sat next to wheelchair-bound Karunanidhi, 93, and held his hands.
"Met former Tamil Nadu CM, Thiru M Karunanidhi and enquired about his health.@kalaignar89," Modi wrote on his official Twitter page.
The prime minister, who arrived in the city to take part in a couple of functions, visited the Gopalapuram residence of Karunanidhi.
Karunanidhis son M K Stalin, who is DMK Working President, welcomed Modi at the gate of the residence and honoured him with a red shawl.
Stalin, also Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, in his official twitter page said that Modi during the meeting wished Karunanidhi a "speedy and full recovery."
"Honble PM @narendramodi made a courtesy call on Dr @kalaignar89...The PM enquired about his health & wished him a speedy & full recovery," Stalin wrote.
During his visit, Modi was accompanied by state Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan and state BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Soundarrajan told reporters that the prime minister invited Karunanidhi to visit Delhi.
DMK leaders, including Kanimozhi, who is the daughter of Karunanidhi and a Rajya Sabha MP, were among those present during the meeting.
Later, Karunanidhi made a brief appearance outside and waved at his supporters who cheered him.
Karunanidhi, who was taken ill in October 2016 due to a drug-induced allergy, was twice admitted to a private hospital in December last.
He has been since confined to his house, but made one rare appearance on October 19 this year when he visited an exhibition here held to showcase the 75-year journey of DMKs mouthpiece, Murasoli.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had called on the nonagenarian DMK patriarch at his residence in December, 2016. PTI VIJ SA BN GSN GSN
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By PTI: Chandrapur, Nov 6 (PTI) A police complaint has been filed against Maharashtra Water Resources Minister and BJP leader Girish Mahajan over his remarks suggesting that using feminine brand names could boost liquor sale.
The complaint was filed against the minister by Shramik Elgaar, an unorganised sector labour union, president and activist Paromita Goswami at the Mul police station in the district yesterday.
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Addressing an event organised by a sugar mill in North Maharashtras Nandurbar district on Saturday, the minister had said, "If you want alcohol or any products demand to rise, name it after a woman and see how the demand soars".
Facing flak, the minister today apologised for making the remarks, saying he didnt mean to hurt womens sentiments.
Goswami said the minister has "insulted" women by suggesting that giving feminine names to brands would boost the sales of liquour.
"As per the provisions under Article 47 of the Constitution, the government is supposed to implement liquor ban in the state. I was simply taken aback by the statement by none other than a minister (Mahajan) in this regard and hence have lodged a police complaint," Goswami told reporters last evening.
She also threatened to launch a protest if the police failed to register an FIR against the minister.
The Maharashtra government had in 2015 declared Chandrapur district in the Vidarbha region as a dry district, imposing ban on the sale, purchase, production and consumption of liquor.
Chandrapur was the third district in the state, after neighbouring Wardha and Gadchiroli, where prohibition was imposed.
The activist said she would file a complaint against the minister with the state governor for his removal from the post. She also demanded a statement in this regard from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
When contacted, Mul police station inspector Jayvant Chavan confirmed the receipt of the complaint.
"Paromita Goswamis complaint has been forwarded to higher officials for legal opinion. The complainant has alleged that the minister has violated Article 47 of the Constitution during his speech. However, there are no specific clauses under which the complaint could be registered," he said. PTI COR NSK TIR TIR
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The court while hearing the petition filed by Khaira though stayed the arrest of Khaira but simultaneously allowed the proceedings of the trial court to continue. The case will come up for hearing on November 9.
By Manjeet Sehgal: In a major relief to the Punjab Leader of Opposition (LOP) Sukhpal Singh Khaira, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday stayed his arrest, who along with five others were issued a non-bailable arrest warrant by a Fazilka court in connection with a 2015 drug smuggling case.
The court while hearing the petition filed by Khaira though stayed the arrest of Khaira but simultaneously allowed the proceedings of the trial court to continue. The case will come up for hearing on November 9.
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Earlier while challenging the summons issued by the Fazilka court, Khaira in his petition had told the court that the summons were politically motivated as the case is two years old and the accused Gurdev Singh , who according to the complainant was a Khaira'a aide, was already convicted.
Khaira's name had cropped in the drug smuggling case registered in 2015. The Fazilka Court while hearing a petition moved by the Additional Public Prosecutor Gurbaj Singh had also issued summons to Khaira's private secretary and PSO.
The development had come as a major embarrassment for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which was very vocal about the issue of drug smuggling in Punjab.
Khaira has also accused leader's of his own party for hatching a conspiracy against him. Sukhpal Singh Khera while speaking to media persons, after the court stayed his arrest, accused his own party leaders of hatching conspiracy against him. Khaira has once again said that the summons issued against him were politically motivated.
"No case was registered against me, my name did not figure in the chargesheet and not even a single witness took my name. This case is politically motivated to tarnish my image. It is sad that members of my own party also conspired against me. I have full faith in judiciary," Sukhpal Singh Khaira said.
THE CASE
The drug smuggling case was registered on March 9, 2015 by the Fazilka police after it seized two kilograms of heroin besides 24 gold biscuits from a vehicle. The police had later arrested nine people and had seized a country made pistol besides two Pakistani SIM cards from their possession. Gurdev Singh, the then Chairman of Dhilwan Market Committee was also among the arrested persons.
The petitioner Gurbaj Singh had told the court that Gurdev Singh was close to Sukhpal Khaira and both were part of a drug 'racket'. He had also named Gurdev's sister Charanjit Kaur as part of the drug racket. According to the petition, Sukhpal Singh Khaira had spoken to Gurdev as much as 65 times between February 27 ,2015 to March 8,2015 using mobile phones of his Private Secretary and PSO.
The Fazilka court had sentenced nine people including Gurdev Singh for 20 years on October 31 besides summoning Sukhpal Singh Khaira and four others.
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Retail property giant Scentre Group has reported mixed sales for its third-quarter trading update, reflecting the general weaker state of consumer sentiment.
Its department store tenants saw sales declines of 6.7 per cent for the nine months ending September 30, while the more popular, internet-proof food clients reported a rise of 0.9 per cent.
Scentre's Westfield shopping centre at Bondi Junction is one of the nation's best performing centres.
The launch of the new iPhone X helped push technology and appliances sales growth to 6.5 per cent.
Overall, the landlord expects full-year funds from operations growth to be in line with guidance of 4.25 per cent and has maintained the distribution per security of 21.73, a growth of 2 per cent. Scentre has a December 31 balance date.
Australian-Chinese entrepreneur Michael Cho says the risks of investing in China are high, but the rewards are too. Cho thinks he can't go too far wrong, over the long term, with dominant players such as Tencent and Alibaba. Volatility That risk was certainly on show when the Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index fell from 5200 points in June 2015 to 2800 points by late January last year a fall of almost 50 per cent. It has recovered somewhat, but is still a long way off its peak.
That doesn't deter the fund managers who invest in emerging markets. For them, China is even a bigger deal than it was a decade ago. Their biggest positions continue to be in "greater" China which includes Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. South Korea usually runs second. Enthusiasm for China is even greater now that it's on the path to being a genuine innovator. Tech and ecommerce companies such as Alibaba and Baidu (China's Google), which are listed in the US, and Tencent, listed in Hong Kong, have not only learned from their US rivals but, in some respects, have surpassed them. China
"When I think of emerging markets, it's now more about China than it ever was," says Tim Rocks, the chief investment officer at Evans and Partners. "Ten years ago you were buying a bunch of companies with some cyclical upside," Rocks says. "Now, it's much more about tech companies something like half of the world's online shopping occurs in China," he says. "I would argue that we are at the point now where Alibaba is a better company than Amazon it has learned from Amazon," Rocks says. It's not just the techs. "We are still believers in the emerging middle-class consumer story," he says. And that's a story that's going on in India and Brazil as well, he says.
Kevin Bertoli, portfolio manager of PM Capital's Asian equities strategies, has big exposures to China but is also finding good opportunities in companies in the rest of Asia, such as Malaysia. Going back more than a decade, Australian investors could easily get access to the China growth story by simply buying shares in BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, he says. China was importing hard commodities at a prodigious rate in order to build apartments, roads and bridges. Asia first Bertoli argues Asia should be the focus for Australian investors as other emerging markets, such as Russia and Brazil, are commodity-driven economies with similarities to Australia.
"Australians already have access to great commodity businesses and we don't need to go to Brazil to get those," he says. "What's really growing in the world is Asia," he says. John Birkhold, a partner at Origin Asset Management, prefers China's "world-class" technology companies to its property companies and state-owned enterprises. He is not so keen on India. "It's an attractive market in terms of high growth and lots of interesting stocks, but the market is very expensive," Birkhold says. In August, the International Monetary Fund warned that Chinese corporate debt is at "dangerous" levels and China's sovereign credit ratings have been cut this year.
Damien Klassen, head of investments at Nucleus Wealth, says the high levels of debt is a concern to him. "If the Chinese authorities think the economy is growing too slowly they will hit the debt accelerator again," he says. There's also a a demographic headwind with the ageing population, he says. Home bias a threat to returns over the long term It could be a good time to add some exposure to emerging markets, particularly for those investors who have big home biases to Australian shares, says Chris Brycki, the chief executive of Stockspot, an online investment adviser. Over the past 10 years, the US shares have outperformed emerging markets by a huge margin.
"If you look at the spread between these two indexes, it's about as extreme as it's ever been," Brycki says. Based on the tendency for returns to revert to the mean, that difference is likely to narrow over the next decade, Brycki says. Steve Sweeney, general manager of emerging markets at investments researcher Lonsec, says Australians are generally too exposed to the local sharemarket. "There's definitely room to have more exposure to the fastest-growing economies in the world", he says. "We recommend a 10 to 20 per cent allocation from within the global equities part of a portfolio, which should add some oomph in investment terms over the long term," he says. Performance figures show that active fund managers find it difficult beat the index. There are exceptions, but generally their returns have struggled to justify their fees.
The lawyer grandson of chief Sydney Harbour bridge engineer John Bradfield will not be jailed for a $3 million fraud because he is gravely ill and "likely to die" within months, the District Court has ruled.
John Gordon Bradfield, 74, was at the centre of a drawn-out investigation and prosecution for misappropriating clients' and friends' money as part of pyramid-style scheme spanning 30 years from the late 1980s.
John Bradfield at his home in St Ives in 2009. Credit:James Brickwood
He lost $2.3 million of his own money in the scheme, the court heard.
The fraud squad launched an investigation into Bradfield in 2010 and the former suburban solicitor pleaded guilty on February 5 last year to 10 charges of making false statements and using false instruments to obtain money.
There was little to no implementation of the National Green Tribunal ban and in several places, farmers went about their business as usual or with "token penalties".
At several places in Punjab and Haryana, farmers go about business as usual with token penalties or after bribing lower-level officials. (Photo: Parveen Negi)
By Baishali Adak: Though chief minister Amarinder Singh's government claimed recently that crop residue burning in Punjab has come down by a significant 30 per cent, smoke emanating from the ground indicates otherwise.
Mail Today visited Punjab and Haryana and found vast swathes of agricultural land on both sides of NH-1 - traversing Sonipat, Panipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Ludhiana and further - turned charcoal black.
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Importantly, farmers informed that after residue from the hybrid PR14 variety of rice was burnt over the last two months, now straw from Basmati rice is going to be set ablaze, which accounts for 30 per cent of the total paddy cultivation.
Also, since the weather has cooled down and there is moisture on the crops, there will be more pollution compared to rapid burning of the remnants.
Sources reported that in several villages, there was little to no implementation of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban and fines for crop burning on farmers.
In several places, farmers went about their business as usual or with "token penalties". Incidents also came to fore where lower level officials pocketed part of the money for not levying the full penalty.
Bageesh Kumar, a farmer in Kaithal district of Haryana, said, "Even till a few days back, acres and acres of land were burned. A member of the panchayat here burnt 25 acres, but was penalised for only one acre. Neither police nor the SDM even came to the doorsteps of many such farmers."
This is despite NGT spelling out definitive slabs of fine for crop burning - Rs 2,500 for less than two acres, Rs 5,000 for medium land owners holding over two acres and less than five acres, and Rs 15,000 for those owning more than five acres.
"More than 80 per cent farmers here don't know what's a happy seeder and government agriculture department scientists only teach us how to use copious amounts of urea and pesticide instead of healthy ways of farming like mixing the straw in the land," Bageesh added.
Joginder Mann, a farmer in Patiala's Bahawalpur, attributed the lack of action to the reigning Congress government's unwillingness to offend the farming class. "The Punjabi business community is already seething with anger over GST. Government employees are not being paid regularly as the state does not have enough funds. They certainly don't want to jeopardise their poll prospects by upsetting farmers too," he said.
Mann said in his village, about 1,800 acres covered by paddy straw were consigned to flames. "Had you come a few days back, you would have seen only fire everywhere. We couldn't breathe or see. Our skins turned bad due to the blazing heat," he added.
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Farmer Harkeerat Singh from the same village said, "There is only one biomass plant here which takes our paddy residue. It, in fact, ends up creating more pollution all the year round by burning it to generate electricity."
Environment activist Vikrant Tongad, who has pursued the issue since 2012, said even NASA images showed ample crop burning in Yamunanagar, Ambala, Panchkula, Amritsar and Jalandhar.
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More than 900 kilometres for a burrito - it may not seem worth the journey to most, but it was worth the effort in Ashlea Russell's eyes after flying from Sydney to attend the opening of Queensland's first Taco Bell fast-food restaurant in Brisbane on Saturday.
An estimated 50 people camped outside overnight ahead of the 9am ribbon-cutting and Ms Russell wasn't the only interstate visitor, with the first customer to enjoy the Mexican cuisine being a Melbourne fan who also flew up especially for the opening in Annerley.
Queensland's first Taco Bell in Annerley on Brisbane's southside. Credit:Dylan Evans - Supplied
For Ms Russell, it all started in the lead-up to her 21st birthday in March, when her mum said she couldn't have a party to celebrate because "there were too many people living in the house" on the New South Wales central coast.
"So I jumped on a plane to Vegas and had my first burrito at Taco Bell and fell in love," she said.
Failed Labor candidate Margaret Strelow has stood aside as Rockhampton mayor and will run as an independent at the Queensland election in a further blow to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
After missing out on Labor preselection, Rockhampton mayor Margaret Strelow will run for the seat of Rockhampton as an independent in the 2017 Queensland state election.
Ms Strelow said her decision had nothing to do with the recent factional brawl where she lost pre-selection for the seat of Rockhampton to Barry O'Rourke, despite being the premier's pick.
Ms Palaszczuk endorsed the two-time mayor, also a member of her Right faction, last month after Ms Strelow challenged the Old Guard's traditional hold on the seat, left vacant by ailing Agriculture Minister Bill Byrne.
Denying a case of sour grapes, Ms Strelow said it was her determination to see pressing local issues addressed properly that made her run.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull should publicly support an international ban on military uses of lethal artificial intelligence, according to a group of 122 AI and robotics researchers from around Australia.
In an open letter sent last week, the researchers urged Mr Turnbull "to make Australia the 20th country in the world to take a firm global stand against weaponising AI".
Some experts fear the development of lethal autonomous weapons systems could lead to disastrous consequences. The MQ-9 Reaper drone, pictured, is advertised as "fully autonomous". Credit:AAP Image/University of NSW
The call comes as a group of international experts prepare to meet in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss the rise of smart military machines at the United Nations Conference on the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
"Lethal autonomous weapons systems that remove meaningful human control from determining the legitimacy of targets and deploying lethal force sit on the wrong side of a clear moral line," the Australian researchers wrote.
Sutherland Springs, Texas: A man convicted of beating his wife and child had sent threatening text messages to his mother-in-law before shooting and killing 26 people in the rural Texas church that she attended.
Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, walked into the white-steepled First Baptist Church in rural Sutherland Springs carrying an assault rifle and wearing black tactical gear, then opened fire during a Sunday prayer service. He wounded at least 20 others, officials said.
After he left the church, two local residents, at least one of whom was armed with a rifle, chased him in their vehicles and exchanged gunfire, and Kelley crashed his car and shot himself to death, Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt told CBS News in an interview on Monday morning.
Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said one of the residents, who he described as a "Texas hero [and] Good Samaritan", heard the gunfire and grabbed his own assault rifle before running outside to engage the shooter.
Campus News
International Education Week focuses on international relations
Saahithi Yammanuru of the Indian Graduate Student Association demonstrates an Indian dance during International Education Week.
By SUE WUETCHER
The keynote lecture will be presented by Andrew Bacevich, a war veteran, retired U.S. Army colonel and incisive critic of U.S. foreign policy and how we frame war, terrorism, security and the other at home. Bacevich will speak on Washingtons Rules: Americas Path to Permanent War at 4 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Student Union Theater, North Campus.
UBs annual celebration of International Education Week (IEW) will take place Nov. 12-17, with a keynote event focusing on U.S. foreign and military policy.
In his talk, he will critique the guiding assumptions that lead Americas foreign policy and military strategy what he calls the Washington rules.
Bacevich argues that these rules that America must always have a massive military capable of rapid engagement and that global stability is dependent on Americas military might are so entrenched that no elected official or policymaker has been able to alter them.
These rules, he says, have led America to insolvency and perpetual war. He will discuss how the Washington rules have shaped history and if these rules can ever be changed.
A 1969 graduate of West Point, Bacevich is professor emeritus of international relations and history at Boston University and a former director of BUs Center for International Relations.
He also has taught at Johns Hopkins University and at West Point. Bacevich also holds an MA and PhD in American diplomatic history from Princeton University.
He served with the Army during the Vietnam War, and has held posts in Germany and the Persian Gulf.
UBs International Education Week celebration has been an annual tradition since 2001. Its goal is to showcase the rich cultural diversity of the campus community, provide insightful analysis of issues of critical importance worldwide and highlight the universitys international programs and outreach.
The celebration is particularly relevant at UB. With more than 6,000 international students, the university ranks in the top 25 of 2,700 accredited U.S. universities in international enrollment, according to the Institute of International Education. UB has exchange agreements with more than 80 institutions in more than 30 countries.
Other IEW events this year showcase UBs international student population and the international efforts of UB faculty and students.
The World Bazaar, which celebrates the differences and commonalities of all people, cultures and abilities, will offer a wide range of performances, cuisines and demonstrations.
The World View: Study Abroad Photo Contest and Exhibition, a display of photos taken by UB students studying in all corners of the world, shows the wide range of study abroad programs offered at UB.
An Evening of Chinese Music, organized by the UB Confucius Institute, will feature vocal and instrumental Chinese music performed by faculty and visiting professors from the Confucius Institutes at Binghamton University and Alfred University.
The annual Without Borders lecture series will demonstrate UBs global reach, with sessions on such topics as the Peace Corps, fellowships and scholarships for international study, and doctors health experiences abroad.
And it wouldnt be International Education Week without the cultural performances and interactive displays by UB student clubs and Buffalo community groups. Activities, which will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Student Union Lobby, will include Korean Poongmul drumming, traditional Indonesian and Middle Eastern dances, as well as a lion dance and martial arts demonstration.
A full schedule of events is available online.
IEW events at UB are sponsored by AT&T; Bank of America; Late Night UB; SEFCU; T-Mobile; and the UB Asian Studies Program; Confucius Institute; Gender Institute; departments of History, Political Science and Sociology; English Language Institute; Intercultural & Diversity Center; Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Office of International Education; and Study Abroad Programs.
European Union finance ministers will on Tuesday discuss setting up a blacklist of worldwide tax havens, EU officials said, after leaked documents from an offshore law firm exposed new high-profile cases of tax avoidance.
The decision to include the subject in the monthly meeting's agenda came after the publication over the weekend in several media of the so-called Paradise Papers, a trove of leaked financial documents mostly from law firm Appleby that exposed dealings with tax havens by top public figures.
EU countries had planned for months to reach an agreement on a blacklist for tax havens by the end of this year and the new revelations prompted an earlier discussion on the subject, EU officials said. No final decision is however expected on Tuesday.
In the wake of earlier revelations on widespread tax dodging, like the so-called Panama Papers or Luxembourg Leaks, the EU discussed several measures to crack down on tax avoidance, including an EU-wide list of tax havens meant to discourage the rerouting of profits made in the EU to tax-free or low-tax countries, like Panama or Bermuda.
At the moment, each EU country has its own list of jurisdictions that are seen as less cooperative on tax matters. Criteria to define a tax haven vary greatly among EU states and some of them include no jurisdictions in their national blacklists.
An EU blacklist is believed to carry more weight. Jurisdictions included in the list could be subject to sanctions if they did not cooperate.
There are no details yet of the type of sanctions to be discussed, although being on the blacklist in itself could discourage individuals and companies from putting money in those jurisdictions.
Some EU countries remain skeptical about the blacklist and are themselves under scrutiny for unfair tax competition.
Smaller EU states, like Luxembourg, Malta and Ireland, attract firms with lower corporate taxes. Some have been sanctioned for deals with multinationals that slashed their tax bills reducing revenues in other EU states.
To win over their resistance, the proposed EU blacklist would apply only to non-EU countries. Also, states which charge no corporate taxes will not be automatically considered tax havens, under a preliminary deal reached by EU finance ministers last year.
On tax matters the EU can take decisions only with the unanimous backing of its 28 member states, unless extraordinary procedures are launched - an option never tested so far.
To reduce the appeal of tax havens, Brussels has also proposed the setting up of public registries that would show the real owners of companies, which are often hidden by frontmen in shell firms in offshore jurisdictions.
It has also proposed compulsory reporting by large multinational firms of profits made and taxes paid in each state where they operate, in a bid to show how much of their revenues are booked in low-tax countries.
EU states have been long discussing both proposals, but no deal has been reached yet. "EU governments such as Germany have been standing against the rising tide of financial transparency," said Carl Dolan, director of Transparency International EU. (Reuters)
Source: www.businessworld.ie
The latest InterTradeIreland Business Monitor has been released today and finds that 39% of businesses across Ireland are in growth mode and a further 57% are in a stable position.
InterTradeIrelands quarterly Business Monitor survey is the largest and most comprehensive business survey on the island and is based on the views of more than 750 business managers across Northern Ireland and Ireland since 2008.
The survey finds that companies trading cross-border are faring particularly well, with 50% enjoying growth. However, growth is not translating into a similar upsurge in employment, with only 7% of companies reporting that employment levels have increased over the past quarter.
The reluctance to take on new staff against the positive market background chimes with the findings that despite sectoral differences, 89% of businesses overall are close to or at full capacity.
InterTradeIreland believes that while this may signal a welcome improvement in productivity performance, it may also reflect an increasing number of businesses reporting difficulties in recruiting appropriate skills. Cost increases in overheads and through the supply chain are also major challenges which with firms are facing.
The fact that only 95% of businesses are still not actively planning for Brexit remains a real concern says Intertrade Ireland, particularly, as 22% overall and 41% of cross border traders say it is having a negative impact on their business.
Commenting on the figures, Strategy and Policy Director at InterTradeIreland, Aidan Gough said, "While we encourage businesses to concentrate on the day job and operational effectiveness, we also advise companies to use this time strategically to look at the possible impacts of Brexit. By asking relevant questions and working through different scenarios, businesses which have proved resilient in the past, will discover new solutions and opportunities in the challenges that lie ahead."
He added, "An online Brexit planning tool which is available on our website will help SMEs begin the process to begin to PLAN, ACT and ENGAGE for the optimal Brexit outcome for their business."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
Irelands first ever legal hackathon took place in Dublin this weekend and was hosted by Irish law firm Matheson, in partnership with Deloitte, IBM and the Dublin City University Ryan Academy. Participants gathered in Matheson Headquarters for the two-day event focusing on blockchain and the new business opportunities that it brings.
The initiative is part of Mathesons wider Smart programme, launched in 2016, which is focused on looking for innovative ideas to improve client service, efficiencies and collaboration incorporating the latest themes such as fintech, AI and blockchain.
At the hackathon, Matheson employees pitched blockchain ideas for further development, including a distributed energy grid, a qualification registry and a smart contract system for housing rental. Teams voted on the best ideas and spent the hackathon fleshing them out and working on their implementation. Ideas were judged on their creativity, innovation and feasibility.
Blockchain technology facilitates transactions and stores information using a secure, distributed ledger system. Its most famous application, the cryptocurrency Bitcoin, allows users to send money directly to another users wallet saving time and money. Blockchain has the potential to revolutionise every industry that transacts goods and services including law, according to Matheson.
Speakers included Lory Kehoe, leader of Deloittes Europe EMEA blockchain lab who explained the workings of blockchain, its features and the advantages it offers over existing technologies and systems; David Fisher, founder and CEO of Integra Ledger, provided insights and gave participants a hands-on, live experience of a blockchain specifically developed for the event.
The schedule also included Niall Dennehy, COO and co-founder of Aid:Tech, who gave a demonstration of Aid:Techs blockchain, which was recently used to successfully deliver aid to Syrian refugees in a transparent, secure way.
Speaking after the event, Rebecca Ryan, Matheson partner and leader of Smart, the firms innovation initiative, said: "Following two very busy but rewarding days of ideas building and innovative discussions, our participants are walking away with valuable insights into the world of blockchain and the opportunities it brings for both the financial services and legal services sectors. Shaping the future of business and revolutionising the way we communicate, collaborate and create, blockchain is all about how we organise trust in our systems and in our society."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
By PTI: Jaipur, Nov 6 (PTI) The Rajasthan BJP will observe the first anniversary of demonetisation as anti-blackmoney day on November 8.
The move has come four days after the state Congress announced that it would observe November 8 as a black day.
BJP state general secretary Abhishek Matoria said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken a revolutionary decision by demonetising high value currency notes to eliminate corruption, black money and terror funding.
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He claimed that people had welcomed Modis decision.
The prime minister in his first cabinet meeting had constituted an SIT for probing into black money. BJP-led Centre government made laws to deal with black money, unaccounted properties and tax evasion, Matoria said in a statement.
He said that November 8 will be observed as anti- blackmoney day in all districts of the state. The campaign will begin from November 7 with various workshops, panel discussion, rallies, distribution of pamphlets and hoardings informing about the steps taken by the government against black money and corruption.
The campaign will continue till November 9 in which Union ministers, MPs, state ministers, MLAs and BJP office bearers and workers will participate, he added. PTI AG ADS
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Students wait to take the national judicial entrance exam at Wujin Vocational Education Center in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, in September 2007. The most recent national judicial exam in 2017 had a record-high of 649,000 test-takers. Photo: Yang Yifan/Caixin
The results of Septembers national legal profession examination are crucial for the ambitions of Li Ning, a young girl from East Chinas Shandong province who wants to become a lawyer to help protect vulnerable people like her mother.
Lis mother committed suicide eight years ago after she was detained by local officials when she complained about receiving unfair treatment from the authorities. It wasnt until this August that a local court decided to bring to justice the three people responsible for the death of Lis mother, after Lis family petitioned the government for years.
While this success has cheered her, Li is anxious about her exam results as a recently announced reform plan may soon make her unqualified to take the national legal examination, essentially locking her out of the profession.
Established in 2002, the two-day, 12-hour exam is mandatory for those who want to become a lawyer, judge, prosecutor or notary in China. It is seen as one of Chinas most difficult professional examinations as it requires a comprehensive knowledge of the countrys corpus of law and the ability to write well. Only around 10% of examinees pass every year.
But the exam has helped lots of people, many of whom lack a formal legal education, break into the legal profession. Ren Jianyu, a lawyer at the Chongqing Chuangguan Law Firm, passed the exam in 2015 and became a licensed lawyer earlier this year. Ren taught himself about the law after he was sentenced six years ago to 15 months in a labor camp for spreading improper political content online. His conviction was later overturned.
I have been hurt by the abuse of power, but there are always people who believe in the rule of law and make efforts for it. This is why I took the exam to become a lawyer, Ren said.
This year, a record 649,000 examinees took the exam, up from 588,000 last year. This surge in applicants has been partly fueled by the upcoming revisions to the exam system announced by the Ministry of Justice in January. The ministry has decided to revamp the examination beginning next year, saying it wants the exam to keep up with the countrys broader judicial reforms and improve the professional standards of the law profession.
Li Ning (center, wearing brown pants) leaves Changping School, affiliated with Capital Normal University, with other students on the afternoon of Sept. 17. Li is worred that a judicial reform plan will make her unqualified to take the national legal examination, essentially locking her out of the profession. Photo: Yang Yifan/Caixin
One major change will be higher barriers to entry, with those without a law degree likely to be eventually barred from taking the exam. Although the final shape and timeline of the reforms hasnt yet been decided upon, many worry that the door to a law career may soon be closed to many.
I failed last year by four points, and this year might be my last chance, said Li after taking the exam in Beijing.
Open the door
Chinas current judicial exam system has been in place since 2002, and is opened to anyone who has a university-level education and who the authorities decide has a record of good behavior.
The exam system unified the different requirements and standards that had been applied to wannabe lawyers, judges and prosecutors across China. On many occasions, judges and prosecutors had been appointed by administrative order without having to formally prove any legal competency.
A Justice Ministry official told Caixin that the lack of a unified legal exam had hindered the development of the profession and put it under the influence of political, administrative and local power.
The installation of the unified judicial examination is one of the most significant achievements of Chinas judicial reforms over the past two decades as it helped build up the number of legal professionals, who will be crucial for future reforms, said Liu Sida, a legal studies professor at the University of Toronto.
Justice Ministry data show that over the past 15 years, 880,000 people have passed the exam and half of them subsequently got a job as a lawyer, judge, prosecutor or notary.
The system has been flexibly implemented, with rules occasionally being bent, such as the lowering of passing-score requirements for applicants living in remote, underserved areas. Over the past 15 years, these preferential policies helped about 150,000 people living in remote regions obtain legal qualifications, said Jia Liqun, director of the Justice Ministrys exam department.
Time to change
Although the opening of access to the law has been applauded, some argue that the low threshold for entry into the field no longer fits with the countrys legal system.
A good lawyer is like a good doctor. Can you imagine a doctor without professional training performing surgery after simply passing an exam? said Xu Shenjian, a law professor at the China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing. Legal professionals deal with peoples life, property and freedom. It is unacceptable to allow someone to do this work without proper training.
Other scholars have also called on the threshold for taking the exam to be raised, to give access only to those with a formal legal education. Chinas judicial system has become much more complicated and delicate over the past two decades, making it difficult for people without professional training to fully comprehend it, said Liu from the University of Toronto.
Meanwhile, China has over 600 law schools, which train hundreds of thousands of law students every year, providing an adequate supply of talents to meet demand, said Liu. There is no need to let those without formal law education to take part, he said.
In 2016, about 80,000 people received law undergraduate degrees, and getting a graduate-level law job has become very competitive, according to an Education Ministry report.
Others have suggested that even with the upcoming reforms, the system remains too exam-centric and neglects important skills and subjects. The exam prioritizes memorization over analysis, and the subjects that it fails to emphasize, like international law, have long been marginalized in China, said He Weifang, a law professor at Peking University.
Several scholars interviewed by Caixin suggested China learn from countries like the U.S. and Germany and not only test applicants knowledge but also assess their ethics and practical skills.
In response to these longstanding concerns, the Communist Partys Committee of Political and Legislative Affairs, the National Peoples Congress and the Justice Ministry jointly issued a reform plan in January to replace the old exam with a new professional qualification test system, starting in 2018.
According to Jia, the Justice Ministry has partnered with the Supreme Peoples Court and the Supreme Peoples Procuratorate to draft the details of the new system, including rules about applicants qualifications and testing methods. Eventually, qualifications will be granted only to those with a law degree or at least three years of work experience in legal institutions, according to Jia.
The new qualification system will not only cover judges, prosecutors, lawyers and notaries, but also individuals who conduct administrative adjudications or reviews, as well as legal consultants and arbitrators, according to the reform plan.
While many are eagerly waiting to see how and when the revisions will affect potential examinees, scholars have suggested that this should not be the end of Chinas reforms of the legal profession.
Sun Xiaoxia, director of the Law School at Shanghais Fudan University, said that legal professionals should undertake training throughout their career, and that the way in which judges and prosecutors are chosen and promoted should be made fairer.
While Huawei and Oppo topped the China smartphone sales list, it was Xiaomi who posted the biggest gains in the third quarter, expanding its sales by 56.6% as its fledgling comeback gains momentum. Photo: Visual China
Oppo gained ground on Huawei in the Chinese smartphone market during the third quarter, as the former tried to regain the title of top dog in the worlds largest market, according to new data released on Monday.
At the same time, U.S. giant Apple Inc. recaptured some ground, ending nearly two years of decline in a market that accounts for about a fifth of its global sales. And Xiaomi Inc. continued its own climb back up through the ranks of Chinas top smartphone brands, posting the strongest gains of any major player in its fledgling turnaround story.
Those were some of the highlights in an otherwise stagnant and saturated Chinese smartphone market, where overall sales posted a 1% decline in the third quarter as about 114.7 million units shipped, according to data tracking firm IDC.
China is the worlds largest smartphone market, accounting about 30% of worldwide sales by shipments. But it has also become one of the most hotly contested, as a vibrant field of homegrown players like Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Oppo Electronics Corp., Xiaomi and Vivo all vie for market share. That competition is already starting to hit smaller players with smaller marketing budgets, said IDC analyst Tay Xiaohan.
With competition heating up, top smartphone players will need to either maintain or increase their marketing activities in the coming quarters, said Tay. The implication for smaller players who do not have a high marketing budget is that it will be harder to thrive or survive in the saturated China smartphone market. The smaller smartphone companies that focus on the tier-three to tier-five cities will continue to depend on the subsidy from operators to target a very niche consumer segment.
Huawei, Oppo, Xiaomi and Vivo were the largest players in China during the third quarter, led by Huawei with 19.4% market share and followed by Oppo at No. 2 with 18.8%. The gap separating the pair, equal to just 0.6 percentage points, represented a sharp narrowing of the 3.1 point gap in the previous quarter. Oppo was king of the China smartphone market in last years third quarter, but later lost the crown to its much larger and better-funded rival.
Huawei posted 23.4% growth in the third quarter from a year earlier, versus 7.5% for Oppo. But the best growth was posted by Xiaomi, whose China sales jumped 56.6% for the quarter as its young comeback showed signs of gaining momentum. The company was once one of Chinas hottest new high-tech brands, but fell out of favor due to product problems and the limitations of its previous online-only sales network. With those issues out of the way, the company has returned to the strong growth rates of its earlier years.
Also noteworthy was Apple, whose 7.3% expansion marked its first growth in China after declines over the previous six quarters. In its own latest quarterly results announced last week, the U.S. tech giant reported the first growth in its Greater China sales for nearly two years, as it benefitted from the release of its new iPhone 8 models and buzz generated by the even newer iPhone X that went on sale last week.
Contact reporter Yang Ge (geyang@caixin.com)
Odisha Public Service Commission has released an official employment notification, calling out for candidates to apply for the posts of lecturers. The vacancy has opened in 12 different categories. Aspirants can start applying for the posts online from 14 November 2017.
Vacancy Availability
Name of the post:
Lecturer
Number of Posts:
23
Location
Odisha
Eligibility
Education Qualification:
Candidates must have done Graduation in Ayurveda from any recognized University.
Age Limit:
21-40 Years
Pay Scale
Rs. 9300-34800/- plus Grade Pay of Rs. 4,600/- per month
Selection procedure
Written test
Face to face interview
Application Fees:
Candidates are required to pay Rs. 300/- as application fees. ST/SC/PWD candidates are exempted fees.
How to apply for OPSC recruitment?
In order to apply for the Odisha Public Service Commission Recruitment, follow the steps given here:
Log on to the official website opsconline.gov.in
Click on the relevant link
Open the application form
Enter the requisite details
Pay the application fees
Upload the necessary documents
Click to submit
Save the receipt to your computer and take a print out of it for future reference
Deadline
The last date to apply for the OPSC lecturer recruitment is 15th December 2017.
Also Read: Government of Odisha Scholarship For Students: Apply for E-Medhabruti Scheme Now!
If you have just started your journey in an online casino or are looking for a new site to play,...
Sonangol denies oil supply suspension at Kwanza Sul
ICR Newsroom By 06 November 2017
Sonangol, Angolas national fuel company, denied Friday that it had suspended oil supplies at the Fabrica de Cimento do Kwanza Sul (FCKS).
According to Sonangol, what is happening specifically with the FCKS is that the company does not have its own storage facilities to receive and do fuel oil distribution logistics.
This situation "threatens the arrival of fuel in the area of the plant, jeopardising the entire production process, including the production of clinker, cement raw material, the fuel company said in a press release.
However, to address the issue, the oil company has said it made available land near the Luanda refinery to install fuel oil tanks in 2015. However, the cement plant has not implemented such plans yet.
"In a series of meetings between the oil company and the cement plant, aimed at overcoming the difficulties faced by the latter, Sonangol showed the total availability of FCKS fuel oil trucks at the Luanda refinery during at night, for the loading of fuel, despite the impact that this measure would have on its own operations ", added the document.
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These Are the Smartest and Dumbest U.S. Presidents and How Donald Trump Compares
Donald Trump definitely thinks hes one of the smartest people to ever sit in the Oval Office.
Hes also obsessed with the idea of IQ scores. (He even refers to them in his insults!) Researchers measure a persons IQ, short for intelligence quotient, with standardized tests. Those tests yield a score that supposedly reflects the persons intelligence. So plenty of people wonder which presidents have had the highest and lowest IQ scores.
In a study, University of California psychologist Dean Keith Simonton attempted to estimate an IQ for every president. Simonton used variables that correlate with IQ. This historiometric approach looked at factors including each presidents academic performance, writings, and other evidence. U.S. News averaged the four estimated IQ scores shared in the research.
Lets take a quick look at which presidents Simonton labeled as the smartest and the dumbest, and how well Trump compares.
The smartest presidents
9. James Garfield
20th president of the United States
Party: Republican
Estimated IQ: 141.5
James Garfield numbers among the smartest presidents. But he doesnt make the list of the best presidents. As History reports, Garfield swore the oath of office in March 1881. Then, he died in September 1881 from an assassins bullet. He served too briefly to make much of an impact. But by contrast, he suffered a long and drawn-out death.
He lay in the White House, near death, for almost three months as doctors failed to locate the bullet in his back. Even inventor Alexander Graham-Bell tried unsuccessfully to find it with a metal detector. So Garfield died politically untested, without having done much governing from the White House.
Interesting fact: Garfield joined the Union army during the Civil War. He represented his home state of Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives only after Abraham Lincoln convinced him to leave the military.
Next: This president introduced charisma as a desirable trait in the Oval Office.
8. Theodore Roosevelt
26th president of the United States
Party: Republican
Estimated IQ: 142.275
Theodore Roosevelt entered the White House as William McKinleys vice president. Then, he became the 26th president after McKinleys assassination. Want some proof of his intelligence? As president, Roosevelt promoted the novel idea that the government should mediate between conflicting forces: capital and labor, isolationism and expansionism, conservation and development.
The Miller Center characterizes Roosevelt as the first modern president. He made the presidency the center of American politics with his bold personality and his aggressive use of executive action. Roosevelt wanted to make society more fair and equitable. Additionally, he believed that the government had the right and the responsibility to regulate big business so that its actions did not negatively affect the general public.
Interesting fact: One of the smartest presidents, Roosevelt introduced charisma into the political equation. By winning a second term, he became the first president elected more on his character than his party affiliation.
Next: This president helped end the Revolutionary War.
7. John Adams
2nd president of the United States
Party: Federalist
Estimated IQ: 142.5
A Harvard-educated lawyer, John Adams became a vocal critic of Great Britains power in colonial America. During the Revolutionary War, he traveled to Paris to secure aid for the colonists cause. Later, he helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris. (That treaty ended hostilities between America and Britain.) Adams then became the first vice president of the United States. And later, he assumed office as the nations second president.
Though he ranks among the smartest presidents, scholars report that Adams independence left him politically isolated. (Even his own cabinet opposed many of his policies.) But according to the Miller Center, thats at least partly because Adams believed the executive branch of the government should stand above politics. He refused to enter into political conflict. In fact, he characterized conflict and anarchy as the biggest dangers to American society.
Interesting fact: As a delegate in the Continental Congress, Adams nominated George Washington to serve as commander of the colonial forces in the American Revolutionary War. And he later nominated Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence.
Next: Scholars say this politician remained too independent to succeed as president.
6. Jimmy Carter
39th president of the United States
Party: Democrat
Estimated IQ: 145.1
Jimmy Carter campaigned for the presidency by promising a return to honesty and the elimination of secrecy in the American government. As History reports, Carter built a constituency at a time when Americans felt disillusioned with the executive branch of the government after Watergate by marketing himself as an outsider to D.C. politics.
As president, he tried to portray himself as a man of the people. He also represented himself as a new type of Democrat. But the Miller Center reports that Carters stubborn independence, which helped him on his path to the White House, became his downfall once he attained office. He refused to engage in give-and-take with Congress. And he didnt respond flexibly in dealings with either friends or foes, which curtailed his effectiveness.
Interesting fact: Carter, though one of the smartest presidents, enjoys much higher regard today than when he lost his bid for re-election. He has an active and exemplary post-presidency to thank for that.
Next: This is the only president to have earned a doctorate degree.
5. Woodrow Wilson
28th president of the United States
Party: Democratic
Estimated IQ: 145.1
Woodrow Wilson consistently ranks as one of the nations greatest presidents. He numbers among the smartest presidents, too. History reports that Wilson advocated for democracy and world peace. As president, he tried to keep the U.S. neutral during World War I. But he eventually called on Congress to declare war on Germany in 1917. After the war, he helped negotiate a peace treaty that included a plan for the League of Nations.
Wilson himself didnt see his vision realized. But the Miller Center reports that there can be no doubt that his ideal inspired many Americans and that it shaped much of American foreign policy for the remainder of the twentieth century. At home, he enacted banking reform, tariff reduction, and federal regulation of business. He also established support for labor and collective bargaining, and federal aid for education and agriculture.
Interesting fact: Wilson remains the only U.S. president to have a doctorate degree. He studied at Princeton University as an undergraduate and at the University of Virginia as a law student. Then, he earned a Ph.D. in political science at Johns Hopkins University.
Next: This president balanced the federal budget.
4. Bill Clinton
42nd president of the United States
Party: Democratic
Estimated IQ: 148.8
Some people would feel surprised to see a president who was impeached on the list of the most intelligent commanders-in-chief. But Simonton reports that Bill Clinton numbers among the smartest presidents in U.S. history. Upon his inauguration in 1993 at age 46, he became the third-youngest U.S. president in history up to that time.
Scholars are just beginning to identify the parts of Clintons administration that will likely be historically significant. For instance, he overhauled the operations of the Democratic Party while retaining its traditional commitments to providing for the disadvantaged, regulating the excesses of the private marketplace, supporting minorities and women, and stimulating economic growth. Clinton also eliminated the federal deficit. And he oversaw the strongest economy in recent memory.
Interesting fact: As a high school student, Clinton shook hands with President John Kennedy at the White House. He later said that event inspired him to pursue a career in public service.
Next: This president was born into one of Americas wealthiest families.
3. John F. Kennedy
35th president of the United States
Party: Democratic
Estimated IQ: 150.65
John F. Kennedy numbers among the most beloved and smartest presidents in American history. He served in the Navy. After his older brother was killed on a secret mission, Kennedy decided to fulfill the destiny his father once intended for Joe Jr. He aspired to become the first Catholic president of the United States. He successfully ran for Congress in 1946 and for the Senate in 1952.
The Miller Center reports that as president, Kennedy never had the chance to follow through on his many promises. Assessments of his presidency have varied widely. But according to the Miller Center, Kennedy still commands fascination as a compelling, charismatic leader during a period of immense challenge to the American body politic.
Interesting fact: As a student at Harvard University, Kennedy wrote a senior thesis about the British governments unpreparedness for World War II that was later published as an acclaimed book, Why England Slept.
Next: This president articulated principles such as all men are created equal.
2. Thomas Jefferson
3rd president of the United States
Party: Democratic-Republican
Estimated IQ: 153.75
It should surprise few people that Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, numbers among the smartest presidents. History reports that Jefferson thought that the government should play a limited role in citizens lives. Yet even though Jefferson promoted individual liberty, he owned slaves.
The Miller Center predicts that Jefferson will always be celebrated for articulating Americas fundamental and universal principles of self-government. But some of those principles, such as all men are created equal, have been turned against him. He, just like many of his contemporaries, struggled to reconcile conflicting claims such as nation-building and natural rights, power and liberty, or slavery and freedom.
Interesting fact: The purchase of the Louisiana territory goes down as one of the biggest achievements of Jeffersons administration. Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the territory and the area beyond, all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Next: This president, though incredibly intelligent, failed because he hated politics.
1. John Quincy Adams
6th president of the United States
Party: Democratic-Republican
Estimated IQ: 168.75
The most intelligent president of all? John Quincy Adams. Adams lands at the top of the ranks of the smartest presidents. But he doesnt number among the most effective. History characterizes Adams as an outspoken critic of slavery and supporter of free speech. He became James Monroes secretary of state and served as the chief architect of the Monroe Doctrine to prevent European colonization in Latin America. Then, he won a contentious presidential race.
As a study by Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight concluded, an obvious correlation exists between estimated presidential IQ and success as president. In general, smarter presidents perform better. But Adams proves the exception. The Miller Center reports that Adams failed as a president because he abhorred party politics. He was a poor politician just as politics began to matter more.
Interesting fact: Adams studied at European universities and became fluent in seven languages. You dont see that skill in the Oval Office anymore!
Next: This man was one of the dumbest presidents and one of the most indecisive in American history.
Dumbest presidents
Not every president could land at the top of the chart. But not all was lost for the presidents with lower intelligence. In fact, not everybody believes that a higher IQ means a better president. As Scientific American reports, There are three basic views on the relationship between IQ and success in the Oval Office. The first view holds that the smarter the president, the better. The second view argues that you only have to be smart enough to succeed as president. And the third view contends that someone can actually be too smart for the presidency.
9. William Howard Taft
27th president of the United States
Party: Republican
Estimated IQ: 126.9
William Howard Taft starts our list of the dumbest presidents. History reports that Taft proved more successful as an administrator than as a politician. According to the Miller Center, Taft had a challenging task as President: living up to the legacy of Theodore Roosevelt. Taft had limited political experience and skills. And he felt naturally critical of his own abilities, which only hindered him further.
Historians agree that Tafts kind and judicial temperament undermined his success as a president. He had little talent for leadership. Plus, he often failed to take initiative. He responded indecisively, and thus produced few accomplishments during his term as president.
Interesting fact: As president, Taft typically ate a dozen eggs, a pound of bacon, and mounds of pancakes for breakfast. Such an unhealthily large breakfast reportedly left him sluggish for most of the morning.
Next: This president was the father of the Democratic party.
8. Andrew Jackson
7th president of the United States
Party: Democratic
Estimated IQ: 126.25
History reports that Andrew Jacksons leadership in the American Revolutionary War made him Americas most influential and polarizing political figure during the 1820s and 1830s. As Americas new political party system developed, Jackson shaped the Democratic party. He supported states rights and the extension of slavery into the new western territories.
Jackson received little formal schooling. (That probably explains his place among Americas dumbest presidents.) But he still made an impact. As the Miller Center puts it, The Democratic party was Jacksons child; the national two-party system was his legacy. He defined himself not by enacting a legislative agenda, but by thwarting one. During his two terms, Congress passed only one major law at his behest. He also vetoed 12 bills, more than his six predecessors combined.
Interesting fact: Jackson played a role in forcing the relocation of Native American tribes living east of the Mississippi, a major source of modern criticism.
Next: This man remains the only U.S. president who never married.
7. James Buchanan
15th president of the United States
Party: Democratic
Estimated IQ: 125.925
James Buchanan numbers among the dumbest presidents. He proved no match for a nation on the brink of civil war. History reports that during Buchanans tenure as president, seven southern states seceded from the Union. Buchanan felt morally opposed to slavery. But he also believed the U.S. Constitution protected it. As president, he tried to maintain peace between the pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions.
However, Buchanan has become notorious for failing to take a stand on either side of the issue of slavery. Strong presidential leadership might have prevented civil war. Yet Buchanan remained passive. In fact, historians cite his passivity as a major contributing factor to the advent of the Civil War.
Interesting fact: Buchanan remains the only U.S. president who never married. His niece, Harriet Lane, assumed the social duties of First Lady while he held office.
Next: If hed lived longer, this president might have been able to prevent the Civil War.
6. Zachary Taylor
12th president of the United States
Party: Whig
Estimated IQ: 125.65
Zachary Taylor, who preceded Buchanan, also tried to hold the nation together despite the major rift between the north and the south. Nonetheless, the Miller Center posits that had Taylor lived to run for a second term, we might not have had a Compromise of 1850 or even a Civil War. The question remains: If Taylor had survived, would he have been able to stamp out the most burning issue that faced the nation in 1850 the expansion of slavery westward?
The Miller Center characterizes Taylors presidency as too short-lived to have substantially impacted the office or the nation. He assumed office in 1848 and died suddenly in 1850. Nobody remembers Taylor as a great president. And most historians think he was too non-political to enact much change.
Interesting fact: Taylor received only a rudimentary education as a child, likely the reason he numbers among the nations dumbest presidents.
Next: This president never attended school as a child, and later learned math from his wife.
5. Andrew Johnson
17th president of the United States
Party: Democratic
Estimated IQ: 125.65
Andrew Johnson, whom Simonton ranks as one of the dumbest presidents, believed strongly in the Constitution and thought that it guaranteed the right to own slaves. He continued to believe in the right to slave ownership. But he advocated for the preservation of the Union as southern leaders began to call for secession. However, Johnson proved unable to compromise and incapable of dealing with congressional challenges.
Johnson assumed office after the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The Miller Center reports that historians view Andrew Johnson as the worst possible person to have served as President at the end of the American Civil War. He committed to obstructing political and civil rights for black Americans. So historians characterize him as principally responsible for the failure of Reconstruction to solve the race problem in the South and perhaps in America as well.
Interesting fact: Johnson never attended school. He was apprenticed to a tailor by his early teens. So his wife helped him improve his reading and writing skills, and she tutored him in math.
Next: This president became the most popular in the history of modern polling.
4. George W. Bush
43rd president of the United States
Party: Republican
Estimated IQ: 124.875
George W. Bush served from 2001 to 2009. So your reaction to seeing him on the list of the dumbest presidents probably depends on your politics. History reports that Bushs time in office was shaped by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In response to those attacks, Bush declared a global war on terrorism. He also established the Department of Homeland Security and authorized wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Miller Center reports that Bushs legacy remains a source of controversy. An objective evaluation likely wont happen for years. Bush entered office as one of only a few presidents to lose the popular vote. Nonetheless, he became the most popular president in the history of polling, reaching a 90% approval rating, after September 11.
Interesting fact: Many historians think Bushs initial response to 9/11 will go down in history as his greatest moment as president.
Next: This president avoided taking a stand.
3. Warren G. Harding
29th president of the United States
Party: Republican
Estimated IQ: 124.3
Warren G. Harding makes the top three dumbest presidents in U.S. history. So we cant say we feel surprised to learn that most historians rank him as the worst president of all. History reports that Harding served just two years (from 1921 to 1923) before dying of an apparent heart attack. His cabinet members and other government officials became involved in criminal activities that overshadowed his short-lived presidency.
The Miller Center notes that historians do give Harding some credit for bridging the gap between Wilsonian idealism and the business prosperity of the Coolidge and Hoover years. But Harding failed to make a big impact because he viewed the office of the president as largely ceremonial. He avoided issues as much as possible. And he had no message to communicate to Congress or to the American people.
Interesting fact: Though he opposed Woodrow Wilsons plan for the League of Nations, Harding took few strong stands on political issues.
Next: This man, though technically one of the dumbest presidents, studied law under Thomas Jefferson.
2. James Monroe
5th president of the United States
Party: Democratic-Republican
Estimated IQ: 124.125
James Monroe, though one of the dumbest presidents according to Simontons research, entered office as one of the most qualified men to ever assume the presidency. As the Miller Center explains, His success as a politician was the result of hard work and a steady and thoughtful manner. He was noted for his integrity, frankness, and affable personality, and he impressed those whom he met with his lack of pretension.
History reports that as president, Monroe acquired Florida. He also dealt with the issue of slavery in new states that joined the Union through the 1820 Missouri Compromise.
Interesting fact: During the American Revolutionary War, Monroe was with George Washington and his troops at Valley Forge. In his time with the army, Monroe also became acquainted with Thomas Jefferson, then governor of Virginia.
Next: This president signed legislation establishing Americas first national park.
1. Ulysses S. Grant
18th president of the United States
Party: Republican
Estimated IQ: 120
Though he ranks as the dumbest president in American history (at least so far), Ulysses S. Grant enjoys at least a little bit of fame as the victorious commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War. History characterizes Grant as an aggressive and determined leader who became a national hero after the war.
However, the Miller Center notes that Grant hasnt gone down in history as a great president. He came into office wanting to serve all the American people and was determined to avoid party politics. At the same time, he did not really understand politics, which hindered his effectiveness as President. He weakened the American presidency. But he did fight to protect the rights of African-Americans more than any other 19th-century President.
Interesting fact: Grant supported pardons for former Confederate leaders, but also worked to protect the civil rights of freed slaves.
Next: Heres what we know about how Donald Trump compares to the dumbest and smartest presidents.
What we dont know about Donald Trumps IQ
How about Donald Trump? We dont have an actual IQ score. But lets start with what we know. As The Washington Post explains, Donald Trump attended Fordham University before transferring to the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied economics for two years. He took undergraduate classes at the universitys famed Wharton School of Business, a school known for its graduate program. And he graduated in 1968 with a bachelors degree in economics.
As for what we dont know? Newsweek reports that despite the long and storied history of Donald Trumps weird obsession with IQ, we dont have any evidence that Trump has taken any of the standardized tests that measure IQ. (The BBC notes that there is no single IQ test. In fact, Mensa accepts results from more than 200 tests.) According to Newsweek, Trumps IQ score, then, is a mystery, and it could be that hes never actually had it calculated.
Snopes recently debunked a chart purportedly showing Donald Trumps IQ. The chart itself was based on Simontons research. But its claims about Donald Trumps IQ score did not come from a real study. Rumors that Donald Trump has an IQ score of 156 have circulated since at least August 2015. They apparently stem from an article that Snopes characterizes as full of logical missteps and factual inaccuracies.
Next: There are a few things we do know about Donald Trumps intelligence.
What we do know about Donald Trumps IQ
We dont know Trumps IQ since Simontons study took place before Trump took office, but we can tell how he thinks about intelligence. Trumps continuous references to IQ scores and his narrow view of intelligence have been widely criticized, perhaps most notably by Howard Gardner, the Harvard University psychologist who put forth the theory of multiple intelligences.
Ironically, however, Politico notes that Trumps professional history indicates a skill at dealing and deceiving, inspiring and selling, and such attributes would likely qualify as a type of intelligence in Howard Gardners book.
Even though we cant quantitatively analyze Trumps intelligence, we can quantitatively analyze his vocabulary. Politico notes that Donald Trump speaks like a third-grader. He uses a limited vocabulary that, to the chagrin of much of the educated class, inspires trust in many voters.
But its not just Trump who speaks with a limited vocabulary. As illustrated by a study by The Guardian, George Washington and fellow Founding Fathers had a vocabulary that reflected 20 years or more of education. Modern presidents dont register much more than a 10. So your estimation of whether Trump numbers among the smartest presidents or dumbest presidents likely depends on your interpretation of what he says and what you think his presidency means for the country.
Additional research from Dean Keith Simonton and U.S. News.
Read more: This Is the Most Loved U.S. President of All Time
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By PTI: Mumbai, Nov 6 (PTI) The Anil Ambani Group controlled Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (RNAM), which got listed today with an over 17 per cent premium, said it will focus on profitability and organic growth.
Shares of RNAM were listed at Rs 295.90 on the NSE, a premium of 17.42 per cent over the issue price of Rs 252. Within minutes of listing, the stock touched a high of Rs 299 and then hit a low of Rs 278.
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RNAM, the first asset management company to get listed, is the third largest AMC with an AUM of Rs 3.84 trillion. Its Rs 1,540-crore IPO last month was oversubscribed 81.54 times.
"We are happy with the kind of response we have got for the IPO and the listing. Going forward, we see enormous opportunities to grow our business.
"Our focus will be first to grow organically, because we believe at scale and size and to grow organically is far cheaper. However, we are open to any opportunity that is available on the inorganic side," RNAM executive director and chief executive Sundeep Sikka told reporters after the listing.
Noting that the equity market has been doing well for the past three years, he said, "Our focus will remain on profitable growth as the mutual fund industry has high percentage of institutional and money market. We will continue to focus on retail investors and categories, where there is lot of profitability for shareholders."
Sikka said RNAM has large cap, mid and small-cap products in its portfolio and going forward it will launch more products.
The company, which has 171 branches across 135 cities, plans to increase the network to 500 branches in the next three years, primarily in small towns, to increase penetration, he added.
"The mutual fund market is very attractive and we will continue to invest in future," Nippon Life Insurance vice- chairman Takeshi Furuichi said.
Commenting on shareholding pattern post-IPO, Sikka said both the promoters are holding equal share. As per the Sebi rule, the minimum listing has to be of 10 per cent and within three years, it has to be diluted up to 25 per cent.
Reliance Nippon Life AMC enjoys an 11.4 per cent market share and as of end August, its AUM stood at Rs 3.84 trillion across mutual funds (Rs 2.3 trillion), managed accounts (Rs 1.53 trillion) and offshore funds and advisory mandates (Rs 2,223 crore).
This was also the first IPO from the Anil Ambani-led group after Reliance Power in 2008. Other listed firms of the group include Reliance Capital, Reliance Home Finance, Reliance Communications, Reliance Naval & Engineering and Reliance Infra. PTI AP DRR BEN RSY RDS
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Well-known actor Denzel Washington, who often speaks about his Christian faith, recently encouraged young people to be unashamed of their faith, even on social media.
In an interview about his upcoming film Roman J. Israel, Esq., in which he plays a defense attorney who must stand up for his convictions, Washington had some words of wisdom for the Millennial Generation.
"I would say to your generation find a way to work together because this is a very divisive, angry time you're living in, unfortunately, because we didn't grow up like that," he said, as reported by The Christian Post.
Washington also encouraged young people to refrain from becoming addicted to social media, but when they use it, to do so to share Gods Word.
"I pray for your generation," he said. "What an opportunity you have! Don't be depressed by it because we have to go through this, we're here now. You can't put that thing back in the box."
Washington went on to share how he and Dan Gilroy, the writer and director of Roman J. Israel, Esq., prayed and shared the Word of God every day while working on the film.
"We prayed every day, we read the daily Word every day," he said.
"My mother said to me when I was 59, she said, 'Denzel, you do a lot of good. You have to do good the right way and you know what I'm talking about,'" he concluded. "I don't drink anymore, I don't do any of those things. I'm all about the message, to the degree that I know it, and I'm unashamed and unafraid to share it! So you have to be unafraid and unashamed to share it in the way your millennial generation know's how.
Roman J. Israel, Esq. will be in theaters beginning November 22, 2017.
Publication date: November 6, 2017
A version of this article first appeared at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
This October-November 2017 marks the 100th anniversary of the launch of the Bolshevik Revolution in Russiathe bloody communist state that would produce a political-ideological killing spree unlike any the world has ever seen.
And yet, communism continues to find supporters. Here are three personal anecdotes:
I did a conference this past week on the legacies of communism. One liberal professor complained that no pro-communist speakers were included. I wasnt surprised.
Another case: a former student of mine this week told me of his professor (at a local college in Pittsburgh) who was hailing Karl Marx for his brilliance. Again, no surprise.
One more: A student from the University of Wisconsin called in to a talk-show I did last week insisting that capitalism is just as lethal as communism.
That all happened just this past week, and its not unusual in my world.
Anecdotes aside, an October 2016 poll by the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation generated a stunning finding: almost one-third of Millennials believe more people were killed under George W. Bush than under Joseph Stalin. And it isnt only those silly Millennials. More than one in four Americans generally believe Bush was the bigger killer.
That same report found that the vast majority of Americans (75 percent) underestimate the number of people killed by communist regimes, and a large majority (68 percent) believe Hitler killed more people than Stalin.
This begs the question: how many people did these ideological gangsters kill?
Well, here at the centenary of communism, the number 100 is fitting, given that 100 million is a good stab at the number of people annihilated by the Marxist-Leninist pathology the Bolsheviks sought to spread worldwide.
The Harvard University Press classic, The Black Book of Communism, endeavored to tabulate a communist death toll in the 20th century. It came up with a figure of 100 million. The Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation also arrives at that figure. Cal-Berkeley professor Martin Malia aptly noted that the communist record offers the most colossal case of political carnage in history.
And even then, this frightening number100 million deadis actually quite conservative.
Take the figure relating to the Soviet Union, for instance, where the Black Book recorded merely 20 million dead. Alexander Yakovlev, a high-level Soviet official who became one of Mikhail Gorbachevs chief reformers, and who was given the post-Cold War task of trying to tally the victims, estimates that Stalin alone annihilated sixty to seventy million people.
Similar levels of bloodshed was wrought by Chinas Mao Tse-tung, who was responsible for the deaths of at least 60 million (according to the Black Book), but more likely over 70 million, according to the latest research. And then there were the killing fields of North Korea, Cambodia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Eastern Europe, Africa, and more.
Among these, the North Korea butchers bill is close to 5-6 million. And we can hope and pray that the North Korea nightmare doesnt take on a hideous nuclear dimension under Kim. Who knows how that one could end?
Really, the death generated by communist governments in the 20th century is closer to 140 million.
By comparison, Hitlers genocide against Jews, Gypsies, the mentally disabled, and others he deemed misfits, was approximately 10 million.
Finally, another chilling figure for comparison: The combined dead from World Wars I and IIthe most destructive conflicts in human historywas approximately 50-60 million. One must combine and then double the tolls of the two world wars to begin approaching communisms mass slaughter.
Ronald Reagan called communism a disease. Actually, its hard to find a 20th century disease that killed as many people as this ideological pathology. Reagan put it better when he described communism as evil and a form of insanity.
And yet, so much of this evil insanity isnt known, nor is it being taught, especially in our universities.
A frustrated James Kirchick of the liberal Daily Beast recently asked his readers, How many times have you heard some formulation of this viewpoint? Communism is an excellent idea in theory, it just hasnt worked in practice. I wish that was the sort of sentiment I only remembered from college dorm room bull sessions.
Kirchick responded, OK. How many more millions of people have to die before we get it right?
Good question.
And so, as communism marks its centennial, we should remember it for what it did best: death.
A prayer for Las Vegas
A prayer for Las Vegas
At least 50 people died and more than 200 were injured during a shooting attack on a Las Vegas concert last night. Stephen Paddock, 64, opened fire on a crowded venue from the 32nd floor of the overlooking Mandalay Bay Hotel. It's America's worst mass shooting.
God our father, who has promised a world where all live in peace and where no one dies untimely;
Christ our brother, who wept at Lazarus's grave and wept over Jerusalem;
Spirit our comforter, who leads us in the ways of love and truth:
we pray to you for the people of Las Vegas.
We pray for the injured and bereaved. We pray for the traumatised and terrified. We pray for the ordinary folk who tried to do what they could to help, and for the professional first responders. All of them were confronted by scenes no one should have to see, and we pray for them as they come to terms with what happened.
As grief and shock give way to other emotions to anger, frustration and bewilderment we pray that you will be in those conversations too. And in a city overwhelmed by an act of terrible evil, may the light of Christ shine again.
Amen.
Am I right to pray for Donald Trump's downfall?
What would you say if you had the opportunity to meet Donald Trump face to face?
It might seem an entirely hypothetical question, but you never know... Only two weeks ago I unexpectedly bumped into former Prime Minister David Cameron on a footpath in Cornwall. I had sight of him in enough time to consider what I wanted to say to him from a Christian perspective and then did. And last week my wife by chance encountered Labour MP and social justice campaigner Frank Field in a supermarket. Again, she was able to speak with him from a faith-based point of view.
It does seem unlikely most of us will ever meet President Trump, who was elected a year ago this week (or at least he won a majority in the electoral college, albeit with 3 million fewer votes than Hilary Clinton). But even if we never see him fact to face, we can go one better, of course, because as Christians we can pray for him. After all, the New Testament encourages us all to pray for 'all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness,' (1 Timothy 2:2).
And yet, if I am honest, I struggle to pray along those lines for him. In fact, to be candid, I routinely pray that he will be removed peacefully from office. Here's why:
1. He has brought shame on the United States of America. Most people around the world are no doubt bright enough to realise that Donald Trump is not typical of all Americans, nor is he a personification of the nation. But there is no doubt that in the eyes of much of the rest of the world he is an embarrassment to the USA. Here in the UK we have envied some of America's past presidents (Obama, Kennedy), while others have puzzled us (Reagan) or exasperated us (George W Bush). But I don't think any have generated quite the sense of revulsion, frankly, that Donald Trump has managed to produce. And that's not great for global perceptions of the United States.
2. He has brought shame on the office of president. He's not the first, of course. One might think of Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton among his recent predecessors, for example. But at least they were (for better or worse) trying to give the appearance of being presidential. Trump either doesn't care about that or is manifestly unable to do so.
Christian leader John Piper had it about right when he wrote that Trump's 'immoral behaviour in the past, and his ongoing unwillingness to renounce it as evil, show that he is morally unfit to lead'. And Christian author Randy Alcorn has said: 'My main problem is not that Donald Trump says what he thinks. ...My problem is with what he actually thinks: especially his obsession with outward appearance, sexiness, superficiality, wealth, his own status and accomplishments, and his quickness to berate and insult people and seek revenge on his critics.' That's even before we consider his views in relation to the scientific consensus on global warming and the Paris climate change deal.
3. He has brought shame on the gospel. The writer Josiah Hesse, who heart-breakingly describes himself as a 'a recovering "Christaholic", 12 years sober from God,' has attempted to analyse why many American evangelicals have attached themselves to Trump despite his egregious flaws. In the London-based Guardian newspaper, Hesse suggested that many do not believe Trump is a real Christian, but nonetheless like his policies. More than that, however, he wrote that at heart 'evangelicals recognise a fellow outsider in Trump, someone not only unafraid to shake things up and offend people, but who actively goes out of his way to do it'.
Well, if that's the case it is a tragedy for the gospel and a searing indictment of contemporary American evangelicalism. Can it really be marked by a joy in provocatively offending others? I hope Hesse is wrong. But either way, if for any reason at all many Americans come to associate such a manifestly inappropriate president with the Christian faith, that's tragic.
So I pray on, perhaps misguidedly, in the way I do. After all, Christians prayed in a very committed way for the fall of East European communism and South African apartheid, and we have seen what happened in both those contexts. I have previously prayed for a UK prime minister to fall, and the answer then was 'yes'.
John Piper would argue there is much more to be said about praying for Donald Trump. And without doubt John Piper is more godly than I am. But as for me, for now, I will continue to 'pray as I can, not as I can't' while as I do, asking for God's will to be over-rule. And if you can pray in a better way for this disturbing and alarming president, then please, let me encourage you to do so.
David Baker is a former daily newspaper journalist now working as an Anglican minister in Sussex, England. Find him on Twitter @Baker_David_A
Amazing Grace: One year on from the Charleston church shooting
Clementa Pinckney, Daniel Simmons Sr, Cynthia Hurd, Sharonda Singleton, Myra Thompson, Tywanza Sanders, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
The remembrance will be even more significant as Charleston marks one year since the deaths of nine members of the midweek Bible study at Mother Emanuel Methodist Episcopal Church. One year since Dylann Roof walked into the famous old building and sat for an hour with those who were about to become his victims. One year since he carried out his diabolical plan. One year since the victims' families' world was turned upside down forever.
The anniversary presents us with a chance to remember not just the tragedy which visited that community, but also the resurrection life to which it continues to bear witness.
The killing remains almost incomprehensible nine people's lives ended simply because of the colour of their skin. They went out to a Bible study and they didn't come home they would never come home again. How could someone carry out an act so heinous, so despicable, that hundreds, maybe thousands of lives will never be the same again?
After the tragedy, we began to talk about how such an abomination could have visited Charleston. We began to hear of the deeply ingrained racism which remains in parts of the South. We heard of the divisive role played by the Confederate flag, which still flies in places. We were forced to face up to the difficult conversations we needed to have about whether Dylann Roof is a terrorist and what that means for our wider debates about racism, religious fundamentalism and violence.
This national (and international) soul searching isn't enough, of course, to console the victims' families and a community ripped apart by the killings. Yet within 24 hours of the attack, the shoots of resurrection life were beginning to show.
Three words echoed from a video link into a Charleston courthouse and echoed around the world.
"I forgive you."
The stunning act of courage and grace was repeated not just by Ethel Lance's daughter but by others. "May God have mercy on your soul," pleaded Tywanza Sanders' mother in what sounded more like a prayer than a court statement. "We would like you to take this opportunity to repent," said Myra Thompson's grandson. "Repent. Confess. Give your life to the one who matters the most, Christ, so he can change your ways no matter what happens to you and you'll be OK."
Whatever else came from the aftermath of the horror in Charleston, we learned one thing above all else. These people lived the Gospel of Jesus and after their brutal deaths, their families continued that legacy under the most trying of circumstances.
Jesus, while he was dying on the cross in unimaginable pain, called out forgiveness to those who were killing Him.
For the community of Mother Emanuel, this wasn't just a story or advice for how they should behave. It was the rock on which they built their lives. When the storm came, they stood firm upon the rock and they forgave. They prayed for their persecutor. They lived out the highest calling of the Christian faith.
It's worth noting not everyone joined in with the immediate forgiveness. Still, the tone had been set and forgiveness was the tenor of almost every response. "Amid all the darkness," wrote Rod Dreher, "the light shines in the people of Mother Emanuel, and the darkness is not overcoming it. Let them be an icon to the rest of us..."
Here is the resurrection power of the saints of Mother Emanuel. They showed us how to live the Gospel in a truly radical way. What can we possibly not forgive, now that we have seen their example? Nothing can be as excruciating as losing a child. How can we do anything other than forgive when lesser evils visit us?
In his post-9/11 album, The Rising, Bruce Springsteen meditates on the colossal loss suffered in New York. He looks to first responders for inspiration. "May your strength give us strength," he sings on Into The Fire, "May your faith give us faith, may your hope give us hope, may your love bring us love." One year on, this should be our prayer for Christians and for everyone, as we reflect on the Charleston shooting.
Later on the album, Springsteen laments the loss of a loved one, "Without your sweet kiss, my soul is lost," he sings, "tell me how do I begin again?" He then discovers the answer to his own question. "With these hands... I pray for the strength, Lord. I pray for the faith, Lord. We pray for your love, Lord." As the song (My City of Ruins) reaches its conclusion, Springsteen urges, "Come on, Come on, rise up!"
It's a rousing call, and one the people of Mother Emanuel demonstrated in the aftermath of their darkest hour. Their forgiveness allowed stunning shoots of resurrection to spring from tragedy. The Confederate flag is now being removed across the South. Just this week the Southern Baptist Convention voted to repudiate the flag surely a direct result of the actions of Mother Emanuel. Their forgiveness rolls on like a mighty river. The church is now calling for people around the world to carry out 'acts of amazing grace' as a way of marking the anniversary.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old. Yet the gift of amazing grace will be with us always. Thanks be to God for them.
Are American churches under attack?
'It's going to happen again,' warned Texas' Attorney General Ken Paxton after at least 26 people were killed and many more injured in the state's worst mass shooting on Sunday.
The target a church left the tiny community of Sutherland Springs devastated as residents turned out for a prayer vigil on Sunday night.
But statistically Paxton is right. It will happen again. And it will happen to other churches.
Since 1980 there have more than 145 attacks on churches in the US, according to a database by the Center for Homicide Research in Minneapolis which kept a record of church shootings from 1980-2005.
Averaging almost four every year, the list only records attacks directly on churches and said 185 people died, including 36 children, just up until 2005.
Since then even worse horrors have been witnessed in churches. Most prominently in 2015 the white supremacist Dylann Roof murdered 9 African-Americans at one of America's oldest black churches Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, South Carolina.
Before that in July 2008 Jim David Adkisson confessed to walking into a children's musical performance at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, pulling out a shotgun, and firing on the audience. Two people died and 7 were wounded.
The year before in December 2007 the 24-year-old Matthew J. Murray killed four people at two different locations the first was a Youth With A Mission training centre in Arvada, Colorado, after being told he couldn't stay the night and then at New Life Church in Colorado Springs, where Youth With A Mission has an office.
Earlier that year in August Eiken Elam Saimon shouting 'liar, liar!' opened fire on First Congregational Church in Neosho, Missouri. Three people died during that Micronesian service and five were wounded.
These are just a few examples.
The Center for Homicide Research in Minneapolis' research documents the extensive recent history of attacks on churches. Hatred of a particular group was behind a large proportion of the attacks. In 23 of the 139 cases from 1980-2005, the violence was targeted at a domestic partner. In 10 of the cases the motivation was 'religious difference' and one was labelled a hate crime.
Dallas Drake, the principal researcher for the Center, told Pacific Standard the idea came out of a discussion about settings where homicides had not occurred.
'We were having discussions internally about, "Is there any place that hasn't had mass shootings or mass murders?" and somebody came up with the idea of perhaps churches,' said Drake. 'Of course, we proved that wrong.'
Paxton, Texas' Attorney General, said the solution was not for less guns but more guns.
Churches should consider 'arming some of the parishioners' or hiring security guards, he told Fox News hours after the attack.
If more churchgoers were armed 'there's always the opportunity that the gunman will be taken out before he has the opportunity to kill very many people', he said.
'We've had shootings in churches for, you know, for forever. It's going to happen again, and so we need people in churches, professional security or at least arming some of the parishioner or the congregation so they can respond if something like this when something like this happens again.'
President Donald Trump also seemed to suggest the solution was more guns rather than less guns.
Speaking from Tokyo on Monday he blamed the incident on the attacker's 'mental health problems' and said it 'isn't a guns situation.' He said it was lucky there was an armed local on the scene who shot at the attacker, otherwise 'it would have been much worse.'
But the research reveals an alarming trend of increasing violence.
Unless something dramatically changes in America's attitude to gun laws, we will see more and more mass shootings and more churches targeted by violence.
Read the full report on the Texas church shooting here.
And read about Ken Paxton's response here.
British missionary killed in Nigeria, 3 others freed
One of four British missionaries kidnapped in Nigeria three weeks ago has been killed, according to the Foreign Office, but the other three have been released.
Ian Squire was killed following the kidnap on October 14. However, David and Shirley Donovan and Alanna Carson have all returned home safely.
A statement from their families reported by the Daily Telegraph said: 'We are grateful for the support received by the British High Commission, and help from the Nigerian authorities in negotiating their release. We are delighted and relieved that Alanna, David and Shirley have returned home safely. Our thoughts are now with the family and friends of Ian as we come to terms with his sad death.'
The four were taken in a remote part of Delta state, where they were delivering aid to villages with a medical charity called New Foundations.
The area has a history of separatist movements and has suffered a spate of kidnappings recently linked to the central government's crackdown on Islamist milita.
Kidnapping for ransom is a common problem in parts of Nigeria and high-profile individuals and Westerners are often the target. A number of foreigners have, in the last few years, been kidnapped in the Niger Delta region, which holds most of the country's crude oil the country's economic mainstay.
Chief Theo Fakama, from the local Enukorowa community, told the Agence France-Presse news agency that villagers were saddened by the kidnapping because the victims had 'brought succour to residents of the community for the past three years'.
Christian Aid's Christmas appeal to be doubled in UK Government scheme
This Christmas, the Government has pledged to match every pound given by the public to Christian Aid's Christmas appeal to relieve desperate hunger and poverty in South Sudan.
Earlier this year, famine was declared in parts of South Sudan, the first declaration across the world in six years, with more than three years of conflict displacing nearly four million people, disrupting harvests and leading to devastating food shortages.
Although widespread famine was averted, the crisis in South Sudan has reached unprecedented levels, with an estimated six million people lacking adequate food. If left untreated, acute malnutrition can lead to death.
The Christian Aid partner organisation SPEDP (Support for Peace and Education and Development Programme) is providing cash vouchers to people who are struggling with acute malnutrition so they can buy essential food in local markets to help their families recover.
Dr Rowan Williams, the chair of Christian Aid, who visited South Sudan with the charity in 2014, said: 'Hunger is not inevitable. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone. Yet people are still going to bed hungry, and every day thousands of the world's most vulnerable children die as a result of famine. It is right that we should feel outrage and bewilderment at this.
'In South Sudan, fifty per cent of the population is now expected to be experiencing food insecurity. This situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing armed conflict, which has caused millions to flee their homes. The deteriorating economic crisis and huge increase in the price of cereals the primary staple food for low income families in South Sudan has further worsened the situation.
'We are delighted to receive the support of the Government's UK Aid Match again this year, which will double the amount donated to Christian Aid's Christmas Appeal and help support people living in poverty.'
The International Development Secretary, Priti Patel, said: 'I visited South Sudan earlier this year and saw for myself the devastating impact of famine on families and communities. The UK Government is providing food, water and medical supplies but there are still many malnourished women and children across the country.
'This Christmas, Christian Aid's "Enough for Everyone" appeal will provide life-saving nutrition programmes in South Sudan. The UK Government will match all public donations to the appeal pound for pound, helping to double the difference that Britons can make.'
Donations can help Christian Aid prevent many thousands of unnecessary deaths from malnutrition. Just 5 could provide a cash voucher to provide enough food for a family for four days, and 150 could provide ten families with fishing gear to provide food rich in protein.
Donations made to the Christmas Appeal between 6 November 2017 and 5 February 2018 will be matched by the Government, up to 2.7 million.
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) The Supreme Court today asked the Punjab and Haryana High Court to decide in ten days the anticipatory bail pleas of three Ryan International Group trustees in a case in which a seven-year-old boy was found dead in the groups Gurgaon-based school.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra passed the directions on a plea moved by the boys father challenging the extension of the interim protection from arrest granted to the three trustees.
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"We request the high court to decide the plea within ten days from hence," the bench, which also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said.
Advocate Sushil Tekriwal, appearing for Barun Chandra Thakur, the father of victim Pradhuman Thakur, submitted that the high court had kept the matter pending for long.
Thakur had assailed the high courts order granting interim protection to Ryan group CEO Ryan Pinto and his parents, Augustine Pinto and Grace Pinto, in the case.
He had alleged that grant of interim protection against their possible arrest was "illegal and unconstitutional".
It had sought setting aside of the September 28 order of high court granting them interim protection and the October 7 order, which had extended the relief.
Ryan Pinto and his parents had approached the high court, seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the killing of the class 2 student, who was found with his throat slit in the washroom of a school run by their group on September 8.
School bus conductor Ashok Kumar was arrested in connection with the crime.
The Haryana government had recommended a CBI probe in the matter following massive outrage. The premier agency took over the probe on September 22.
The Pintos, who are based in Mumbai, had earlier approached the Bombay High Court as they apprehended arrest in the case after the school was accused of negligence in death of the seven-year-old boy.
The Bombay High Court had rejected their transit anticipatory bail plea but granted them interim protection from arrest for a day to enable them to approach the Punjab and Haryana High Court. PTI UK ABA MNL SJK RKS ARC
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Church of England threatens to sell out of mining stocks unless companies clean up their act
The Church of England's investment bodies have warned that they may sell up their holdings in mining companies, unless boards commit to changing the way they do business.
In a new policy launched by the Church's National Investing Bodies (NIBs), which include the Church Commissioners and the Church of England Pensions Board, officials warned of 'key ethical concerns' over mining practices.
The NIBs said they will review whether 'dialogue and engagement' with companies will lead to change, but added that they may be pushed to divest from companies if their attempts at dialogue are 'rebuffed or clearly not leading to progress'.
The policy, launched today, raised concerns about ownership structures such as joint ventures, which can lead to different corporate reporting standards.
'Companies carry enormous responsibility and joint ventures raise serious questions around standards of reporting and operation,' said Adam Matthews, head of engagement for the Church Commissioners and Pensions Board.
'This policy makes clear that we consider a company to have responsibility for both its direct and in-direct operations and that we will be engaging with them on that basis.'
In what they called 'a distinctively Christian approach to investment in the extractive industries' and the culmination of 'theological reflection' as well as mine site visits, the NIBs said they had ethical concerns over mining companies' 'business conduct'.
The CofE's call for the mining industry to review the governance of joint ventures and tailing dams comes in the wake of the Samarco mine disaster.
In 2015, 19 people died and two villages were destroyed in Brazil when a dam holding back wastewater from a mine collapsed, flooding a river valley; the dam belonged to an iron ore mine run by Samarco.
The Church's new guidelines include closer scrutiny of the legacy companies leave behind when they finish operations; greater commitments to human rights; and a desire for more transparency.
The Church of England said: 'The policy provides a distinctively Christian approach to investment in the extractives industries and is the culmination of theological reflection, expert input, public consultation and site visits to mine sites and communities over a 24-month period. It states that key ethical concerns in the extractive industries are not to be found in extraction in itself, but in business conduct including management of risk, the effects of operation on communities and national economies, and operating standards.'
Loretta Minghella, First Church Estates Commissioner, said: 'This policy provides a clear ethical framework to encourage extractive industries to benefit society and the common good. As responsible investors, the Church's National Investing Bodies are committed to robust engagement with companies in the extractives sector.
'This policy recognises that good economic management aligned with strong ethical standards of operation can go hand-in-hand with long term economic sustainability. It also provides clarity about the sorts of concerns which, left unresolved, could ultimately lead to disinvestment.'
Matthews added: 'Companies carry enormous responsibility and joint ventures raise serious questions around standards of reporting and operation. This policy makes clear that we consider a company to have responsibility for both its direct and in-direct operations and that we will be engaging with them on that basis.
'In addition, this policy also makes clear the ethical importance we attach to respect for the world's protected areas such as world heritage sites.'
The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, acting chair of the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group said: 'Strong returns to support our beneficiaries can go hand in hand with robust and transparent ethical investment policies. Our approach to policies like this is grounded in theology and is also practical and seeks to ensure we play our role as a faith investor in supporting those companies that seek to improve their practice and play their part in contributing to the good of society.'
France church attack: Two under investigation over murder of priest
Two men are being investigated over the murder of a priest in a church in northern France.
One of those arrested on suspicion of "terrorist association" on Sunday is the cousin of one assailant who slit the throat of a priest during mass last Tuesday. Both killers were shot dead by police after they held five parishioners hostage in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, murdering the priest and seriously injuring one other. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.
Farid K, 30, is related to Abdel Malik Petitjean, and the other man under investigation, Jean-Philippe Steven J, 20, allegedly tried to travel to Syria with Petitjean in June.
Both men are being held in custody, according to the Paris prosecutor's office.
The arrests came after it emerged Petitjean was on the French terror watch list and previously been arrested for trying to travel to Syria and join terrorist forces fighting there. He had worn a tag and police had been looking for him for several days before the attack.
The other killer, Adel Kermiche, 19, was also known to the security services.
Meanwhile across France and Italy on Sunday Muslims attended Catholic mass as a gesture of solidarity after the attack.
France's Muslim council, the CFCM, urged Muslims to show "solidarity and compassion" over the killings. One Catholic woman who attended mass told Reuters: "The sentiments expressed were very, very strong. Some of them were very poignant."
A Muslim woman who came to mass with her children said: "This was basically a message of unity, aside from peace, it was really about unity."
Gunman in Nashville church shooting was an ex-member who used to teach Bible to kids in his family
As members of the Burnette Chapel Church of Christ in Antioch, Tennessee, continue to reel from the deadly attack on their church by ex-member Emanuel Kidega Samson, 25, on Sunday, the church's pastor said at a press conference Tuesday that a humble member, Robert Caleb Engle, 22, likely prevented many deaths.
"I think he saved every one of our lives. He (Samson) was reloading. He's gonna kill everybody there, I think. And I think Caleb saved us. And we're very fortunate he was there that day," Pastor Joey Spann said.
When asked if he saw Samson reloading, Spann shook his head to indicate "no" but said he may have heard it on news reports or someone may have told him.
Police say Samson, an amateur bodybuilder who worked as a security guard, arrived at Burnette Chapel Church of Christ at 10:55 a.m. Sunday in a blue SUV wearing a neoprene half face mask, according to News Channel 5.
Armed with a handgun, he then "fired upon the church building" with his vehicle still running in the parking lot where he shot church member Melanie Crow Smith, 39, and left her for dead. He then went on to shoot several other people inside the church building, including Spann and Engle.
"Every time I shut my eyes I go back to the vestibule. Every time," Spann said, recalling the moment when he was shot by Samson, identified as a Sudanese immigrant.
"He's just coming. He wasn't walking slow. He was coming in there pretty quick. Aggressively but not yelling anything. Nothing like that. It's just shooting. He's just shooting. I didn't hear anything. I don't know if he said anything with Caleb or not but I didn't hear a word," Spann said.
As police and church members struggle to piece together a motive for the attack on the church, reports emerged Tuesday that depicted Samson as a troubled young man who once taught Bible classes.
Justin Ford, Samson's classmate from Smyrna High School, told USA Today that he remembered Samson as a man with "a good head on his shoulders."
"Just don't know what made him do this," Ford said. "He was a good guy."
Gloria Riches, 85, a church member who was not present at the deadly Sunday morning service, said Samson and three other men from Sudan were "very active" in the church's Vacation Bible School before he left for another church.
Samson's aunt, Florence Koks, was still in shock.
"He's not the kind of kid that would do that," Koks, a sister of Samson's father said. "It kind of makes me speechless. It's like a dream, and I don't believe that he did it."
Koks said as recently as two years ago, Samson led her younger children in Bible study at her home.
"His favorite book is the Bible," she explained. "Every time you talk to him, he always mentioned the word of God."
About five months ago, Koks said she joked with her nephew about his muscular physique and made plans to meet his girlfriend.
On Jan. 29, however, Samson's girlfriend told police in Murfreesboro, Tennessee that, he punched and broke a TV during a fight after she accused him of cheating, according to NBC News. The girlfriend reported that she tried to leave the room but he insisted she talk with him, according to a police report cited by NBC.
When police arrived, however, Samson's girlfriend declined pressing charges. Samson also called police on Feb. 11, to report that the same woman had come to his apartment and pushed on his door when she was asked to leave. He did not press any charges in this case either.
On June 27, according to the Tennessean, Samson also threatened to kill himself in a text message to his father. "... I have a gun to my head, have a nice F------ life," he wrote.
At 10:01 a.m., minutes before he arrived at his old church to carry out his deadly rampage, he texted his employers at Crimson Security Service to say he would not be reporting for work.
Samson's rampage at the church ended only after Engle, who police have called a "hero," intervened. Police say Engle challenged Samson and a struggle ensued during which Engle was pistol whipped. Samson's gun went off accidentally, however, and hit him in the left chest. Even though he was hurt, Engle managed to run to his car for his gun in the parking lot and pointed it at Samson until police got to the church.
Despite the attack, Engle urged prayers for Samson in a statement Monday.
"I've been going to this church my whole life, since I was a small child. I would have never, ever thought something like this would have happened," Engle said. "I ask everyone to pray for the victims, family members of the victims, our church community. Please pray for healing. Also, please pray for the shooter, the shooter's family and friends. They are hurting as well."
This article was originally published in The Christian Post.
'I Still Feel Like I Had To Do it': Dylann Roof Gets Death Penalty For Charleston Church Massacre
Dylann Roof has been sentenced to death by federal jury in South Carolina, for the massacre of nine people at a Charleston church.
Roof, 22, a self-avowed white supremacist told the jury yesterday, "I still feel like I had to it."
The jury who elected for the death penalty for Roof were the same 12-member jury who in December charged Roof with 33 federal offences for the massacre, including murder and hate crimes. Roof is the first person in US history to face the death penalty for a federal hate crime.
Nine black people were killed in the massacre at Emanuel AME church in Charleston, on June 17 2015. Roof had been welcomed into the church's Bible study, but opened fire when the group closed their eyes for a final prayer.
Assistant US attorney Jay Richardson said of the church in his closing argument: "They welcomed a 13th person that night ... with a kind word, a Bible, a handout and a chair. He had come with a hateful heart and a Glock .45." The Guardian reported her saying.
Roof's trial lasted no more than 3 hours, and his statement to the jury no more than 5 minutes. Roof did not protest against the death penalty, saying, "I have a right to ask you to give me a life sentence, but I'm not sure what good that will do anyone."
He reportedly showed no emotion, and no remorse for his actions, in his statement: "Anyone, including the prosecution, who thinks I am filled with hate has no idea what real hate is," local source The Post and Courier reported Roof saying.
"I think it's safe to say that someone in their right mind wouldn't go into a church and kill people," he said. "You might remember in my confession to the FBI, I told them I had to do it. Obviously, that isn't true because I didn't have to do it. I didn't have to do anything. But what I meant when I said that was I felt like I had to do that. And I still feel like I had to do it," he said.
#BREAKING This is my rough transcript of what Dylann Roof just told the jury in his death penalty sentencing closing argument. #RoofTrial pic.twitter.com/YDkc9tVdYY Carter Coyle Live 5 (@CarterCoyleWCSC) January 10, 2017
Roof did not explain the motive for his crimes, though in his confession to the FBI had said that he hoped to bring back segregation or start a race war.
US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who authorised the death penalty sentence, said that the verdict was just: "No verdict can bring back the nine we lost that day at Mother Emanuel," she said. "And no verdict can heal the wounds of the five church members who survived the attack or the souls of those who lost loved ones to Roof's callous hand. But we hope that the completion of the prosecution provides the people of Charleston and the people of our nation with a measure of closure."
"He decided the day, the hour and the moment that my sister was going to die, and now someone is going to do the same for him," Melvin Graham, brother of shooting victim Cynthia Hurd, 54, said outside the federal courthouse in downtown Charleston.
Roof's family, who did not attend the trial, also issued a statement. "We will always love Dylann," it said. "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."
A formal sentence will take place later today, when loved ones of victims will have the opportunity to address Roof.
Additional reporting by Reuters
'Jessica Jones' season 2 crossover: Emma Dumont wants Polaris, Jessica together
In the coming Netflix series "Jessica Jones" season 2, it looks like there is another hero who wants to join the New York City's private investigator played by Krysten Ritter. Emma Dumont, who plays the role of Lorna Dane/Polaris in "The Gifted," expresses her interest in doing a crossover in the Marvel television show.
In an interview with Screen Rant, the 22-year-old star wants her role to team up with Jones. Will there be a crossover in the Netflix superhero series "Jessica Jones" season 2?
Unfortunately, Dumont admitted that this may never happen Marvel Cinematic Universe and X-Men Universe are two different worlds. "They're not related and they're totally different universes," she said. However, the actress added that Lorna and Jessica have some similarities. Thus, she wants the two characters together. She described that they would be a weird duo and they are somehow lookalikes.
Aside from their looks, they are both troubled and unpredictable women. Just like Jessica, who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because of Kilgrave (David Tennant), Lorna is also experiencing some mental health issues. However, the two will never be seen together in "Jessica Jones" season 2.
Meanwhile, in an interview with Women's Health, Ritter talked about how she got punched in the face and ended passing out on the set of "Jessica Jones" season 2. "I saw the blood everywhere," she said. This caused her to panic.
The 35-year-old star continued to say that it was the first time that she felt like a loser. She admitted that she did not know how to throw a punch at first. As she is doing it now all the time, it makes her feel very strong just like her character.
"Jessica Jones" season 2 is now in production and set to be released in 2018 on Netflix. The entire episodes of its first season are still available on the streaming network.
'Quantico' Season 3 Spoilers: Alex and Ryan return to the US after next season's production in Italy
Fans of the spy television drama "Quantico" can now stop worrying about the show's stars, as Alex (Priyanka Chopra) and Ryan (Jake McLaughlin) have come back to the US soil after spending time in Italy.
Chopra was spotted in Long Island City, Queens in a white t-shirt and ripped skinny jeans as she sprang into action toting a pistol during the end of October. Her attire, in addition to the shirt and jeans, also consisted of a wool-lined jacket and high-heel boots. Fans can assume that whatever Chopra and crew were shooting, it would be a follow-up to Alex and Ryan's escapade to Italy earlier in the month of October.
The two have been jumping from country to country after being chased by some of the most meticulous international and national police agencies like the International Police (Interpol), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other Government agencies. With the return of production to the US, the couple is expected to have even more hard times trying to evade the numerous agencies chasing them.
Their return to the US, while a dangerous situation, can prove to be more advantageous than fans may have thought, as the two will be able to contact some of their friends in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and pull a few strings. One of the said friends is likely to be Owen (Blair Underwood), though it is not yet clear how he can help the two since he is under strict surveillance after the authorities discovered his association with Alex and Ryan.
Apparently, the events and story proceedings being shot in Queens is a big revelation in the show, as a casting call for locals and extras has been put up. It seems that a lot of extras in the area are necessary, signaling an elaborate action sequence or a turning point in the third installment of the show.
"Quantico" season 3 has no exact release date yet but is expected to arrive in 2018.
Sutherland Springs church attack: At least 26 dead in Texas' worst mass shooting
A lone gunman stormed a Texas church on Sunday, opening fire on the congregation and killing at least 26 people leaving many more injured.
The incident at First Baptist church in Sutherland Springs, a small town 30 miles south-east of San Antonio, is one of the worst gun rampages in recent US history and resulted in the highest death toll ever from a mass shooting in Texas.
The dead range from aged five to 72, according to the officials, with 23 dying inside the church, two outside it and one after being taken to hospital.
The lone suspect, dressed in black tactical gear and a ballistic vest, drove up to the church building around 11.30 am local time and opened fire using an assault rifle.
The killer was reported as former Air Force serviceman Devin Patrick Kelley, who left after a court martial in 2014 where he received a bad conduct discharge for assaulting his wife and child. Police have not confirmed Kelley as a suspect but officers were seen outside his house about 35 miles from Sutherland Springs.
'We are dealing with the largest mass shooting in our state's history,' Texas Governor Greg Abbott said at a news conference. 'The tragedy of course is worsened by the fact that it occurred in a church, a place of worship where these people were innocently gunned down.'
He added: 'There are so many families who have lost family members, and it occurred in a church, in a place of worship. That's where these people were mown down. We mourn their loss.'
The pastor of First Baptist, Frank Pomeroy, and his wife Sherri, were away at the time of shooting but their 14-year-old daughter was among the dead.
Pastor Frank Buford, of neighbouring River Oaks church, said a makeshift community centre was acting as a meeting point for relatives and friends of the victims.
'We're holding up as well as we can we are a strong community, we are strong in our faith,' he told local reporters, describing Sutherland Spring's tiny community with only a few hundred residents.
'We have a post office, two churches and a dollar store,' he said.
The town gathered for a prayer vigil on Sunday night after the incident.
After leaving the church, the gunman was fired on by a local resident with a rifle. The suspect dropped his Ruger assault weapon and fled in his vehicle, said Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Soon afterward, the suspect crashed the vehicle near the border of a neighbouring county and was found dead inside with a cache of weapons. It was not immediately clear if he killed himself or was hit when the resident fired at him outside the church, authorities said.
The shooting comes after 58 people died and 546 were injured in another mass shooting in Las Vegas last month. Following that incident Donald Trump was reluctant to engage in a debate about gun laws and so far has limited his response to sending his prayers.
Speaking from Tokyo he blamed the incident on the attacker's 'mental health problems' and said it 'isn't a guns situation.' He said it was lucky there was an armed local on the scene who shot at the attacker, otherwise 'it would have been much worse'.
He ordered flags on all federal buildings to be flown at half staff and said: 'This act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of sacred worship.
'Through the tears and through the sadness we stand strong, oh so strong.'
Additional reporting by Reuters.
Texas church gunman 'had row with mother-in-law' before shooting
The Texas gunman Devin Patrick Kelley had argued with his mother-in-law who attended the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs before the rampage, officials said on Monday.
He is accused of killing 26 people including an 18-month-old child at the small Texas church. Before the massacre he had sent threatening text messages to his in-laws who sometimes went to the house of worship before launching the latest US mass shooting.
'There was a domestic situation going on within the family and the in-laws,' Freeman Martin, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, told reporters. 'The mother-in-law attended the church. We know he sent threatening ... that she had received threatening text messages from him.'
The gunman, Devin Patrick Kelley, was court-martialed in 2012 on charges of assaulting his wife and child and sentenced to 12 months confinement. He received a 'bad conduct' discharge in 2014, according to Ann Stefanek, the chief of Air Force media operations.
Kelley, 26, walked into the white-steepled First Baptist Church in rural Sutherland Springs on Sunday carrying a Ruger AR-556 assault rifle and wearing a black bulletproof vest, then opened fire during prayer service. He wounded at least 20 others, officials said.
After he left the church, two local residents, including one who was armed, chased Kelley in a truck and they exchanged gunfire. The chase ended when Kelley crashed his car, and may have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound or from the Good Samaritan's weapon, said Martin.
An autopsy will determine the cause of death, Martin said.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said in an interview that the family members had not been present at the time of Kelley's attack
'I heard that (the in-laws) attended church from time to time,' Tackitt said. 'Not on a regular basis.'
The attack, which killed people ranging from 18 months to 77 years old, came a little more than a month after a gunman killed 58 people in Las Vegas in the deadliest shooting by a sole gunman in US history.
The initial death toll matched the fatalities at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a man shot and killed 26 children and educators and his mother before taking his own life in December 2012. Those attacks now stand as the fourth deadliest by a single gunman in the United States.
Officials warned that 10 of the wounded remained in critical condition on Monday morning.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
Texas church shooting leaves at least 26 dead and dozens more wounded
A gunman entered a small church in southeast Texas and opened fire, killing at least 26 worshippers and wounding many others in the latest mass shooting to plague the United States, according to authorities and media reports.
The shooting occurred at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs in Wilson County, about 40 miles (65 km) east of San Antonio. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle but was killed about 12 miles away in neighbouring Guadalupe County, according to local media and Sergeant Robert Murphy, a spokesman for the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office said.
The suspect has been identified as 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley from New Braunfels, Texas. Kelley served in the U.S. Air Force from 2010 to 2014, and was court-martialed in May 2014.
The suspect's motive has not been disclosed by authorities. But law enforcement officials who were not identified have said the gunman as a white, 26-year-old man, the New York Times and other media reported.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt told CNN that at least 20 people were killed. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick told Fox News that at least 25 people were killed and 30 injured.
The 14-year-old daughter of pastor Frank Pomeroy was killed, the family told several television stations.
Jeff Forrest, a 36-year-old military veteran who lives a block away from the church, said what sounded like high-caliber, semi-automatic gunfire triggered memories of his four combat deployments with the Marine Corps.
'I was on the porch, I heard 10 rounds go off and then my ears just started ringing," Forrest said. "I hit the deck and I just lay there.'
The massacre comes just weeks after a sniper killed 58 people at an outdoor concert in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history. The shootings have stirred a years-long national debate over whether easy access to firearms was contributing to the trend.
President Donald Trump said he was monitoring the situation while in Japan on a 12-day Asian trip.
'May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene,' he said on Twitter.
According to the witnesses, about 20 shots rang out at 11:30 a.m. (1730 GMT) during the church services, according to media reports. It was unclear how many worshippers were inside at the time.
After the shooting, the suspect sped away in a car and was soon cornered by sheriff's deputies just outside of Wilson County in Guadalupe County, Wiley told Reuters. He did not know if the shooter died of a self-inflicted gunshot or was killed by deputies.
Connally Memorial Medical Center in Floresville received eight patients, the hospital said in a statement, while Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston received another eight.
At Connally, three people were treated and released, one is in critical condition and four were transferred to the University Hospital in San Antonio for a higher level of care.
The First Baptist Church is one of two houses of worship in Sutherland Springs, an area that is home to fewer than 900 residents, according the 2010 Census. There are also two gas stations and a Dollar General store in town.
The white-painted, one-story structure features a small steeple and a single front door. On Sunday, the Lone Star flag of Texas was flying alongside the US flag and a third, unidentified banner.
Inside there is a small raised platform on which members sang worship songs to guitar music and the pastor delivered a weekly sermon, according to videos posted on YouTube. In one of the clips, a few dozen people, including young children, can be seen sitting in the wooden pews.
Pastor Paul Buford of River Oaks Church, about 2 miles from First Baptist, said the community was deeply shaken.
'We are holding up as well as we can,' he said. 'We are a strong community.'
The shooting occurred on the eighth anniversary of the Nov. 5, 2009 massacre of 13 people at the Fort Hood Army base in central Texas. A US Army Medical Corps psychiatrist convicted of the killings is now awaiting execution.
In 2015, a white gunman killed nine black parishioners at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. The gunman was sentenced to death for the racially motivated attack.
In September, a gunman killed a woman in the parking lot of a Tennessee church on Sunday morning and wounded six worshippers inside the building before shooting himself in a scuffle with an usher who rushed to stop the attack.
Thou Shalt Not Kill: Catholic Church in Philippines launches prayer campaign to stop drugs killings
A senior Catholic archbishop yesterday called for Filipinos to choose peace over violence and end a spate of drug-related killings that have divided the nation.
Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, was speaking as the Church launched a new prayer campaign to 'heal the nation and stop the killings' in the country.
Philippine Catholic bishops have been stepping up opposition to killings blamed on a government crack-down on drugs.
They are now asking the faithful to pray with the rosary for 33 days until December 8, an important Catholic feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The new campaign follows the 40-day ringing of church bells and lighting of candles for thousands of people killed in President Rodrigo Duterte's 16-month war on drugs.
More than 3,900 Filipinos have been killed in what the police called self-defence after armed suspects resisted arrest. Critics dispute that and say executions are taking place, with zero accountability, in allegations the police reject.
In a mass for families of victims of drug-related killings, Villegas said that if the killings continue 'a curse awaits a nation that kills its own people'.
Symbolically, the mass was held at the Catholic shrine of Mary Queen of Peace which stands on the site where nuns stopped soldiers from attacking mutineers who overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
'Why do we applaud the killings?' Villegas asked in his homily. 'We chose violence instead of peace. We chose lies instead of truth. We chose to laugh at obscenities instead of correcting these. We chose to be silent than to be involved.'
Human rights lawyers, politicians, civil society groups and opponents of the president joined the families of victims in a religious procession after the mass to the 'People Power' monument, where they held a cultural show.
Harry Roque, presidential spokesman, said the government welcomed 'constructive dissent' after hundreds joined the religious activity condemning the killings.
'We reiterate that this administration does not - and will never - condone extrajudicial and vigilante killings,' Roque, a human rights lawyer, said in a statement, adding that police have been investigating more than 2,200 killings with drug-related motives.
'Accountability is essential to good government. The president himself made a clear stance that any violation committed by the police during operations would be dealt with accordingly.'
Roque asked Catholic bishops to work closely with government on drug rehabilitation and its anti-drug campaign.
According to local outlet SunStar, Roque stressed that the government and the Church should not clash with each other but instead should be united in addressing the country's problems.
'It's better to have come to terms on the part of the Church and the government. We are both looking forward to upholding the morality and the rights of our countrymen,' Roque said. 'I don't think there should be a conflict. From now on, I think, what I have been reading from the President himself is that he's exerting all efforts to have complete conciliation with the Church and all religious groups.'
Additional reporting by Reuters.
Mansour Bin Muqrin was the son of former crown prince Muqrin al-Saud, and also the governor of Saudi Arabia's southern district Asir.
By India Today Web Desk: A Saudi prince has died in a helicopter crash near the border of Yemen on Sunday afternoon. Prince Mansour Bin Muqrin, a member of the House of Saud and son of former crown prince Prince Muqrin al-Saud, was the appointed Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
Mansour Bin Muqrin was also the governor of Asir, a southern province in Saudi Arabia. Muqrin was traveling with several other government officials who were also killed in the crash, state TV Ekhbariya reported.
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The cause of the crash is still unknown.
The helicopter crash happened a day after the crackdown of the government of Saudi Arabia on 11 princes as well as about 40 of the country's most powerful officers and businessmen, on charges of corruption.
Although, no immediate connection could be drawn between the helicopter crash and the arrest many assert that the helicopter crash and the arrests are all part of a larger conspiracy. The arrested Saudi officials are held in Hotel Ritz Carlton in Riyadh and several other five-star hotels across the capital.
Alwaleed Bin Talal, a billionaire businessman and member of the Saudi Arabia royal family was also among the arrested people. Alwaleed owns major stakes in companies like Citigroup, 21st Century Fox, Twitter to name a few.
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Worst church attack in US history: Obama says death of 9 in Charleston church 'hate crime' is 'heartbreaking'
US President Barack Obama has denounced the killing of nine people in a Charleston, South Carolina church, saying death happening in a place of worship is "heartbreaking."
The shootingcarried out by a 21-year-old white gunman identified as Dylann Roof who was subsequently arrested after the shootingis deemed by a security expert as the worst attack on a congregation in American history. The victims, the oldest of whom was 87 and the youngest at 26, included Rev. Clementa Pinckney, a senior pastor of the church.
"Any death of this sort is a tragedy. Any shooting involving multiple victims is a tragedy. There is something particularly heartbreaking about the death happening in a place in which we seek solace and we seek peace, in a place of worship," Obama said in a briefing on Thursday.
Obama said he and the First Lady personally knew the pastor slain in what has been called a "hate crime."
"Michelle and I know several members of Emanuel AME Church. We knew their pastor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who, along with eight others, gathered in prayer and fellowship and was murdered last night. And to say our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families, and their community doesn't say enough to convey the heartache and the sadness and the anger that we feel."
Obama emphasised that the attack, which is a reminder of a "dark part" of US history, was not the first of its kind.
"The fact that this took place in a black church obviously also raises questions about a dark part of our history. This is not the first time that black churches have been attacked. And we know that hatred across races and faiths pose a particular threat to our democracy and our ideals."
"Mother Emanuel is, in fact, more than a church. This is a place of worship that was founded by African Americans seeking liberty. This is a church that was burned to the ground because its worshippers worked to end slavery. "
Carl Chinn, a security expert, said he has recorded more than a thousand attacks on places of worship since 1999.
This year, there have been over 150 so far, and the recent attack on the pastor and parishioners of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, according to Chinn, was the worst church attack in American history, Fox News reported.
"This was a calculated attack," Chinn said. "It's just awful. I hurt for those people."
More worrisome, the attack may just be the beginning for more in the future, according to Tim Miller, one of the country's top experts on church security.
"Violence directed against the church has been growing over the past decade," said Miller, who heads the LionHeart International Services Group. "My fear is what we saw in Charleston is one incident of many more to come."
Catholic bishops on Thursday deplored the killing of the Methodist pastor and his parishioners inside the sacred halls of the historic African-American church, the Catholic News Agency reported.
"The inside of any church is a sanctuary. When a person enters, he or she has the right to worship, pray and learn in a safe and secure environment," Bishop Robert Guglielmone of Charleston said. "For anyone to murder nine individuals is upsetting, but to kill them inside of a church during a Bible study class is devastating to any faith community."
"I pray that everyone affected by this horror will feel the comforting presence of our Lord surrounding them during this difficult time," he added.
"We pray for those killed in the violent church shooting in Charleston. We also pray for their families and all those who mourn their death," Bishop Michael Burbidge of Raleigh posted on Twitter.
Mayor Bill de Blasios record in managing Gothams streets is mixed. In walking, biking, or driving, New Yorkers are safer now than they have been since the invention of the automobile. But the streets are still a mess, with gridlock common in Manhattan during daytime hours. Governor Andrew Cuomos proposal to charge drivers to use Manhattans scarce road space would help. But de Blasio, or his successor, shouldnt wait for the state to act to assert some order in New Yorks dense public spaces.
During de Blasios first three years in office, 723 people died in traffic crashes, a 12.3 percent decline from the 826 fatalities during Bloombergs final three years. The decrease is especially impressive not only because traffic deaths have been rising nationwide but also because Bloomberg himself delivered big improvements in street safety during his 12 years in office. During Bloombergs first three years as mayor, from 2002 to 2004, 1,045 people died.
New Yorks Vision Zero strategy of redesigning the streets better to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers is making everyone safer, as the Manhattan Institutes Alex Armlovich found in a study this year. The city has narrowed traffic lanes to force cars to move more slowly and has installed bike lanes and pedestrian islands at dangerous intersections, leading to a decline in deaths and injuries.
Vision Zero isnt working fast enough, though. New York is nowhere near eliminating traffic deaths by 2020, as de Blasio had initially pledged. Though zero is not a realistic goal, Gotham can do better. London, with a similar population, saw 136 road deaths in 2015, the last year for which full data are available. Thats just 58.9 percent of New Yorks level.
While fatalities are down, traffic has never moved slower in the core of Manhattan. Travel speeds dropped 20 percent between 2010 and 2016, to less than 6 mph for the average taxi trip. Speeds dropped 10 percent between 2015 and 2016 alone. Uber and its competitors are largely to blame for the gridlock; in their quest to build out their networks and corner the e-hailing market, they subsidize the price of a car ride below its cost, artificially inducing demand. App-based cars, and their intense competition at below-market cost, have increased driving in the city by 600 million miles from 2013 to 2016, even accounting for a decline in yellow-taxi rides, as consultant Bruce Schaller, former deputy commissioner for traffic and planning for New York City, noted in a recent report. In addition, Amazon deliveries have increased, and private construction projects take lanes of traffic on crosstown streets out of commission for years.
In August, Cuomo announced that he would offer a congestion-pricing proposal early next year. Hell likely formulate some version of the Move NY plan, designed by former traffic commissioner Sam Schwartz. Move New York would charge drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street the same toll levied on the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, currently slightly under $6. The state would use the money raisedabout $1.5 billion a yearfor better mass transit as well as for bridge and road maintenance.
Though a sound idea, congestion pricing faces politically uncertain prospects in Albany, where any plan must be approved. But the mayor has the power now to assert some control over the streets. The city should act, via more and better-trained enforcement officers, to punish red-light runners, as well as drivers who park or idle in bike and bus lanes, and ice-cream-truck vendors who block busy crosswalks for hours. The mayor announced a plan to police double-parking and intersection-blocking in late October. But the people on the streets dont seem to have gotten the message, and enforcement is as lax as ever.
The mayor, too, must address the role that public-sector corruption, both legal and illegal, plays in increasing congestion. Earlier this year, de Blasio rewarded public-school employees with 50,000 new parking placards. Parking has financial value; it should be a collectively bargainedand taxedbenefit for union members. Public-sector employees who want to drive into congested areas to work should pay to park their cars off the street, just as private-sector workers must do.
Theres no better time for the mayor to impose some order on the streets than the holidays, which bring an influx of people into midtown Manhattan. De Blasio should demonstrate to New Yorkers on the streets that the law matters. A less noble motive: one-upping Cuomo in demonstrating some competence here before the governor formally announces his congestion-charge plan next year. Either way, New Yorkers would benefit.
Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images
Charity representatives have expressed concern after the the Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) recommended a comprehensive review of VAT zero-rates.
OTS, an independent office of the Treasury set up in July 2010, has announced details of its first review of VAT, due to be published in full on 7 November. This includes a recommendation for HM Treasury and HM Revenue & Customs to undertake a comprehensive review of the reduced rate, zero-rate and exemption schedules.
It says the full report will consider potential changes to the 85,000 registration threshold, of which it says the UKs is one of the highest levels in the world.
OTS says allowing smaller organisations to stay out of the VAT system costs around 2bn per annum in unclaimed VAT, compared to the EUs 10,000 minimum level, and says that some businesses are discouraged from expanding because of it.
'Sounds like bad news'
Charity Tax Group (CTG) chair John Hemming said the review of reduced rate and zero-rates sounds like bad news.
It is unlikely that they are going to expand reduced rates and zero-rates, he said.
With regards to exemption schedules, he said that CTG had been lobbying for charities to be able to opt to be taxable on some exempt supplies that would mean they effectively pay less VAT.
Meanwhile, Andrew O'Brien, director of policy and engagement at Charity Finance Group, said the announcement presented both opportunities and risks for charities.
We agree with the OTS that VAT is showing its age and certainly, for charities, it has not kept up with changes in how we operate. We need to go back to the drawing board, looking at the principles behind VAT and make sure that we have a system which reduces the burden as far as possible so that more money goes on delivering charitable activities.
Reviewing the exemptions and zero ratings would be a helpful start to achieving this, but we need to work together to get the right message across otherwise there is a danger that we could lose these important tax reliefs. In the run up to Brexit this review is particularly timely and we will be working with charities across the sector to get the best possible outcome."
The OTS report will also consider the partial exemption regime, the capital goods scheme, the option to tax and other special schemes.
Angela Knight, chair of the OTS board, said: This report presents an opportunity to start addressing the many anomalies of VAT. The tax is awash with layers of complexity reflecting both its evolution over the last 45 years and aspects of the Purchase Tax that VAT replaced.
For small businesses, this report will propose ways of simplifying many irritating administrative technicalities and kick off a debate about the registration threshold.
Paul Morton, OTS tax director, said: This report will flag up the effects of the registration threshold, how entry into the VAT system might be smoothed and many other areas where simplification would be beneficial, particularly the complex and often subjective boundaries between those supplies which are standard rated and those which fall within the reduced or zero-rates or which are exempt.
In addition, there will be opportunities to build on the good work of the last few years in improving the administrative aspects of the running of the VAT system.
With a number of changes to fundraising the onus on fundraisers to be compliant is stronger than ever. But Daniel Fluskey, head of policy and research at the IoF, says charities should actually be aiming for excellence.
Compliance is being talked about in fundraising teams like never before. There are more compliance managers, projects, and resources being developed to make sure that a charitys fundraising follows all the rules, regulations, and professional standards.
But in the drive to be compliant, we shouldnt lose sight of what makes fundraising special and what inspires supporters and creates long-lasting relationships. For that, we need more than compliance. We need excellence.
Excellent fundraising isnt just about following the Code of Fundraising Practice. No one gets out of bed in the morning with an ambition of running a really compliant campaign. We start out with thinking about what will make a connection with a supporter. The trick is to ensure we do that, always, in a compliant way. The two arent mutually exclusive at all its not a binary choice between compliance and excellence. Fundraisers can, and need, to do both.
In the week after the Fundraising Regulator released their first complaints report, thinking about this connection becomes even more important. Stephen Dunmore has talked about getting under the skin of the report and what makes a complaint, which is really welcome. We need to understand more about what drives complaints, as well as gain insight into what constitutes a complaint some can be a general dislike of a method, some could be that they felt under pressure, some can be because they dont like the images or words used, some can be because they think the charity should be spending their money on different things.
Im keen to see how the Fundraising Regulator takes this forward to develop their complaints report so that it can be more useful in responding to and improving the publics experience of fundraising in the future.
But heres the key thing: compliant fundraising could still result in complaints, whereas excellent fundraising is less likely to. Compliant fundraising can follow all the rules, but not inspire any supporters or raise any money; excellent fundraising will. We need fundraising to start from where the current or potential supporter is and thinking what kind of communication they might want and respond to, not starting from what do the rules allow us to do.
So as we see a welcome focus on compliance across the sector, we also need to make sure that we are supporting and nurturing excellence. At the same time we also need to remember that some of the most important and emotive issues in fundraising dont always have to do with rules or standards, but are about values and choices that organisations make and the ethical approach they take.
Lets start with values, adopt an ethical approach, aim to achieve excellent fundraising, and make sure we are doing it in a compliant way. Thats what will not only raise the most money, but will also reduce complaints and raise the experience and satisfaction of supporters.
Our vision at the IoF is Excellent fundraising for a better world. Compliant fundraising for a better world just doesnt have quite the same ring to it.
Civil Society Media would like to thank the Institute of Fundraising for their support with this article.
Dean Yates encountered and documented plenty of tragic events over 20 years as a journalist with Reuters, from a nightclub massacre that killed 202 in Bali to a tsunami in Indonesia that killed 165,000.
But of everything hes seen, two deaths haunt him most: Those of his Iraqi staff members who were gunned down in the streets of Baghdad in July 2007 by US soldiers riding in an Apache helicopter. Namir Noor-Eldeen, a 22-year-old photographer, and Saeed Chmagh, a 40-year-old driver, had gone to East Baghdad after hearing reports of an American airstrike in the area. There, they were hit and killed by raining gunfire along with at least 11 other people.
Details of what happened that day would come to light several years later when Wikileaks released gunsight footage of the attack, taken from onboard the Apache, with the crews radio chatter as its soundtrack. Once you get on em, just open em up, a crewmember says, confirming a command to shoot. Namir and Saeed can both be seen in the gunners sites with cameras slung over their shoulders, walking among a loose cluster of men, before the shooting begins. Oh yeah, look at those dead bastards, a pilot says, when the helicopter circles back around. Nice, a crewmember replies.
ICYMI: Local news suffers a tremendous loss
Yates was Reuters Baghdad bureau chief at the time of the attack. It was his job to confirm the deaths, to be there for the staff in their grief, and to investigate what happened. It wasnt until days later, left alone in his office, that he finally wept. And it wasnt until years after that he began to understand the full impact of the deaths on his conscience.
A doctor in 2016 diagnosed Yates with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He was living in Tasmania with his family, in a beautiful village far removed from any fighting, when the accumulated horror hed witnessed, and the guilt he felt over the deaths of Namir and Saeed, finally surfaced. That summer, he entered Ward 17, the PTSD unit at a psychiatric hospital in Melbourne.
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Thats when Yates started thinking about helping other journalists. The idea started to emerge, that maybe when I recovered, maybe I could do something for my industry, he told CJR.
In May, Yates took on the position of mental health and wellness advocate at Reuters, a position that would allow him to blend his decades of experience as a journalist, correspondent, bureau chief, and top news editor with the particulars of his journey with PTSD, to address the spectrum of mental health and wellness issues in the newsroom. Reuters has 2,500 journalists globally that could potentially benefit from the program.
***
COLLEAGUES DESCRIBE YATES as considered, energetic, effective; a man you trusted to be in charge. He was so efficient and so on top of things, said Mike Williams, the global enterprise editor at Reuters, who met Yates in 2011 and later would edit a feature story Yates wrote for Reuters about his struggle with PTSD.
In those days, you gave the tough assignments to those who could handle them, and debriefed them when they got back, says Paul Holmes, a global politics editor for Reuters until 2007. I never even for a moment considered the sort of psychological impact that this might be having on me, Yates says.
So it came as a surprise to Yates himself, and to some of his colleagues, when symptoms began to emerge: He was irritable, reacted to loud noise. Some days he couldnt get out of bed. When I got stressed, I was flung back in time to our office in Baghdad, as if I had never left. I would bang my fists on the desk, scream at the walls, Yates wrote in his story for Reuters.
He couldnt shake the death of his two colleagues.
Ive been reliving that day every day for the past 18 months, Yates tells CJR. He took several months off work after the diagnosis, and spent the time unpacking the memories of the previous two decades. As July rolled around, and with it, memories of Namir and Saeed, Yates began what he calls a forensic examination into his actions at the time.
He printed out all of his email correspondence from that period, reading and rereading them. He called friends, Iraqi colleagues, predecessors, other foreign journalists, and tried to piece together what he could have done differently.
I was responsible for the safety of my staff, said Yates. I felt that I had failed them as bureau chief.
He felt guilty he had not been fully familiar with US rules of engagement, which allowed the military to open fire if weapons were visibleeven if no fighting was taking place. Whether the helicopter crews had indeed followed the rules of engagement is still up for debate: Wikileaks deemed the incident collateral murder, while a military investigation found no fault in the soldiers actions. In the video, crewmembers claim to see AK-47s and RPGs, but even a careful viewing leaves some doubt as to whether the soldiers mistook the cameras for weapons.
Yates felt particularly guilty that when the Wikileaks videos came out in 2010, he did not get involved in the story for Reuters, despite having been closest to it. He happened to be on vacation in Tasmania at the time, and didnt want to face the emotions he knew it would bring. I was cowardly when WikiLeaks released that video, he would later write. Thats something I have to live with.
Whatever Yates was looking for in the process of his forensic examination, he wasnt finding it, and it was making his condition worse. Later that summer, he entered Ward 17. There, Yates would come to realize that something more than PTSD was at play in his casea fairly new concept called moral injury.
ICYMI: NBC journalists harassment allegations revealed. Less than 24 hrs later, a disturbing tweet.
Moral injury has yet to be fully explored and defined, particularly as it pertains to journalists, but it describes the mental fallout from a situation where a soldier, or journalist, is put in a position where they compromise their moral principles, or are asked to cross a moral line by a trusted authority.
The term was coined in the 1990s by Dr. Jonathan Shay, a psychiatrist who worked extensively with veterans suffering from PTSD. Shay has since said that PTSD alone rarely wrecks veterans lives. Moral injuryboth flavorsdoes, he wrote in the Psychoanalytic Psychology journal in 2014.
It looks like this kind of moral injury acts as an accelerant for PTSD and other psychological problems, says Bruce Shapiro, director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma at Columbias Graduate School of Journalism. And it is also highly associated with burnout, and with ethical problems in reporting.
It is not, however, considered a recognized disorder or a mental illness.
A 2017 study on moral injury by International News Safety Institute surveyed journalists who covered the Syrian refugee crisis. It found that moral injury was more prevalent among respondents than PTSD or depression. A 2015 study by the researcher Klas Backholm surveyed journalists who covered the Anders Breivik murders in Norway, during which close to 100 people were murdered. The results revealed higher instances of PTSD or depression among journalists who also felt guilt over perceived ethical breacheseither their own, or their employersduring the events.
For Yates, learning about moral injury was a revelation, especially because hed initially had difficulty accepting his diagnosis. How could I be suffering so much and yet, I hadnt even really been on the front lines? Yates had asked himself. It took me some time to really understand that I had a lot of PTSD symptoms, but it was really moral injury crushing me. It helped explain why he continued to feel responsible for the deaths of Namir and Saeed, despite being assured repeatedly by friends and colleagues that he was not to blame.
After being discharged, Yates wanted to share what he knew, first by sharing his own story, and then by taking on the role of advocate.
Hes not telling his story because he wants people to think about Dean Yates, says Holmes, who stayed in touch with Yates over the years. Hes telling his story because he sees an issue that needs to be addressed.
***
IN WARD 17, Yates met many other frontline professionals, including firefighters and police officers who were suffering as he was. He learned that many of the men and women he met werent getting proper professional support, and he wanted to see that change for journalism.
Journalism as an industry has come a long way in acknowledging and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. A 2002 study by Dr. Anthony Feinstein, a Canadian psychiatrist who had previously worked with veterans, was one of the first to study the incidence of PTSD in journalists. He found that of 140 war journalists, 19 percent had some symptoms of PTSD. Feinsteins work, concurrent as it was with 9/11 and the Iraq war, led many newsrooms to add resources for dealing with the aftermath of traumatic events.
By the early aughts, for example, many large newsrooms implemented 24/7 crisis hotlines, including the BBC, the Associated Press, and CNN. Newsrooms also provide debriefing sessions, self-assessment tools, and training to prepare journalists for the security and emotional risks of reporting from dangerous places.
As approaches and policies in the newsroom continue to evolve, experts stress that one crucial area to address is building resiliency as a preventative measure, rather than reacting after the fact.
The literature shows that the most protective factor for people in frontline professions is not access to clinical help, though thats important sometimes, Shapiro says. Its actually social support and peer support.
Reuters already had some mechanisms for trauma support in place before Yates came on. In 2006, the company established a crisis hotline for journalists, a service Yates made use of after the deaths of his staff. In 2015, the company implemented a Peer Network of trained volunteer journalists who are available and reach out to colleagues in tough situations.
Yates is aiming to build on those initiatives by fostering a culture of openness and awareness from staffers. They should talk openly, and managers should be proactive in offering support. I want to really break that stigma down and create an environment where journalists feel comfortable about those sorts of stuff.
Reg Chua, executive editor at Reuters, said he sees parallels between the security protocols the company has put in place and the expanded wellness initiative. If you have some kind of real injury, well clearly take care of it, but the whole goal is to not have that injury in the first place.
Yates said theres one memory of the support he received thats stayed with him.
On New Years Eve in 2005, days after a tsunami hit in the Aceh province in Indonesia, Yates got a message to call Holmes, the global politics and general news editor, who was back in New York. It had been a harrowing few days. It was death and destruction on an unimaginable scale, says Yates.
I thought the best thing I could do was call everyone who was covering that story, even those I had never met, and just ask them how they were doing.
On his first day in Banda Aceh, the largest town in the province, he walked into a mosque where stacks of bodies had been collected. I just thought, I need to count these bodies, Yates said. There were over 150 of them. It had been several days since the wave hit, and in the heat of Indonesia, they were beginning to decompose. I just felt someone had to count them.
When Yates reached Holmes on his satellite phone, the editor said something along the lines of, We just want you to know how proud we are of the work youre doing, and we just want everyone to know, tell everyone there that were thinking of them.
Yates wasnt the only one who got the call. There was such overwhelming trauma and grief involved in that story, Holmes recalled, that he got a list of reporters on the ground, and stayed up until the early morning hours trying to reach reporters across Asia. I thought the best thing I could do was call everyone who was covering that story, even those I had never met, and just ask them how they were doing.
Holmes said that was hardly standard practice back then. But having been a journalist himself for decades, he knew what it was like to be in a foreign country, facing inconceivable horror and tragedy.
Yates emphasised that a big part of his role will be to encourage practices that can be crucial for all journalists working in high-pressure environments, even if theyre not anywhere near conflicts or humanitarian crises: things like meditation, yoga, exercise, and learning to switch off.
Shapiro said that the literature on resiliency backs him up that wellness supports resiliency. Having a work life balance turns out to be very important in the resilience of people in frontline professions, says Shapiro. Its not just a touchy feely thing.
***
YATES SPENT the 10th anniversary of the deaths of Namir and Saeed back in Ward 17. In the weeks leading up to it, he felt himself slipping and knew he couldnt face that day alone. He spent a week writing a 5,000-word long letter to Namir and Saeed, exploring his complex feelings of guilt, shame, and grief.
That allowed me to take the next step which was to try to heal from it, says Yates. I still have days when my anxiety is off the charts. There is no cure for PTSD or moral injury; its how you manage it.
What concerns Yates most is those who dont have the kind of support he does.
ICYMI: Plagiarism scandal hits local newspaper
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Chava Gourarie is a freelance writer based in New York and a former CJR Delacorte Fellow. Follow her on Twitter at @ChavaRisa
Following the blockbuster Harvey Weinstein investigations by The New York Times and The New Yorker, media reporters are sorting through and investigating waves of tips about sexual harassment in the media, including their own shops. And they are doing so under a broad range of different standards and guidelines, involving everything from the use of unnamed accusers to questions about the newsworthiness of some sexual harassment claims.
The reports have led to the firings of Voxs Lockhart Steele, MSNBC political commentator Mark Halperin, and former New Republic editor Leon Wieseltier as well as concerns at news organizations around the world. NPRs head of news, Michael Oreskes, was asked to step down after new allegations of sexual misconduct were brought to the attention of NPR CEO Jarl Mohn. NPR reporters have won praise for their frank reporting of the Oreskes storypresenter Mary Louise Kelly asked Mohn tough questions about his handling of the allegations live on air, while media reporter David Folkenflik has reported on the anger felt by many in his own newsroom.
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Folkenflik was one of five media reporters and columnists who described to CJR how they handle stories about newsroom harassment and assault. Some insist on recent examples of harassment and rigid on-the-record sourcing, while others are willing to grant anonymity and look into older allegations. Most stress theyre looking for patterns of behavior over isolated incidents. The industry is facing a reckoning, and media reporters are still trying to figure out how to report on powerful offenders who in many cases have gotten away with harassment for years.
Media reporters are fielding an unprecedented number of tips, making it more tricky than ever to determine which cases to pursue. For instance, Ive had people point out a man who allegedly sends drunk text messages to younger women, says Michael Calderone, senior media reporter at Politico. Its something that may be worth pursuing, but at the same time, it seems like there are more egregious allegations out there. Its important to prioritize the ones you think would be the strongest story.
Washington Post blogger Erik Wemple says the so-called Shitty Media Men list that emerged after the Weinstein reporting opened the floodgates for tipsters sharing names of alleged offenders. Its almost I think at the stage where its hard to figure out who to pursue next, he says. Theres just so many calls about so many men being made.
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Unsurprisingly, media reporters agree that on-the-record testimony makes for a stronger story. New York Times media columnist Jim Rutenberg says his paper pretty much requires it: I think its meant the stories have hit harder.
However, Rutenberg acknowledges that this can be hard to obtain, and that post-Weinstein, the reception around anonymous sourcing has changed. Case in point: CNNs report on Halperin. That was an example where they had enough corroboration, Rutenberg says. They were clearly comfortable, it looked journalistically solid, even though it was all anonymous. I think our standards will remain on-the-record. Im sure therell be exceptions, but so far thats been our main stance.
Wemple considers the current spate of stories unique and a justified use of anonymous sourcing. I dont know that Ive ever seen more credible anonymous sourcing in my life, he says. The women who have chosen not to put their names forward [in these stories] for very good reason, they have moved HR departments, very big companies, to take drastic actions.
Wemple notes the anonymous sources in the CNN report were only anonymous to readers. The harassers know who they are, and they know the truth.
Ultimately, journalists have to use the same standards covering their own industry that they do on others.
Reporters look at how recently allegations against individuals in the media were madeand how many of them there areto see if they offer clues about institutional malfeasance or lack of action over a long period of time. The Oreskes story was broken by The Washington Posts Paul Farhi, based on a pair of historic, anonymous reports from Oreskess stint at The New York Times. Folkenflik has since said he looked into a more recent complaint against Oreskes last year, but NPR didnt publish a story about itin part because Folkenflik wasnt aware other women had similar stories to tell until Farhis piece came out. Im thankful he did publish that, because it enabled me to understand the episode I had reported on previously for what it was, which was a warning sign of a very serious nature. (Oreskes was formerly a member of CJRs Board of Overseers, before resigning last week.)
The journalists CJR spoke with said theyre also prioritizing tips based on the seniority and prominence of the accused person. This is a story about the abuse of power and influence, they say, and men in senior positions, like television hosts and top editors, have the most power. It speaks to a larger institutional issue about the type of behavior thats going on in the organization, says Calderone. The Mike Oreskes story might not just be about Mike Oreskesit might be about NPR more broadly.
ICYMI: Global media confronts its own Weinsteins
As a columnist, Rutenberg sees his role at the Times as an observer of the moments broader effect, not just to report on specific people. When we look at how systems broke down, and in some cases law and order broke down, I think its important we keep our eyes on those aspects, he says.
Even though Steele held a prominent role as editorial director at Vox before his firing, Folkenflik says he mentioned his name only once on the air. I dont know if a national audience has any sense of who he is, or of what that means to be the editorial director of Vox Media, he says. Not every corporate action or every accusation is national news.
But when the report is about someone from within, it definitely is, as was the case with NPRs firing of Oreskes. Folkenflik praised NPRs leadership for letting him do his job, even when it reflected badly on them and may give critics further ammunition, as a demonstration of the organizations journalistic values. Thats an astonishing credit to NPR at a time when it deservedly has a black eye and has some really tough questions its yet to answer to the satisfaction of a lot of its staff, he says.
Ultimately, journalists have to use the same standards covering their own industry that they do on others, says Margaret Sullivan, media columnist at The Washington Post.
We just have to be a little trickier because it could involve places where reporters have worked, or where they know someone, or they used to work with someone, she tells CJR. I dont see this topic as one that requires us to reinvent the rules of ethical journalism. We have to apply the same rules we always do.
ICYMI: You mightve seen the Timess Weinstein story. But did you miss the bombshell published days after?
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Karen K. Ho and Jon Allsop are CJR Delacorte Fellows.
A bill to reduce auto insurance premiums was defeated late Thursday by the Michigan House, another blow for longstanding efforts to rein in medical costs contributing to the highest average rates in the country.
After hours of behind-the-scenes arm twisting and an extensive floor debate, the GOP-controlled House voted 45-63 against the legislation 10 votes short. Forty-one of 45 Democrats and 22 of 63 Republicans joined to reject the measure.
Everybody in the state of Michigan knows car insurance is too high and something has to be done about. But theres something about once you enter the boundaries of (Lansing), that year after year nothing gets done, said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who lobbied unsuccessfully for passage of the bill and whose citys residents face the highest rates in the U.S. Another major proponent was Republican House Speaker Tom Leonard, who for the second time this year put a high-profile measure up for a vote knowing it would likely fail.
Michigan, the only state to require unlimited lifetime coverage for medical expenses resulting from auto crashes, allows health providers to bill car insurers much more for care than health insurers pay. A $170 annual per-vehicle fee also is assessed to reimburse car insurers for expenses surpassing $550,000 for the catastrophically injured.
The legislation sought a 40 percent cut, for five years, in personal injury protection fees for motorists choosing $250,000 rather than unlimited PIP coverage. That could equal an estimated 20 percent reduction in the overall cost of a comprehensive policy.
Drivers choosing $500,000 in benefits could have seen a 20 percent PIP reduction, and those sticking with unlimited coverage would have paid 10 percent less for PIP. Motorists age 62 and older who have Medicare or other retiree health insurance could have opted out entirely of PIP.
The bill sponsor, House Insurance Committee Chairwoman Lana Theis, said the legislation is not perfect but is a huge step in the right direction.
It would rein in out-of-control costs, crack down on fraud in the system, give drivers a choice and safe families hundreds, potentially thousands of dollars annually on their auto insurance while making it possible to sustain their unlimited option, the Brighton Republican said.
Critics countered that the measure would gut quality benefits for the injured, shift costs to Medicaid and not stop insurers discriminatory practices by which urban drivers pay more due to factors that have nothing to do with their driving history. They also contended that the rate reductions would not be guaranteed.
If your insurance company does some math that says they will lose money if they lower your PIP, they may not actually lower it at all. Michigan deserves better, said Rep. Stephanie Chang, a Detroit Democrat.
Following the vote, Leonard said Republicans produced 41 votes and he had long suggested he would need 10 to 15 Democrats to vote yes. He accused disingenuous Democrats of siding with the hospitals and trial attorneys over the people they represent.
But House Minority Leader Sam Singh of East Lansing, who backs separate bipartisan auto insurance legislation, said the bill has many flaws and forces people to go into bankruptcy to continue to get access to their health care services. Leonard responded that the alternative package puts more costs into the system.
Even if the measure had won approval in the House Thursday night, it would have faced an uncertain future in the GOP-controlled Senate, whose leader opposes government-mandated premium reductions.
Before voting, the House amended the bill to soften a proposed fee schedule for medical services covered by auto insurers. Health providers could not have charged more than 160 percent of Medicare rates.
Duggan, who is up for re-election next week, said opponents of the measure played the Lansing game and proposed changes they knew would fail, such as banning territorial rating which he said will never pass because it would require legislators to offset rate cuts for some motorists with hikes on others.
I would put the blame on the people who are making tens of millions of dollars gouging Michigan consumers, Duggan said. And they got too many votes on both sides of the aisle, as they have, and we need to come back with a new strategy and a new approach.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Google is partnering with AutoNation, the countrys largest auto dealership chain, in its push to produce self-driving cars for wide use.
AutoNation said Thursday that its dealerships will provide maintenance and repairs for Waymos self-driving fleet of Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. Waymo is Googles automated vehicle technology wing. The agreement will include additional models of vehicles when Waymo brings them on line.
Terms of the multi-year deal were not disclosed.
Google started off with a fleet of 100 autonomous Pacificas and has announced plans to add 500. Waymo is negotiating with other automakers, such as Honda, about autonomous vehicle systems, the company said.
The vehicles likely will be driven for several hundred thousand miles, and theyll need to be maintained to accomplish that, AutoNation CEO Mike Jackson said Thursday in an interview. The dealership chain, he said, has maintained more than 40 million vehicles. As Waymo moves to other markets and also puts other brands in service, we have expertise on any vehicle they want to put into service, Jackson said.
Waymo has been partnering with a number of car-centric companies like Avis, the ridesharing company Lyft, and Fiat Chrysler.
Since Google first began pursuing self-driving vehicle technology in 2009, a wave of major players have joined the chase. General Motors and Ford, along with other big technology companies, including Apple and ride-hailing service Uber, are developing their own technology.
Waymo is in a legal tussle with Uber, alleging that one of its former managers stole its trade secrets and took them along when he joined Uber in 2016. The trial is set to begin later this year.
AutoNation Inc., based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, runs about 360 dealerships in the U.S.
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Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said Friday that its third-quarter profit fell 43 percent because of a $1.4 billion insurance underwriting loss from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria and earthquakes in Mexico.
The Omaha, Nebraska-based conglomerate owns Geico and several other insurers, including General Reinsurance.
Berkshire said it earned $4.07 billion, or about $1.65 per Class B share. Thats down from $7.2 billion, or $2.92 per Class B share.
Berkshire said that without its investment and derivative gains, which can be volatile, its operating earnings were $3.44 billion, or $1.40 per share.
The five analysts surveyed by FactSet expected Berkshire Hathaway to report operating earnings per Class B share of $1.59.
Buffetts company generated revenue of $60.53 billion in the period.
Berkshire Hathaway executives do not routinely discuss quarterly earnings results.
Edward Jones analyst Jim Shanahan said the insurance losses were larger than he expected. He noted Buffett said in August that Berkshires exposure to the storms would be limited because it hadnt written much catastrophe insurance in recent years because prices were too low.
But the $3 billion pretax insurance losses Berkshire reported in this quarter werent far behind the $3.4 billion in hurricane-related losses Berkshire recorded in 2005 when Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma struck the Gulf Coast.
CFRA Research analyst Cathy Seifert said the underwriting losses in Berkshires insurance businesses drove the quarterly result. Outside of insurance, Berkshires other businesses reported a modest 2.9 percent increase in operating profits.
For instance, Berkshires BNSF railroad contributed $1.04 billion to the companys quarterly profit, up slightly from last years $1.02 billion net income at the railroad.
Berkshire recorded much lower investment gains this year with $623 million in the quarter. Thats significantly lower than last years $2.3 billion that was boosted by Wrigley paying Berkshire to repurchase preferred shares Buffetts company held.
Berkshire owns more than 90 subsidiaries, including clothing, furniture and jewelry firms. It also has major investments in such companies as Coca-Cola Co. and Wells Fargo & Co.
Its Class B shares were down $1.27 to $186 in after-hours trading Friday following the release of the earnings report.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Local government officials were not negligent in the death of an elderly man who had reported for jury duty and was later found covered with snow outside a Washington state courthouse, jurors ruled.
Kay Mita, 84, reported for jury duty in the city of Spokane on Nov. 26, 2007, but did not return to the courtroom after a lunch break. He was found dead of exposure the next day, slumped against a trash container next to the base of the courthouse steps.
Mitas family sued Spokane County. While the jury on Thursday found that the county was not negligent, it asked officials to update policies on how a person should be determined at risk.
I think thats an indication of how serious they took their jobs as jurors, attorney Heather Yakely, who defended the county, told the Spokesman-Review newspaper of Spokane. One of the things the jurors told me was to talk to the communications center to see if they can do more to make it as professional and effective and successful as possible.
Richard Eymann, attorney for Mitas family, said his clients were disappointed but he hoped the county would address the issues they raised.
The familys lawsuit claimed the county mishandled a missing-person call and provided false assurances that police would search for Mita. The county denied those claims in court documents.
In closing arguments Thursday, John Allison, another attorney for Mitas family, said the county was negligent in not sending the missing-person report to police so they could launch a search the night Mita didnt return home.
Mitas son, Floyd, believed police would search for his father after he called the Spokane Crime Reporting Center, Allison said. As a result, he stayed with his distraught mother that night instead of going to search himself.
The couple had been married for 58 years when he froze to death on the steps of this building, Eymann said of the Spokane County Courthouse.
Kay Mita was the son of Japanese immigrants who spent three years in a World War II internment camp in Wyoming. Lawyers for the family said during trial that he was excited to serve on a jury.
Perhaps Mita saw jury service as a way to put out of my mind that when I was a young boy I was interred in a Japanese internment camp and sent all the way to Wyoming, Eymann said.
The attorney said Mita died a slow, painful death from hypothermia and that statistically he was expected to live for six more years.
Yakely, the lawyer for Spokane County, said the case did not rise to negligence.
Simply because there is a loss of life does not mean its anybodys fault, Yakely said.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) A doctor-turned-law student who has sought audio-video recording of court proceedings of cases of public importance and legally educative cases was today grilled by the Supreme Court over his knowledge of medicine.
The apex court which appreciated the drafting of petition by the doctor-turned-law student said several pleas were being filed regarding audio-video recording of the cases and it would entertain the matters.
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A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud refused to entertain the petition filed by Dr Subhash Vijayran, who is now a second year law student at the Campus Law Centre in Delhi University, and asked him to withdraw the plea.
Chief Justice Dipak Misra, when he learnt that Vijayran who was appearing in-person was a doctor, asked him questions about medicine.
"What is the effect of Paracetamol tablet on the body? How does it react," the CJI asked the petitioner.
Replying to the question, Vijayran said it lowered the temperature of the body by reacting to the liver and mitochondria.
This prompted the CJI to ask further questions including how does the body react to kidney transplant and what are the effects of antibiotics on the body.
Justice Misra said research has been conducted about neural reaction on the human body which undergoes kidney transplant and asked Vijayran to go through these research papers.
In his plea, Vijayran has sought directions from the apex court to make available to law students the audio-video recordings and complete case files claiming it would be a big step in providing them with holistic and practical knowledge of law and bridging the gap between theory and practice.
"It is aptly said that law colleges in India produce law graduates and not lawyers. It takes years for a law graduate to become a lawyer. To become a good lawyer, apart from hard work, it is equally important to work under the guidance of an able and learned senior. This is a real challenge for me," Vijayran said in his plea.
He also urged the court to take the aid of modern technology to perpetually preserve its proceedings and make them open courts in word and spirit as has been the practice in western countries like USA and United Kingdom.
"Drafting skills are very important for any lawyer. If the entire case file is available on the website, I shall, apart from reading the case documents and gaining knowledge therefrom, also develop good drafting skills. By granting my prayer of having entire case file in PDF format available online, this Court will help in sculpturing an excellent draftsman out of me. Therefore, my prayers should be granted," he said.
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He also said that because of lack of space and other practical difficulties, hardly a hundred people at the most can be physically present in any court room at a given time. PTI MNL RRT ABA SJK RKS ARC
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The most destructive complex of wildfires in California history wreaked most of its damage and deaths among housing subdivisions in this San Francisco Bay Area bedroom town, leaving survivors with little but white ash and hard choices: Rebuild quickly as things were, rebuild defensively against future fires, or abandon some burned neighborhoods entirely as lethal mistakes in the countrys most wildfire-prone state.
With $3.3 billion in insured losses so far and 8,900 homes and structures destroyed, the scale of loss from Octobers Northern California wildfires is unusual, but the devastated areas had burned before and almost certainly will again, fire ecologists say.
The weeks since have given rise to conflicting desires for rebuilding.
Many families are eager to rebuild as before, and local officials have vowed to speed them along. Wildfire experts, meanwhile, are urging California officials to consider seizing the moment to strengthen regulations.
If authorities take bigger steps toward fire-safety now, when the next fire comes, which it will, the horrific impacts will be avoided, said Caitlin Cornwall, a research biologist with a Sonoma County nonprofit and one of the hundreds of survivors, regulators and developers cramming meetings and town halls to plot out recovery. The fires that started Oct. 8 burned one in every 10 acres in Sonoma County, a territory stretching from the Pacific to redwood groves to commuter cities and wine valleys.
Following wildfires, urban areas tend to build up more densely despite the remaining fire risk, and residents tend to build in only as many fire-defense measures as regulations require, researchers with the U.S. Forest Service and University of Wisconsin found from studying rebuilding after past U.S. wildfires.
Rebuilding also often takes years longer than residents realize. In California wildfires studied, just 35 percent of buildings lost were rebuilt within five years, the researchers determined.
We found people generally dont change their behavior in terms of how they rebuild, what materials they use, or how they landscape, if there arent incentives in place, said Anu Kramer, a wildfire-rebuilding researcher at UW.
The motivation to quickly rebuild often leaves little time for authorities to impose tougher fire standards, Kramer said.
In the hard-hit Santa Rosa neighborhoods of Fountaingrove and Coffey Park where the fires obliterated block after block of homes, as well as big box-stores and hotels some residents already are banding together to quickly rebuild houses using their old blueprints.
Flames spread fast among houses crowded together on hilltops for million-dollar views over the coastal ridges. Homeowners bent on getting as much house as possible on their lots can make them more vulnerable in wildfires, experts say.
In Fountaingrove as elsewhere now, many just want to try and get houses rebuilt on the same footprint for the least amount of money, said David Rust, a retired housing contractor who wore a white hazmat suit this week to pick through the few identifiable lumps of metal in the ruins of his familys home.
The affluent neighborhood was an acknowledged fire-risk area in a state that the national Insurance Information Institute trade group says is the nations most wildfire-prone.
Santa Rosa, a more affordable alternative to San Francisco, saw its population rise by about 10 percent in 10 years and housing pushed into formerly open areas where wildfire previously could strike without threatening humans.
Mayor Chris Coursey has worried about the loss of 5 percent of Santa Rosas housing stock in the fires and stresses that he wants to make rebuilding as easy as possible for homeowners.
People have a right to rebuild what they had, if thats what they want to do, Coursey told a meeting last month. I dont think we have any business getting in their way, legal or otherwise.
Sonoma County Supervisor Susan Gorin, who lost her home on the vulnerable edge of a housing development near the vineyards in Sonoma Valley, is among those asking if it makes sense not to rebuild in fire-prone neighborhoods like Fountaingrove. She is quick to add that is a decision for Santa Rosa city officials, though.
Those neighborhoods lost the largest number of structures, but I am not going to say you cannot rebuild, Gorin said.
Newer building codes already in place in California will force some new defense measures when people rebuild. They include a 2010 law mandating sprinklers even in single-family homes.
How insurance companies respond to the disaster also will be critical. Some homeowners could find it harder or impossible to get home insurance, state insurance commissioner David Jones said this week.
Fire experts point to a host of defensive measures homeowners could adopt, from fire-resistant roofing and screens that keep embers out of attics to keeping flammable vegetation far from homes. Communities require local-level planning, such as steps to discourage crowding of structures and encourage evacuation procedures, experts say.
Many homeowners also will confront the reality that their insurance payouts wont cover the additional cost of fire-proofing or other safety upgrades.
Land-use planning that could bar building in the most vulnerable areas is harder to pull off politically, fire researchers note.
Ultimately, all of us as taxpayers are sort of picking up the bill in one way or the other for wildfires, said Max Moritz, a Santa Barbara-based wildlife management researcher. If the public is subsidizing the costs, it should also have a say through regulations to determine where and how people can build, he said.
In Fountaingrove, David and Shelly Rust are thinking of rebuilding on their fire-leveled lot, then selling and moving away from California and its wildfires. David Rust is planning a fire-resistant wilderness home, with a metal roof, flame-resistant siding and a gel that releases from the roof ridge to douse hot spots.
I honestly thought it was more suburban here than could ever be taken over by an out-of-control wildfire, David Rust said.
(Associated Press photographer Jeff Chiu contributed to this report.)
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
By Shivani Chhabra: For years now, Shilpa Shetty has been a delight to watch on our screens. Apart from being a stellar actor, Shilpa has garnered appreciation for the way she majestically displays her high-end taste in fashion, through her spectacular choice of ensembles. While it has been hard to not swoon over her splendid public appearances, her recent look seems to have broken her record of fashion hits.
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The 42-year-old starlet recently posted a picture on social media, and her dud look left us really disappointed. Exhibiting a poor sartorial choice, unlike most other times, Shilpa adorned an olive-green pant-suit that was far from being sharp--the one quality that pant suits are best known for.
Also Read: Shilpa Shetty in this peach saree is the reason for rising temperatures
Deprived of class, the outfit was a concoction of power sleeves that had a boss-like look to them, but the impact of the sleeves was clearly ruined by the embellished cuffs which looked Boho. Even the pockets of the blazer boasted of Boho-looking embellishments that made no sense at all.
Picture courtesy: Instagram/theshilpashetty
The striped t-shirt that Shilpa threw the blazer over, was too casual to match the semi-formal vibe of the look, and failed to elevate it either. While the blazer was still decent, the flared trousers were simply overdramatic, and sunk the ship for the look.
A convoluted blend of power sleeves, embellishments, stripes and flared trousers--the outfit was a complete fail. The actress finished this look with a pair of statement earrings and a neat ponytail, that didn't help the look at all, too.
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Jaya Jaitly has accused the Congress of having a hand in the Tehelka sting 'Operation West End', which led to then Defence Minister George Fernandes' resignation.
Jaya Jaitly alleged that Sonia Gandhi had asked then Finance Minister P Chidambaram to ensure that Tehelka's alleged financiers are not treated in an
By Indo-Asian News Service: Former Samata Party president Jaya Jaitly has accused the Congress of having a hand in the Tehelka sting 'Operation West End', which led to then Defence Minister George Fernandes' resignation and that when UPA was in power, Congress President Sonia Gandhi had asked then Finance Minister P Chidambaram to ensure that Tehelka's alleged financiers are not treated in an "unfair" or "unjust" manner.
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Jaitly has made these claims in her upcoming autobiography "Life among the Scorpions: Memoirs of a Woman in Indian Politics", which is due to be released on Tuesday.
Informed sources have confirmed that Jaitly has presented a copy of the letter in the book. It also has a copy of a two-page letter from First Global, the alleged financiers of Tehelka, petitioning Sonia Gandhi, the then Chairperson of National Advisory Council.
In the autobiography published by Rupa, Jaitly also recalls that when Fernandes insisted on resigning, then Union Ministers LK Advani and Jaswant Singh advised against it. Soon after, Jaswant Singh brought the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's message to the Defence Minister, accepting his resignation.
"George Fernandes was only too eager to oblige," she said. However, Jaitly was miffed that she had also been asked to resign as Samata Party chief by Vajpayee, while she had made her stand clear in her own party that she had done nothing wrong and would not resign.
She also claims that the Congress, which was then in Opposition, was the ultimate beneficiary of the sting by Tehelka, which allegedly received hawala funds.
Jaitly also recounts her experiences during the investigations under the Commission of Inquiry, instituted after the Tehelka sting. When the matter was suddenly and arbitrarily sent to a court, she says she feared that the judge, who convicted former BJP president Bangaru Laxman of bribery and was hearing her case too, would eventually convict her irrespective of her arguments.
In the book, Jaitly further recollects her meeting with alleged arms middleman Christian Michel, and how he bragged about helping Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao to spy on Sonia Gandhi and then went on to offer her an opportunity to make a "huge pile of money" for her party.
In the context of her revelations on how defence deals are done in India, Jaitly mentions a meeting with an unnamed senior Congressman where he informed her that people were willing to pay "Rs 20 lakh to have a cup of tea" with her. When she asked him why, he explained that "it cuts the competition".
This, according to the book, was during the first NDA Government and Fernandes the Defence Minister.
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The lowest floor of the Emirates Towers in Dubai houses the government's Future Foundation, which is sucking in innovative companies from around the world for a stint in the city's $300 million accelerator program. On a visit last summer, there was a company building a health scanner that looks like a phone booth, and plants grown on mist without soil. And, next to those, was a company called ConSensys that doesn't look particularly futuristic. It looks like a group of software developers working at their computers.
The iconic Emirates Towers in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Getty Images
But ConSensys a New York-based blockchain software company is one of a growing wave of companies lured to Dubai to help build out the one of the world's most powerful new technologies: blockchain. Amid aggressive competition from other cities, Dubai is turning into a center of blockchain development. Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, says blockchain could be as earth-changing as the Internet, as it reshapes the way people transact with each other. The brainchild is Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum who wants all government documentation such as visa applications, bill payments and license renewals to be transacted digitally using blockchain by 2020. As a result, businesses are adapting fast, and many start-ups and big companies are shifting to accommodate the government, or relocating to Dubai.
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (center), attends presentation and first flight of the Volocopter 2X used as Autonomous Air Taxi, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on September 25, 2017. Balkis Press | Sipa USA | Sipa | AP Images
It's attracting involvement from companies including IBM, Cisco and SAP and a dozen or more others who are part of a Global Blockchain Council or are working on blockchain applications in Dubai. Dubai is already home to a bitcoin exchange, BitOasis, and other start-ups and accelerators devoted to blockchain are springing up, as well. More from Global Investing Hot Spots:
Saudi Arabia is opening its IPO market to foreign investors
Peter Thiel: People are underestimating the power of bitcoin
Blockchain is attractive, Chinese investor says Dubai is parlaying its position as a global trade crossroads and its government's $4 billion-plus annual spending on innovation in general into a leadership position. "Dubai has wagered on their position in trade, as a global crossroads," said Marie Wieck, general manager of IBM Blockchain, who leads a team of 1,500 around the world focused on the technology. She was in the Emirate in October at a blockchain event attended by hundreds of people working on blockchain applications. "Based on where their economy is, it is really just a natural that they would be betting on blockchain."
An Emirate in transformation
A blockchain is a network that combines a ledger with the digital item being transacted, permanently, in a way that can't be changed. In a paper world, a ledger entry is separate from a transaction. In a blockchain, the digital item being transacted, like an electronic unit of currency or an electronic copy of a deed, contains its own ledger of transactions. The first application of blockchain has been in the development of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. (Dubai is also home to an early bitcoin application company called BitOasis). ICOs independent coin offerings allow investors to bet on which cryptocurrencies will stand the test of time. Many of them are taking place in Zurich, and other places without stiff investor protection laws. The explosion of cryptocurrencies and fluctuations in their value led JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to warn investors against them and has led to talk of a speculative bubble in the area.
Based on where their economy is, it is really just a natural that they would be betting on blockchain. Marie Wieck General manager of IBM Blockchain
The bigger revolution is going on outside the headlines, in the development of other new applications on top of blockchain technology. Worldwide, blockchain seems likely to destroy millions of jobs in record-keeping and transactions, like those in the back ends of banks. What form the replacements for those jobs take and where they will land is an open question and Dubai wants to snag as many of them as it can.
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"While many other governments are writing white papers and conducting small scale tests, the government of Dubai is already developing major services across its entire portfolio," said Noah Raford, the Future Foundation's COO. Blockchain isn't Dubai's only front in what its Future Foundation CEO last year called "an economic war" to lead innovation in the global economy. For instance, the Emirate recently named a minister of artificial intelligence. Dubai's Future Foundation, a government agency, last spring said it had $300 million to invest in innovative companies. After they come to Dubai for a stint in that space at the bottom of Emirates Towers, they often relocate or leave a branch there.
Global competition heats up
Other cities and small countries are emerging as hubs, too. London, for instance, is already renowned as a center for fintech. Estonia, a tiny country that declared Internet access a basic human right in 2000, is a leader in blockchain applications. Singapore's central bank announced last March that it has completed a trial of using blockchain to power all domestic inter-bank payments, noted Christopher M. Schroeder, global venture investor and author of Startup Rising: The Entrepreneurial Revolution Remaking the Middle East. "When governments actively welcome new technologies they also signal to the rising entrepreneurial ecosystems 'Here is a place you are welcomed to innovate,'" he said.
Alexander Demianchuk | TASS | Getty Images
He added that though there will be jobs "shift" because of blockchain, many of the skills of the old world are just as desired in the new one. "For example, if one could hire the following candidate for the 21st century we would in a heartbeat: Meticulous; great at math; great at analysis; utterly trustworthy; superb at customer service; very comfortable in computing," he said. "I just described a bank teller."
Dubai at the crossroads
Dubai stands out for two reasons: the breadth of the applications that may develop in a global trade hub, and the government's commitment. Dubai has the world's busiest airport and is a gateway to growth markets in Southeast Asia and Africa. When 1776, a Washington, D.C.-based incubator, decided to host a blockchain start-up competition, it did so in its branch located in Dubai, said Brandon Pollak, co-founder and head of global affairs. "They take a broad lens to the opportunities; they are not just focused on payments," he said. "They are bringing real estate, health care and financial services into the picture, for example." Wieck pointed to some of the areas that are ripe for innovation, including cross-border payments and settlements, trade requirements and visas. But the applications are much broader. For instance, she said, a blockchain built to keep track of food could revolutionize food safety systems you'd have a perfect record of whether the "chain of cold" was ever broken. In the medical sphere, you'd know how long an organ for transplant was in transport. A blockchain developed for gems could make it harder to finance a conflict with blood diamonds. Companies from IBM to Emirates Airline to Careem, a tech unicorn, are launching blockchain experiments in Dubai. Careem, which is sometimes called the Uber of the Middle East, is writing a blockchain application that will allow riders to use Emirates Airline miles to buy rides.
Businessman walk past an Emirates Airbus A380 during the Dubai Airshow on November 18, 2013 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Christopher Furlong | Getty Images
IBM and ConSensys, a 200-employee company that builds applications based on a blockchain technology called Ethereum, have both been named advisors to the government's effort. IBM just opened a garage a start-up space in Dubai to encourage smaller companies to use IBM hardware and cloud services to experiment with blockchain applications. Across Dubai, there are dozens of other start-ups experimenting in the area. Com Mirza, a Dubai-based serial entrepreneur, said he plans to open a "Dubai block chain city," an accelerator space he hopes will house dozens of start-ups. He also launched Habibi Coin, one of dozens or hundreds of cryptocurrencies springing up worldwide.
Women plant stakes
Citigroup and Twitter shares could be unlikely casualties of a stunning power struggle unfolding in Saudi Arabia right now at least temporarily.
Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, one of the world's richest men and a well-known investor who just appeared on CNBC last month, was one of the 11 princes detained in a supposed anti-corruption sweep over the weekend in Saudi Arabia. Alwaleed has not yet been charged, but is suspected of money laundering, according to the Wall Street Journal. His arrest may be less about corruption and more about Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman the 32-year-old heir apparent to the throne consolidating power.
Alwaleed runs Kingdom Holding Company, shares of which plunged in trading on the Saudi stock exchange Sunday as investors try to asses the future of the investment vehicle. He owns 95 percent of Kingdom Holding, part of his nearly $19 billion fortune, according to Forbes.
"I do think that certain positions that Prince Alwaleed may hold may be under pressure," said King Lip, chief strategist at Baker Avenue Asset Management. "I don't expect any long term effects coming from this. It really does appear that this is more about political consolidation of power by the crown prince than perhaps any corruption."
Twitter shares dropped 0.6 percent on Monday, while Citigroup shares were lower by 0.8 percent.
What typically happens on Wall Street when a hedge fund manager is arrested or charged by the SEC, is that the fund's large holdings will fall as traders look to get ahead of possible forced sales by the fund in order to meet redemptions.
This is a unique case not just because it involves Saudi Arabia, but also because Alwaleed's holdings are not exactly known. Much of the filings are old on KHC and the company likely masks some of its moves through the use of third parties. Theoretically, if it owned stakes above 5 percent in a stock, an SEC filing would say.
Alwaleed confirmed to CNBC on Oct. 23 that he still owned Twitter . Just how much, we do not know.
First responders are at the shooting scene at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S., November 5, 2017.
Sunday's shooting was the largest mass killing in a place of worship in U.S. history, according to NBC News.
According to authorities, Kelley is from the neighboring Comal County.
Law enforcement officials identified Kelley, who was killed following the incident at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, hours after news of the shooting first broke. Dozens were left wounded, and The Associated Press reported that the church's pastor and his wife lost their teenage daughter in the massacre.
Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, was identified by authorities as the gunman who killed more than two dozen people in a hail of gunfire at a rural Texas church on Sunday.
Authorities said a civilian with a gun confronted Kelley and chased him away.
The gunman fled in a vehicle after the attack and was killed, either by a self-inflicted wound or from another source.
The U.S. official said Kelley lived in a San Antonio suburb and doesn't appear to be linked to organized terrorist groups. The official said investigators are looking at social media posts Kelley may have made in the days before Sunday's attack.
While authorities provided little information about the suspect, online records show that a man named Devon Patrick Kelley lived in New Braunfels, Texas, about 35 miles (56 km) north of Sutherland Springs.
The U.S. Air Force said Kelley served in its Logistics Readiness unit at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his 2014 discharge.
That discharge, according to a representative from the Air Force, was for bad conduct and came with confinement for 12 months and a reduction in grade.
Kelley was court-martialed in 2012 for assaulting his spouse and their child, the Air Force said.
Kelley's Facebook page has been deleted, but cached photos show a profile picture where he appeared with two small children. He also posted a photo of what appeared to be an assault rifle, writing a post that read: "she's a bad [b----]."
Kelley bought two firearms from stores operated by a sporting goods chain in 2016 and 2017 after being approved in background checks, the company, Academy Sports & Outdoors, said on Monday.
"Both sales were approved by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). We are cooperating with law enforcement as they investigate further," privately owned Academy Sports said in a statement.
NBC News, Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The encroachment of technology into the financial space may have many in the industry worried about getting displaced, but one group may not have to worry so much, according to a Nobel laureate.
That is, wealth managers may be safe from total disruption from robo-advisors, according to Robert Merton, distinguished professor of finance at MIT and the winner of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences. That's because programs using artificial intelligence to advise investors lack a fundamental ability their human counterparts possess, he explained.
"What you need to make technology work is to create trust. Technology doesn't create trust on its own," Merton said.
That inability could create plenty of headwinds for disruption in the wealth management space. As an investor or client, "you have no idea what the motivation behind that advice was. You have no idea what model ... You have no idea what data was being used," Merton added.
Saudi Arabia suddenly arrested powerful royals and businessmen over the weekend, in what officials call an anti-corruption drive, but outside observers deem domestic power consolidation.
Either way, the move is likely making investors see Saudi assets as riskier, so they're set to demand higher returns.
Some believe the extraordinary purge is an attempt by 32-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to consolidate his power by eliminating potential rivals. That may herald political uncertainty, tension and possibly unrest not seen before in the history of OPEC's biggest oil producer.
Among those removed from power was Prince Miteb Bin Abdullah. Prince Miteb, relieved of his post as head of the National Guard, was once considered a contender for the throne.
"It is not possible to remove and imprison all these top princes and all will be business as usual," warned Fereidun Fesharaki, founder of energy consultancy FACTS Global Energy.
That expectation of a new normal will likely mean investors need a higher risk premium the additional expected return on investment compared to a risk-free (but otherwise identical) asset to invest in the Kingdom.
"This should increase the risk premium for Saudi assets," said Alastair Newton, a political analyst heading Alavan Business Advisory and a former British diplomat.
Saudi government bonds and credit default swaps will likely reflect the weekend's developments "in the coming days," Newton said, adding investors' assessment of the Saudi Aramco share sale, which may value the state oil giant at $2 trillion or more, could also be impacted.
A Qatar Airways plane takes-off from the Hamad International Airport in Doha on July 20, 2017.
Hong Kong's Kingboard Chemical Holdings on Monday said it had agreed to sell its 9.6 percent stake in Cathay Pacific Airways to Middle Eastern carrier Qatar Airways for HK$5.16 billion ($661 million).
Kingboard, an investment holding company, said it would recognise a gain of HK$800 million on the sale which represented its entire stake in the Hong Kong airline.
Cathay shares have risen by 29.4 percent since the start of January despite the airline in August posting its worst first-half loss in 20 years.
The Hong Kong airline has a highly concentrated share register with Swire Pacific owning 45 percent and Air China holding 30 percent.
This is not the first time Qatar Airways has taken a stake in another airline. The carrier owns 20 percent of , the parent of British Airways, as well as 10 percent of South America's LATAM Airlines Group and 49 percent of Italy's Meridiana.
Qatar Airways and Cathay are both members of the oneworld alliance, as is British Airways and LATAM.
The Qatari carrier in August dropped plans to build a stake of up to 4.75 percent in American Airlines Group.
Those investment plans were met with suspicion by critics at a time when Qatar is embroiled in the region's worst diplomatic crisis in years and is locked in an airspace rights dispute with three other Gulf states.
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The so-called corruption crackdown in Saudi Arabia over the weekend may be the beginning of a bigger power struggle by the heir apparent to the throne which destabilizes the region for a time and keeps oil prices elevated. Following the creation of an anti-corruption committee by current King Salman, security forces Saturday swept up 11 princes, including well-known billionaire invest Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, and four ministers, including the one in charge of the National Guard, according to various reports. A number of former ministers were also arrested. Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman the 32-year-old known as "MBS" who will take over when King Salman, 81, abdicates the throne later this year or early next is seen by analysts as the man behind those moves in an effort to consolidate power to his family and its allies before he takes the throne.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's goal to diversify Saudi Arabia's oil-based economy and transform the kingdom into a tech and logistics hub could ultimately be an opportunity for American enterprise. Fayez Nureldine | AFP | Getty Images
"Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's (MBS') Saturday night purge represents a stunning political development in Saudi Arabia and a shot across the bow at the old establishment," wrote Helima Croft, global head of commodity strategy for RBC Capital Markets in a Sunday note to clients. "The key question now is whether MBS has launched or preempted a new destabilizing 'Game of Thrones' by arresting his relatives in such dramatic fashion." Brent crude oil futures jumped to their highest since July 2015 in early trading Sunday evening, while U.S. WTI futures were also trading higher to $55.82 a barrel following the weekend drama. The short-term and medium-term outlook for oil looks bullish, according to the note by Croft, who is one of the most widely-followed commodity analysts on Wall Street. In the short term, analysts are focusing on the detention of Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah, the head of the Saudi Arabian National Guard, as a sign the struggle is much bigger and will be more tumultuous than it currently looks. The National Guard is in charge of keeping the population in line.
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"While MBS' supporters insist that Saturday's move had absolutely nothing to do with staving off a coup and maintain that it was entirely about eradicating corruption, detaining Mutaib does also seemingly serve a broader power consolidation agenda," wrote Croft. "The fact that private airstrips were closed on Saturday also does suggest that more high-level arrests may be looming." History shows, that when there is turmoil within Saudi Arabia, oil prices head higher. If the young prince is ultimately trying to fight extremism, there could be protests led by clerics among the population. Using Kensho, CNBC looked at what happened to oil prices one month after major protests within Saudi Arabia. A month later, the international crude benchmark was 2.7 percent higher, on average, according to Kensho. Crude prices in the U.S. followed the lead, gaining more than 2 percent, on average, as well. The medium-term outlook is also bullish for oil because the crown prince will likely uphold and extend the OPEC production cuts, according to RBC. "In terms of oil, there was no talk of returning to market share in Riyadh last week and $60/bbl Brent provides a more optimal enabling environment for many of MBS' key initiatives to remake the economy," said Croft's note. "Hence, we continue to see Saudi Arabia actively supporting market management, extending the OPEC cut deep into 2018, and moving ahead with the planned sale of a stake in Aramco."
President Donald Trump (R) meets with Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the Oval Office at the White House, March 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Getty Images
President Donald Trump pushed for more "reciprocal" trade in Tokyo on the second day of his Asian tour and suggested that Japanese automakers "try building your cars in the United States instead of shipping them over."
Despite Trump's request, about 75 percent of Japanese-brand vehicles sold in the U.S. are already built in North America, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. Trump's statement came during a meeting with Japanese business executives on Monday morning overseas, according to Politico.
The manufacturing group said that, as of 2015, Japanese automakers operated at least 26 manufacturing plants and 36 research and development facilities in the U.S.
Japanese automakers manufacturing in the U.S. includes Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi, and the country's car companies built 3.9 million vehicles in the U.S. in 2015, according to JAMA.
During his trip to Japan, Trump complained about the trade imbalance between the two countries.
"The United States has suffered massive trade deficits at the hands of Japan for many, many years," Trump said, according to a Reuters report.
The U.S. has a $69 billion trade deficit with Japan.
He praised Japan for buying U.S. military hardware, which he said was the "best military equipment in the world," but added that "many millions of cars are sold by Japan into the United States, whereas virtually no cars go from the United States into Japan."
"We want free and reciprocal trade, but right now our trade with Japan is not free and it's not reciprocal and I know it will be and we've started the process," Trump added. "I have no doubt that it will be done in a quick and very friendly manner."
Reuters contributed to this article.
Correction: An earlier headline misstated the context of the president's request.
Bill Ackman's Pershing Square does not have the votes to win three seats on ADP 's board at the company's annual meeting Tuesday, according to multiple investors.
Responding to CNBC's report, Ackman said on "Fast Money Halftime Report" on Monday, "The facts are, I don't know if we're going to win or lose tomorrow; neither does ADP."
"I don't think there's any way [that] any one today could call the election," added Ackman.
The activist hedge fund manager owns an 8 percent stake in the payroll processor and is waging a proxy fight that has grown heated at times as the two sides battled it out publicly. Ackman's effort to secure board seats recently got backing from proxy advisory firms.
Shares of ADP fell 1 percent in early trading on Monday.
Ackman revealed his stake in ADP in August and said the company could boost returns by streamlining operations. The company has dismissed his claims as "false and reckless."
It hasn't been a good few months for activist investors, however. Fellow hedge fund manager David Einhorn failed in his bid to get on the board of General Motors in June, and Trian Partner's Nelson Peltz lost a very close proxy war to get on the board of Procter & Gamble last month.
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The president of Egypt has praised the efforts of his U.S. counterpart, claiming that President Donald Trump is improving the fragile security situation in the Middle East. Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is viewed as an American ally and was previously described by Trump as a leader who had "done a fantastic job in a very difficult situation." Speaking to CNBC over the weekend Al-Sisi returned the compliment, dismissing a suggestion that the U.S. promise to tear up a nuclear deal with Iran could destabilize the region. The Egyptian, who came to power as a military leader, instead insisted that security in the Middle East had improved under the stewardship of Trump.
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"I see that President Trump is managing foreign policy in our region. Can I say in short that the United States has regained its weight in the region and its role, and is preserving the security of the region and its countries," he said. "We are completely supporting and cooperating with President Trump on this," Al-Sisi added. The 2015 nuclear deal struck between Iran and six world powers the U.S., U.K., Russia, France, China, and Germany was the biggest foreign policy achievement of Barack Obama's presidency. Trump has since said that Iran has broken parts of the agreement and he wants to cancel the deal.
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By Nolan Pinto: With just a few days remaining for the controversial Tipu Jayanti to be celebrated by the state government on November 10, more and more people have begun to protest against this.
Today members of the Veera Vanite, Onake Obavva and Horata Vedike along with support from the BJP and RSS protested at the Mysore Bank Circle. Many of the women came dressed in the attire of Onake Obavva and also held in their hands the Onake or pestle (a wooden long club meant for pounding paddy grains) that was used by Obavva to kill the soldiers of Hyder Ali.
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Senior BJP leader and spokesperson Anwar Manipady lambasted CM Siddaramaiah who he claimed was doing this just to get the Muslim votes. 'They know very well that they are in a downhill situation and that is why they are holding Tipu Jayanti just to get their votes,' Manipady tells India Today.
Similarly, Rajesh Padmar, RSS spokesperson said his organization has been opposing Tipu Jayanti being conducted by the state government for a long time now. He termed it unfortunate that the government is observing this celebration for ruler who was both intolerant and controversial.
'It looks like the state government is behind vote bank politics,' he tells India Today on why CM Siddaramaiah wants to go ahead with Tipu Jayanti in spite of opposition by the people of Karnataka, political parties and social activists.
The Congress government had started celebrating Tipu's birth anniversary in 2015 terming the 18th century ruler of Mysore a freedom fighter, who got killed in 4th Anglo-Mysore war.
Even historians are a divided lot. Those who back Tipu talk about him fighting the British and his contributions to Hindu temples. Those who are against him refer to writings of British and Tipu's own commander while mentioning the killings of thousands of Hindus and Christians in Madikeri-Malabar region and the forced conversions that Tipu allegedly carried out.
With inputs from Divya Mekala
--- ENDS ---
AMD shares are rising on the announcement the chipmaker will collaborate with Intel to compete with Nvidia in the laptop chip market.
"Our collaboration with Intel expands the installed base for AMD Radeon GPUs and brings to market a differentiated solution for high-performance graphics," said Scott Herkelman, vice president and general manager, AMD Radeon Technologies Group, in the press release.
"This new semi-custom GPU puts the performance and capabilities of Radeon graphics into the hands of an expanded set of enthusiasts who want the best visual experience possible."
Intel revealed the chip will be for thin and lightweight laptops that are capable of playing complex video games.
Shares of AMD surged 5 percent Monday morning, while Nvidia shares traded roughly flat. Intel's stock rose 0.8 percent.
AMD shares are down since it reported third-quarter financial results last month. The company gave gross profit margin guidance of 35 percent for the fourth quarter, below some estimates.
Its shares are now down 2 percent year to date through Friday versus the S&P 500's 16 percent return.
Intel did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"This is a previous undisclosed win and as with other customer announcements, AMD will not disclose the dollar amount or specifics of the win," an AMD spokesperson wrote in an email. "Please note this is not a licensing deal and there is no transfer or license of IP" to Intel.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the deal Monday morning.
Kroger and Dollar Tree will benefit from "strong industry tailwinds" that will carry the food service industry higher in the year to come, according to new analysis by Wells Fargo. "Food service represents one of the most attractive sectors within consumer," wrote analyst Edward Kelly in a note to clients last Thursday. "The long-term trend in food spending away from the home is alive and well, especially given the share of wallet it commands with Millennials." The analyst initiated coverage on both Kroger and Dollar Tree at outperform thanks to the foreseen tailwinds and given that Amazon faces "key hurdles" in its entry into the food space. Food service companies including Kroger fell double digits after news that Amazon was acquiring Whole Foods hit earlier this year. Since then, scores of Wall Street veterans have speculated over a gloomy future of food retail. "Amazon lacks the infrastructure and scale to compete currently," wrote a contrarian Kelly. "Restaurant customers are highly focused on their delivery times given small storage space and labor planning, and the majority get deliveries within an hour window. This complicated logistics requirement would be costly for Amazon to match." Even though Kroger has fallen roughly 4.5 since its initial fall after the Amazon-Whole Foods announcement, Kelly sees upside for the stock. The analyst initiated coverage of Korger with a $26 price target, representing 21 percent upside from Friday's close. "Kroger, the second largest grocer in the U.S., does not plan to lead the market down on price at the moment, but will likely be more aggressive in the near-term and we believe management will certainly respond to any competitor," wrote the analyst. "Large players like Wal-Mart, Target, and even Kroger are likely sacrifice near-term profit for potentially better long-term positioning in digital and to defend share." In the same note, the analyst also initiated coverage on Dollar Tree at outperform thanks to its relatively safety from e-commerce disruptors. "Core business [is] poised for solid growth," added Kelly. "Family dollar has been disappointing but should improve, return of share repo [is] a catalyst; the stock [is] still not expensive." Kelly set a $106 price target on Dollar Tree, representing 13 percent upside from Friday's close/
An employee stocks Greek yogurt in a Kroger supermarket in Peoria, Illinois. Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Silvio Berlusconi's center-right coalition on Sunday looked set to win by a narrow margin a regional vote in Sicily seen as a crucial test of national trends ahead of forthcoming parliamentary elections, exit polls suggested.
The Sicilian vote could mark a striking comeback for the 81-year-old four-times prime minister, whose candidate was predicted to have beaten off a tough challenge from the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement.
The center-left, led by Matteo Renzi's ruling Democratic Party, looked certain to finish a distant third after internal feuding wrecked its chances of retaining power on the Mediterranean island that it had governed since 2012.
RAI state television said Nello Musumeci, backed by center-right parties, including Berlusconi's Forza Italia (Go Italy!), would win between 35 percent and 39 percent of the vote.
The 5-Star's Giancarlo Cancelleri was seen taking between 33 and 37 percent.
Another exit poll for private broadcaster La 7 put Musumeci on 36-40 percent and Cancelleri on 34-38 percent.
The center-left's Fabrizio Micari was seen 20 points behind the frontrunner in both surveys, followed by Claudio Fava, the candidate of a cluster of left-wing parties.
The vote count will begin on Monday at 8 a.m (0700 GMT) and Musumeci's lead is within the pollsters' margin of error.
The national election, to be held by May at the latest, is almost certain to produce a hung parliament, polls suggest, but a resurgent center-right coalition with Berlusconi at the forefront looks set to win most votes and seats.
The billionaire media tycoon was widely written off after being expelled from public office following a tax fraud conviction in 2013, but he returned to the political fray after open heart surgery last year and campaigned actively in Sicily.
The regional election looks like being a setback for 5-Star. Its new leader, 31-year-old Luigi Di Maio, had campaigned tirelessly in Sicily since the summer as the maverick movement tried to win control of its first Italian region.
Nonetheless 5-Star, which leads most national opinion polls, still won far more votes than any other single party in Sicily, with the second-placed group, Forza Italia, seen taking less than half as many ballots.
Broadcom 's $103 billion bid for rival chipmaker Qualcomm could ease a lengthy war with Apple, analysts said Monday.
Qualcomm and Apple long been embroiled in a patent lawsuit each tech company suing the other in a high-priced back-and-forth. Apple alleges fraudulent royalty charges, and Qualcomm alleges patent infringement.
"While Qualcomm is pursuing the dispute in the courts in an effort to maximize the value of its IP, an acquirer wouldn't need to maximize value an acquirer would only need to settle for a rate that would provide a positive ROI," Chris Caso of Raymond James Equity Research said in a note.
Apple CEO Tim Cook last week commented on the ongoing battle and reiterated the company's stance on Qualcomm's alleged wrongdoing.
"If you back up and look at this, what is happening is that [Korea's Fair Trade Commission] has found Qualcomm guilty and fined them in the past few weeks," Cook . "The Taiwan justice department has found Qualcomm guilty and fined them. The U.S. FTC sued them and has a suit going on. The EU is investigating them. And so I think it's pretty clear that there are problems there."
Broadcomm, for its part, has a pretty cordial relationship with Apple, as one of the smartphone giant's main component suppliers.
"Broadcom and Apple have a much more cohesive partnership, in contrast to the hostility and lawsuits you have between Qualcomm and Apple," RBC Capital Markets' Amit Daryanani told CNBC's "Squawk Alley" Monday. "So Broadcom may logically think, and we think it's fair, that they could resolve these regulatory litigation issues more easily than Qualcomm is doing right now."
The soothing effect could extend to the industry at large, according to Anil Doradla of William Blair & Co.
"This could mark a new benign environment," Doradla told CNBC in the same interview. "Some of these litigation issues have been resolved, [but] they are still a thorn for many."
China and Australia's regulators have agreed to partner up on financial technology, a move that will give them oversight on new trends in each other's markets.
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) and China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said Monday that they would cooperate on the sharing of information related to emerging themes in the fintech sector.
"Cooperation between regulators is essential to realize the benefits of the technological revolution," Greg Medcraft, chairman of the ASIC, said in a statement Monday.
"Understanding new developments and their impact in overseas markets helps us to remain proactive and forward-looking in our domestic approach."
Following is the transcript of a CNBC interview with United States Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross. The interview was broadcast on CNBC on 6 November 2017.
All references must be sourced to CNBC.
Interviewed by Geoff Cutmore, Anchor, CNBC.
Geoff Cutmore: Wilfred, thank you very much for that. Mr. Secretary, thank you so much for giving CNBC this time.
Wilbur Ross: Glad to be on.
GC: let me start off straight away by asking you to deal with these allegations that you concealed your position in navigator from the U.S. committee that had to ratify you as commerce secretary.
WR: Right well, that's totally wrong. It was disclosed on the form 278, which is the financial disclosure form in my case three times, 10.14.1.3, 10.15.1.3 and 24.1.4.2 as well as on the public website of the office of government ethics, namely oge.gov so it's totally incorrect.
GC: So when Senator Blumenthal says you misled the committee by not revealing navigator's relationship with the Russian company Sibur, you completely reject that allegation?
WR: Well, that's a different question. My obligation is to disclose companies in which I'm an officer, a director or an investor. I am neither an officer, nor a director nor an investor in Sibur. Fact, I've never met them, don't know the people, have nothing to do with the negotiation of the charter arrangement. The only commercial arrangement between navigator and Sibur is a charter arrangement. That charter arrangement was made when Sibur was not under sanctions and, frankly, Sibur is not under sanctions to this very day. So, in fact, there's nothing wrong with navigator having a commercial relationship with Sibur.
GC: Are you concerned, Mr. Secretary, that in people's minds they may conflate the ongoing Mueller investigation into links with Russia so this revelation that you had holdings in a company that has dealings with a Russian business and they weren't disclosed until only now with the release of the paradise papers.
WR: But that's not true. The Sibur relationship was known before. There's nothing in the paradise papers that's unique about the charter arrangement with Sibur.
GC: Do you think it looks good though? There will be those who say president trump campaigned on a clean the swamp campaign --
WR: right.
GC: -- in Washington and now we're seeing revelations about a member of the administration that, on the face of it, don't prove you did anything Wrong, but suggest maybe they don't look too good.
WR: I don't think they should suggest anything. A company not under sanction is just like any other company, period. It was a normal commercial relationship and one that i had nothing to do with the creation of it. I had nothing to do with the negotiations and do not know the shareholders that were apparently sanctioned at some later point in time.
GC: Mr. Blumenthal, Senator Blumenthal suggested there should be a more widespread investigation into your other holdings. Would you be happy to see that take place? Is there anything else that you feel you should be disclosing at this stage that may come out subsequently?
WR: Well, you say anything else there is nothing that wasn't disclosed, so the idea that I might add something new has a false premise. These holdings in navigator were disclosed.
GC: So you feel there was nothing remiss in terms of your approval process in the senate commerce committee?
WR: I don't think so. I frankly felt quite thoroughly x-rayed.
GC: the other issue I think that this story throws up in some way is the role of off-shore tax centres and the use of them. Again, these papers have revealed a number of high profile names, including the queen, who have been involved with these tax shelters. Given that you are now pushing through, or the administration is pushing through, a tax package that, in essence, continues to allow these shelters to exist but will seek to reduce taxation in some areas of the corporate landscape, would it perhaps be better for the administration now to go after some of these tax shelters and the way that they're used by companies and then maybe we could all pay less tax?
WR: Well, several things. Cutting the corporate tax rate and cutting the flow through tax rates will reduce people's motivation to use any of these other devices, but as long as that situation is totally permissible, you'll notice even in these papers, there was no suggestion there was any violation of any U.S .law. Well, I think a taxpayer's obligation is to obey the law, not to invent strictures beyond it.
GC: You've been a beneficiary of these off-shore structures in the past. You now wear a different hat given where you sit now, would it be in the best interests of the American people and others around the world that we did look at a way of reforming the use of these structures where they allow companies to avoid tax?
WR: Well, that's certainly -- well, it isn't so much avoiding tax. Eventually you pay tax when you sell things anyway, I believe. So it isn't that. It's a question of timing and formality. But the main thing is that should be part of overall tax policy consideration. I don't think we've seen enough detail of what came out of the republican caucus, at least I have not, to know whether they deal with that topic or they don't.
GC: Just to underline this, and I don't want to spend too much \more time on it because I know you've got a trip to china coming up that I'd like to ask you about. Did you ever as this news overnight was released on the paradise papers, did you ever consider your position in the administration and ask yourself whether you would continue in this role?
WR: No. That's a silly question. There was nothing wrong with anything that was done
GC: You don't feel there was any issue of perception and people's understanding of what your role might be
WR: No, I don't think so, because the navigator holdings were disclosed. The oge considered them, the office of government ethics, and declared that they were not something that had to be divested.
GC: And and you've made it clear you do not know Gennady Timchenko or Kirill Shamalov.
WR: No, not at all. I don't have any idea of them.
GC: You move on from here to head to china to talk about how to improve the trade terms with china for the United States. What are you seeking to gain from this trip?
WR: Well, the trip is not only a trade trip. I happen to be heading the trade mission of some 29 American companies going over there, and we hope that at least some of them will get good, finite economic deliverables as a result of the trip. There are also a myriad of other discussions the two presidents will be having, not the least of which is North Korea. So this is a trip that intends to cover not just trade, although that's my part of it, but all sorts of other issues.
GC: Japan is a friend and yet we saw in the press conference between Prime Minister Abe and the president some tough language around the trading relationship, perhaps putting japan on the back foot somewhat. Is the language only going to get tougher as the president continues his tour to other Asian countries, including china, which the U.S. believes it has an unfair trading relationship with?
WR: Well, we have deficits with many of those countries, particularly with japan and with china. The president has made no secret that he intends to reduce our trade deficits with those parties. Our preference is to have a combination of two things. One is increase our sales to them, our export sales to them. And, second, to have them stop violate practices. We have brought a very large number of trade cases against 35 countries around the world that are in effect right now. Enforcement is a very important part of the administration strategy. We think that even our friendly nations should live by the rules, and if they don't we will intend to enforce things against them. We brought 61% more trade cases so far this year than the prior administration had in the year to date the year before.
GC: Is there any risk that the Chinese seek to trade off assistance on North Korea for a lighter touch in terms of these trade issues ?
WR: Well, I can't read what's in the Chinese mind so I don't know, but they know very well that both topics are of great importance to the United States.
GC: why is it important now for you to get progress on these areas with Asian countries?
WR: It's not just Asian countries, it's with the whole world. We don't think it's inherent in a global trading system that one country, namely the U.S., absorbs in its deficit the cumulative trade surplus of the entire rest of the world. And we especially don't think that to the degree that that's due to subsidies and other illicit practices, that's not a good reason to have a deficit nor is it a good reason to have a deficit because other countries are so protectionist. The EU, china, and japan all talk free trade and they all practice protectionism. Let me give an example. Automotive is the largest product category of our trade deficit. Our tariff on autos is 2%. 2.5%. EU's is 10% and china is 25% and in some cases a bit more. That's not a level playing field. And it's not a necessary playing field and it's the kind of thing that we feel needs to be rethought.
GC: Mr. Secretary, there were developments in Saudi Arabia through the last 24 hours. We've seen significant arrests of key princes, including Prince Al Waleed who has significant stakes in American companies. Are you concerned that this process may lead to both instability in the Saudi regime and damage on international markets as we fixate on what happens exactly to Prince Al Waleed in those positions?
WR: I'm not intimate enough with the details to have a very well-informed opinion. I do think that Saudi Arabia has become a very good friend of the United States. They've been very -- we've been very much supportive mutually. I was part of the big trip that went over there some weeks ago with very good results and it helped unify much of the Muslim world with our campaign against parties who would do us harm. So anything that interferes with that wouldn't be good, but I can't comment on their internal affairs.
GC: But at this stage you are not concerned and the administration is not concerned about the developments they see?
WR: I'm not the administration spokesperson on Saudi Arabia, that's much more the department of state and defence
GC: You have a lot of balls in the air at the moment, if I might put it in that way. You're juggling the NAFTA negotiations, as an administration you're focused on tax, you are now heading to Asia to see if you can get movement on the trading relationships there. And yet I think some are concerned that this government is taking on too many issues at the same time and failing to resolve the ones that it goes into battle over. I mean, when do we get a tax Deal? When do we get a NAFTA deal? When do we get better relations with china, japan, and other countries with an imbalance to the U.S.?
WR: Well first of all, I think we already have improved relationships with japan and with china. China, the last two sanctions against North Korea, voted in favours of them in the UN they could have vetoed them. We believe that china is enforcing the sanctions much better than they had been so I don't think it's a correct statement that our trade that our relations haven't gotten better. I just don't think that's correct. Meanwhile, the president has cancelled over 800 rules that have been imposed on business by the Obama administration and there's barely a CEO who comes to my office that isn't thrilled with the regulatory relief. I believe a good portion of the reason why the economy has gotten better is because of regulatory relief and there's more to come, more to come in the way of regulatory relief. Those are important things and that's a promise he was able to deliver on through executive orders and he did, things that require cooperation of the congress he obviously does not have total control over so I don't think you can blame him when congress fails to act on something.
GC: Mr. Secretary, my last question, and I just want to circle back to where we started here, because there will be people watching who will have some doubts in their mind still as they read newspaper headlines saying Wilbur Ross has connections to president Putin that need investigating. Here's an opportunity just to send a message to those people who see this story in that light.
WR: Well, it's a very unfair characterization of it I don't know the people that were shareholders in Sibur. Sibur was never subject to sanctions to this very day. There's nothing wrong with a company that made the decision to enter into charters with them before I was even on the board. There's nothing wrong with it at all. I think it's just an example of the press trying to find anything they can, however remote or silly, to attack the president and somehow link him to Russia. This is nonsense.
GC: Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for joining us on CNBC and we'll wrap it up there.
Wilbur Ross, the U.S. secretary of commerce, told CNBC that it's unfair his country is being affected by trade protectionism.
"We don't think it's inherent in a global trading system that one country, namely the U.S., absorbs in its deficit the cumulative trade surplus of the entire rest of the world," he said Monday.
He blamed trade partners, such as China and Europe, for taking a protectionist approach that disproportional impacts world trade.
"The EU, China and Japan all talk about free trade and they all practice protectionism. Let me give you an example, automotive is the largest product category of our tariff deficit. Our tariff on autos is 2.5 percent; the EU's 10 percent and China is 25 percent and in some cases a bit more. That's not a level playing field," Ross told CNBC.
"It's the kind of thing we feel needs to be rethought," he said.
Trump also called on Monday for more "reciprocal" trade during his visit to Japan. He suggested that automakers are trying to build their cars in the U.S. rather than shipping them.
Trump complained that there's a trade imbalance between both nations that needs to change. The U.S. had a $69 billion trade deficit with Japan in 2016, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Last week, new data showed the U.S. trade deficit widened slightly more than expected in September, increasing 1.7 percent to $43.5 billion.
Trade issues have been somewhat sensitive since Trump took office. The president, who was elected on a protectionist platform, has stopped some negotiations for new free trade deals, including with Europe, dubbing such deals as a "disaster" to the U.S. economy.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said reports that he did not disclose ties to a firm linked with Russian President Vladimir Putin are wrong.
Ross was revealed to have business links to a Russian firm with close ties to Putin during a leak of financial documents at the weekend. The ties were disclosed in the so-called "Paradise Papers," a mass of documents leaked to German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and reported Sunday.
The millions of documents mostly originate from a Bermuda-based legal services provider that works on offshore investments. Reports on Sunday suggested that Ross did not disclose an interest in a shipping company called Navigator Holdings, a company that has a business relationship with SIBUR.
Ross, however, has since denied to CNBC that he didn't disclose these holdings.
"That's totally wrong. It was disclosed on the form 278 which is the financial disclosure form, in my case, three times," Ross said.
In an earlier statement on Monday from the Department of Commerce it was further claimed that the holdings are openly listed in a form on the Office of Government Ethics website.
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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called on Middle Eastern nations to maintain stability just as tensions were suddenly spiking between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. "The stability of the region is very important and we all have to protect it ... I am talking to all the parties in the region to preserve it," Al-Sisi said in an interview with CNBC over the weekend that aired Tuesday morning. On Saturday, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri shocked the political establishment in Beirut by announcing his resignation. The leader said he was stepping down amid concerns of a potential assassination plot against him. Speaking from Riyadh, Hariri criticized Iran, and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, for igniting conflict in the region.
Supporters of Lebanon's Hezbollah party parade to mark the last day of Ashura ceremony in Beirut. Aziz Taher
Following the CNBC interview, Reuters reported that Saudi Arabia sharply escalated rhetoric in the region by declaring that Lebanon had figuratively at least declared "war" against it because of aggression from Hezbollah. Saudi Gulf Affairs Minister Thamer al-Sabhan said the government of Lebanon "would be dealt with as a government declaring war on Saudi Arabia," Reuters reported. When asked whether the time had come for Egypt to consider its own measures against Hezbollah, Al-Sisi replied, "The subject is not about taking on or not taking on, the subject is about the status of the fragile stability in the region in light of the unrest facing the region." "The region cannot support more turmoil," he said.
Trump tweets his 'confidence' in the Saudis
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Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi told CNBC that he will not seek a third term, and instead respect the country's constitution which permits its leaders to serve only two four-year terms.
"It doesn't suit me as a president to stay one more day against the will of the Egyptians. This is not talk for TV, those are principles I embrace and am keen on," he told CNBC over the weekend.
"We will not interfere with (the constitution)," Al-Sisi said. "I am with preserving two four-year terms."
Al-Sisi also said that elections in Egypt will be held in March or April 2018. He did not directly say whether he intended to run in the anticipated vote.
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) The Surat Municipal Corporation has won a central government award for operating the best city bus services, according to an official release here today.
The corporation has bagged the award for attracting 87 per cent of private vehicle and auto-rickshaw users to its buses, the Union housing and urban affairs ministry said in the release.
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Mysurus public bicycle-sharing initiative has won the Best Non-Motorised Transport award, while Kochi in Kerala has been chosen for the Best Urban Transport Initiative award for completing its metro rail project in a "quick time", besides integrating the metro with other modes of transport, the release said.
The awards were announced by the ministry on the concluding day of a three-day Urban Mobility Conference? cum-Exhibition in Hyderabad.
The housing and urban affairs ministry announces these awards to promote the best practices in urban transport and these are presented at the annual conference.
Noida and Greater Noida In Uttar Pradesh bagged the award for Commendable City Bus Service Project initiative.
The traffic management system -- H-TRIMS -- of Hyderabad has been chosen for the Commendable Initiative Award under Best Intelligent Transport Project category, the release said.
Chittor has been chosen for the Commendable Initiative Award for the city polices initiative for improving road safety.
Gujarats Surat, with a population of about 45 lakhs, was heavily dependent on three-wheelers and private vehicles till 2014, when Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) and city buses were made operational, the release said.
With 275 city buses now operational in the city on 28 routes, 87 per cent of those using private vehicles and auto- rickshaws have now shifted to city buses minimising environmental and social adversity issues, it added.
Other cities that won awards are Bhopal (Commendable Initiative for introducing Public Bicycle Sharing), Andaman (Commendable Initiative for introducing Special Bus Services for women), and Lucknow (Commendable Urban Mass Transit Initiative for its Metro Rail Project).
Madhya Pradesh bagged an award for Commendable Urban Mass Transit Initiative for implementing cluster-based bus transit system, it added. PTI MP SMN
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Goldman Sachs expects bitcoin will hit new records, despite a roughly $600 drop in the digital currency from all-time highs.
"The market has shown evidence of an impulsive rally since breaking above 6,044," Sheba Jafari, vice president on the bank's FICC Market Strats team, said in a Sunday note. "Next in focus [$]7,941. Might consolidate there before continuing higher."
Bitcoin has surged more than sevenfold this year. The digital currency hit a record high of $7,601.53 over the weekend before briefly dropping below $7,000 Monday, according to CoinDesk. Bitcoin was trading around $7,092 Monday afternoon, leaving room for about 12 percent in gains to Jafari's $7,941 level.
Bitcoin over the last six months
Source: Goldman Sachs
To Goldman's Jafari, reaching that price would mark the third of "five-waves up" for bitcoin. In mid-August, she said bitcoin was riding a "fifth wave" of an "impulsive" rally that could run as high as $4,827 before falling as low as $2,221.
Bitcoin hit $5,013 in early September but dropped to $2,951 in about two weeks as China cracked down on digital currencies. A major factor for the latest gains was last week's announcement that the world's largest futures exchange, CME, will launch bitcoin futures by the end of the year. Demand from Japanese investors has also increased bitcoin trade in Japanese yen now accounts for about 60 percent of trading volume, according to industry data site CryptoCompare.
The five-wave principle of technical analysis on markets is known as the "Elliott Wave."
However, in July The Elliott Wave Theorist newsletter said bitcoin is "making a final fifth wave from six cents."
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect current CoinDesk data that shows bitcoin fell below $7,000 Monday.
Democratic candidate Phil Murphy, who is running against Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno for the governor of New Jersey, speaks at a rally on October 19, 2017 in Newark, New Jersey.
In a political era marked by populism, a former Goldman Sachs executive and major Democratic donor is the front-runner to become New Jersey's next governor.
On Tuesday, New Jersey voters will choose between Democrat Phil Murphy and Republican Kim Guadagno, the state's lieutenant governor. Murphy, the former bank executive, holds a comfortable lead in all recent polls.
Murphy, 60, has had to defend his more than 20 years at Goldman while pushing a progressive platform. He has focused partly on boosting the working class and holding Wall Street firms in check. Murphy has also tried to avoid the shadow of the state's last Democratic governor, the unpopular Jon Corzine, who was Goldman's CEO before becoming a New Jersey politician.
While Guadagno has cast Murphy as an out-of-touch "Goldman Sachs millionaire," the association appears to have done little to hamper his chances. Still, it remains to be seen how Murphy's Goldman past would affect his ability to enact worker-driven policy in New Jersey.
Murphy's allies see a candidate who knows how to fix capitalism's flaws due to his work at the top reaches of the U.S. economy.
"I think he sees himself differently from some of the people who succeeded on Wall Street. I just think he sees the world differently than a lot of people on Wall Street do," said Howard Dean, the former Vermont governor who chaired the Democratic National Committee when Murphy led its finance arm.
The Murphy campaign did not respond to CNBC's requests for an interview or comment.
Associations with Goldman or other Wall Street firms have opened candidates to attacks in recent races. In last year's presidential election, President Donald Trump targeted both Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and Republican primary opponent Sen. Ted Cruz for connections to the firm.
Democrats have since hit Trump for filling the top ranks of the executive branch with wealthy former Goldman officials.
After the surprise success of Sen. Bernie Sanders' populist presidential campaign and struggles in 2016 national elections, the Democratic Party appeared set to embrace more progressive candidates.
Both Democrat and Republican rivals in the governor's race have criticized Murphy for failing to fit that mold due to his wealth amassed at Goldman.
After joining the Wall Street titan in the early 1980s, Murphy spent more than 20 years there. During his career, he led the firm's Frankfurt, Germany, office and served as president of its Asia division.
At Goldman, Murphy was reportedly renowned for his deal-making ability, which helped him advance through the company. His work in Asia, though, has sparked controversy.
A investigation by the Star-Ledger newspaper in New Jersey showed that his division profited from an investment in a shoe manufacturer that had dismal working conditions. Murphy's campaign denied he had a role in Goldman making the initial investment.
Before and after leaving Goldman in the mid-2000s, Murphy gave millions of his personal fortune to Democratic candidates and national and state party committees. He served as the party's finance chairman from 2006 to 2009, where he worked closely with Dean.
Dean said he liked Murphy "instantly" the first time he met him. He described Murphy as charismatic and smart and said he listens and manages people well.
After his DNC role, Murphy became the U.S. ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013. As a diplomat, he faced backlash over his sharp criticism of German officials in documents published by WikiLeaks. In one instance, he called German Chancellor Angela Merkel "insecure."
Murphy's campaign has largely downplayed his work at Goldman, his role in Germany and his past as a major Democratic fundraiser. The candidate for governor has highlighted his working-class upbringing. His campaign website says he made his way through Harvard University by working part-time jobs and taking out loans.
Guadagno has repeatedly cast Murphy as unable to identify with the average voter due to his wealth. At a debate last month, she called him a "Goldman Sachs millionaire" and tied him to Corzine, the state's "last Goldman Sachs governor."
Corzine lost his 2009 re-election bid to Republican Gov. Chris Christie as the New Jersey economy reeled during the Great Recession.
The attacks on Murphy's Goldman past have resonated little with voters, according to Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute. Murphy entered the race as a relative unknown, so Guadagno faced a challenge in educating voters about his past at the firm and then making them care about it, he said.
Guadagno "has not been able to make as much hay out of Murphy's past perhaps as she could have," Murray said.
In a Monmouth poll last month, only 28 percent of New Jersey voters said they associated Murphy with his Goldman career. Thirty-four percent said they were unaware that he worked there.
Seventy percent of voters said his Goldman work would have no effect on their choice for governor.
As a Republican, Guadagno has likely faced more headwinds because of Christie's dismally low approval rating, Murray added.
Murphy has struck a progressive tone in his campaign. Among other policies, he has called for investments in infrastructure and colleges, raising the minimum wage and mandating earned sick leave.
Murphy has pushed for creating a public bank and divesting New Jersey pension funds from hedge funds and private equity. He has also called for a "millionaire's tax" and more aggressive prosecution of financial fraud.
Dean contended that Murphy's experience on Wall Street has shown him why a progressive platform is necessary.
Said Dean: "Sometimes, it takes someone who knows capitalism to fix it. I think Phil completely gets that because he's been on both ends of that."
Credit Suisse updated clients on its favorite stock ideas, adding eight new names to its top list. This is our "'one-stop shop' for the research team's best ideas. Every U.S. research analyst identifies and ranks up to three top stock picks," Credit Suisse analyst Arbin Sherchan wrote in a report Monday. The analysts are "highlighting only high conviction ideas." Each pick is based on a six- to 12-month time horizon and includes a synopsis of the stock's performance and analyst outlook. Here are five companies that made Credit Suisse's recommended list and their price targets. 1) JPMorgan Chase ( JPM ) "Best-in-class executionincluding organic revenue growth through investment in the bank's well-integrated, market share-leading financial services businesses, coupled with a willingness to tightly manage expenses, and optimize capital should drive better-than-average earnings growth and returns on equity for JPMorgan." Banks analyst Susan Katzke gives JPMorgan shares a price target of $110, which is 8 percent above Friday's closing price. 2) Mondelez ( MDLZ ) "Mondelez offers a compelling risk-reward scenario in the challenged packaged foods space. Nearly 60 percent of the company's sales come from developing markets. With China's growth accelerating and India's recent financial reforms behind it, both regions should provide topline tailwinds with spillover effects in the rest of Asia. New management under CEO Dirk Van de Put provides an underappreciated catalyst for change. The current multiple implies negative sentiment around a potential earnings rebase has been factored in. And its main category, snacks, remains a structural growth story as eating habits shift to smaller meals at higher frequencies." Credit Suisse analyst Rob Moskow's $48 price target is 17 percent higher than Friday's close. 3) eBay ( EBAY ) "eBay is a rare value story with several paths to value creation including: 1) Potential Marketplace Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) acceleration driven by structured data, new product experiences and investments in marketing; 2) Potential monetization of classified and/or Stubhub businesses, which we est. could be worth $9.5 billion-$12.8 billion (or 25-35 percent of current enterprise value) given attractive comp multiples; 3) improved transaction rev. growth driven by uptake of promoted listing ads; and 4) more aggressive share repurchases (could add $0.10 to '18 EPS)." Consumer internet analyst Paul Bieber gives eBay shares a price target of $44, which is 17 percent higher than Friday's close. 4) HCA Healthcare ( HCA ) "HCA is a play on the long-term secular growth in demand for medical services. As the market leader, we believe HCA is poised to continue to generate above-average volume growth and market share gains. The company has strong positioning in large urban markets and continues to invest in its existing hospital operations to improve access and expand its reach. Given the company's low leverage profile coupled with its strong FCF generation and track record for returning capital to shareholders, capital deployment is a further differentiator for HCA. 2017 has been a relatively challenging year for HCA, with sluggishness in the London market (1H17) and hurricane impacts (2H17). We see these headwinds becoming tailwinds on Y/Y growth in 2018." Health care analyst A.J. Rice's $95 price target implies a 24 percent gain from Friday's close. 5) Deere ( DE ) "Highest-quality names in the group that earns much higher trough EPS vs. expectations, which likely implies that upside is also underappreciated. DE can generate at least $500M in pretax savings assuming flat demand. We believe there is upside to the $500M that could provide upside surprise to EPS without demand improving, coupled with share repo in 2017. Encouraging trends indicate that the US and Europe are at/near trough and Brazil is already inflecting higher." Credit Suisse analyst Jamie Cook has a $141 price target on Deere, 4 percent higher than Friday's close.
Soft red winter wheat is harvested with a John Deere & Co. combine harvester in aerial photograph taken over Kirkland, Illinois. Daniel Acker | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Rendering showing how high-energy lasers on fighter jets could one day be a lethal weapon that augments existing kinetic solutions used by the U.S. military.
Lockheed Martin has been awarded an Air Force Research Laboratory contract to develop and produce high-energy fiber laser weapons for tactical fighter aircraft.
Analysts say airborne laser weapons could help non-stealth military aircraft become more resistant to enemy missiles and potentially reduce the vulnerability to advanced air-defense systems.
In a release, Lockheed said its team is "focused on developing a compact, high efficiency laser within challenging size, weight and power constraints." It said the Air Force lab plans to test the laser on a tactical fighter jet by 2021.
The contact is valued at $26.2 million, but the potential market opportunity for such airborne weapon systems in the future could become significant once technology challenges are overcome.
"There are a couple of great advantages of laser weapons, assuming all the technology works properly," said Daniel Goure, a defense analyst and senior vice president of the Lexington Institute, a nonprofit public policy research organization based in Arlington, Virginia. "You get a low cost per shot much cheaper than a missile in almost every case."
Added Goure, "One of the things we find in a lot of our systems land, sea and air is that we run out of shots particularly on the defense. You just run out of bullets or missiles. And if you have laser, it avoids having to reload."
The Lockheed contract is part of the Air Force lab's so-called Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator Advanced Technology Demonstrator (or SHiELD), which is designed to combine small, high-power laser systems on tactical aircraft for self-defense capabilities, including to defend against missiles.
"Lockheed Martin continues to rapidly advance laser weapon systems and the technologies that make them possible," Rob Afzal, senior fellow of laser weapon systems at Lockheed Martin said in a release. "We have demonstrated our ability to use directed energy to counter threats from the ground, and look forward to future tests from the air as part of the SHiELD system."
Afzal pointed out that Lockheed earlier this year delivered a ground-based laser for U.S. Army vehicles.
"It's a completely new and different challenge to get a laser system into a smaller, airborne test platform," said the Lockheed executive. "It's exciting to see this technology mature enough to embed in an aircraft."
Laser weapon systems could one day become standard for self-defense capabilities on Air Force aircraft and augment existing kinetic capabilities. It could also be used to better defend non-stealth aircraft that are seen as increasingly vulnerable to advanced anti-aircraft defense systems developed by Russia and China.
Ian Williams, director of the missile defense project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said even Iranian air defenses are now seen as potentially a challenge for non-stealth U.S. warplanes.
"We have to have stealthy platforms that can penetrate those systems, but if you're looking at something larger like a B-52 or transport aircraft bringing in troops ... they would need extra protection beyond the traditional kind of countermeasures," said Williams.
According to Williams, the military isn't necessarily looking just to kill enemy missiles with directed energy weapons but can also "blind it or throw it off course. They are looking at a lot of applications."
Overall, directed energy weapons are still considered a nascent market although significant progress has been made on laser weapons for use in naval and ground-based applications, including systems capable of downing drones. Airborne laser weapon research isn't new and Boeing was one of the early pioneers.
"There's been a lot of progress on getting the size of directed energy platforms down," said Williams. "They did this a while back with a large chemical laser on a 747 that they used to destroy some Scud-type missiles in tests."
In 2002, Boeing began testing an airborne laser weapons systems aboard a 747-400 aircraft for the Air Force in a program known as YAL-1. The flying testbed was designed to shoot down missiles but had mixed success and the Pentagon scrapped the $5 billion project in 2011.
"It wasn't seen as a practical platform just because you're not going to be flying a 747 full of chemical tanks on it through enemy air space," said Williams. "But it demonstrated that it was possible to destroy missiles with lasers."
Goure agreed, saying the earlier testing provided "an incredible amount as kind of R&D" for the military both in terms of pointing and tracking as well as managing lasers so they could do damage to targets.
"Those kind of things are worth their weight in gold," Goure said. "You can build the most powerful laser in the world, but if you don't get the pointing, tracking and beam control right, you've got a big lighter on your hands and that's it."
Boeing's airborne laser for the YAL-1 used a chemical laser that was fired through the nose assembly on the jet. The Lockheed contract is for a fiber laser, although it's not considered as powerful as the chemical laser based on current technology.
That said, analysts say the chemical lasers tend to be heavier so are less portable and can be toxic and dangerous to handle. As a result, the fiber laser or solid state lasers are considered more practical and current research and development is aimed at helping them to become powerful and reliable.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Monday that already "thrilled" business executives should expect even more regulatory relief over the coming months.
"I believe a good portion of the reason for why the economy has gotten better is regulatory relief and there's going to be more to come," Ross told CNBC on Monday.
"Trump has cancelled 860 rules and regulations that had been imposed by the Obama administration and there's barely a single CEO that comes to my office who isn't thrilled with the regulatory relief," he said.
Ross said the Trump administration had been able to deliver on deregulation policies because the president was able to exercise his executive powers in order to achieve these aims. And while other campaign pledges were yet to come to fruition, the U.S. commerce secretary said it would be unfair to blame President Donald Trump "when Congress fails to act on something."
Trump is still searching for his first major legislative victory since becoming president.
A daily morning look at the financial stories you need to know to start the day. STOCKS/ECONOMY -Stock futures are flat/mixed ahead of another day of earnings reports. DEALS/NO DEALS -Broadcom has made a $103 billion offer to buy Qualcomm in what would be the biggest tech merger ever. PARADISE PAPERS -Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is denying accusations that he did not disclose his interest in a Russian company connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ross' investment in that company was revealed as part of a massive leak to a German newspaper from a Bermuda law firm that specializes in offshore investments. SAUDI PURGE -Saudi Prince and avid billionaire investor Alwaleed bin Talal was among those arrested and detained in Riyadh over the weekend in what looks like a purge and power consolidation push by Saudi Arabia's new crown prince. O IL/ENERGY -U.S. crude prices are higher and just at the $56 a barrel level. Gasoline prices are now at $2.52 a gallon , national average. That's 6 cents more than a week ago today. TEXAS SHOOTING -Police are trying to figure out the motive after a man killed 26 people in a mass shooting at a Texas church Sunday. But a British newspaper reports that the shooter preached atheism in his social media posts. TERROR/DEFENSE -As he continues his trip to Asia, President Trump is touting Japan's defenses and saying that Japan could shoot missiles from North Korea "out of the sky." And he is urging Japan to buy more U.S. defense systems. -Saudi Arabia is blaming Iran for a missile launched from Yemen at Riyadh this weekend. The missile was shot down by the U.S.-provided Patriot system. SMARTPHONE WARS -Apple says the new iPhone X is already sold out in 20 major U.S. cities. DEALS/NO DEALS (continued) -Attorneys general from 4 states are trying to block Sinclair's planned merger with Tribune Media.
Angel Navarrete | Bloomberg | Getty Images
If you want to eat your way through New York City, you can settle for coffee carts and dollar pizza or you can do things in style. With over-the-top options ranging from a $2,000 omelette to a $315 shot of bourbon, NYC is brimming with the best of the best when it comes to food. Below, we've rounded up six of the most extravagant dishes you can find in the Big Apple, which will cost you a collective $6,529 and that's before tax and tip.
Breakfast: $3,000 for eggs and a bagel
Start at Norma's, where the "Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata" costs $2,000. This dish includes 10 ounces of Sevurga caviar, an entire lobster, six fresh eggs, cream, chives and lobster sauce. It's served over a bed of Yukon gold potatoes.
The "Zillion Dollar Lobster Frittata" from Norma's in NYC's Le Parker Meridien hotel. Le Parker Meridien
The frittata first debuted on Norma's menu back in 2004, when Le Parker Meridien's president, Steven Pipes, and Norma's executive chef, Emile Castillo, were brainstorming a way to incorporate caviar into an omelet. Their strategy? Go big or go home. "Since it would be costly, they decided to have some fun with it," Lisa Tharp, director of guest communications for Le Parker Meridien, tells CNBC Make It. Still hungry? Head over to the Westin New York at Times Square for a $1,000 bagel. From November 1 through December 15, the hotel is offering an upscale bagel topped with white truffle cream cheese, goji berry-infused Reisling jelly and gold flakes, Fortune reports.
The Westin New York at Times Square
"I wanted to create something that speaks to New York, and is also a reflection of my culinary passion for seasonality and fine ingredients," the bagel's creator, chef Frank Tujague, tells Fortune. The extravagance is for a good cause, however. All proceeds go to the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, New York City's largest emergency food program.
Lunch: $214 for a grilled cheese
At Serendipity 3, the chef makes a record-breaking $214 grilled cheese. Formally named " The Quintessential Grilled Cheese Sandwich," the dish officially holds the title of the most expensive sandwich in the world, according to Guinness World Records. "It's like a grilled cheese on steroids," Joe Calderone, the Serendipity chef who invented the cheesy indulgence, tells CNBC.
CNBC
The sandwich starts with plush French bread that has Dom Perignon champagne and 23-karat gold baked throughout. It's then stuffed with caciocavallo podolico, a rare cheese imported from southern Italy, brushed with butter and a mixture of white truffle oil and gold flakes and warmed in a panini press. More gold is pressed on top.
Dinner: $2,000 for pizza
You can't visit New York without grabbing a slice. Keep things luxe with Industry Kitchen's $2,000 pizza pie. With this dish, Chef Braulio Bunay wanted to create a delicacy to honor the restaurant's proximity to Wall Street. As with any pie, it all starts with the crust, in this case a special black dough made from Indian squid ink and special flour imported from Italy, then sprinkled with gold flakes from Ecuador.
Braulio Bunay's $2,000 pizza CNBC
After it's fired in the oven briefly, the crust is coated with a special white Stilton cheese from England and topped with thick slices of foie gras and $300 worth of black truffles, both flown in from France. It's then covered in Osetra caviar fresh from the Caspian Sea, edible gold made in Germany and rose petals for a pop of color. "It was comforting and decadent and earthy and blingy all at the same time," writes CNBC's "Secret Lives of the Super Rich" host Robert Frank, about his experience trying the pie. "It was one of the best bites of anything I've ever tasted."
Dessert: $1,000 sundae
For dessert, head back to Serendipity to try their $1,000 "Golden Opulence Sundae."
Secret Lives of the Super Rich | CNBC
The sundae, which must be ordered at least 48 hours in advance, comes complete with three scoops of Tahitian vanilla ice cream covered in 23-karat gold leaf, as well as almonds, caviar and a sugar-forged orchid that takes eight hours to build. The dish is served in a $350 Baccarat crystal goblet (lined with more 23-karat gold leaf), with an 18-karat gold spoon on the side. It features only the highest quality ingredients, including expensive chocolate from Tuscany and vanilla beans imported from Madagascar. Even the candied fruit on top provides a thrill of luxury it comes from Paris. "It's the most extravagant, opulent thing you can purchase in New York City," Serendipity owner Stephen Bruce tells CNBC.
Drinks: $315 for a shot of bourbon
Cap off the night with a $315 shot of Pappy Old Van Winkle bourbon at the Westin Hotel. The drink is costly because of its rarity: Only 710 bottles of the bourbon were produced back in 1989 in Kentucky, which means that the distinct drink is only available to a select few.
Pappy Old Rip Van Winkle is one of the worlds rarest bourbons. CNBC
Foundry Kitchen & Bar in New York City's Westin Hotel was lucky enough to get no. 299. The bourbon retailed for $1,800 when it was bottled, but goes for much higher on the secondary market. Don't miss: For $80,000 a week, you can stay at the most exclusive hotel on Earth in Antarctica
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Imagine if it was part of your job to make appointments with strangers and then go alone to meet them in empty houses. Yet that is a daily routine for the more than 150,000 real estate agents and brokers. Close to 38 percent of them say they fear for their personal safety. Among female agents, the share is closer to half, according to a survey this year by the National Association of Realtors. The most common fear-inducing situations are open houses, vacant or model home showings, properties that were unlocked or unsecured, and properties in remote areas. That concern is rising, as seven agents have been murdered between 2011 and 2015, the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Now there is a new danger: drug addicts. The nation's opioid crisis has put some real estate agents, especially those who represent higher-end properties, in the crosshairs. Addicts are posing as potential homebuyers and booking house tours in order to get access to medicine cabinets. Forewarn, a subsidiary of Cogint , is a new company offering an app that will perform instant background checks on potential clients, akin to a police report.
When you're talking about potentially opening up access to a home, to an environment where prescription drugs may lie ... with doing no vetting or checking of an individual, I think we're feeding into that crisis. James Reilly CEO, Forewarn
The company says it can instantly analyze billions of data points, using just a client's name and/or phone number, and mines Cogint's data, using proprietary algorithms. Cogint already provides similar information to law enforcement, government and insurance carriers. "When you're talking about potentially opening up access to a home, to an environment where prescription drugs may lie, a medicine cabinet of a house that is listed for sale, with doing no vetting or checking of an individual, I think we're feeding into that crisis by creating these channels of easy access to drugs," said James Reilly, CEO of Forewarn. Forewarn's parent "is able to leverage much deeper and much more accurate data ... to get a better profile of an individual," said Reilly. "That's the same massive data repository that Forewarn leverages to get information to a real estate agent." Forewarn says it will only offer its service to licensed real estate agents and real estate companies. The information can be retrieved online or on an app with costs starting at $4 per month for larger companies and $20 per month for individual agents. While just 5 percent of agents report having been attacked on the job, more than half regularly carry a weapon for self-defense, the most popular being pepper spray, firearms and tasers. Some of those are restricted or illegal in major metropolitan markets. While protection is valuable, information is also key. A criminal history is obviously the biggest red flag, yet even just verifying the information a potential clients gives, like an address, vehicle ownership, mortgage and financial history can raise suspicions for an agent.
Attacked while showing a home
Janice Tisdale, a real estate agent with the Phyllis Browning Co. in San Antonio, was attacked while showing a $750,000 home in December 2010. She was 64 at the time. Tisdale was hit over the head and then held hostage by Emilio Maldonado, a supposed house hunter.
Janice Tisdale CNBC
By India Today Web Desk: Yet another mass shooting has taken place in the United States. 26 people have been killed and over 20 have been injured in a mass shooting at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
The attack took place around 11:30 a.m. ET or 10 p.m. Indian Time. A gunman opened fire at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. He was killed after a brief chase.
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US President Donald Trump who is currently in Japan to talk trade and North Korea tweeted out, "May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan."
May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2017
Former US President Barack Obama also shared his condolences through the following tweet, "We grieve with all the families in Sutherland Springs harmed by this act of hatred, and we'll stand with the survivors as they recover. May God also grant all of us the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce the violence and weaponry in our midst."
We grieve with all the families in Sutherland Springs harmed by this act of hatred, and well stand with the survivors as they recover...- Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 6, 2017
May God also grant all of us the wisdom to ask what concrete steps we can take to reduce the violence and weaponry in our midst.- Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 6, 2017
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe also expressed his condolences to the victims of the Texas shooting. He tweeted out, "I offer my deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in the incident that occurred in the U.S. state of Texas. My thoughts are with those who suffered injuries in the incident. I wish to express heartfelt solidarity with the people of the United States during this difficult time."
I offer my deepest condolences for those who lost their lives in the incident that occurred in the U.S. state of Texas.- A?A??A??A? (@AbeShinzo) November 6, 2017
My thoughts are with those who suffered injuries in the incident.- A?A??A??A? (@AbeShinzo) November 6, 2017
I wish to express heartfelt solidarity with the people of the United States during this difficult time.- A?A??A??A? (@AbeShinzo) November 6, 2017
Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau tweeted, "Canadians send their condolences to those affected by today's tragic church shooting in Texas - we wish a full recovery to the injured."
Canadians send their condolences to those affected by today's tragic church shooting in Texas - we wish a full recovery to the injured.- Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 5, 2017
Canada stands in solidarity with our neighbours during this difficult time. Full statement: https://t.co/Vt2UtBTXSv- Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 6, 2017
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They are a dream of researchers but perhaps a nightmare for highly skilled computer programmers: artificially intelligent machines that can build other artificially intelligent machines.
With recent speeches in both Silicon Valley and China, Jeff Dean, one of Googles leading engineers, spotlighted a Google project called AutoML. ML is short for machine learning, referring to computer algorithms that can learn to perform particular tasks on their own by analyzing data. AutoML, in turn, is a machine-learning algorithm that learns to build other machine-learning algorithms.
With it, Google may soon find a way to create A.I. technology that can partly take the humans out of building the A.I. systems that many believe are the future of the technology industry.
The project is part of a much larger effort to bring the latest and greatest A.I. techniques to a wider collection of companies and software developers.
The tech industry is promising everything from smartphone apps that can recognize faces to cars that can drive on their own. But by some estimates, only 10,000 people worldwide have the education, experience and talent needed to build the complex and sometimes mysterious mathematical algorithms that will drive this new breed of artificial intelligence.
The worlds largest tech businesses, including Google, Facebook and Microsoft , sometimes pay millions of dollars a year to A.I. experts, effectively cornering the market for this hard-to-find talent. The shortage isnt going away anytime soon, just because mastering these skills takes years of work.
The industry is not willing to wait. Companies are developing all sorts of tools that will make it easier for any operation to build its own A.I. software, including things like image and speech recognition services and online chatbots.
We are following the same path that computer science has followed with every new type of technology, said Joseph Sirosh, a vice president at Microsoft, which recently unveiled a tool to help coders build deep neural networks, a type of computer algorithm that is driving much of the recent progress in the A.I. field. We are eliminating a lot of the heavy lifting.
This is not altruism. Researchers like Mr. Dean believe that if more people and companies are working on artificial intelligence, it will propel their own research. At the same time, companies like Google, Amazon and Microsoft see serious money in the trend that Mr. Sirosh described. All of them are selling cloud-computing services that can help other businesses and developers build A.I.
There is real demand for this, said Matt Scott, a co-founder and the chief technical officer of Malong, a start-up in China that offers similar services. And the tools are not yet satisfying all the demand.
This is most likely what Google has in mind for AutoML, as the company continues to hail the projects progress. Googles chief executive, Sundar Pichai, boasted about AutoML last month while unveiling a new Android smartphone.
Eventually, the Google project will help companies build systems with artificial intelligence even if they dont have extensive expertise, Mr. Dean said. Today, he estimated, no more than a few thousand companies have the right talent for building A.I., but many more have the necessary data.
We want to go from thousands of organizations solving machine learning problems to millions, he said.
Google is investing heavily in cloud-computing services services that help other businesses build and run software which it expects to be one of its primary economic engines in the years to come. And after snapping up such a large portion of the worlds top A.I researchers, it has a means of jump-starting this engine.
Neural networks are rapidly accelerating the development of A.I. Rather than building an image-recognition service or a language translation app by hand, one line of code at a time, engineers can much more quickly build an algorithm that learns tasks on its own.
By analyzing the sounds in a vast collection of old technical support calls, for instance, a machine-learning algorithm can learn to recognize spoken words.
But building a neural network is not like building a website or some run-of-the-mill smartphone app. It requires significant math skills, extreme trial and error, and a fair amount of intuition. Jean-Francois Gagne, the chief executive of an independent machine-learning lab called Element AI, refers to the process as a new kind of computer programming.
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In building a neural network, researchers run dozens or even hundreds of experiments across a vast network of machines, testing how well an algorithm can learn a task like recognizing an image or translating from one language to another. Then they adjust particular parts of the algorithm over and over again, until they settle on something that works. Some call it a dark art, just because researchers find it difficult to explain why they make particular adjustments.
But with AutoML, Google is trying to automate this process. It is building algorithms that analyze the development of other algorithms, learning which methods are successful and which are not. Eventually, they learn to build more effective machine learning. Google said AutoML could now build algorithms that, in some cases, identified objects in photos more accurately than services built solely by human experts.
Barret Zoph, one of the Google researchers behind the project, believes that the same method will eventually work well for other tasks, like speech recognition or machine translation.
This is not always an easy thing to wrap your head around. But it is part of a significant trend in A.I. research. Experts call it learning to learn or meta-learning.
Many believe such methods will significantly accelerate the progress of A.I. in both the online and physical worlds. At the University of California, Berkeley, researchers are building techniques that could allow robots to learn new tasks based on what they have learned in the past.
Computers are going to invent the algorithms for us, essentially, said a Berkeley professor, Pieter Abbeel. Algorithms invented by computers can solve many, many problems very quickly at least that is the hope.
This is also a way of expanding the number of people and businesses that can build artificial intelligence. These methods will not replace A.I. researchers entirely. Experts, like those at Google, must still do much of the important design work. But the belief is that the work of a few experts can help many others build their own software.
Renato Negrinho, a researcher at Carnegie Mellon University who is exploring technology similar to AutoML, said this was not a reality today but should be in the years to come. It is just a matter of when, he said.
One of Wall Street's leading authorities on Asia believes President Donald Trump's trip to the region could emerge as a make or break moment.
Stephen Roach, former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia, lists North Korea's more sophisticated missile program as a top geopolitical risk that could ultimately destabilize the region and trigger a global markets sell-off.
"The North Korea issue is by far the highest priority," Roach said recently on CNBC's "Trading Nation." "Putting pressure on China to aggressively deal with North Korea has got to be very important to President Trump."
The first stop on Trump's trip was in Japan over the weekend and he leaves for South Korea on Tuesday. From there, he goes to China, Vietnam and the Philippines before returning home on Nov. 12. It's the longest trip to Asia by a U.S. president since George H.W. Bush in 1992.
Roach, who lived in Hong Kong for most of 2007 to 2012, sees taking a hard line with China trade as a necessary step to halt North Korea's nuclear ambitions. He said it's important for Trump to strike the right tone with leaders abroad particularly with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Roach wants Trump to tell China that North Korea is a "destabilizing, threatening force to you and us. North Korea is still a very weak economy heavily reliant on foreign trade. You, in China, account for 80 to 90 percent of the trade concentrated in food and fuel. We would urge you to put a total embargo on your trade to North Korea, and if you don't, we are prepared to take action against you in the trade arena."
Now a senior fellow at Yale University, Roach said the United States could eventually justify imposing wide-ranging tariffs on China if it doesn't cooperate.
"He [Kim Jong Un] has the capability that his father and grandfather never had and that is nuclear weapons," Roach said. "The threat is many times greater than it was back then, and it could only go one way if it is not addressed sooner rather than later."
Oil prices surged to their highest levels since the summer of 2015 on Monday as a major political shakeup in Saudi Arabia underpinned a rally fueled by geopolitical risk, analysts said.
Crude futures hit the new highs overnight after the powerful Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman coordinated the arrest of several princes and ministers, ostensibly as part of crackdown on corruption.
Prices pulled back in morning trade as the market digested a wealth of analysis on the Saudi purge, but futures suddenly shot higher at midday. International benchmark oil topped $64 a barrel for the first time since June 2015. Meanwhile U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude broke above $57, a level the market has not seen since July 2015.
WTI finished Monday's session $1.71 or 3.1 percent, higher at $57.35. Brent was trading up $2.04, or 3.3 percent, at $64.11 by 2:27 p.m. ET.
U.S. crude intraday performance
Analysts cautioned against pinning the surge on any one headline, or even the Saudi arrests alone. Instead, they said a growing cloud of geopolitical uncertainty was unleashing animal spirits in an already bullish market.
"You can grab all sorts of different headlines when you have a runaway market, and this is a runaway market right now," said Tom Kloza, global head of energy analysis at Oil Price Information Service.
In this kind of environment, "people throw caution to the wind, and this is like the grand finale of fireworks," he said.
On Monday, Nigeria's oil minister signaled his country might be ready to contribute to OPEC-led output cuts to help bolster the market. OPEC has aimed to keep 1.8 million barrels a day off the market this year to shrink brimming global crude stockpiles. Nigeria, OPEC'a biggest African producer, was exempt because a wave of attacks sidelined much of its oil supply last year.
"We're in a bullish phase, so any kind of comment like this, the market seems to be reacting strongly to," said John Kilduff, founding partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital.
Andy Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, also noted that the Niger Delta Avengers, the group behind energy sector sabotage in Nigeria, backed out of a ceasefire on Friday.
Salesforce.com and Alphabet's Google are teaming up to help their customers be more productive, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff told CNBC on Monday.
"You look to Google, you see this incredible world of information, you see the advertising but you also get Google Analytics," Benioff told CNBC's Jim Cramer in an exclusive interview on "Mad Money."
"And Google Analytics coupled with Salesforce's sales and service and marketing means that both of our customers are going to have customer insights that they've never had before. That is really exciting."
The partnership will combine Salesforce's customer relations management technology with Google's G Suite, a series of business-friendly apps designed to stoke collaboration and productivity. The Google product competes primarily against Microsoft Office 365.
Google will also offer a company-wide promotion to give free G Suite licenses for up to one year to all Salesforce customers that are new to G Suite.
The deal will also connect Salesforce with Google Analytics, allowing joint customers to merge sales, marketing and advertising data stored in both systems.
Sridhar Ramaswamy, Google's senior vice president of ads and commerce, told Cramer that this component will help give their marketing clients a broader view of consumer activity, online and offline.
"This partnership addresses the No. 1 request that we have from our customers," Ramaswamy said. "Our customers want a holistic view, a total view across Salesforce's CRM systems and Analytics, where all the website action takes place. This is really a first-of-its-kind integration."
Today's news includes an expansion of the existing partnership between the Google Cloud Platform and Salesforce, which also has existing partnerships with Amazon Web Services and Cisco Systems, among other tech titans.
In the same interview, Google Cloud Senior Vice President Diane Greene said that partnering with a company that offers software-as-a-service on such a massive scale could move the needle for Google.
"I dream of being No. 1. I think it's possible," she told Cramer. "We're making unbelievable progress and I think having one of the world's largest SaaS vendors running on our core services on our Cloud really underscores just how enterprise-ready we are."
In May 2014, Salesforce announced it would enter a strategic partnership with Microsoft to create a similar linkage between Salesforce's CRM system and Microsoft Office and Windows.
Soon after, reports emerged of a potential acquisition of Salesforce by Microsoft, but deal talks ended when the companies couldn't agree on a price.
Since then, the two companies' relations have fizzled. Tensions rose to a high when Microsoft outbid Salesforce for professional social network LinkedIn in 2015.
In November 2016, Benioff commented on the fallout, saying that "the new Microsoft" under CEO Satya Nadella was much like the "old Microsoft" under Steve Ballmer, who was notoriously averse to corporate partnerships.
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Saudi Arabia's heir to the throne ordered the arrest of powerful royals and businessmen over the weekend, in a sudden move that is likely to significantly alter the mood among foreign investors. The major purge of the Kingdom's elites was described as an anti-corruption drive by state officials, although outside observers suspected the exercise could be part of a broader movement by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to consolidate domestic power.
Either way, the purge is likely making investors see Saudi assets as riskier, so they're set to demand higher returns. "It depends what your timeline is. If your timeline is next week and you're looking to invest next week then I would say this probably shouldn't be welcome," Michael Stephens, a research fellow at U.K. think-tank the Royal United Services Institute, told CNBC on Monday.
Mohammad bin Salman 'had to break a few eggs'
Saudi's bin Salman has previously vowed the Kingdom will return to " ," as Riyadh continues to push ahead with sweeping cultural and economic reforms. Some believe the extraordinary purge is an attempt by bin Salman to consolidate his power by eliminating potential rivals. And that may herald political uncertainty, tension and possibly unrest not seen before in the history of OPEC's biggest oil producer.
Saudi Deputy Crown Prince, Defence Minister and Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs Mohammed bin Salman. Fayez Nureldine | AFP | Getty Images
On Saturday, 11 princes, including well-known billionaire investor Alwaleed bin Talal , and four ministers, including the one in charge of the National Guard, were arrested, according to various reports , along with a number of former ministers.
The mass weekend arrests by Saudi Arabia could be due to both the stated purpose of cracking down on corruption and a power grab by the kingdom's young, reform-minded crown prince who may soon take the throne, said Robert Jordan, former U.S. ambassador to the kingdom.
"This would be like arresting Warren Buffett or Bill Gates in the United States," Jordan told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Monday.
"We've got to figure out what the basis of these charges could be" against the Saudi royals and high-ranking government ministers and former officials, he urged. "The Saudis are going to have to be transparent about what happens. We're going to have to understand why it is that these leaders have be incarcerated."
The arrests happened hours after King Salman created an anti-corruption committee chaired by his 32-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman. MBS, as the crown prince is known, could become king later this year or in early 2018 when his 81-year-old father abdicates the throne.
Jordan, the top U.S. diplomat to Saudi Arabia during the presidency of George W. Bush, said the kingdom has long had a problem with corruption, so the weekend actions could be partly a crackdown. But he also said the moves could be MBS consolidating his power.
"I think both conditions could actually be true. It's a huge story either way it goes," argued Jordan, currently a political science professor at Southern Methodist University and a longtime partner in the international law firm Baker Botts, where he had headed the Mideast practice in Dubai.
"Certainly Saudi Arabia has had a corruption problem for many years. I think the population, especially, has been very unhappy with princes coming in and grabbing business deals, with public funds going to flood control projects that never seem to get built" for example, Jordan said.
However, he added, "I would also say it's a classical power grab move sometimes to arrest your rivals, your potential rivals under the pretext of corruption."
The crown prince is also currently trying to diversify the Saudi economy, traditionally tied closely to oil revenues, through a plan called "Vision 2030."
Southeast Asia's largest bank, DBS Group Holdings , unexpectedly set aside another 815 million Singapore dollars ($597.4 million) to cover for bad loans from the troubled oil and gas sector a move it hopes will finally put worries over asset quality behind it.
That action resulted in a 23 percent year-on-year fall in net profit to S$822 million ($602.2 million), the bank said in its third-quarter earnings release. That fell short of the S$1.13 billion ($828.2 million) average estimate by analysts in a Reuters poll.
DBS, wrapping up earnings season for Singapore's largest banks, lagged behind its smaller peers. Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp's third-quarter net profit jumped 12 percent from a year ago to S$1.06 billion ($776.8 million), and United Overseas Bank reported a 12 percent increase to S$883 million ($647.1 million) over the same period.
But DBS Group Chief Executive Piyush Gupta said the bank was being conservative in recognizing bad loans. He explained that his company decided to classify certain loans as non-performing even though they are not yet overdue.
Doing so will allow investors to turn their focus to DBS' "operating performance and digital agenda," he added.
"We've chosen in this quarter to be conservative and to be proactive," Gupta told CNBC. "We bumped up our provisions to 1.5 billion (Singapore dollars) to cover everything else. Therefore, I think we're pretty much cleaned up on this portfolio and I really do not expect to see any further impairments coming down the pipe on account of offshore marine and oil and gas."
founder Masayoshi Son is in the middle of negotiating a costly deal to buy billions of dollars of shares of Uber.
So what does the famously outspoken investor do, maybe to gain a little leverage? He once again floats a possible investment in Uber's chief U.S. rival, Lyft.
"We are positively exploring the opportunity, but whether we make an investment or not I don't want you to call me a cheater or a liar. And so I say that it depends on the terms and you never know what will happen," Son told investors in a quarterly earnings briefing on Monday. "So depending on the price and the terms, we might change the entity that we would invest in to Lyft."
Son said it is "not decided yet" whether SoftBank would pull the trigger on the Uber deal. SoftBank has a tentative agreement in place with Uber's board to buy 14% to 20% of the company's shares. But Uber shareholders are haggling with the Japanese conglomerate over the price at which those shares would be sold.
Basically, Son wants to pay less and Uber shareholders want more.
If this is familiar, it's because this is the same move Son tried last quarter, when he said "we have not decided which" to invest in. Now, though, there's a specific deal with Uber on the table.
Son on Monday sounded quite uneasy about whether the so-called Uber "tender offer" would succeed or whether he would be left in need of a different U.S. ride-hailing investment.
"Maybe existing investors don't want to sell or make price up and if we can't accept the price, maybe we have a different decision," he said. "Again, you never know until the last minute."
Son said that while Uber had "made a good start" as a company, he acknowledged that it was "struggling through some management issues."
Son, in prior remarks on Monday, also shared some behind-the-scenes details of his private sit-down with Donald Trump, who is in Tokyo on the first leg of a five-country tour of Asia. Their tete-a-tete comes almost a full year after the pair met in Trump Tower, when the SoftBank CEO promised the President-elect that he would invest $50 billion in the United States and create 50,000 jobs.
Son said Monday that he was already halfway to achieving that goal.
"Maybe I should've doubled up," Son joked.
Son and Trump also spent some time on Monday complimenting one another's dealmaking ability. Son told investors that Trump was "acting like a top salesman" during his foray to Japan. Trump, for his part, had this to say to Son during their private meeting at least according to Son:
"Masa, you are great."
By Theodore Schleifer, Recode.net.
CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement.
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The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) could be the "worst event in the history of our civilization" unless society finds a way to control its development, high-profile physicist Stephen Hawking said Monday.
He made the comments during a talk at the Web Summit technology conference in Lisbon, Portugal, in which he said, "computers can, in theory, emulate human intelligence, and exceed it."
Hawking talked up the potential of AI to help undo damage done to the natural world, or eradicate poverty and disease, with every aspect of society being "transformed."
But he admitted the future was uncertain.
"Success in creating effective AI, could be the biggest event in the history of our civilization. Or the worst. We just don't know. So we cannot know if we will be infinitely helped by AI, or ignored by it and side-lined, or conceivably destroyed by it," Hawking said during the speech.
"Unless we learn how to prepare for, and avoid, the potential risks, AI could be the worst event in the history of our civilization. It brings dangers, like powerful autonomous weapons, or new ways for the few to oppress the many. It could bring great disruption to our economy."
The family kept their son's corpse in church and prayed for almost ten days assuming that their prayers would bring him back to life.
By Divyesh Singh: Despite repeated measures by the government and other agencies, people still adhere to and indulge in activities related to blind faith and black magic.
A recent incident in Ambernath of Thane district of Maharashtra brought to light a similar incident where family of a deceased youngster kept his dead body in church and prayed for almost ten days assuming that their prayers would bring him back to life.
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The incident came to light only when the Ambernath police got tip off about such an act going on at the Jesus for all Nations church in Ambernath west and reached the spot after being alerted by their counterparts from Nagpada in Mumbai.
Mishakh Navhis (17) had died on October 27 after battling cancer. His father who is a Bishop with the Jesus for all Nations church in Nagpada believed that if the family prayed to Jesus and kept the dead body in their church, through some miracle the deceased boy would come back to life.
The family resides in the Chinchpokli area of Mumbai. Father of the deceased kept the body in an electrically cooled box meant for keeping corpse and conducted prayers since October 27.
Somehow the Nagpada police got a whiff of it and on November 4 they told the family to conduct last rites and not indulge in such activities.
The family then told the Nagpada Police that they would be conducting the last rites and took the body to Ambernath. However, on Sunday the family again prayed with the belief that the boy will come back to life.
The Ambernath Police was alerted by Nagpada Police about it and when they went there, they found the body kept in the cooled electric box while the family members conducted prayers.
Police officials advised the family to conduct last rites of the body and not indulge in such practices after which the family finally took the body to Chinchpokli to carry out the last rites.
"We got information about the prayers being conducted at the Jesus for all Nations church and accordingly a team was sent there. The boy had died a natural death due to some ailment but the family believed he would come back to life if they prayed to God. They finally took the body to their residence on Sunday evening to carry out the last rites," said Senior Police Inspector BD Wagh from Ambernath Police Station.
When contacted, the Nagpada police said that the family had finally heard their advise and conducted last rites of the deceased after ten days of prayers. No offense has been registered against the family members.
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That's because the mandate effectively compels millions of people to buy inidividual health plan coverage from Obamacare exchanges. Open enrollment in those health plans started Wednesday.
If it were to be signed by President Donald Trump , it would be just the latest in a recent series of moves by him to undermine the Affordable Care Act, as Obamacare is formally known.
The purported executive order would make it administration policy to not collect tax penalties from people who fail to have health coverage during the year, according to the Washington Examiner, which first reported the order.
The Trump administration reportedly has prepared an executive order that would effectively gut Obamacare's requirement that most Americans have health insurance but is holding off on it to see if the repeal of that mandate will be included in the new Republican tax reform bill.
If the penalty attached to the mandate disappears, many health people might drop their coverage, leaving the exchange plans heavier with sicker people who have high medical bills.
That in turn would lead to ever-increasing insurance premiums, and further customer defections, a phenomenon known as a death spiral.
House Speaker Paul Ryan told Fox News on Sunday that the repeal of the ACA's so-called individual mandate might be included in the GOP's tax bill.
"We have an active conversation with our members and a whole host of ideas on things to add to this bill," Ryan said in that interview. "And that's one of the things that's being discussed."
The Washington Examiner, citing an unnamed Republican senator, said that Trump decided not to sign his executive order on the mandate, for now, after hearing that Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., was proposing to repeal the individual mandate in the tax bill.
Such a repeal would make it clear the mandate is no longer the law of the land.
Trump's order would reportedly stop short of that because there would still be a requirement that most people have some form of health coverage but would effectively stop enforcing the penalty associated with not complying with the law.
But if the GOP adds repeal of the individual mandate to the tax bill, it could make it more difficult to pass than it already might be.
The bill has already drawn concern from deficit hawks in Congress for increasing the federal debt, and also has been criticized for capping the limit on deductions for mortgage interest and for repealing the deductions on one's federal income taxes for state and local income taxes.
And the Republican Party's track record on full or partial repeal of Obamacare's provisions is dismal.
Although Trump has promised to sign a repeal-and-replace bill, his fellow Republicans in Congress have repeatedly failed to pass such a bill, despite having majorities in both the House and Senate.
A White House spokesman declined to comment on the Examiner's report when contacted by CNBC.
The spokesman said the administration does not "get ahead" of potential executive orders.
In 2015, almost 6.7 million taxpayers were subject to the individual mandate penalty, and paid the government more than $3 billion as a result. Millions more claimed exemption from the mandate for a wide variety of reasons.
In 2017, the tax penalty for not having health insurance coverage of some kind is the higher of 2.5 percent of household income, or $695 per adult.
Trump last month signed an executive order that directed federal agencies to explore making a series of moves that could undercut the Affordable Care Act.
Those potential actions included loosening restrictions on the offering of insurance plans by small business and on the duration of short-term insurance plans.
On the same day Trump signed that order, his administration announced that it would cease paying Obamacare insurers crucial reimbursements for discounts those insurers by law must grant to low-income customers for their out-of-pocket health charges.
The reimbursements are worth billions of dollars annually to insurers. Many health plans had raised their premium rates higher for 2018 than they otherwise would have because Trump had threatened for months to kill the payments.
Although the administration's decision will save the federal government an estimated $10 billion in payments next year, it actually will lead to an increase in overall federal payments to Obamacare insurers. That's because when premiums rise for Obamacare plans, as they did in anticipation of the cutoff and will in future years, the federal government spends more on subsidies that reduce the premium prices for low- and middle-income customers.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the federal deficit will increase by almost $200 billion over the next decade as a result of Trump's decision to end the cost-sharing reduction reimbursements.
Japan could shoot down North Korean missiles with U.S. military technology, President Donald Trump has said.
Trump said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would be well-equipped for an attack from North Korea after buying equipment from the U.S.
"He will shoot them out of the sky when he completes the purchase of lots of additional military equipment from the United States," Trump told a press conference Monday.
"He will easily shoot them out of the sky, just like we shot something out of the sky the other day in Saudi Arabia, as you saw."
Trump was referring to a missile fired by Yemen, which was reportedly intercepted by Saudi Arabia over the weekend.
The president referred to that particular missile as "a needle in the sky," and said that the U.S. makes "the best military equipment by far."
He added that the purchasing of military equipment would bring both employment to the U.S. and safety to Japan.
"It's a lot of jobs for us, and a lot of safety for Japan, and other countries that are likewise purchasing military equipment from us, that frankly a year ago or two years ago were not."
President Donald Trump said Monday he believed the Texas church shooting was caused by a "mental health problem," and not because of a problem with domestic gun laws.
When asked whether U.S. gun control measures could have been the key to the Texas shooting, Trump replied, "Mental health is your problem here."
"This isn't a guns situation," he said, before adding, "This is a mental health problem at the highest level. It's a very, very sad event."
At least 26 people were killed and about 20 others were wounded after a gunman opened fire during a Sunday service at a Texas church. The victims ranged in age from 5 to 72-years-old.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Tokyo, Japan, alongside Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump described the shooter as "a very deranged individual."
The pursuit of democracy is considered a foundational pillar of U.S. foreign policy, but it has taken a backseat under President Donald Trump's "America First" philosophy. Many believe that approach could heighten authoritarianism in the developing world and eventually backfire on Washington.
"The absence of strong U.S. language endorsing democratic values and processes will be glaringly evident on Trump's Asia trip," said Joshua Kurlantzick, senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations in a recent report.
Under of Trump's "America First" strategy, the White House does not believe it should interfere with countries' social issues in order to preserve economic and commercial ties. The approach stands in contrast to recent U.S. administrations former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton saw the promotion of democracy as instrumental to U.S. security interests.
"So far, Trump and his team have explicitly disowned values and human rights as a part of U.S. statecraft," researchers at the Centre of American Progress said in a recent note.
In previous talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc earlier this year, Trump made no mention of human rights abuses and instead, praised Duterte's anti-narcotics campaign. In comparison, Obama voiced concerns about basic freedoms with all three leaders.
"Trump must make clear on his trip that the United States will prioritize democracy, rule of law, and human rights in Asia," the Centre of American Progress continued. He can do that by making clear public statements, raising issues in state visits and meeting members of civil society to hear their voices, it added.
any in the American business community are concerned that Trump's fixation on the deficit could distract from larger problems challenging U.S.-Sino relations
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) to the Mar-a-Lago estate in West Palm Beach, Florida, on April 6, 2017. Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images
President Donald Trump is unlikely to change China's stance on North Korea when he visits Beijing this week, but he could well make some headway on trade deals between the two countries. When Trump arrives in the capital Wednesday, he'll be meeting his Chinese counterpart possibly at the height of Xi Jinping's power. After the Communist Party Congress in October when Xi consolidated his power base the Chinese president has been projecting himself as a steady, stable leader with a set vision for the nation. Trump will be negotiating with China's most powerful leader in decades.
Addressing the trade imbalance
On the economy, Trump is expected to focus on the trade imbalance. After July's Comprehensive Economic Dialogue (an annual economic dialogue session in Washington), both countries expressed their interest in narrowing the U.S.'s trade deficit with China. On the Chinese leg of his 12-day Asia visit, Trump will likely announce billions of dollars in deals to address the gap. Based on the business delegation traveling with the U.S. president, the deals will likely center on China buying American energy and farm products, as well as aircraft and other machinery. Chief executives on his trip include those from Boeing, Cheniere Energy, Texas LNG Brownville, DowDuPont, and the U.S. Soybean Export Council.
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Minor Chinese reforms
Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein is in the delegation along with insurers such as PartnerRe. That has raised speculation that China could announce a liberalization in the financial sector soon though expectations for any significant structural moves are quite low. "More complicated structural issues, such as the U.S. criticism of China's intellectual property practices and China's demand to boost its technology exports to the U.S. to address its deficit, are unlikely to make material headway in the upcoming meeting," ANZ research said in a recent note.
Market access, tech transfers slip off the radar
Despite the likely deliverables, many in the American business community are concerned that Trump's fixation on the deficit could distract from larger problems challenging U.S.-Sino relations such as market access and competition in the industries of the future. "My concern is (the Trump administration) will come and trumpet a bunch of deals and MOUs (memorandums of understanding) that have a big number and Trump will tweet victory," James McGregor, China chair with APCO Worldwide, said. "China will focus on a couple of tweetable deliverables and the very serious industrial policies will not get the attention they deserve," he added.
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U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May outlined her vision for Britain's industrial future Monday, while the leader of the U.K.'s opposition Labour party also set out his proposals for "big changes" to the country's economy. Both the prime minister and Labour leader Jeremy Corybn gave speeches at a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference in London. Conservative leader May defended the free market economy and said there are "huge opportunities" in Britain over the next decade. "We cannot and will not try to make a plan for every corner of our economy. We believe in the free market and won't attempt to shield the economy from market forces. So we will have to make strategic decisions about where the government can and where it cannot best support key sectors of our economy," she said. "As we look ahead to the next 10 years for Britain's economy, we should do so as rational optimists." She gave more details on her government's "industrial strategy," which includes plans to boost investment in skills and infrastructure. The speech to the CBI conference was closely watched by business leaders who want to know how the government will manage Britain's economic transition out of the European Union.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May (R) and Britain's main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn (L) Niklas Halle'n - WPA Pool/Getty Images
In her speech Monday, May played down the slow progress in Brexit negotiations, however, and addressed concerns among British businesses that they could face a "cliff-edge" scenario if Britain leaves the EU in March 2019 without a deal. "I have made clear that a strictly time-limited implementation period will be crucial to our future success," she said, adding that "during this period access to one another's markets should continue on current terms, and I want us to agree the detailed arrangements for this period as early as possible."
Corbyn's vision
While Brexit is at the forefront of the Conservative government's agenda currently, the increasing popularity of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is going unnoticed by the government. The staunch Socialist is popular among younger voters and the party made strong progress in a general election in June, gaining 32 seats in parliament. The left-wing Corbyn has a way to go to convince many British voters and businesses that the country and its economy would be safe in his hands, however. Corbyn tried to assuage concerns of businesses when speaking at the CBI conference on Monday, telling the audience that there is "common ground" between business and Labour to deliver "big changes" to the British economy. "Common ground on Brexit, common ground on investment, training and industrial strategy, and a government that embraces its responsibilities and carries them out for the common good. That's what Labour offers you," he said. He added that Britain's economic model needs to change, advocating "an economy for the many." "We all know an economic model that allows a few to grow very rich while the majority face falling incomes and rising indebtedness, that leaves too many people in unfulfilling and insecure work, that is overly reliant on one sector in one region of our country, is neither stable nor sustainable," he told the conference. This will mean making some "big changes," he said, to tackle Britain's problems of "low investment, low productivity and low pay." Like the Conservatives, Labour advocate an infrastructure investment program using what they call a "National Transformation Fund" that Corbyn said would "reverse years of under-investment in the regions, investing in transport, energy and digital infrastructure right across the country."
Common ground
If you have a networking event coming up and you're absolutely clueless on where to start, former U.S. president Barack Obama has got your back. On November 1, Obama hosted the inaugural Obama Foundation Summit in his Chicago hometown. The two-day event featured main stage speeches, breakout panels and networking opportunities for over 500 rising and established civic leaders from around the world. Obama was the last to speak during the opening session, where he gave a speech on his inspiration behind starting the Obama Foundation, stating he wanted to create "a hub, a venue, a place, a network" for young people of all backgrounds to meet and learn from each other. "If we can create an architecture, a platform for those young people to thrive, grow and scale up all the amazing stuff that they were already doing locally and not just to root themselves locally, but then be able to germinate and seed change all around the country and around the world, " Obama said, "then there's no problem we couldn't solve. There's no aspiration that we might not reach." Obama also made a point to remind his guests that this summit shouldn't be treated simply as a fleeting experience, but as a larger learning experience.
"Our goal is not to present some fixed theory of how change happens. Our goal at this session is not to pump you with a whole bunch of PowerPoints, data, information and a blueprint for how you are going to go back and do the stuff you're already doing even better," Obama said, "because in many ways we want to learn from you as much as we want to maybe share some of what we've learned." Instead, he emphasized that he wanted attendees to see the two-day event as a "big brainstorming session" and an "experiment in us trying to have a collective conversation." Obama ended his speech by providing these four guidelines on how to network during the summit that you can easily pick up for your next networking opportunity.
1. Create new relationships
Unless you are lucky enough to have a colleague going with you to this event, you're likely not going to know many people in the room. This is your opportunity to "listen to the people you're with," Obama said.
Chris Condon | Getty Images
And not just the people commanding your attention on stage and panels, he added, but those people who are alongside you as part of the audience. "In breaks, during meals, share your stories with each other and try to make a connection, forge relationships," he said. One especially important point: Turn around and seek out someone who seems nothing like you. "Find somebody who is not like you, who doesn't look like you, who doesn't think the way you do, who has a set of experiences that you don't on the surface at least and share," Obama said.
2. Have a strong point of view
As you embrace your surroundings and new people, it's also important to remember your opinions and values, he says. "I want you to have a strong point of view and don't be afraid to articulate it," Obama said. "But make sure that when you disagree you're not disagreeable." Obama emphasized that "real change comes through persuasion and openness to others." If you choose not to speak with someone because they are different from your gender, sexuality, race, religion or other defining factors, then "you will not grow and you certainly will not help the person next to you grow." "So have a point of view, be rooted in your experiences and don't be afraid to share those," Obama said. "But listen, be open, don't be partisan."
3. Don't let a selfie get in the way of conversation
Had it not been for young people across the country organizing over the "amazing tool" that is social media, Obama said he wouldn't have been elected president.
Danny Lawson | Getty Images
"But if it is blocking you from having a conversation or seeing somebody and recognizing them and listening to them because you are so busy trying to get a picture," Obama said, "then you are, I think in some ways, contributing to what separates us rather than trying to break through." He encouraged others to take selfies with each other if they felt like doing so after their conversations, but reflecting on his own experience, Obama found that the issue seemed trivial. "One of the weird things about being president is I found people were no longer looking me in the eye and shaking my hand because they approached me [to take selfies]," he said. But by setting some boundaries upfront, he said it would allow him and wife Michelle to "have actual conversations."
4. Have fun
"As our third largest export market, U.S. exports to China support nearly a million American jobs. That is almost equal to the total number of jobs supported by exports to Germany, France and Australia combined."
Since China's accession to the World Trade Organization 15 years ago, its progress in reforming its economy has been disappointingly slow. U.S. businesses have long sought (and the Trump administration should continue to push for) a level playing field to sell their best-in-class goods and services in China, protection for intellectual property rights, and respect for the rule of law and transparency in business dealings.
China, on the other hand, wants recognition by the WTO as a market economy, despite the pervasive influences of state-owned enterprises. It also wants access to U.S. technology, which often has dual uses that would threaten U.S. national security interests, as well as greater and more transparent access to investment in the U.S.
Our issues are more numerous and as a free, open-market economy, the U.S. has very few "gives" not already available to China, so a solely horse-trading approach to the negotiations, defined entirely by give and take, will not be fruitful.
Third, there is the simple fact that China needs the U.S. China wants to achieve "moderate prosperity" and avoid the middle-income trap. To do so, it must improve productivity which can only be done by embracing market-driven policies, including reducing and eliminating policies that support grossly inefficient industries and provide massive financial support to prop up state-owned enterprises.
It also craves the global acknowledgment that China and the U.S. have a 'major country relationship' and that China is on its way to achieving its goal to "take global center stage by 2050."
So let's combine these two goals. Instead of approaching China as an adversary, let's push them hard on the market-oriented trade reforms it needs to achieve its desired long-term goals, and let's condition progress on meeting these goals are a necessary step towards achieving the major country relationship it desires.
Finally, despite the continued fixation on our trade deficit with China, it will not be solved on this visit. Trade deficits are driven less by the terms of trade and more by the supply and demand for savings. It is China's savings glut, which doubled to 30 percent in 2014 from 15 percent in 1990, which drives the deficit by depressing discretionary consumption and domestic investment.
But this is about much more than one trip and much more than any comity between heads of state. I saw first-hand in China that relationships matter, as I worked to cement relationships of trust and respect with my counterparts at China's Ministry of Commerce and with the Vice Premier.
Relationships are uniquely critical in business cultures where impression management and saving face are essential to communication and positioning. Unfortunately, the new administration has not yet filled many important positions, so negotiators will not be able to rely on these already established bonds. Any future that includes delivering wins to American workers and businesses will rely on filling those positions with the people who will do the hard work of building and maintaining constructive relationships with our Chinese counterparts at the working levels, before and after high-level visits.
Success during the President's most important trip to date will depend on effective commercial diplomacy. Transactional deal-making the stuff of "The Art of the Deal" will ultimately not deliver for our workers, businesses or our country.
Commentary by Stefan M. Selig who served as President Obama's Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade at the U.S. Department of Commerce from 2014-2016. In 2017, he founded financial and strategic advisory firm BridgePark Advisors LLC. Previously, Selig spent nearly 30 years in senior investment banking positions on Wall Street, including 15 years at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, most recently as Executive Vice Chairman of Global Corporate & Investment Banking.
Follow CNBC's Opinion section on Twitter @CNBCopinion.
"This will seem like a big gift to the rich. That's why any such rate cut announcement must come simultaneously with a detailed and powerfully-worded plan on harsher enforcement and punishments for those found to still be evading taxes."
That's where cutting rates as part of a "carrot and stick" policy comes in when it comes to the super rich. Their wealth will likely always make it possible for them to keep hiding their money from the tax authorities in one new scheme after another. The stick should come in the form of new investigative measures and penalties for using illegal tax shelters. The carrot should come in the form of reducing the tax rates that encourage all the tax sheltering shenanigans in the first place.
Well, almost all. We know from the Panama Papers scandal that some of this offshore sheltering is done to conceal criminal activity in what amounts to money laundering. But law enforcement authorities all over the world would surely be aided by separating the criminals from account holders in these offshore firms who are simply looking to avoid some tax bills. A study published by the IMF in 2008 essentially said the same thing, arguing that, "In a way, tax evaders protect each other by tying down the tax authority's limited capacity." Crooks are finding some kind of safety in numbers.
Now to the key question: Will lowering tax rates actually lead to less law breaking and more economy-boosting investment and activity?
There's plenty of evidence that the answer is "yes." Detailed studies published over the past 20 years, include that IMF-paper mentioned above and another published by the National Bureau of Economic Research, that show that higher tax rates in the U.S. and other countries encourage and foster more tax evasion while lower rates do the opposite. Other papers published by the Tax Foundation show how higher rates take hundreds of billions of dollars out of the economy. These are just some of the reasons why many have argued for years, starting with President John F. Kennedy in 1962, that lower tax rates actually bring in greater tax revenues.
And then there's another factor that's become clear from this Paradise Papers revelation. As America learned the hard way during the Prohibition era, unrealistic or overly harsh laws can increase or even heighten the problems and criminality that those laws were meant to reduce in the first place. In that light, the IMF paper referenced above noted that higher tax rates create a virtual syndicate of wealthy tax evaders who, "protect each other, because they tie down limited enforcement capacity" across the world.
That may sound like a conspiracy theory of sorts, but consider the powerful names revealed in both the Paradise Papers and Panama Papers and you'll see that these are already some of the most politically powerful people in the world. In addition to people like President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, we have Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Bono, and even Queen Elizabeth II.
Reducing the rates will not erase offshore tax haven activity completely. But it will eliminate a big incentive for it that will lead to more domestic investment and tax revenue.
The only trade-off that some politicians may not want to swallow is that this will seem like a big gift to the rich. That's why any such rate cut announcement must come simultaneously with a detailed and powerfully-worded plan on harsher enforcement and punishments for those found to still be evading taxes. The carrot and the stick need to be revealed at the same time for the best impact. The problem is, most proposals in the U.S. and other countries that call for either lower taxes or increased tax enforcement come as one without the other. Neither can really work on their own.
Class warriors will still complain that all this will do is allow the rich to keep more of their money without having their lawyers jump through hoops first. But leave that to the class warriors. This seems like a small price to pay for whatever additional wealth we can get back into this country.
This isn't hard. Lower costs attract more compliance, whether we're talking about taxes or people paying for items at stores instead of shoplifting. Let's stop encouraging the kind of criminal and/or sketchy behavior revealed in the Paradise Papers and give our economy a shot in the arm.
Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.
For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
In July, recent college graduate Jasmine Pak wrote a candid post about the heartbreaking rejections she received while chasing her dream career, and it went viral on LinkedIn.
In September, buoyed by the support she received in response, including props from LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner, she reapplied for one of those positions in the video department at Buzzfeed.
This time, she tells CNBC Make It, she got the gig.
How did she succeed on her second try? Pak says a few things played a part.
For one, she boosted her resume by doing new video production internships for both comedian Jenny Yang and Omaze, an online fundraising platform.
But she also utilized a piece of advice she received in the flood of nearly 4000 LinkedIn messages: "Not now" doesn't mean "not ever," a Google employee told her.
She never forgot this sentiment, even amid countless interview offers from other companies that could have led to full-time opportunities some of which were quite impressive, like one from Open Slate, an analytics firm partnered with YouTube.
"My post was really focused on, how do I want to pursue my passion in media in the creative realm so I can have a direct impact on minority representation, and all my offers have been outside that," she told CNBC Make It at the time.
Pak was looking to be "a video producer in an environment that also reflects my values of showcasing diverse narratives," she wrote.
By India Today Web Desk: It's been five years since Bollywood fans met Tiger and Zoya last, and now, Ali Abbas Zafar is all set to bring them back on the big screen with Tiger Zinda Hai. With just a day left for the trailer of the much-anticipated film to be released, the excitement around the action spy thriller is palpable. And Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif fans are finding it hard to keep calm.
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It's not every day that we get to see ex-lovers romancing on screen, and thanks to Zafar, that will happen soon. If their on-screen chemistry has made many hearts flutter, their off-screen love affair has been the talk of the town. And now, fans will finally get to see a sneak-peek into their sizzling chemistry in the trailer.
With only few hours left for the trailer to hit the web, here are five things that we already know about Salman-Katrina's film.
A 70-year-old Salman Khan?
From a sanskaari Prem to a man child to a tough cop, Salman Khan has pulled off various characters on screen with elan. But it is for the first time that Bhai will essay the role of a 70-year-old man. Yes, you read it right. When most Bollywood actors shy away from playing their age, Salman is ready to age on the big screen with Tiger Zinda Hai. Buzz has it that his character ages from 17 to 70 in the spy thriller, Salman is set to surprise his fans with his new look.
Katrina's back as Zoya
If Salman is ready to roar with Tiger Zinda Hai, even Katrina Kaif is not far behind. Bollywood's Chikni Chameli is ready to take on the baddies. Katrina played an ISI agent who falls in love with a RAW agent, and now Zoya will be back. Zafar in a statement revealed that Katrina has taken her character a notch higher with the sequel. "Katrina has really pushed herself for the part. She has also gone the extra mile to train in important nuances like aggressive hand-to-hand combat. The action that Katrina has done looks very real onscreen, despite being mounted on a grand scale," said the filmmaker.
Inspired from a real-life incident
While Kabir Khan's Ek Tha Tiger was a fictional story, Ali Abbas Zafar has taken inspiration from a real-life incident for the prequel. It is no secret that Tiger Zinda Hai will begin from where Ek Tha Tiger was left. But Zafar has added a few real-life incidents to make the story more gripping. Salman had told DNA, "The plot is inspired by a real incident. It's a really nice script. I cannot tell you what the true story is, as Adi (Aditya Chopra) will kill me!"
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Get set for high-octane action scenes
Salman Khan said in an interview that Tiger Zinda Hai will be bigger and better than its predecessor. And why not? Award-winning stunt director Tom Struthers, who has Hollywood blockbusters such as X-Men: First Class and Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception and The Dark Knight Rises to his credit, has been roped in for action scenes. And Salman revealed that the high-octane action scenes are nothing less than what we seen in Hollywood films. "The action scenes that I have shot with the team in Austria and Abu Dhabi are on another level. There are horses, tanks, big weapons and there's this whole army, military backdrop. It's like something you see in Hollywood films," he added.
Salman-Katrina's love story
What is a Bollywood film without a romantic angle? While Zafar's next is a spy thriller, the filmmaker is ready to give fans some good dose of romance in Tiger Zinda Hai. And this news has kept their fans excited. When Bollywood's most eligible bachelor romances one of the most beautiful heroines, fireworks are expected to happen. And that is exactly what happened in the 2012 film Ek Tha Tiger, and the same is expected from Tiger Zinda Hai.
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ALSO WATCH: Katrina Kaif talks about working with Salman Khan in Tiger Zinda Hai
--- ENDS ---
i like to know how could we add culture or country code in url of asp.net webform project.
i search lot but found none such. i found few article they show how to set culture in code just render data from right resource file but none show how to add culture or country code in url.
i want when i will start my project then then url would look like http://localhost:port/gb or http://localhost:port/en-gb
and right country code or culture code will be added in other links in of the page.
there will be country flag when user click in germany flag then german country code or culture code will be added in url.
please advise me how to do it. it would be better if some one shared few article links which show how to add country code or culture code in url whose code i can download and run in my pc.
thanks
Hi, I ' d like to create a website based on a decision tree to help users in their choices. In my mind, I' d like a graph with boxes viewing all the possibilities (on the background webpage) and a lightbox showing the choosing step. After each choice, the graph will be updated to show the way and the lightbox is updated with the new question. Is there an example here for this kind of request ? Or, where can I found a example to help me in this task please ?
Member 8007713 wrote: where can I found a example www.google.com[^]
I am using the WebBrowser Control and am running into problems with some web sites. I had to put the control into IE 11 emulation mode for the web sites that I visit. I notice that the auto complete doesn't work when I use the WebBrowser Control, but if I hit the web site with a normal web browser the functionality works fine. Is there a option for the WebBrowser Control to allow this functionality?
I am using the WebBrowser Control to log into web sites without the users knowing/sharing the password.
I use it for scraping website content and data and pumping HTML into it for progress and status messages while scraping.
By the way, this topic is for ASP.net and your question belongs in VB or C# Questions
How to customize
WebBrowser Customization (Internet Explorer)
If it ain't broke don't fix it
Good day Friends! Please how can I add code tag in my asp.net app? I tried using INSTR function so that in return I change font style and colour but no luck. E.g Private Sub...i used dcode instead of code so that codeproject won't treat it as code. Help please.
Otekpo Emmanuel wrote: so that codeproject won't treat it as code Just paste it in and a popup will appear where you can pick code. Or, click the code tag in the toolbar of the editor.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who can extrapolate from incomplete data.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
GobblesGobbles
Also we can tag which automatically comes when you copy paste or write the code in code editor
Hi,
I am trying to use a string compare with a static string with a File name, the File name is very big like this: "BSC_gMax_BSC_gMax_PROD_20170721001923.xml_EXCEPTIONS_b77022d0-7176-469a-9e83-5182b59a0cba.xls" but I want all the 31 Alphabets irrespective of case from the file name to compare with the static string I have
For example I want to check the string which has 31 alphabets: BSCgMaxBSCgMaxPRODxmlEXCEPTIONS is satisfying with the File name, then return true. I can only use the regular expression though because its running dynamically.
I tried the following: "[a-zA-Z]{0,31}", "[a-z]+" and "[a-zA-Z]{0,31}$" none of them worked for me so far though, but any advice and suggestion going to be very very helpful. Please I can only use regular expression, I am also searching but if you are familiar it would be great help thanks in advance my friends.
Thanks,
Abdul Aleem
"There is already enough hatred in the world lets spread love, compassion and affection."
I'm not the world's greatest expert in regex, but
JavaScript [a-zA-Z]{ 1 , 31 } will return all the matches you want - you can test it on regex.com[^].
After that, you need to concatenate them into a single string - this Stackoverflow[^] page may help you with that.
With LINQ:
C# string input = " BSC_gMax_BSC_gMax_PROD_20170721001923.xml_EXCEPTIONS_b77022d0-7176-469a-9e83-5182b59a0cba.xls" ; string output = new string (input.Where( char .IsLetter).Take( 31 ).ToArray());
Without LINQ:
C# string input = " BSC_gMax_BSC_gMax_PROD_20170721001923.xml_EXCEPTIONS_b77022d0-7176-469a-9e83-5182b59a0cba.xls" ; char[] buffer = new char[31]; int bufferIndex = 0 ; foreach ( char c in input) { if ( char .IsLetter(c)) { buffer[bufferIndex] = c; bufferIndex++; if (bufferIndex == 31 ) { break ; } } } string output = new string (buffer, 0 , bufferIndex);
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined."
- Homer
In a C# 2010 web form application, I have found some JavaScript statements that will not allow the application to execute when I am using the Internet Explorer browser since some of the objects are obsolete/deprecated. However when I run the application using Firefox, I find that the application runs. I have also noted that some of the Javascript objects in the web form application may be deprecated in the future and to use these items with caution.
Thus if I deploy a new version of the current web form application and tell all users to only use Firefox in the next few weeks, I will create a static executable that everyone can use. Then when some of the objects are not allowed in Firefox, the application will still run since I have not changed the executable, correct?
Would I need create a new version of the application with the Javascript changes that are required?
If this is not true, would you let me know why and potentially what I should do to solve the issue?
dcof wrote: Would I need create a new version of the application with the Javascript changes that are required? I don't quite follow what you are asking, but if you find you are using old JavaScript that some browsers no longer support I suggest you update your code to be current. In my opinion, there is no need to create a new version of the application, just update your javascript and deploy the updated javascript.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who can extrapolate from incomplete data.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who can extrapolate from incomplete data.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
dcof wrote: Wouldn't I have to copy all those files to the same directory structure on the server that hosts the website? Yes, but aren't they already there? So, if you change one file in development you only need to copy that file to production.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who can extrapolate from incomplete data.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
Hi,
I have a Web application which is connecting a Database called 'xxxxDashboard', when I try to access this same Database using Sql Server Management Studio I am able to and access all the tables. But if the same login happening from the WebApplication that I have on my machine, its not allowing me, its giving me the error
as below that login failed for the user and machine. This is a Web Api Web application running from IIS not from IIS Express or not from the External Host etc but purely from local IIS.
Cannot open database \"xxxxDashboard\" requested by the login. The login failed.\r
Login failed for user 'ABC\ABCWL753274$ The underlying provider failed on Open. Source: Entity Framework Stack Trace: at System.Data.Entity.Core.EntityClient.EntityConnection.Open() at System.Data.Entity.Core.Objects.ObjectContext.EnsureConnection(Boolean shouldMonitorTransactions) at System.Data.Entity.Core.Objects.ObjectContext.ExecuteInTransaction[T](Func1 func, IDbExecutionStrategy executionStrategy, Boolean startLocalTransaction, Boolean releaseConnectionOnSuccess) at System.Data.Entity.Core.Objects.ObjectQuery1.<>c__DisplayClass7.b__5() at System.Data.Entity.SqlServer.DefaultSqlExecutionStrategy.Execute[TResult](Func1 operation) at System.Data.Entity.Core.Objects.ObjectQuery1.GetResults(Nullable1 forMergeOption) at System.Data.Entity.Core.Objects.ObjectQuery1..GetEnumerator>b__0() at System.Data.Entity.Internal.LazyEnumerator1.MoveNext() at System.Collections.Generic.List1..ctor(IEnumerable`1 collection) Fully qualified name: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\Temporary ASP.NET Files\ibdashboardservice\954176a0\e5e5593e\assembly\dl3\74937bd0\007175d9_0e55d001\EntityFramework.dll
My connection string is as below, is there any problem in my Connection string:
Is there any problem in my Connection String?
Any help would be greatly helpful thanks in advance my friends.
Thanks,
Abdul Aleem
"There is already enough hatred in the world lets spread love, compassion and affection."
-- modified 30-Oct-17 17:41pm.
Remember that if you use integrated security, the connection is opened using the credentials from the background process.
My connection string is as below, is there any problem in my Connection string:
Is there any problem in the above Connection String?
But if I use the below Connection String, its giving me the error as below:
The error it is showing is:
The context is being used in Code First mode with code that was generated from an EDMX file for either Database First or Model First development. This will not work correctly. To fix this problem do not remove the line of code that throws this exception. If you wish to use Database First or Model First, then make sure that the Entity Framework connection string is included in the app.config or web.config of the start-up project. If you are creating your own DbConnection, then make sure that it is an EntityConnection and not some other type of DbConnection, and that you pass it to one of the base DbContext constructors that take a DbConnection. To learn more about Code First, Database First, and Model First see the Entity Framework documentation here: http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=394715
Thanks,
Abdul Aleem
"There is already enough hatred in the world lets spread love, compassion and affection."
-- modified 30-Oct-17 18:36pm.
indian143 wrote: is it trying anonymous login that's the information I am looking for
The connection isn't anonymous. Looking at your connection string
indian143 wrote: ...;integrated security=True;...
you're connecting using the credentials from the running process, IIS in this case.
As said, you should ensure that this is a valid login and user or switch to SQL Server authenticated login.
Have a look at Authentication in SQL Server | Microsoft Docs
About the computer account, please see 2.2.2 Computer accounts
modified 31-Oct-17 0:32am.
Hello all,
I've been trying to wrap my brain around how to do this and coming up with nothing. I'm a beginner developer and creating my first .net MVC site for a company project.
I have the following tables: Projects, CalendarDates, and Bookings.
The bookings table accepts the cross ref between Projects/CalendarDates and has a field for booking value.
I've successfully been able to create the grid view with the list of projects by row with datas across the columns. This works perfectly.
What I want to do is make the entire table editable and if there's an empty cell, create a new record in the bookings table based on the Project Row and Date Column it intersects.
HPV vaccination FAQ
How does vaccination work with a childs immune system?
The vaccine activates the immune systems response, producing a long-lasting memory so that the system can seize and destroy the virus when the body is rechallenged.
Are there risks?
There is a chance for side effects for any medication. Common side effects include a headache and swelling or pain at the vaccination site and sometimes fainting. Symptoms are usually mild and go away on their own.
After each shot, people are required to remain seated for 15 minutes. This common practice can prevent fainting and related injuries.
How do the benefits compare to the risks?
The prevention of cancer far outweighs the risks of possible side effects.
Given that the HPV vaccine prevents serious cancers and other diseases in both males and females, choosing not to vaccinate is not a risk-free choice.
Why should people get vaccinated for HPV at a younger age?
Children respond better to the vaccine than young adults.
Only two shots are required for children who start the series before age 14. By ages 15 to 26, three vaccinations are required for full immunization.
Its important to get the protection before exposure.
What about the claims about vaccination and autism?
There is no link between vaccination and autism.
Can people get the vaccination but still be infected?
Yes. The HPV vaccine targets the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus but not every one of them. Although the vaccine lowers the risks significantly, it isn't a substitute for cervical cancer screening through a Pap smear.
Sources: Dr. Eric Kimchi and Dr. Mark Hunter of the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center; Trina Teacutter of the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services; Scott Schmidt of the MU Student Health Center; Bethany Stone of the MU division of biological sciences; Dr. Melissa Lawson of the MU Health Care's Pediatric and Adolescent Specialty.
The Missourians Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form
By PTI: New Delhi, Nov 6 (PTI) A transgender, who had undergone sex change three years ago, today moved the Supreme Court challenging Air Indias decision to deny her a job as a cabin crew.
A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justice A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud issued notice and sought responses from Air India and Civil Aviation Ministry in four weeks.
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She claimed that to pursue her dreams, she had worked for 13 months in Sutherland Global Services in the airline sector and even at Air Indias customer support, both domestic and international, at Chennai.
Born in Tamil Nadu in 1989, she said she graduated in engineering in 2010. She underwent the gender surgery to turn into a woman in April 2014 and this information was published in the state government gazette.
She said she had learnt about an advertisement on July 10 by Air India for the post of female cabin crew for its Northern Region office in Delhi on a fixed term engagement basis for an initial period of five years.
She applied in the female category as she had undergone a successful sexual reassignment surgery in Bangkok.
She said she got the call letter, appeared for GD and PAT tests and undertook four attempts, "but unfortunately she has not been short-listed for the post in question even though faring well in the tests conducted".
In her petition, she said she could not get shortlisted as she was a transgender and the vacancies in the cabin crew were earmarked only for women.
She said that representations were made to the Prime Ministers Office and the Ministry of Civil Aviation but there was no redressal. She had sought direction to Air India and the Ministry for consideration of her candidature.
"The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 prohibits discrimination. It is clear that no person shall discriminate against a transgender person in relation to employment or occupation...", her plea said.
Citing the top court verdict of 2014, she said the apex court has given certain directions for protection of the rights of the transgender persons by including a third category in documents like election card, passport, driving license and ration card, and for admission in educational institutions, hospitals, amongst others.
"By recognising diverse gender identities, the Court has busted the dual gender structure of man and woman which is recognized by the society," she said in her plea.
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"The right to chose ones gender identity is an essential part to lead a life with dignity which again falls under the ambit of Article 21. Determining the right to personal freedom and self determination, the Court observed that the gender to which a person belongs is to be determined by the person concerned.
"The Court has given the people of India the right to gender identity. Further, they cannot be discriminated against on the ground of gender as it is violative of Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21," the plea said. PTI MNL ABA SJK RKS ARC
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Microsoft's motivation for pushing customers to run Windows 10 previews is obvious: It gains a huge pool of testers and millions of amateur quality control workers who help shake out software bugs before the code reaches the wild.
But is there anything in it for the customer?
"Absolutely," said Wes Miller, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, in a recent interview when asked whether customers benefit from participating in the Insider program. "You're testing the quality of those bits vis-a-vis your infrastructure."
Windows Insider, which Microsoft launched in the fall of 2014 as its first-ever ongoing beta program, delivers pre-release versions of the next Windows 10 feature upgrade. As Microsoft creates an upgrade, it periodically releases builds to the Insider audience. Just before the upgrade's actual ship date, Microsoft freezes the code, then begins work on the next version, with betas of that build reaching participants soon thereafter.
[ Further reading: 8 steps to install Windows 10 patches like a pro ]
Microsoft has never made a secret of the fact that Insider serves as a critical test bed for spotting problems before they reach large numbers of devices. The company uses the automatic deployment to consumers of each upgrade the release track formerly known as "Current Branch" in much the same way: to bring additional guinea pigs into the testing program.
While Microsoft stresses the "help" and "helpful" aspects of Insider in its pitch to potential participants, it has said little about how it simultaneously reduced its in-house testing, shifting much of that to customers. (Think of it as similar to banks' shifting teller functions from employees to customers as the industry deployed ATMs.) The company reduced the head count of the testers in its operating system development group, and started to synchronize the real world's PCs with its hardware testing regime by forcing the former to accept cumulative updates that included the contents of all previous releases along with any new fixes, and barred the past practice of rejecting some fixes within a broader update.
Such cumulative updates proffered first to Windows 10, then mandated for Windows 7 and 8.1 as well were explained by Microsoft as a way to "ensure that customers' devices are more closely aligned with the testing done at Microsoft, reducing unexpected issues resulting from patching." Rather than replicate an admittedly chaotic reality, where some PCs were patched and others were not, Microsoft forced customers' systems to conform with its test lab systems, which were all fully patched.
Microsoft is not the only software developer to corral customers for testing. Other large vendors countless smaller shops, too run open-ended betas by necessity or choice, offer endless or limited-time previews, cajoling users into joining by playing on their eagerness for the new and flattering them into thinking that they directed the course of development.
[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]
Companies clearly profit from customer previews. So what do customers get?
"You're debugging Microsoft's code for them, and the payment you get is early warning," said Stephen Kleynhans, an analyst with Gartner Research.
Insider peeks into the near future of Windows, just as radar and satellite photography provides the same for weather. "What is it that's coming?" Kleynhans asked, and answered, of Insider. "There's enough of an answer that we think it's useful to participate."
But the necessity of knowing beforehand what is in an unreleased feature upgrade stemmed not from some suppressed customer desire, but from the radical change in release pace that Microsoft initiated with Windows 10.
"It's a fact that [Windows 10] updates come faster. There's always another update around the corner," said Kleynhans.
Prior to Windows 10, Microsoft's development and release cycle was in the three-year range, with a new version appearing approximately 36 months after its predecessor. Windows 10 accelerated that six-fold, to an every-six-month cycle. Because of the faster schedule two upgrades annually and with support for each version limited to 18 months, enterprises cannot dawdle in their evaluation of each upgrade and then its deployment. (At best, companies may be able to skip a single upgrade.)
Because of Microsoft's time decrees, Kleynhans argued, it is in enterprises' self-interest to participate in the preview program. "You want to have as much early warning as possible," he said.
Miller agreed that Insider is worthwhile to customers as well as Microsoft, but questioned the reliability of the previews as forecasts of what would be in the final upgrade. Under the current release cadence, promised features that fall behind are dropped to reappear in a following upgrade.
"I am paid to analyze Microsoft's products and services, but I can't tell you what features land in which build," Miller admitted after citing examples of delays.
He also pointed out another reason to participate in the preview.
"This whole [Insider] process is about telemetry now," Miller pointed out. "So, you're voting with your telemetry whether your infrastructure is ready to handle this. If you don't vote, you can't complain when things don't work."
John Bald is a former Ofsted inspector and has written two books on the history of writing and spelling. He is a Vice-Chairman of the Conservative Education Society.
Episode three of BBC2s Secrets of Your Life Revealed contains an astonishing video clip, showing how a specialised brain cell detects active neural networks, wraps its tiny, tentacle-like dendrites around them and deposits a layer of myelin, speeding up the transfer of information along the network by 100 times. The cells are selective, reinforcing only the most active networks (shown in green on the video) and not touching the others (shown in red).
This combination of science and technology shows beyond speculation exactly what goes on in the brain as we learn, and it should transform the educational debate. Traditional teachers and modern Conservatives know from experience that closely-focused teaching, followed by practice, builds knowledge, and the understanding and skills that depend on knowledge. Our progressive opponents believe that learning is incidental to whatever is going on in the classroom, and place little or no value on knowledge and what most of us would see as teaching.
Their errors are all around us, whether in approaches to maths that expect children to solve problems without giving them the means to do so, language-experience techniques in English that expect reading and writing to be picked up without knowledge of the structures of the language, or immersion and exposure methods in teaching languages that leave pupils in a state of confused frustration. It is small wonder that the proponents of these errors have withdrawn from debate with us and are taking no notice of the brain research they know they are wrong, and do not much care, as they are more concerned with moulding society than with the real process of teaching and learning. Research evidence that shows benefits from approaches to teaching that dont fit their view and there is now plenty of it is ignored, marginalised and sneered at.
Constructing an alternative to the progressive view of education has been a long and difficult task. Early pioneers, notably Sir Rhodes Boyson, were subject to isolation and ridicule, partly because of esoteric views that ran alongside their good ideas on teaching. Later attempts had their own errors, notably Lord Bakers first National Curriculum, which divided everything into ten levels whether or not this was appropriate, and then tried to sustain them with verbal gymnastics that destroyed their credibility. Professor Harvey Goldstein had a field day, likening the governments use of the national curriculum to a drunks use of a lamppost, for support rather than illumination.
The first real breakthrough came with Sir Michael Wilshaws Mossbourne Academy, which backed its use of ability grouping and strict discipline with examination results that were so much better than local competition as to defy belief. In its first GCSE results, the top sets for Spanish and German achieved 28 and 24 A*s respectively, and the success was carried through into the sixth form. There was no arguing with good GCSE pass rates running at over 80 per cent, while the worst Id seen in progressive Essex were as low as five per cent. Mossbourne had an immediate impact on attitudes in neighbouring schools some were hostile, but others started to compete, and standards rose. Ive seen the same effect in the one Harris academy in which Ive worked.
Reliable evidence of improved standards is the key to winning the argument, and will not be fully in place until the examination reforms are complete. Nevertheless, the recent report The Question of Knowledge, produced by the Association of School and College Leaders, is an important development, as it puts the debate on a professional rather than political basis.
The knowledge-rich curriculum has never been the preserve of the centre-right its most prominent protagonist, ED Hirsch, comes from the Left but progressives have latched on to Labour since the sixties, and are delighted with Corbyn. I will declare an interest, having worked with the contributor, Ian Bauckham, Executive Head of Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, on the Teaching Schools Councils report on language teaching, but his is one of only a few of these essays that backs up his arguments with hard evidence of progress from pupils. Many of the others contain statements of belief with which most Conservatives will agree, but this is not enough to settle the issue.
The root of the matter is succinctly expressed in Professor Geoff Whittys BERA address of 2005, in which he defends the right of professors to pursue their own goals and values, irrespective of politicians, citing a polite tiff with Labours Charles Clarke. For Professor Whitty and his colleagues, the goal is equality. For Conservatives, it is to enable each person to achieve the best of which he or she is capable. Building intellectual capacity through the knowledge-rich curriculum is consistent with what we now know about the operation and development of the brain. The progressive alternative is not, and has done great damage to those it most wanted to help. It must not be allowed to prevail.
Oliver Letwins new book is far too well-written and scandal-free to have made a splash. But it helps to demonstrate why the utility to the Conservative Party of a man who has served it for the best part of 40 years is not yet exhausted.
As it happens, Letwins judgements on some of his colleagues in Hearts and Minds: the battle for the Conservative Party from Thatcher to the present are pungent though its silences are perhaps even more telling. However, his purpose is not to take the usual anecdotal canter from youthful ambition through Ministerial office to mild regret. It is instead a kind of intellectual adventure story: how a man who had a ringside seat when Thatcherism was formed, and who helped to further it when the Lady herself was in office, eventually concluded that it wasnt enough and indeed is flawed in some respects.
Thatcherism, of course, has many interpretations, but the one we are deploying here, and Letwin more or less uses in his memoir, is the belief that a small state, free markets, lower taxes and less regulation is enough accompanied by a certain divisiveness by which people are sorted into one of us or the reverse. What neither Mrs T nor these theorists really grasped was that some people at some times in their lives are deprived by circumstance from exercising any effective choice and therefore cannot participate properly as autonomous actors in a free society and a free market, he writes.
One might therefore guess that his political heroes have become the wets of his youth, who opposed the thrust of Thatcherism while he was advancing it in government as a special adviser. Not so. They are the Cabinet member he was then working for, Keith Joseph, and the Tory leader he worked for later, Iain Duncan Smith.
According to Letwin, Joseph was driven primarily by the urge to undertake not economic but social reform, and saw the market economy as the best means to help the disadvantaged, poor and deprived. And in his interpretation of events, Duncan Smith supplied a missing policy element: the stress on using civil society and state action to conquer five giants unemployment, poor schooling, family breakdown, debt spiral and drug dependency. Letwin is right. If a man cant read, his social mobility will be limited. If he is mired in debt, slashing regulation wont help him to get and keep a job. If he is drug dependent, cutting his taxes will be no use to him. Rather the reverse.
As an adolescent, Letwin sat at home around the table with his parents, Bill and Shirley, and watched and learned and (sometimes) talked when Friedman and Hayek and Popper visited. As a young man, he was Josephs SpAd and worked in Thatchers Policy Unit. As a middle-aged politician, he was Duncan Smiths Shadow Home Secretary, near the heart of a remarkable policy flowering in opposition. As an older one, he was David Camerons go-to man, helping to hold first the Coalition and then David Camerons majority Government together from the Cabinet Office.
This sites long-held view is that Camerons greatest achievement was to let a generation of outstanding ministers get on with delivering social reform: Theresa May at the Home Office with policing, Michael Gove at Education, and Duncan Smith himself with welfare. Their efforts were underpinned by Francis Maude in his work of Whitehall reform. Letwin was the man who walked ahead of the parade to clear its way, dashed back into its ranks to sort out any confusion or disagreement among those marching, and darted behind with a brush and pan sometimes all at once. His experience at the heart of government is unparalleled among modern Tories.
This site disagrees strongly with some of his judgements, for what its worth. For example, he believes that Camerons renegotiation deal really did mark a new departure in Britains relationship with the EU. We dont. He is sometimes harsh about social conservatives. But Duncan Smith is a social conservative. He has acquired a reputation for eccentricty which is boosted by exaggeration. For example, he did not throw torn-up Cabinet papers into bins in St Jamess Park. (The documents in question were constituency correspondence, and it is against confidentiality rules to do this.)
None the less, if one surveys the long stretch of government from 2010 until 2017, and mulls Letwins part in them, the number of administrative cock-ups in which he himself was implicated are few. The Coalition made it through to its 2015 endpoint, in the face of predictions to the contrary in some quarters, including this one.
Andrew Gimson wrote recently that to help win a new generation of young voters, the Conservatives need a new Swinton College or a modern equivalent. There is interest in the idea at CCHQ. Eric Pickles suggested a practically-orientated version in his recent report. But that Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party presents a new challenge to centre-right ideas is a truth too obvious to linger on. If Letwin has the time to think aloud about the future of the Conservative Party, it follows that he also has time to act to change it. In the absence of Michael Gove, and with the possible assistance of David Willetts and others, there is a role for Letwin here, if he is interested. That he is apparently sceptical about whether there is really such a thing as Conservative philosophy at all is not necessarily a disadvantage.
CORNWALL, Ontario St. Lawrence College announced on the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 6 that the negotiations between striking faculty and the colleges have broken down.
The Ontario Public Service Union (OPSEU) which represents faculty members and the College Employers Council (CEC) had returned to the negotiating table on Nov. 1 after two and a half weeks of no talks.
St. Lawrence College claims that the union rejected the latest offer from the colleges.
The OPSEU faculty bargaining unit has rejected a revised offer from Ontario Colleges that addressed the concerns raised at the bargaining table. Ontario colleges have asked the Ontario Labour Relations Board to schedule a vote on the Colleges offer, St. Lawrence College claimed in a statement on their website. The vote will let our faculty decide on the offer and hopefully end the strike.
Grant Currie, President of the Local OPSEU Council 417 which represents faculty at St. Lawrence College said that the CEC wanted to impose a vote on them that they did not want to accept.
St. Lawrence College President Glenn Vollebregt said he was disappointed in the outcome.
I am extremely disappointed to let you know that OPSEU faculty have rejected a revised offer from Ontario Colleges that addressed the concerns raised at the bargaining table, he said in a written statement on the St. Lawrence College website. This is an upsetting outcome for both students and faculty.
Vollebregt had previously stated that should the strike end that students would get 48 hours notice before the resumption of classes.
He did not want to speculate at which point the semester might be cancelled, but did state that no student has lost their semester to a strike in the past 12 years.
Students have been out of class for more than three weeks.
CORNWALL, Ontario Carol-Ann Breedyks art was on display this weekend for a good cause at Love Love Food right in the heart of Cornwalls downtown.
Breedyk has been a lifelong artist and tries to use mediums that gives something old, new life. For instance, one of her pieces that was for sale this past Saturday at Love Love Food was painted on old wood that used to be a part of a barn.
Everything is recycled or pulled out of dumpsters, she said. I walk into a canvass store and everything is so generic and we need to be pulling stuff out of landfills.
Part of the proceeds from the art show went to support Ten Oaks, a week-long summer camp for children aged eight to 17 who are members of the LGBTQ community. Ten Oaks is designed to empower its campers and increase their self-esteem.
Breedyk said that she hoped to do a show like this again next year.
My goal is to expand this every year to make Cornwall more aware, she said. I know there are kids that need these services.
The 12th China Cruise Shipping Conference and International Expo was well underway on Monday in Sanya with a full conference program for an estimated 700 attendees, as well as an adjacent trade show exhibition area.
The Chinese cruise market was the key topic of discussion, with perspectives presented from cruise lines, key suppliers, Chinese state-owned companies, shipyards, ports and more.
Monday Notebook:
After an eight year hiatus, China Cruise Shipping returned to Sanya with record-breaking attendance, according to Zhiyuan Lu, secretary general, The People's Government of Hainan.
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SkySea Cruise Line has moved up its scheduled drydocking from January 2018. The New Golden Era is currently in a drydock in China for needed marine maintenance, with the Shanghai-based company also taking the opportunity to perform various upgrades on the hotel side.
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Jiacheng Cai, director, financial and planning department, National Tourism Administration, said he hopes someday China can build a fleet of cruise ships that will sail to all corners of the globe with Chinese passengers.
"That will symbolize China's growing strength and aspiration for peace. It will send a reassuring message to our friends around the world," Cai said.
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Many established European suppliers have now set up shop in China, hoping to cater to the number of Chinese shipyards bidding on newbuild projects.
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Of note, China had 374 calls in 2008, with that number rocketing to 1,937 calls last year.
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Fenjian Chen, president, Communications Construction Group, said his firm has five key areas when it comes to the cruise industry. Among the most important is developing homeports across China. The Group has major investments in most Chinese ports, and also aims to eventually start its own cruise brand.
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MSC Cruises has aspirations to source Chinese guests for European itineraries, and currently carries about 25,000 Chinese passengers per year in Europe, according to Bud Darr, executive vice president, maritime policy and government affairs.
"The MSC Splendida is part of a long-term plan for solid and sustainable growth in China," said Darr. "I am here to reassure you to our commitment to this key market.
"MSC is here and here to stay. Make no mistake, China and the entire Asia region are a top priority for us," he said.
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For insight and in-depth analysis of the Chinese cruise market, download the 2018 China Market Report.
About the 2018 China Market Report
The 2018 China Market Report by Cruise Industry News is the only resource covering the future trajectory of the Chinese and Asia-Pacific cruise industry, presenting the past, present and future in a concise 95-plus page PDF download.
It is the only forward looking and independently-researched data available on the Chinese cruise market.
Cruise Industry News profiles all the major cruise lines operating in Asia, from Carnival Corporation to Royal Caribbean and local operators.
In addition, there are discussions with leading Chinese travel agents about the charter model and pricing trends, port news and updates from across the region, and a look at the fleet of ships in Asia through 2027.
There is also exclusive analysis and statistics of the Asia-Pacific market going back to 1998 and supply projections through 2027, in addition to a break-down of Asia-Pacific and China by operator and market capacity. Click here to learn more.
A homeless, fugitive hacker has asked Mexico for asylum, according to Operation Golden Eagle, an operation run by a group from the hacking collective Anonymous, as this hacker is allegedly one of the leaders of Anonymous.
The homeless hacker, Commander X (aka Christopher Mark Doyon) is on the run from the U.S. government and has been hiding in Canada for years. He traveled on foot across two international borders, made his way from Canada through the U.S. and then secretly slipped into Mexico. On Sunday, Nov. 5, Commander X published an open letter to the government and people of Mexico.
According to Operation Golden Eagle's press release, Commander X is asking Mexico for political asylum, sanctuary and protection from persecution perpetrated by the government of the USA.
The announcement was meant to be made on Nov. 5, Guy Fawkes Day, but it ran into a delay. In the Operation Golden Eagle video, we can see that this Anonymous Operation is dedicated to the memory of Aaron Swartz that no more hacktivists will die at the hands of the USDoJ. The Fifth Annual Aaron Swartz Day and Hackathon was held Nov. 4 and 5.
Commander X told the Mexican government:
I hereby invoke all of my rights under all international human rights instruments and accords, including the United Nations Charter on Human Rights and all relevant sections of the Geneva Convention. In addition, I invoke all of my rights under the Constitution of Mexico. If I return to the USA there is a substantial chance that I will be imprisoned unjustly, and due to my health, I would almost certainly die from prolonged incarceration in US Federal prisons that have been found by a number of nations to fall far short of the conditions required for humane incarceration by UN standards. I am in imminent danger of physical harm and death. I request immediate refugee status as a political dissident.
U.S. charges against Commander X
Commander X claims the charges against him are for non-violent online protest that were wholly electronic in nature and caused no damage whatsoever. He faces tens of years in prison.
The Operation Golden Eagle press release claims Commander X is not in good health and has not had medical attention for more than five years while he was in hard exile on the run in Canada.
In Commander X's open letter to Mexico, he said if he were to be returned to the U.S., he believes he will become ill and die in prison before his case goes to trial.
With a 97 percent conviction rate due to prosecutorial corruption and a very dysfunctional justice system, there seems almost zero chance that I would obtain a fair trial before succumbing to the rigors of my imprisonment, he wrote.
Commander X told the Mexican government that it has the right under international law, as well as the moral responsibility, to provide him with sanctuary.
He also had a message for the U.S. Justice Department, including this portion:
Your days of persecuting political dissidents and shutting down all dissent, online or in the streets are coming to an end. The world will no longer sit by as you criticize many other nations for their human rights record while at the same time crushing all forms of protest in the Homeland.
Otherwise, Commander X believes it is wise to remain silent while working to obtain formal refugee status.
According to Operation Golden Eagle's press release, Mexico was chosen based on its familiarity with the tyranny and imperialism of its despotic northern neighbor. The authorized Anonymous members in Commander Xs crew are working as his voice, as he will remain incommunicado until Mexico guarantees his safety.
Who is Commander X?
Members of Operation Golden Eagle describe Commander X as a world-renown author, information and human rights activist and an operative within the Anonymous Global Collective. He has written several books about Anonymous. His first, Behind the Mask: An Inside Look At Anonymous, was published in 2016. His second book, Dark Ops: An Anonymous Story, was published this year. In October, he postponed the release of his third book, Russians, Russians...Everywhere: What Really Happened To The 2016 US Election, Who Did It, & Why.
Operation Golden Eagle calls upon our fellow Anons, information activists, freedom fighters as well as people of good conscience all over the world to stand up now and show your support for Commander X and freedom. Because if we can save one persecuted activist, we can save more. And there are many good hacktivists in harm's way, not just in the USA but all over the globe. The time has come to stop allowing them to cage us.
Who likes to start their day with an aw-shucks moment? No one I know, yet that is exactly what happened over at Twitter when a departing customer support employee hit the kill switch for the Twitter account of the President of the United States (POTUS) Donald Trump.
With seemingly a mere click of the mouse and a few keyboard commands, the unidentified employee shut off the monolithic Twitter stream of POTUS, and, we assume, walked out the door.
For 11 minutes, those looking for "realDonaldTrump" received a Twitter equivalent of a 404 page, "Sorry, that page doesn't exist!
Twitter
Twitter, was on the case, and as noted, the account was "off" for only 11 minutes. TwitterGov tweeted:
Update: We have implemented safeguards to prevent this from happening again. We wont be able to share all details about our internal investigation or updates to our security measures, but we take this seriously and our teams are on it. https://t.co/8EfEzHvB7p Twitter Government (@TwitterGov) November 3, 2017
The tweet asks us to trust they are doing the right thing, investigating, and though we won't be able to see their security measures, they will be appropriate and designed to not allow such an event from happening again.
Insider threat amplified to those in InfoSec
While many cheered the silencing of the POTUS Twitter account, those looking at the event through the prism of information security and insider threats werent smiling.
Indeed, their minds raced to the multitude of actions that this insider on his/her way out the door could have taken that may have caused a cascade of events to occur. The what ifs are innumerable tweet a declaration of war, order a covert action, post inappropriate images, etc., etc., etc.
They were looking at the mirror and asking themselves, can this happen at my company?
Can you trust Twitter?
There is indeed an implied trust within the social network engagement by all users. This episode at Twitter demonstrates how customer support employees be it at Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or the like have in their hands superuser access that can be misused/abused to disrupt any account: yours, mine, your grandmothers, your favorite band, and, yes, even that of POTUS.
The New York Times tells us how Twitter employees gathered in private Slack channels and used Twitter to send direct messages to one another to remark how insecure Mr. Trumps account had been. The NYT also wrote, Hundreds of employees can access the accounts of so-called Very Important Tweeters and can take actions like disabling accounts.
Some Twitter accounts are more important than others? Apparently so.
Perhaps in response to the NYT, Jack over at Twitter joined in with assurances and took the opportunity to post Clarifying the Twitter Rules the timing of which seemed out of step. What he should have published for Twitter user's edification is the internal admonishment to the Twitter customer support team on their role as a trusted insider at the point of engagement with the user.
The power of trusted insiders
Some of the most trusted roles within any enterprise are those who are involved with customer support. If an employee could turn off the stream of POTUS, whose stream is immune? Mine, yours?
Think of the ramifications should competitors wish to disrupt the business cycles of each other? Let your imagination run through the possible scenarios. Competitor A suborns a Twitter customer service rep to turn off the Twitter stream of Competitor B right as the quarterly financial livestream is to begin, or he asks them to insert a brand-damaging tweet into the stream BOOM, Competitor B is in crisis management, not customer engagement.
Or a nation state asks for the login credentials for the accounts of various heads of state and then uses those in one blitz, creating the appearance of a public dialog and causing innumerable cycles to be expended by those affected nations to unwind the damage.
No, this Twitter employee's action wasnt about user behavior. This event demonstrated the need to have checks and balances in place to provide assurances that those in positions of trust can be trusted.
Think about your own company. What can your insider do to damage your brand or trust with your users? Take this event, and internalize it before it happens to you.
Hailing the note ban, Athawale said even Babasaheb Ambedkar had suggested a "change in currency every ten years".
By Mayuresh Ganapatye: Union minister Ramdas Athawale and his party Republican Party of India (A) will observe the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8, as 'white money day'.
Athawale has planned this event to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for targetting black money via banning the high denomination notes, wherein high value currencies of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 were withdrawn from circulation.
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On the other hand, opposition has announced, they will observe the first anniversary of the note ban as 'black day'. Mumbai Congress has organised various events in the city to protest against note ban.
Hailing the note ban, Athawale said even Babasaheb Ambedkar had suggested a "change in currency every ten years".
RPI party will be extending its support to the BJP in Gujarat Assembly polls next month. Athavle has appealed to the Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani and Patidar quota spearhead Hardik Patel to support the ruling BJP and not Congress.
"I am ready to mediate between Hardik Patel, Jignesh Mewani and the state government on the issue of quota," said Athawale
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The number of lawsuits filed in Virginia District Courts against credit unions over the accessibility of their websites has risen from nine to more than 20 in the last four weeks, court documents show.
All of the suits at least 23 at the time of publication were filed by the same two law firms on behalf of the same plaintiff. Many are so new the defendants havent yet filed formal responses to the complaints against them. Four appear to have already been voluntarily dismissed.
In terms of size, the defendants run the gamut. Some are small, like Portsmouth Schools Federal Credit Union, which has $2.1 million in assets and about a thousand members. Others are huge, including Navy Federal Credit Union, which has $84 billion in assets and 7.4 million members. Navy Feds case was dismissed on November 3.
Navy Federal is committed to serving the needs of all of our members. Providing them equal access to all of our products and services and our digital platforms is of upmost importance, a Navy Federal spokesperson told CU Times.
Russia Provides New Internet Connection to N.Korea
A major Russian telecommunications company appears to have begun providing an Internet connection to North Korea.
The new link supplements one from China and will provide back-up to Pyongyang at a time the US government is reportedly attacking its Internet infrastructure and pressuring China to end all business with North Korea.
The connection, from TransTeleCom, began appearing in Internet routing databases at 09:08 UTC on Sunday, or around 17:38 Pyongyang time on Sunday evening. Internet routing databases map the thousands of connections between telecom providers and enable computers to figure out the best route to a destination.
Until now, Internet users in North Korea and those outside accessing North Korean websites were all funneled along the same route connecting North Korean ISP Star JV and the global Internet: A China Unicom link that has been in operation since 2010. The addition of Russian transit would create new internet path out of the country, increasing its resilience and international bandwidth capacity, said Doug Madory, who analyses global Internet connectivity at Dyn Research.
After this report was published, TransTeleCom issued a brief statement that didnt directly address the link but didnt dispute it.
TransTeleCom (TTK) has historically had a connection to the communication network of North Korea under the agreement with Korea Posts and Telecommunications Corp, which was signed in 2009, it said.
The new link comes at an interesting time.
It is reported that US Cyber Command has been carrying out denial of service attacks against North Korean hackers affiliated with the Reconnaissance General Bureau. The attacks attempt to overwhelm their computers and the Internet connection with traffic making them slow or impossible to use. The US cyber-attack was due to end on Saturday 7th October, according to a report in The Washington Post. That means the new Russian connection went online just after the US Cyber Command attack ended.
TransTeleCom, or TTK, is one of Russias biggest telecommunications companies and a subsidiary of the Russian railway operator. Fiber optic lines are laid alongside the railway and, according to a map on its website, on a route from Vladivostok right up to the North Korean border. Thats presumably at the Friendship Bridge, a railway crossing over the Tumen River that connects Khasan in Russia with Tumangang in North Korea. Its the only connection between the two countries.
This isnt the first time North Korea has had alternate routes for Internet connectivity.
From 2012 for about a year, a second link to Star JV existed via Intelsat, an international satellite telecommunications operator, but in recent years the Chinese link has been the sole connection to Star JV. Relying on one Internet provider has always left North Korea in a precarious situation. More than once the link has been the target of denial of service attacks. Most were claimed by the Anonymous hacking collective, but on at least one previous occasion, many wondered if US intelligence services had carried out the action.
North Korea has few Internet users, but access to the network is available at major universities, to foreigners via smartphone, at government departments and major companies. Elite families are also suspected of having access. The cyber units of North Koreas military also enjoy access.
The link is also vital for overseas researchers and academics who rely on access to North Korean state media websites for information.
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Whats inside:
Implied volatility across USD -pairs declines after eventful week, could be underpriced
One-week/one-month differential highest for NZD/USD , nothing new, but also have RBNZ
GBP/USD differential most negative of majors, suggests subdued volatility near-term
What drivers are expected to move the FX market through the end of the year? Check out the DailyFX Q4 Forecasts.
In the table below, weve listed implied volatility (IV) levels for major USD-pairs looking out over the next one-week and one-month periods. Also noted are the differentials between the two, which can help shape expectations and/or identify currency pairs where the options market may be under or over-pricing potential price movement in the short-term. Also outlined, are derived range-low/high prices from the current spot price within one-standard deviation of the current spot price for the one-week time-frame. (In theory, there is a 68% probability that price will remain within the lower and upper-bounds.)
Of notable interest, is the sharp decline in short-term volatility expectations from last week where the differential between one-week and one-month implied volatility held premiums near or over 1% for a majority of the pairs. This reflected the large number of key fundamental events on last weeks calendar. This week, the economic calendar is much lighter and a as a result we are generally seeing expectations diminish as per the options market. On a broader note, one-month implied volatility is at or very near the lowest levels of the year for a couple of pairs, EUR/USD & USD/JPY. With volatility behaving in a mean-reverting fashion, the depressed levels we are seeing may be reaching an extreme and ready to move higher soon.
Short-term relative expectations continue to be heightened for NZD/USD as the RBNZ rate decision arrives this week, while they sink for GBP/USD.
The differential between one-week and one-month implied volatility remains positively skewed for NZD/USD, currently at +1.28%. While kiwi IV has been elevated for some time now, the bid remains somewhat steady this week, despite falling off for others, with the RBNZ meeting this week. The one-week projected range based on the current spot price is 6798-6988. The one-week low is just beneath key support at 6818, and if broken with no other visible support until under 6700, implied volatility is likely to prove underpriced. On the top-side, if kiwi can get into gear and run beyond the top-side projected level it will soon find resistance by way of a retest of the underside of the trend-line running higher since August 2015. Given the trend lower since July and resistance it seems unlikely volatility expansion, if its to happen, will take shape on a rally.
NZD/USD: Daily
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GBP/USD one-week implied volatility has dropped off aggressively since last weeks BoE meeting, where it stood at over 9% for a few days leading up to the event. At 6.70%, it is quite low for cable and the differential between one-week and one-month implied volatility is -0.34%, suggesting we are in for lower levels of volatility over the next week. The one-week projected range is 12988-13232. The projected low is just beneath an important area of support by way of the October low, April parallel, and March trend-line. A firm break of this support would likely lead to a sustained move lower towards 12780, and thus proving options underpriced. On the top-side, trend-line resistance from the September peak stands in the way and happens to align with the projected one-week high. If cable can find enough sponsorship to push it beyond the t-line, it will then have to contend with the region just above 13300, which has proven to be problematic in the past month. Like kiwi, for cable volatility to increase it looks most likely to come on weakness, not strength.
For other currency volatility-related articles please visit the Binaries page.
GBP/USD: Daily
---Written by Paul Robinson, Market Analyst
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You can follow Paul on Twitter at @PaulRobinonFX.
Going by its rhetoric, one would imagine that India is the lead fighter against international terrorism. Yet, when push comes to shove, the only weapon visible in the GoIs armoury appears to be that futile talk shop called the United Nations.
The Prime Minister and his diplomats go around the world demanding that Pakistan be sanctioned as a state supporting terrorism and the global community must unite to pass a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). India, of course, has studiously avoided declaring Pakistan a state sponsor of terror itself. It wants the US and others to do that. Indeed, earlier this year, the Union home ministry said it will not be prudent to declare any country terror state.
Little effort
Likewise, India has done little to deal with terrorists like Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and Masood Azhar directly, but it is happy if they are designated in the UN list under the 1,267 Committee. In line with this, it was not surprising that the Indian media, reflecting the Modi governments stand, once again went ballistic over China blocking Masood Azhar from being designated by the 1,267 Committee.
Actually, by itself, a designation by the Committee means little. First, the designation is not about listing terrorists, but individuals and entities who aid the ISIL and al-Qaeda. Just how much it has been misused is apparent from the fact that when it began, it listed all Taliban notables, but has now shifted them to another list because of the need to negotiate with the entity. All designations are inherently political and not criteria based. In any case, the UN has yet to define what terrorism is.
Hafiz Saeed. [Photo: Indiatoday.in]
Secondly, a designation under the Committee list does not do much for hardened terrorists. All that happens is: a) their assets are to be frozen; b) states are called on to ban their entry or transit; c) no arms can be sold to them.
States are not asked to detain them or punish them in any other way. The 1267 list is mere tokenism as is obvious from the experience of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba chief Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, who was put on the list in December 2008 in the wake of the Mumbai attack. Barring some showcase periods of house arrest, little has happened to him. People like Saeed and Azhar do not have to own property and neither would they be foolish enough to travel abroad.
Two UNSC lists
At present, the UN Security Council maintains two lists, one a consolidated 166-page list which includes the North Koreans, Houthi insurgents, Taliban officials, and a grab bag of terrorists, arms smugglers, drug kingpins, money changers and terror funders. The other 68-page list focuses on al-Qaeda and ISIL. This is where one can find the names of Hafiz Saeed, and top leaders of LeT, Jaish-e-Muhammad and Harkat-ul-Jihad Islami, along with ISIL and al-Qaeda notables.
The Security Council Resolution 1267 set up a Committee that originally called on the Taliban to obey the UN Security Council in turning over Osama bin Laden, and called on states to prevent their territory from being used for Taliban, froze its resources, and set up a committee to monitor the tasks. Subsequent resolutions expanded its scope and authority to the point that it has become meaningless and seems important only to the government of India to score points against Pakistan and China.
Actually, there is more to the Modi governments stand than meets the eye. Instead of behind-the-scenes diplomacy which is usually adopted to seek listings, India has taken recourse to megaphone diplomacy which seems aimed more at embarrassing China than anything else.
Tough nut China
But China is a hard case and is not likely to react to such pressures. The question that needs to be asked is: Just why is the government so keen to put China off balance diplomatically. In any case, whatever it is doing is hardly likely to lead to any significant results. The Jaish-e-Muhammad is already on the list as of 2001 and is none the worse for it.
Dealing with terrorism and terrorists requires a strategy of pre-emption through good intelligence, resilience in the face of terrorist attacks and deterrence through resolute counter-terrorist action. Listing terrorists by a UN committee may have its place in the corridors of the UN headquarters, but in the hard-scrabble world of the fight against terrorism, only one thing matters the ability to take them out physically, just as the US did with Osama bin Laden and Anwar al Awlaki and scores of others.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is now in the august company of Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. The 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) Congress last week enshrined Xi Jinping Thought in the CPCs Constitution at the end of the week-long conclave. Mao Thought and Deng Theory are the only two such previous enshrinements.
Some believe that by not appointing an heir at the end of the Congress, Xi is positioning himself for an unprecedented third term in 2022-2027. None of the seven Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC) members is likely to be eligible to be president in 2022. The unofficial age limit is 68. Xi will be 69 in 2022 but with no other contender in sight, he could well persuade the CPC to give him a third term.
There are dissenting voices though in the CPC and Xi will have to tread carefully. He has alienated many powerful people. In his first five-year term, Xi purged or jailed nearly one million officials on charges of corruption. Several senior army Generals have been sacked. Chinas powerful armed forces are now firmly under Xis command.
According to Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post, It appeared from the state-run TV report that two top generals, the former chief of general staff General Fang Fenghui and director of the political work department, General Zhang Yang were absent. Both Fang and Zhang were Central Military Commission (CMC) members in Xis first term, but they were left out of the list of PLA delegates to the party Congress. Earlier, the two Generals were taken away on the same day last month as part of a corruption investigation.
Xis aggressive stance in the South China Sea, on the Dalai Lama, over Doklam, and in Arunachal Pradesh as well as his support for Pakistani terrorists like Masood Azhar make him a challenge for Indian foreign policymakers.
New Delhi is dealing with an authoritarian country that in effect abets Pakistan-sponsored terrorism against India.
China is positioning itself as the worlds leading superpower by 2050, replacing the United States. Its economy is likely to surpass Americas over the next 20 years though its military will take far longer to catch up with Americas formidable armed forces.
Xis ascent has worried several countries. The last time a Communist state sought superpower status to challenge the United States was the Soviet Union. The West engaged in a 45-year-long Cold War to counter that threat. An authoritarian China poses similar problems under Xi.
As The Economist wrote of Xi: His personal powers reflect his exalted sense of mission. He is president, head of the party and in July was referred to by state media as supreme commander, a title last conferred on Deng. He bestrides the bureaucracy like a colossus, having swept away and replaced almost all the party leaders and local governors in Chinas 31 provinces, as well as much of the top brass of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA).
India needs to build a coherent strategy to counter Chinas aggression and Xis growing hegemonistic ambitions. The Doklam standoff revealed two truths.
One, that Communist China is a land-grabber by instinct. It will continue its creeping acquisition of other countries sovereign territory - whether on land or at sea - as long as it can get away with it.
Two, when confronted, China will back down as it did at Doklam. That doesnt mean it wouldnt try again. It will. That is why army chief General Bipin Rawat has repeatedly stressed Indias preparedness to fight a two-front war.
China has threatened Taiwan for years with military invasion, but has done nothing. It has clamped down on Hong Kongs moves towards greater democracy and autonomy, but has backed away in the face of public protests.
Beijing remains prickliest though over the Dalai Lama. In a remarkable display of arrogance, it used the Communist Partys Congress last week to warn world leaders not to meet the Dalai Lama, saying it would constitute a major offence.
Zhang Yijiong, who heads the Communist Partys Tibet working group, told reporters on the sidelines of the party Congress: Any country, or any organisation, accepting to meet the Dalai Lama, in our view, is a major offence to the sentiment of the Chinese people. Zhang is also an executive vice-minister of the United Front Working Department of the Communist Party. Zhang said of the Dalai Lama: After fleeing China in 1959, he established a so-called government-in-exile (in India), whose goal and core agenda is the independence of Tibet and to separate (from) China
Ever since the disastrous 1962 war, India has had a negative reflex action on matters regarding Tibet and China. In this context it is important to note the views of Prasenjit K Basu, a Singapore-based economist whose new book, Asia Reborn: A Continent Rises from the Rages of Colonialism and War to a New Dynamism, has key insights on Asias past, present and future.
In a recent interview with senior journalist Aditi Phadnis in Business Standard, Basu said of Indias Tibet policy: Nehru was a brilliant historian: his Glimpses of World History is a masterpiece. But his naivete on statecraft was astounding, as if his knowledge of history was somehow utterly separated from his approach to governance and foreign policy. Sardar Patel saw clearly that Indias traditional role as Tibets main ally (and the only country with four consulates in Tibet while China had no representation in 1950) was essential to Indias security, (but) Nehru allowed China to invade and occupy Tibet while doing nothing militarily or diplomatically to thwart this thrust from a rogue Communist regime that most of the world didnt recognise as legitimate at the time.
Such historical errors of judgement have allowed Beijing to control the India-China narrative for decades. That is beginning to change. Doklam was the first sign of a more robust policy to counter Chinese aggression.
India is dealing with an authoritarian country that in effect abets Pakistan-sponsored terrorism against India and brazenly builds infrastructure on occupied sovereign Indian territory.
A letter written in India has sent tremors straight to Pakistan - quite literally.
Addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the letter has been written by Kerala-based physics professor, Babu Kalayil, who claims to be gifted with extrasensory powers, and warns that a massive earthquake will strike the Indian Ocean by December 31, 2017. Kalayil claims to have made the observation on August 20.
Though the warning may sound frivolous to many, it has attracted the attention of the neighbouring country because the letter says that the impact of the earthquake would be felt in several countries and will alter the "boundaries of sea shore". The countries named in the letter are India, China, Pakistan, Japan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. The letter also predicts the possibility of a storm - Seeshma - "which will exist for about 120km to 180km with mighty power".
Reports emerging from the neighbouring country suggest the letter has sent no less than the Pakistan's mightiest intelligence agency into a tizzy. Officials of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (ERRA) have pressed the panic button.
According to a BBC Urdu report, officials in Pakistan have taken Kalayil's prediction seriously and begun preparations to deal with a possible disaster. Pakistan's ERRA has circulated a letter on the social media directing the officials and departments to "immediately" follow the standard operating procedure in the matter.
The letter, believed to have been written by the deputy chairman of the ERRA - that works under the Pakistan Prime Ministers Office - refers to an alert issued by the DG, ISI about a "large-scale earthquake, as being expected".
How Babu Kalayil made the prediction
Penned on the letterhead of BK Research Association for Extrasensory Perception and Earth and Space Prediction, the letter describes Kalayil as the director of the organisation.
In a radio documentary on ESP, made by Kerala-based radio journalist Biju Mathew some years back, Babu Kalayil explained how he predicts natural disasters.
"When I am about to see a vision, my brain and body get extremely hot. Thereafter, I can see a series of images. They are as clear in my mind like scenes from a movie. That was how I saw the tsunami. And with the help of intuition, I can find out when and where the event is going to take place. My skill would be vital to take adequate precautions when a natural disaster does take place," said Kalayil.
Babu Kalayil
Kalayil has, over the years, through his "extrasensory powers" made "predictions" on the movement of planetary bodies, including collision between celestial objects, earthquakes, unusual rise in temperature and the like. He claims to have predicted even the major earthquake that caused the tsunami in December 2004, exactly two months earlier. There is, however, no proof of how far Kalayil's predictions have come true.
In 2005, however, the University of Kerala had granted permission to one of its senior professors to be a co-investigator along with Kalayil in a project of the Department of Science and Technology under the central government.
They say it's the second biggest paper leak ever at 1.4 terabytes and 13.4 million documents. Paradise Papers - an year-long effort led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) of Panama Papers fame - show how the world's wealthiest evade taxes through "offshore investments", this time mostly through a corporate law firm based in Bermuda called Appleby, called "Estera" following a buyout.
From the Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II to US president Donald Trump and his "influencers" in the 2016 US presidential election campaign with deep Russian pockets, to Yuri Milner, a billionaire with staggering investments in Facebook and Twitter - once again with huge Russian links - to Indian bigwigs like Union minister and BJP MP Jayant Sinha, the usual suspect Vijay Mallya, and many others, have figured in the Paradise Papers, making it an enormous mirror reflecting the ugly face of our financial elite. As many as 94 prestigious media outlets are part of the ICIJ, including the New York Times and The Guardian from the Anglophone world, The Indian Express from India, and the German Suddeutsche Zeitung.
The documents they have investigated are among the biggest "leaks" in history, covering the period from 1950 to 2016, involving the tax havens of Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, the Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, the Cook Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Labuan, Lebanon, Malta, the Marshall Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vanuatu.
How wealth is transferred to offshore havens
Before we delve deeper into who all are involved, particularly from India, let's understand how this works. The financial elite - mostly from UK, China, Russia and the US, have used Appleby services for decades to pack off the wealth accumulated from evading taxes to the havens mentioned above, where there's little government jurisdiction on financial and banking matters.
In addition, shell companies, hidden companies and many other proxies registered in the tax havens are regularly used by these elites to reroute wealth or hold assets in property, aircraft, yachts, investments in stocks and shares, or make wealth disappear altogether to secret bank accounts. This means that the offshore empire is far bigger than previously thought. This empire is the global circuit of black money, which eats into the GDPs of respective countries.
Much like in Panama Papers, which inspected the firm Mossack Fonseca, in this case, the firm Appleby is at the centre of this murky universe of staggering tax evasion.
Who's who on Paradise Papers
The longest reigning British monarch might also be henceforth known as the "offshore queen", with millions of pounds from her private estate invested in firms in Cayman Islands, a notorious tax haven. Paradise Papers reveal that the Duchy of Lancaster - the Queen's private estate - put money into a retailer called BrightHouse criticised for exploiting poor families.
#ParadisePapers again prove what I said at #PMQs: There's one rule for the super-rich and another for the rest when it comes to paying tax. pic.twitter.com/QaNbCaeb21 Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) November 5, 2017
The Queen being connected to a retailer with murky history of fleecing the poor and the disabled of UK will not go down lightly in the Brexit-torn country.
The Queen being connected to a retailer with murky history of fleecing the poor and the disabled of UK will not go down lightly in the Brexit-torn country. Photo: Reuters
US President Donald Trump's uber-compromised election campaign was under FBI scrutiny even when it was ongoing. Since then, as a year rolls by, it has only gotten murkier, now prominently featuring in the Paradise Papers leak.
The president's "circle of influencers" has been known to have major stakes and assets in the offshore world, and Trump's promise of "bringing back trillions of dollars from American businesses that is now parked overseas" is therefore heavily compromised and hypocritical.
Explore our #ParadisePapers interactive to see the offshore connections of US president Donald Trump. https://t.co/yBG9gvFqwL? pic.twitter.com/hj6a2XFbFq ICIJ (@ICIJorg) November 5, 2017
As the first anniversary of Trump's election victory inches closer, his Republican and corporate supporters have been exposed as having deep pockets in the offshore havens, and also with - as expected - major Russia links.
Trump's promise to "swamp the drain" - much like PM Narendra Modi's promise to clean India of black money - sounds hollow because his very election campaign was funded with offshore money, or by those whose wealth is sheltered in investments in these tax havens.
Names like Gary Cohn, Trump's chief economic adviser, who's the force behind the White House tax reform effort; Rex Tillerson, the US secretary of state now driving the Middle East agenda with much dealing with the new crown prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammad bin Salman, has been found to have his name as the director of an offshore firm used in a questionable multi-billion dollar oil and gas venture in the Middle East; Steven Mnuchin, the US treasury secretary, whose former bank financed private jets for wealthy clients, including those with criminal family histories.
Facebook and Twitter
Russian billionaire Yuri Milner, who has invested billions in Twitter and Facebook, is shown to have pumped in Kremlin cash into these social media behemoths that are at the forefront of the fake news menace, distorting history and compromising the dissemination of real information.
Leaked files show that a state controlled bank in Moscow, the VTB, helped Milner's ascent in Silicon Valley, and the Russia investigation therefore put the spotlight on the very tech companies that were supposed to usher in the information revolution. Instead, we are witnessing a devolution, with fascist and sectarian inclinations heightened among most.
#ParadisePapers spotlights Russian Billionaire Yuri Milner's partnership with Kushner Brothers via startup Cadre https://t.co/ndmx6n0Sx2 pic.twitter.com/ZyQ31l6STU Graph Commons (@graphcommons) November 5, 2017
According to the New York Times report on Milner - part of the Paradise Papers series -his Twitter deal is a "complex web of share transfers and offshore financial entities" that involve the bank VTB - a "slush fund for Putin" for his various strategic deals - and Gazprom Investholdings, leading Milner to own 8 per cent of Facebook and 5 percent of Twitter.
The Russian influence on these social media giants has been visible ever since, the pinnacle of which came with the Trump victory, and the ongoing re-engineering of the Middle East via Saudi Arabia. Milner's current dealings, among others, are with Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who's also a key player in the Middle East now.
Canadian prime minister and poster boy of the new, socio-politically progressive policies, Justin Trudeau, is one of those named in Paradise Papers leak. In fact, Trudeau is among a host of former Canadian PMs featured in the leak, through his chief fundraiser and senior adviser Stephen Bronfman.
Trudeau is among a host of former Canadian PMs featured in the leak, through his chief fundraiser and senior adviser Stephen Bronfman. Photo: Reuters
Multimillion-dollar cashflows between entities in the US, Israel and Cayman Islands, that resulted in huge tax avoidance and a coffer of slush funds to be poured into Trudeau's hyperactive PR drive, have illegality written all over them, with Bronfman - inheritor of the Seagram distillery fortune in Montreal - at the centre of this murky trail.
The Indian connection
The Indian Express has been investigating the Indian side of the Paradise Paper leaks, and the names that have cropped up include BJP Union minister Jayant Sinha, MP RK Sinha, absconding billionaire Vijay Mallya, corporate lobbyist Niira Radia and Sanjay Dutt's wife Manyata, among 714 in all. India ranks 19th in terms of the number of names, from a scrutiny of 180 countries.Interestingly, an Indian company, Sun Group, founded by Nand Lal Khemka, has been Appleby's second-largest client internationally, with as many as 118 offshore entities in different jurisdictions.
Firms that have already been under the scanner in India, such as in the Sun TV-Aircel Maxis case, the Essar Loop 2G case, as well as Ziquista Healthcare (with Sachin Pilot/Karti Chidambaram being early honorary/independent directors), and a fresh financial angle to YSR Congress chief Jagan Reddy, have come to the fore.
Jayant Sinha
Union minister of civil aviation Jayant Sinha has figured prominently, because of his links with Omidyar in the Appleby files. As per The Indian Express probe and data in the Appleby files, before he was elected a Lok Sabha MP from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand in 2014, Sinha worked with Omidyar Network as its MD in India.
Omidyar Netowrk invested in a US company called D.Light Design, which has a subsidiary in Cayman Islands, and Sinha served as director of D.Light Design in San Francisco, something that's omitted from his affidavit to the Election Commission in 2014, to the Lok Sabha Secretariat, and to the PMO as the MoS civil aviation.
Minister of State for civil aviation Jayant Sinha, is named in #ParadisePapers for his work part of @OmidyarNetwork pic.twitter.com/YEyK0vVc4L Srinivas Kodali (@digitaldutta) November 5, 2017
Both @jayantsinha & @OmidyarNetwork continues to push aadhaar (as part of their official work) even after Jayant Sinha joins in Ministry https://t.co/fG7kDNYrNO Anivar Aravind (@anivar) November 6, 2017
An important takeaway from this network of comprises and liaisons is Omidyar's connection to Aadhaar. Sinha, indeed the government of India's continued push for UID despite several privacy concerns and exclusions could be happening by design. That Sinha continued the Omidyar agenda, that has offshore dealings, therefore puts a huge question mark on the government's "cashless push", "war against black money" and demonetisation diktat, much of which seem to have strong connections with each other through corporate tax evasion trail.
You can read Jayant Sinha's response here, in which he's basically detailing that he had left the corporate job with Omidyar in 2013 once he took the political plunge. However, imprints of his past life can be seen writ large in his current role as a minister in Modi government.
Vijay Mallya
Paradise Papers throw more questions for Vijay Mallya, who's parked in London and is wanted by Indian authorities for willfully defaulting on loans worth Rs 8000 crore. The Indian Express report shows that "after he sold his United Spirits Limited India to the Diageo group in 2013, Diageo approached a London-based law firm Linklaters LLP to undertake a massive restructuring exercise to simplify the complex group structure", in the process waiving off USD 1.5 billion worth of Mallya's debt.
"As part of the restructuring, records show, Diageo also absolved Watson Limited, an entity owned by Mallya in his personal capacity, of its dues to a USL group company to the tune of 4.4 million pounds (around $5.8 million) through an exercise called novation substituting one party in a contract with another, or replacing one debt or obligation with another. The $1.5-billion loan waiver and the novation seems to have resulted in Mallya taking away much more than the Rs 1,225 crore that Diageo reported to BSE the amount actually works out to around Rs 10,000 crore going by Appleby documents".
Niira Radia
Lobbyist of the infamous Radia Tapes, whose name also figured in the Panama Papers Niira Radia was on boards of two offshore firms, and had established an offshore firm, Crownmart International Group Limited, in the British Virgin Islands in 1994. Of the offshore firms, Pegasus International Advisors Limited, incorporated in Malta in August 2011, changed its name multiple times and had the declared objective as wide-ranging as "to provide advisory, operational, logistical and consultancy services and assistance to banks, financial institutions, corporate and unincorporated bodies and authorities as well as private persons for the promotion and development of their businesses to run the business of ship managers and operators, ship owners."
The range of the services provide a glimpse into the complex world of offshore wealth hiding, and the "financial services/consultations" become a euphemism for tax evasion processes that are stretched out and involve many from the super-rich. That they stay super rich by hoodwinking the general public and fleecing the nation's wealth is as obvious as daylight.
So much for "Anti Black Money Day"
Kate Winslet and Allison Janney shared a passionate kiss on the stage at the Hollywood Film Awards this year.
By India Today Web Desk: It was overflowing love at the Hollywood Film Awards this year. Kate Winslet couldn't hide her delight as she went on the stage to collect the Best Actress award for Wonder Wheel, directed by Woody Allen.
After collecting the award, she said that she felt "honoured" to be in the same room as Allison Janney, who plays the role of CJ in the political drama West Wing.
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"Allison Janney... I know, I don't really know you, but I just want to be you. Or just stroke you or something. I mean we could always kiss, maybe," Kate said.
This amorous outburst was greeted by loud cheers.
Janney decided to fulfill the Titanic star's wish, and went on the stage, and the two shared a kiss. Clearly ecstatic by the encounter, Kate said, "Thank you very much. Now I'm a little bit breathless."
Kate Winslet is honored with the Hollywood Actress Award for her role in @wonderwheelmov. ??? #HollywoodAwards pic.twitter.com/zmPl3il3oT- Hollywood Awards (@hollywoodawards) November 6, 2017
Angelia Jolie was among the night's winners after being awarded for her Foreign Language film First They Killed My Father. Gary Oldman won the Career Achievement Award, Mary J Blige received the Breakout Performance Actress Award for Mudbound, and Jake Gyllenhaal took home the Actor Award for Stronger.
ALSO WATCH: Titanic stars shelled with stardom
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On November 8, the Narendra Modi intends to celebrate an 'anti-black money day' while the Opposition has vowed to hold protests against last year's demonetisation announcement.
By Indrajit Kundu: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today slammed the Narendra Modi government by calling the Goods and Services Tax (GST) a "Great Selfish Tax to harass people and finish the economy".
The Trinamool Congress chief said demonetisation was a disaster and urged social media users to change their profile pictures to a black square on November 8 to protest against the note ban.
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"Great Selfish Tax (GST) to harass the people. To take away jobs. To hurt businesses. To finish the economy. GoI totally failed to tackle #GST (sic)," Mamata posted on Twitter.
Great Selfish Tax (GST) to harass the people.To take away jobs. To hurt businesses. To finish the economy. GoI totally failed to tackle #GST- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 6, 2017
"#Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black," the chief minister also tweeted.
#Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black pic.twitter.com/yrheSPiZE5- Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 6, 2017
On November 8, the day same day last year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a surprise prime-time address invalidated high-value currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, the government intends to celebrate an 'anti-black money day', a nod to one of the self-confessed goals of the demonetisation exercise.
Opposition parties, on the other hand, plan to hold nationwide protests over an exercise they said harmed the Indian economy as well as the country's small and medium businessmen and traders.
The Opposition plans to observe a "black day" on November 8, a Wednesday as it seeks to continue its attack on the Modi government on the topic of the economy. Trinamool Congress too had earlier announced that it would observe Black Day on November 8 to protest against demonetisation across West Bengal.
During her party's extended core committee meeting on October 25, Banerjee had asked party leaders to take the campaign against to the block level in every district to corner the BJP over demonetization through rallies and protest meetings. The party also plans extensive use social media for its campaign against the Modi government.
Mamata's comments come just a day after PM Modi hit back at the Opposition, saying he wasn't afraid of protests and that his fight against corruption would continue. PM Modi also directly targeted the Congress party, whose vice-president Rahul Gandhi has been leading a frontal attack on the Modi government on economy.
Gandhi has said that demonetisation hurt the nation's small and medium traders and is even expected to spend November 8 with traders in poll-bound Gujarat's Surat.
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WATCH: GST turns into war of acronym after West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee calls it Great Selfish Tax
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Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through five segments: Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, and Group Development. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers. The company also provides mobile voice and data services to consumers and business customers; sells mobile devices and other hardware products; and sells mobile services to resellers and to companies that purchases and markets network services to third parties, such as mobile virtual network operators. In addition, it offers internet services; internet-based TV products and services; and information and communication technology systems for multinational corporations and public sector institutions with an infrastructure of data centers and networks under the T-Systems brand, as well as call center services. The company has 242 million mobile customers and 22 million broadband customers, as well as 27 million fixed-network lines. Deutsche Telekom AG has a collaboration with VMware, Inc. on cloud-based open and intelligent virtual RAN platform to bring agility to radio access networks for existing LTE and future 5G networks; and partnership with Microsoft to deliver high-performance cloud computing experiences. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.
BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
The following companies are subsidiares of Dominion Energy: 96WI 8me LLC, Align RNG Arizona LLC, Align RNG Arizona-Snowflake LLC, Align RNG California LLC, Align RNG California-Corcoran LLC, Align RNG Grady Road LLC, Align RNG LLC, Align RNG Magnolia LLC, Align RNG North Carolina LLC, Align RNG North Carolina-Bowdens LLC, Align RNG Utah LLC, Align RNG Utah-Milford LLC, Align RNG Utah-Minersville LLC, Align RNG Virginia LLC, Align RNG Virginia-Waverly LLC, Alpaca Holdings LLC, Angus Holdings LLC, Aster Holdings LLC, Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, BOE Holdings Inc., Bantam Holdings LLC, Bellflower Holdings LLC, Birdseye Holdings LLC, Birdseye Projects LLC, Birdseye Renewable Energy LLC, Blackville Solar Farm LLC, Blue Ocean Energy Marine LLC, BrightSuite Home LLC, BrightSuite Home Solar Inc., BrightSuite Inc., BrightSuite Solar CT Inc., BrightSuite Solar Development LLC, BrightSuite Solar SC Inc., BrightSuite Solar VA Inc., Brown Swiss Holdings II LLC, Buckingham Solar I LLC, CEA Americus LLC, CEA CO-Fort Morgan LLC, CEA Clovis LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Colorado LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Georgia LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Idaho LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Kansas LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Nevada LLC, CEA Dairy RNG New Mexico LLC, CEA Dairy RNG Texas LLC, CEA Greely LLC, CEA Mason LLC, CEA TX-Dimmitt LLC, CNG Coal Company, CNG Power Services Corporation, Canola Holdings LLC, Carolina Gas Transmission Corporation, Charolais Holdings LLC, Chester White Holdings LLC, Chicory Holdings LLC, Clean Energy Asset USA LLC, Clean Energy Enterprises Inc., Clipperton Holdings LLC, Collard Holdings LLC, Consolidated Natural Gas Company, Correctional Solar LLC, Cotswold Holdings LLC, Cove Point LNG Limited, Currant Holdings LLC, DE 700 Canal Place LLC, DE Arlington Solar LLC, DE Fluvanna Solar LLC, DE Hanover Solar LLC, DE Henrico Solar LLC, DE King William Solar LLC, DE Louisa Solar LLC, DE Newport News Solar LLC, DE Powhatan Solar LLC, DE Virginia Beach Solar LLC, DECP Holdings Inc., DEO Alternative Fuel LLC, Dairy RNG Holdings LLC, Denmark Solar LLC, Devon Holdings LLC, Dexter Holdings LLC, Dill Holdings LLC, Dillon RE Holdings LLC, Dominion ACP Holding Inc., Dominion Alternative Energy Holdings Inc., Dominion Atlantic Coast Pipeline LLC, Dominion Capital Inc., Dominion Cogen WV Inc., Dominion Energy Birdseye Holdings Inc., Dominion Energy Fuel Services Inc., Dominion Energy Gas Distribution LLC, Dominion Energy Generation Marketing Inc., Dominion Energy Inc., Dominion Energy Kewaunee Inc., Dominion Energy Marketplace LLC, Dominion Energy Nuclear Connecticut Inc., Dominion Energy Payroll Company Inc., Dominion Energy Questar Corporation, Dominion Energy RNG Holdings II Inc., Dominion Energy RNG Holdings Inc., Dominion Energy Services Inc., Dominion Energy Solar CA LLC, Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc., Dominion Energy Southeast Services Inc., Dominion Energy Technical Solutions Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies II Inc., Dominion Energy Technologies Inc., Dominion Energy Terminal Company Inc., Dominion Energy Wexpro Services Company, Dominion Equipment III Inc., Dominion Equipment Inc., Dominion Fairless Hills Inc., Dominion Fowler Ridge Wind LLC, Dominion Gas Projects Company LLC, Dominion Generation Inc., Dominion Greenbrier Inc., Dominion High Voltage Holdings Inc., Dominion High Voltage MidAtlantic Inc., Dominion Investments Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline Holdings Inc., Dominion Keystone Pipeline LLC, Dominion MLP Holding Company III Inc., Dominion Mt. Storm Wind LLC, Dominion Nuclear Projects Inc., Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration & Production Inc., Dominion Person Inc., Dominion Privatization Florida LLC, Dominion Privatization Georgia LLC, Dominion Privatization Holdings Inc., Dominion Privatization Kentucky LLC, Dominion Privatization Maryland LLC, Dominion Privatization Pennsylvania LLC, Dominion Privatization South Carolina LLC, Dominion Privatization Texas LLC, Dominion Privatization Virginia LLC, Dominion Products and Services Inc., Dominion Projects Services Inc., Dominion Resources Capital Trust III, Dominion Retail Gas Holdings Inc., Dominion Solar Holdings IV LLC, Dominion Solar Projects C Inc., Dominion Solar Projects D Inc., Dominion Solar Projects III Inc., Dominion Solar Projects IV Inc., Dominion Solar Projects V Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VI Inc., Dominion Solar Projects VII Inc., Dominion Solar Services Inc., Dominion State Line LLC, Dominion Utility Privatization LLC, Dominion Voltage Inc., Dominion Wholesale Inc., Dominion Wind Development LLC, Dominion Wind Projects Inc., Dorset Holdings LLC, ESCT-SA-Suffield LLC, Eagle Holdco Solar LLC, Eagle Solar LLC, Eastern Shore Solar LLC, Endive Holdings LLC, Energize Holdings III LLC, Flax Holdings LLC, Fremont Farm LLC, Gideon Solar LLC, Ginger Holdings LLC, Greenbrier Marketing Company LLC, Greenbrier Pipeline Company LLC, Greensville County Solar Project LLC, Guernsey Holdings LLC, Hardin Solar Energy LLC, Hecate Energy Cherrydale LLC, Hecate Energy Clarke County LLC, Hemlock Holdings LLC, Hereford Holdings LLC, Hodges Solar LLC, Hope Gas Inc., Hosta Holdings LLC, Innovative Solar 37 LLC, Joanna Solar LLC, Kale Holdings LLC, Leek Holdings LLC, Leghorn Holdings LLC, Lentil Holdings LLC, Leyland Holdings LLC, Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas, Millet Holdings LLC, Moffett Solar 1 LLC, Moorings Farm 2 LLC, Mustang Solar LLC, Mustard Holdings LLC, Okra Holdings LLC, PSNC Blue Ridge Corporation, PSNC Cardinal Pipeline Company, Phone House, Pikeville Farm LLC, Power Path Holdings I LLC, Power Path Holdings II LLC, Power Path Holdings III LLC, Prairie Fork Wind Farm LLC, Public Service Company of North Carolina Incorporated, Quail Holdings LLC, Questar Corporation, Questar Gas Company, Questar InfoComm Inc., Ridgeland Solar Farm I LLC, Rutabaga Holdings LLC, SCANA, SCANA Corporate Security Services Inc., SCANA Corporation, SRFI LLC, Safflower Holdings LLC, Scott-II Solar LLC, Seabrook Solar LLC, Sedge Holdings LLC, Shallot Holdings LLC, Siler Solar LLC, Silkie Holdings LLC, Simmental Holdings LLC, Sol Madison Solar LLC, Sorghum Holdings LLC, South Carolina Fuel Company Inc., South Carolina Generating Company Inc., Southampton Solar LLC, Strawberry Holdings LLC, Sumac Holdings LLC, Summit Farms Solar LLC, Sussex Drive Solar Project LLC, TWE Myrtle Solar Project LLC, The East Ohio Gas Company, Trask East Solar LLC, Tredegar Solar Fund I LLC, Tredegar Solar LLC, VP Property Inc., Virginia Electric And Power Company, Virginia Power Fuel Corporation, Virginia Power Nuclear Services Company, Virginia Power Services Energy Corp. Inc., Virginia Power Services LLC, Virginia Solar 2017 Projects LLC, Wakefield Solar LLC, Watercress Holdings LLC, Wexpro Company, Wexpro Development Company, Wexpro II Company, Wilkinson Solar LLC, Yemassee Solar LLC, and Yorkshire Holdings LLC.
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EnerSys provides various stored energy solutions for industrial applications worldwide. It operates in three segments: Energy Systems, Motive Power, and Specialty. The company offers uninterruptible power systems applications for computer and computer-controlled systems, as well as telecommunications systems; switchgear and electrical control systems used in industrial facilities and electric utilities, large-scale energy storage, and energy pipelines; integrated power solutions and services to broadband, telecom, renewable, and industrial customers; and thermally managed cabinets and enclosures for electronic equipment and batteries. It also provides motive power products that are used to provide power for electric industrial forklifts used in manufacturing, warehousing, and other material handling applications. In addition, the company offers mining equipment, diesel locomotive starting, and other rail equipment. Further, it provides specialty batteries for starting, lighting, and ignition applications in transportation; and energy solutions for satellites, military aircraft, submarines, ships, and other tactical vehicles, as well as medical and security systems. Additionally, the company offers battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories, and outdoor cabinet enclosures, as well as related after-market and customer-support services for industrial batteries. The company sells its products through a network of distributors, independent representatives, and internal sales forces. The company was formerly known as Yuasa, Inc. and changed its name to EnerSys in January 2001. EnerSys was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania.
The following companies are subsidiares of PepsiCo: Alimentos Quaker Oats y Compania Limitada, Alimentos del Istmo S.A., Amavale Agricola Ltda., Anderson Hill Insurance Limited, Asia Bottlers Limited, BAESA Capital Corporation Ltd., BFY Brands, BFY Brands LLC, BFY Brands Limited, BUG de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Balmoral Industries LLC, Bare Foods Co., Barrhead LLC, Be & Cheery, Beaman Bottling Company, Bebidas Sudamerica S.A., Beech Limited, Bell Taco Funding Syndicate, Bendler Investments II Ltd, Bendler Investments S.a r.l, Beverage Services Limited, Beverages Foods & Service Industries Inc., Bishkeksut OJSC, Blaue NC S. de R.L. de C.V., Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arizona Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arkansas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Colorado Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Florida Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Georgia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Illinois Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Indiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Iowa Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Kentucky Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Louisiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Minnesota Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Mississippi Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Missouri Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nebraska Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nevada Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of North Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Ohio Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Oklahoma Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Pennsylvania Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of South Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Tennessee Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Texas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Virginia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Wisconsin Inc., Blue Ridge Sales LLC, Bluebird Foods Limited, Bluecan Holdings Unlimited Company, Bokomo Zambia Limited, Bolsherechensky Molkombinat JSC, Boquitas Fiestas LLC, Boquitas Fiestas S.R.L., Bottling Group Financing LLC, Bottling Group Holdings LLC, Bottling Group LLC, Bronte Industries Ltd, C & I Leasing Inc., CB Manufacturing Company Inc., CEME Holdings LLC, CMC Investment Company, Caroni Investments LLC, Centro-Mediterranea de Bebidas Carbonicas PepsiCo S.L., Ceres Fruit Juices Pty Ltd, ChampBev Inc., China Concentrate Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Chipsy International for Food Industries S.A.E., Chipsy for Food Industries S.A.E., Chitos Internacional y Cia Ltda, Cipa Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cipa Nordeste Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cocina Autentica Inc., Comercializadora CMC Investment y Compania Limitada, Comercializadora Nacional SAS Ltda., Comercializadora PepsiCo Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., Compania de Bebidas PepsiCo S.L., Concentrate Holding Uruguay Pte. Ltd., Concentrate Manufacturing Singapore Pte. Ltd., Confiteria Alegro S. de R.L. de C.V., Copella Fruit Juices Limited, Copper Beech International LLC, Corina Snacks Limited, Corporativo Internacional Mexicano S. de R.L. de C.V., CytoSport Holdings Inc., CytoSport Inc., Davlyn Realty Corporation, Defosto Holdings Limited, Desarrollo Inmobiliario Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Dilexis S.A., Donon Holdings Limited, Drinkfinity USA Inc., Drinkstation Inc., Drinkstation Innovation Co. Ltd., Drinkstation Limited, Dutch Snacks Holding S.A. de C.V., Duyvis Production B.V., EPIC Enterprises Inc., Echo Bay Holdings Inc., Elaboradora Argentina de Cereales S.R.L., Enter Logistica LLC, Environ at Inverrary Partnership, Environ of Inverrary Inc., Eridanus Investments S.a r.l, Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile S.A., FL Transportation Inc., FLI Andean LLC, FLI Colombia LLC, FLI Snacks Andean GP LLC, Fabrica PepsiCo Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene y Cia S.C.A., Fairlight International SRL, Far East Bottlers Hong Kong Limited, Food Concepts Pioneer Ltd., Forest Akers Nederland B.V., Forty-Six Peaks Holding Inc., Fovarosi Asvanyviz es Uditoipari Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Freshwater International B.V., Frito Lay Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Frito Lay Poland Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay de Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Frito-Lay Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Frito-Lay Dip Company Inc., Frito-Lay Dominicana S.A., Frito-Lay Global Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Inc., Frito-Lay Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Manufacturing LLC, Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V., Frito-Lay North America Inc., Frito-Lay Sales Inc., Frito-Lay Trading Company Europe GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company Poland GmbH, Frito-Lay Trinidad Unlimited, Fruko Mesrubat Sanayi Limited Sirketi, GB Czech LLC, GB International Inc., GB Russia LLC, GB Slovak LLC, GMP Manufacturing Inc., Gambrinus Investments Limited, Gamesa LLC, Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Gas Natural de Merida S. A. de C. V., Gatorade Puerto Rico Company, General Bottlers of Hungary Inc., Golden Grain Company, Goveh S.R.L., Grayhawk Leasing LLC, Green Hemlock International LLC, Grupo Frito Lay y Compania Limitada, Grupo Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Mabel, Grupo Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gulkevichskiy Maslozavod JSC, Hangzhou Baicaowei Corporate Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co, Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Tao Dao Technology Co. Ltd., Health Warrior, Health Warrior Inc., Heathland LP, Helioscope Limited, Hillbrook Inc., Hillgrove Inc., Hillwood Bottling LLC, Hogganfield Limited Partnership, Holding Company "Opolie" JSC, Homefinding Company of Texas, Hudson Valley Insurance Company, IC Equities Inc., IZZE Beverage Co., Inmobiliaria Interamericana S.A. De C.V., Integrated Beverage Services Bangladesh Limited, Integrated Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., International Bottlers Management Co. LLC, International KAS Aktiengesellschaft, Inversiones Borneo S.R.L., Inversiones PFI Chile Limitada, Inviting Foods Holdings Inc., Inviting Foods LLC, KAS Anorthosis S.a r.l, KAS S.L., KFC, Kevita Inc., Kinvara LLC, Kungursky Molkombinat JSC, Larragana S.L., Latin American Holdings Ltd., Latin American Snack Foods ApS, Latin Foods International LLC, Lebedyansky, Lebedyansky Holdings LLC, Lebedyansky LLC, Limited Liability Company "Sandora", Linkbay Limited, Lithuanian Snacks UAB, Mabel, Marbo Product d.o.o. Beograd, Marbo d.o.o. Laktasi, Matudis - Comercio de Produtos Alimentares Limitada, Matutano - Sociedade de Produtos Alimentares Lda., Mid-America Improvement Corporation, Mountainview Insurance Company Inc., Muscle Milk, NCJV LLC, New Bern Transport Corporation, New Century Beverage Company LLC, Noble Leasing LLC, Northeast Hot-Fill Co-op Inc., Office at Solyanka LLC, Onbiso Inversiones S.L., One World Enterprises LLC, One World Investors Inc., P-A Barbados Bottling Company LLC, P-A Bottlers Barbados SRL, P-Americas LLC, PAS Luxembourg S.a r.l, PAS Netherlands B.V., PBG Canada Holdings II LLC, PBG Canada Holdings Inc., PBG Cyprus Holdings Limited, PBG Investment Partnership, PBG Midwest Holdings S.a r.l, PBG Soda Can Holdings S.a r.l, PCBL LLC, PCNA Manufacturing Inc., PR Beverages Cyprus Holding Limited, PR Beverages Cyprus Russia Holding Limited, PRB Luxembourg S.a r.l, PRS Inc., PSAS Inversiones LLC, PSE Logistica S.R.L., PT Quaker Indonesia, Papas Chips S.A., Pei N.V., Pep Trade LLC, Pepsi B.V., Pepsi Beverages Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group Global Finance LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group GmbH, Pepsi Bottling Group Hoosiers B.V., Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bugshan Investments S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Colombia Ltda, Pepsi Cola Egypt S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Panamericana S.R.L., Pepsi Cola Servis Ve Dagitim Limited Sirketi, Pepsi Cola Trading Ireland, Pepsi Logistics Company Inc., Pepsi Northwest Beverages LLC, Pepsi Overseas Investments Partnership, Pepsi Promotions Inc., Pepsi-Cola Advertising and Marketing Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bermuda Limited, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Holding C.V., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of St. Louis Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach LLC, Pepsi-Cola Company, Pepsi-Cola Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Pepsi-Cola Far East Trade Development Co. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Finance LLC, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Poland Sp. z o.o., Pepsi-Cola Industrial da Amazonia Ltda., Pepsi-Cola International Cork, Pepsi-Cola International LLC, Pepsi-Cola International Limited, Pepsi-Cola International Limited U.S.A., Pepsi-Cola International Private Limited, Pepsi-Cola Korea Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Management and Administrative Services Inc., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Company Of Uruguay S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International Limited, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Mediterranean Limited, Pepsi-Cola Marketing Corp. Of P.R. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mediterranean Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mexicana Holdings LLC, Pepsi-Cola Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Pepsi-Cola National Marketing LLC, Pepsi-Cola Operating Company Of Chesapeake And Indianapolis, Pepsi-Cola Sales and Distribution Inc., Pepsi-Cola Technical Operations Inc., Pepsi-Cola Thai Trading Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola de Honduras S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis Inc., PepsiAmericas Nemzetkozi Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, PepsiCo ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Alimentos Antioquia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Colombia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador Cia. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Z.F. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos de Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Amacoco Bebidas Do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCo Asia Research & Development Center Company Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Cyprus Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Limited Partnership, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 1 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 2 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Australia Holdings Pty Limited, PepsiCo Australia International, PepsiCo Austria Services GmbH, PepsiCo Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company, PepsiCo BeLux BV, PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, PepsiCo Beverage Singapore Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Beverages Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Beverages International Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Italia Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata, PepsiCo Canada Finance LLC, PepsiCo Canada Holdings ULC, PepsiCo Canada Investment ULC, PepsiCo Canada ULC, PepsiCo Captive Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Caribbean Inc., PepsiCo China Limited, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo De Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Del Paraguay S.R.L., PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, PepsiCo Eesti AS, PepsiCo Euro Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Euro Finance Antilles B.V., PepsiCo Europe Support Center S.L., PepsiCo Finance Americas Company, PepsiCo Finance Antilles A N.V., PepsiCo Finance Antilles B N.V., PepsiCo Finance South Africa Proprietary Limited, PepsiCo Financial Shared Services Inc., PepsiCo Food & Beverage Holdings Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Foods A.I.E., PepsiCo Foods China Company Limited, PepsiCo Foods Group Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Foods Guangdong Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited, PepsiCo Foods Private Limited, PepsiCo Foods Sichuan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Taiwan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company, PepsiCo France SAS, PepsiCo Global Business Services India LLP, PepsiCo Global Business Services Poland Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Global Holdings Limited, PepsiCo Global Investments B.V., PepsiCo Global Investments S.a r.l, PepsiCo Global Mobility LLC, PepsiCo Global Real Estate Inc., PepsiCo Global Trading Solutions Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Golden Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Group Finance International B.V., PepsiCo Group Holdings International B.V., PepsiCo Group Spotswood Holdings S.a r.l, PepsiCo Gulf International FZE, PepsiCo Hellas Single Member Industrial and Commercial Societe Anonyme, PepsiCo Holding de Espana S.L., PepsiCo Holdings, PepsiCo Holdings LLC, PepsiCo Holdings Toshkent LLC, PepsiCo Hong Kong LLC, PepsiCo Iberia Servicios Centrales S.L., PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, PepsiCo India Sales Private Limited, PepsiCo Internacional Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., PepsiCo International Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo International Limited, PepsiCo International Pte Ltd., PepsiCo Investments Europe I B.V., PepsiCo Investments Ltd., PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Japan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Light B.V., PepsiCo Logistyka Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., PepsiCo Management Services SAS, PepsiCo Manufacturing A.I.E., PepsiCo Max B.V., PepsiCo Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo Nederland B.V., PepsiCo Nordic Denmark ApS, PepsiCo Nordic Finland Oy, PepsiCo Nordic Norway AS, PepsiCo Nutrition Trading DMCC, PepsiCo One B.V., PepsiCo Overseas Corporation, PepsiCo Overseas Financing Partnership, PepsiCo Panimex Inc, PepsiCo Products B.V., PepsiCo Products FLLC, PepsiCo Puerto Rico Inc., PepsiCo Sales Inc., PepsiCo Sales LLC, PepsiCo Services Asia Ltd., PepsiCo Services CZ s.r.o., PepsiCo Services LLC, PepsiCo Twist B.V., PepsiCo UK Pension Plan Trustee Limited, PepsiCo Ventures B.V., PepsiCo Wave Holdings LLC, PepsiCo World Trading Company Inc., PepsiCo Y LLC, PepsiCo de Argentina S.R.L., PepsiCo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda., PepsiCo do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCola Interamericana de Guatemala S.A., Pet Iberia S.L., Pete & Johnny Limited, Pine International LLC, Pine International Limited, Pinstripe Leasing LLC, Pioneer Food Group Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Groceries Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Group Ltd., Pioneer Foods Holdings Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods UK Ltd, Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Pty Ltd, Pipers Crisps Limited, PlayCo Inc., Pop corners, PopCorners Holdings Inc., Portfolio Concentrate Solutions Unlimited Company, Premier Nutrition Trading L.L.C., Prestwick LLC, Prev PepsiCo Sociedade Previdenciaria, Productos Alimenticios Rene LLC, Productos S.A.S. C.V., Productos SAS Management B.V., Punch N.V., Punica Getranke GmbH, Q O Puerto Rico Inc., QFL OHQ Sdn. Bhd., QTG Development Inc., QTG Services Inc., Quadrant - Amroq Beverages S.R.L., Quaker Development B.V., Quaker European Beverages LLC, Quaker European Investments B.V., Quaker Foods, Quaker Global Investments B.V., Quaker Holdings UK Limited, Quaker Manufacturing LLC, Quaker Oats Asia Inc., Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd, Quaker Oats B.V., Quaker Oats Capital Corporation, Quaker Oats Europe Inc., Quaker Oats Europe LLC, Quaker Oats Limited, Quaker Sales & Distribution Inc, Raptas Finance S.a r.l., Rare Fare Foods LLC, Rare Fare Holdings Inc., Reading Industries Ltd, Real Estate Holdings LLC, Rockstar Energy Drink, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales LP, S & T of Mississippi Inc., SIH International LLC, SVC Logistics Inc., SVC Manufacturing Inc., SVE Russia Holdings GmbH, Sabritas LLC, Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Sabritas Snacks America Latina de Nicaragua y Cia Ltda, Sabritas de Costa Rica S. de R.L., Sabritas y Cia. S en C de C.V., Sakata Rice Snacks Australia Pty Ltd, Sandora Holdings B.V., Saudi Snack Foods Company Limited, Sea Eagle International SRL, Seepoint Holdings Ltd., Senselet Food Processing PLC, Senselet Holding B.V., Servicios GBF Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Servicios GFLG y Compania Limitada, Servicios Gamesa Puerto Rico L.L.C., Servicios SYC S. de R.L. de C.V., Seven-Up Asia Inc., Seven-Up Light B.V., Seven-Up Nederland B.V., Shanghai PepsiCo Snack Company Limited, Shanghai YuHo Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Shoebill LLC, Simba (Proprietary) Limited, Simba Proprietary Limited, Sitka Spruce, Smartfoods Inc., Smiles and Bites Holdings S.de R.L. de C.V., Smiths Crisps Limited, Snack Food Investments GmbH, Snack Food Investments II GmbH, Snack Food Investments Limited, Snack Food-Beverage Asia Products Limited, Snacks America Latina S.R.L., Snacks Guatemala Ltd., So Spark Ltd., Soda-Club CO2 Atlantic GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 Ltd., Soda-Club Switzerland GmbH, Soda-Club Worldwide B.V., SodaStream, SodaStream Australia Pty Ltd, SodaStream CO2 SA, SodaStream Canada Ltd., SodaStream Enterprises N.V., SodaStream France SAS, SodaStream GmbH, SodaStream Iberia S.L., SodaStream Industries Ltd., SodaStream International B.V., SodaStream International Ltd., SodaStream Israel Ltd., SodaStream K.K., SodaStream New Zealand Ltd., SodaStream Nordics AB, SodaStream Poland Sp. z o.o., SodaStream SA Pty Ltd., SodaStream Switzerland GmbH, SodaStream USA Inc., SodaStream Osterreich GmbH, South Beach Beverage Company Inc., South Properties Inc., Spitz International Inc., Sportmex Internacional S.A. de C.V., Springboig Industries Ltd, Spruce Limited, Stacy's Pita Chip Company Incorporated, Star Foods E.M. S.R.L., Stokely-Van Camp Inc., Stratosphere Communications Pty Ltd, Stratosphere Holdings 2018 Limited, Streamfoods Ltd, TFL Holdings LLC, Tasman Finance S.a r.l, The Gatorade Company, The Good Carb Food Company Ltd., The Pepsi Bottling Group Canada ULC, The Quaker Oats Company, The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Limited, Thomond Group Holdings Limited, Tobago Snack Holdings LLC, Tropicana Alvalle S.L., Tropicana Beverages Limited, Tropicana Europe N.V., Tropicana United Kingdom Limited, Troya-Ultra LLC, United Foods Companies Restaurantes S.A., V-Water, VentureCo Israel Ltd, Veurne Snack Foods BV, Vitamin Brands Ltd., Walkers Crisps Limited, Walkers Group Limited, Walkers Snack Foods Limited, Walkers Snacks Distribution Limited, Walkers Snacks Limited, Whitman Corporation, Whitman Insurance Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Beverages JSC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Brands Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Central Asia-Almaty LLP, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods LLC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Georgia Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann JSC, and Wimm-Bill-Dann Ukraine PJSC.
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Informa plc operates as an intelligence, events, and scholarly research company worldwide. It operates through five divisions: Informa Connect, Informa Intelligence, Informa Markets, Informa Tech, and Taylor & Francis. The Informa Connect division delivers specialist content and live experiences through in-person and virtual events, and digital platforms and services that enables businesses and professionals to meet, connect, learn, and share knowledge. This division operates events in the finance, biotech and pharma, and other specialist markets, including food and hospitality, marketing, and pop culture. The Informa Intelligence division offers critical data and specialist intelligence to businesses in the areas of pharma, finance, and maritime. The Informa Markets division connects buyers and sellers and supports the flow of business and trade in various specialist markets. Its major brands help businesses meet, discover products, trade and grow through major exhibitions, virtual events, digital marketplaces, and specialist content and data services. The Informa Tech division offers research, media, training, and events that inform, educate, and connect businesses and professionals working in technology. The Taylor & Francis division commissions, curates, produces, and publishes scholarly research and reference-led content in specialist subject areas, which assists to advance research and enabling knowledge to be discovered and shared. This segment houses teaching guides, videos, case studies, and approximately 18,000 book chapters and journal articles. The company was formerly known as T&F Informa plc and changed its name to Informa plc in August 2005. Informa plc was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
The following companies are subsidiares of Johnson & Johnson: 3Dintegrated ApS, ALZA Corporation, AMO (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Beijing Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Guangzhou Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd., AMO ASIA LIMITED, AMO Asia Limited (Korea Branch), AMO Asia Limited Taiwan Branch (Hong Kong), AMO Australia Pty Limited, AMO Australia Pty Limited (New Zealand Branch), AMO Canada Company, AMO Denmark ApS, AMO Development LLC, AMO France, AMO Germany GmbH, AMO Groningen B.V., AMO International Holdings Unlimited Company, AMO Ireland, AMO Ireland Ireland Branch, AMO Italy SRL, AMO Japan K.K., AMO Manufacturing USA LLC, AMO Netherlands BV, AMO Nominee Holdings LLC, AMO Norway AS, AMO Puerto Rico Manufacturing Inc., AMO Sales and Service Inc., AMO Singapore Pte. Ltd., AMO Spain Holdings LLC, AMO Switzerland GmbH, AMO U.K. Holdings LLC, AMO United Kingdom Ltd., AMO Uppsala AB, AUB Holdings LLC, Abott Medical Optics, Acclarent Inc., Actelion Ltd, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Actelion Pharmaceuticals US Inc., Actelion Treasury Unlimited Company, Akros Medical Inc., Albany Street LLC, Alios BioPharma, Alza Land Management Inc., Anakuria Therapeutics Inc., Animas Diabetes Care LLC, Animas LLC, Animas Technologies LLC, AorTx Inc., Apsis, Aragon Pharmaceuticals, Aragon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Asia Pacific Holdings LLC, Atrionix Inc., Auris Health, Auris Health Inc., Backsvalan 2 Aktiebolag, Backsvalan 6 Handelsbolag, Beijing Dabao Cosmetics Co. Ltd., BeneVir BioPharm Inc., Berna Rhein B.V., BioMedical Enterprises Inc., Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd., Biosense Webster Inc., Branch of Johnson & Johnson LLC (RU) in Kazakhstan, C Consumer Products Denmark ApS, CSATS Inc., Calibra Medical LLC, Campus-Foyer Apotheke GmbH, Carlo Erba OTC S.r.l., Centocor Biologics LLC, Centocor Research & Development Inc., Cerenovus Inc., ChromaGenics B.V., Ci:Labo Customer Marketing Co. Ltd., Ci:Labo USA Inc., Ci:z Holdings, Ci:z. Labo Co. Ltd., Cilag AG, Cilag GmbH International, Cilag Holding AG, Cilag Holding Treasury Unlimited Company, Cilag-Biotech S.L., CoTherix Inc., Coherex Medical Inc., ColBar LifeScience Ltd., Company Store.com Inc., Conor MedSystems, Cordis International Corporation, Cordis de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Corimmun GmbH, DePuy Hellas SA, DePuy International Limited, DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company, DePuy Mexico S.A. de C.V., DePuy Mitek LLC, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., DePuy Products Inc., DePuy Spine LLC, DePuy Synthes Gorgan Limited, DePuy Synthes Inc., DePuy Synthes Institute LLC, DePuy Synthes Leto SARL, DePuy Synthes Products Inc., DePuy Synthes Sales Inc., Debs-Vogue Corporation (Proprietary) Limited, Dutch Holding LLC, ECL7 LLC, EES Holdings de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EES S.A. de C.V., EIT Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH, Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Europe) GmbH, Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC, Ethicon Inc., Ethicon LLC, Ethicon PR Holdings Unlimited Company, Ethicon Sarl, Ethicon US LLC, Ethicon Women's Health & Urology Sarl, Ethnor (Proprietary) Limited, Ethnor Farmaceutica S.A., Ethnor del Istmo S.A., FMS Future Medical System SA, Finsbury (Development) Limited, Finsbury (Instruments) Limited, Finsbury Medical Limited, Finsbury Orthopaedics International Limited, Finsbury Orthopaedics Limited, GH Biotech Holdings Limited, GMED Healthcare BV, GMED Healthcare BV (Branch), Global Investment Participation B.V., Guangzhou Bioseal Biotech Co. Ltd., Hansen Medical Deutschland GmbH, Hansen Medical Inc., Hansen Medical International Inc., Hansen Medical UK Limited, Healthcare Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Hickory Merger Sub Inc., I.D. Acquisition Corp., Innomedic Gesellschaft fur innovative Medizintechnik und Informatik mbH, Innovative Surgical Solutions LLC, J & J Company West Africa Limited, J&J Pension Trustees Limited, J-C Health Care Ltd., J.C. General Services BV, JJ Surgical Vision Spain S.L., JJC Acquisition Company B.V., JJHC LLC, JJSV Belgium BV, JJSV Manufacturing Malaysia SDN. BHD., JJSV Norden AB, JJSV Produtos Oticos Ltda., JNJ Global Business Services s.r.o., JNJ Holding EMEA B.V., JNJ International Investment LLC, JOM Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy (Holding) Limited, Janssen BioPharma LLC, Janssen Biologics (Ireland) Limited, Janssen Biologics B.V., Janssen Biotech Inc., Janssen Cilag C.A., Janssen Cilag Farmaceutica S.A., Janssen Cilag S.p.A., Janssen Cilag SPA, Janssen Development Finance Unlimited Company, Janssen Diagnostics LLC, Janssen Egypt LLC, Janssen Farmaceutica Portugal Lda, Janssen Global Services LLC, Janssen Holding GmbH, Janssen Inc., Janssen Irish Finance Unlimited Company, Janssen Korea Ltd., Janssen Oncology Inc., Janssen Ortho LLC, Janssen Pharmaceutica (Proprietary) Limited, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen Pharmaceutica S.A., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Janssen Pharmaceutical Sciences Unlimited Company, Janssen Pharmaceutical Unlimited Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. Japan Branch, Janssen Products LP, Janssen R&D Ireland Unlimited Company, Janssen Research & Development LLC, Janssen Sciences Ireland Unlimited Company, Janssen Scientific Affairs LLC, Janssen Supply Group LLC, Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., Janssen Vaccines Branch of Cilag GmbH International, Janssen Vaccines Corp., Janssen-Cilag, Janssen-Cilag (New Zealand) Limited, Janssen-Cilag A/S, Janssen-Cilag AG, Janssen-Cilag AS, Janssen-Cilag Aktiebolag, Janssen-Cilag B.V., Janssen-Cilag Farmaceutica Lda., Janssen-Cilag Farmaceutica Ltda., Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen-Cilag Kft., Janssen-Cilag Kft. Branch Office, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen-Cilag Manufacturing LLC, Janssen-Cilag NV, Janssen-Cilag OY, Janssen-Cilag Pharma GmbH, Janssen-Cilag Pharmaceutical S.A.C.I., Janssen-Cilag Polska Sp. z o.o., Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd, Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd (Branch), Janssen-Cilag S.A., Janssen-Cilag S.A., Janssen-Cilag S.A. de C.V., Janssen-Cilag de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Janssen-Cilag s.r.o., Janssen-Pharma S.L., Jevco Holding Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Johnson & Johnson (Angola) Limitada, Johnson & Johnson (China) Investment Ltd., Johnson & Johnson (China) Investment Ltd. Beijing Branch, Johnson & Johnson (Egypt) S.A.E., Johnson & Johnson (Hong Kong) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Ireland) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Jamaica) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Kenya) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc., Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. (DHCC Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. (JAFZA Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. Service Center (DAFZA Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Mozambique) Limitada, Johnson & Johnson (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (New Zealand) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines) Inc., Johnson & Johnson (Private) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Thailand) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson (Trinidad) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Vietnam) Co. Ltd, Johnson & Johnson - Societa' Per Azioni, Johnson & Johnson AB, Johnson & Johnson AB Eesti filiaal (Branch), Johnson & Johnson AG, Johnson & Johnson AG (Zuchwil Branch), Johnson & Johnson Belgium Finance Company BV, Johnson & Johnson Bulgaria EOOD, Johnson & Johnson China Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Consumer (Hong Kong) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer (Thailand) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer B.V., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Care Switzerland Branch of Janssen-Cilag AG, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Holdings France, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Dominican Republic Branch), Johnson & Johnson Consumer NV, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Saudi Arabia Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Services EAME Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Del Paraguay S.A., Johnson & Johnson Dominicana S.A.S., Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Innovation Inc., Johnson & Johnson European Treasury Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson Finance Corporation, Johnson & Johnson Finance Limited, Johnson & Johnson Financial Services GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Financial Services GmbH (Branch Office), Johnson & Johnson Gateway LLC, Johnson & Johnson Gesellschaft m.b.H., Johnson & Johnson GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Guatemala S.A., Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc., Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions Inc., Johnson & Johnson Hellas Commercial and Industrial S.A., Johnson & Johnson Hellas Consumer Products Commercial Societe Anonyme, Johnson & Johnson Hemisferica S.A., Johnson & Johnson Holding GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Inc., Johnson & Johnson Industrial Ltda., Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC Inc., Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC, Johnson & Johnson Innovation Limited, Johnson & Johnson International, Johnson & Johnson International (Belgian Branch) (European Logistics Center), Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Branch), Johnson & Johnson International Financial Services Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson K.K., Johnson & Johnson Kft., Johnson & Johnson Korea Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Korea Selling & Distribution LLC, Johnson & Johnson LLC, Johnson & Johnson Lda, Johnson & Johnson Limited, Johnson & Johnson Limited (Sri Lanka Branch), Johnson & Johnson Luxembourg Finance Company Sarl, Johnson & Johnson Management Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Proprietary) Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd. Beijing Branch, Johnson & Johnson Medical (Suzhou) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical B.V., Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices & Diagnostics Group - Latin America L.L.C., Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Medical Korea Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson Medical NV, Johnson & Johnson Medical Products GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical S.A., Johnson & Johnson Medical S.C.S., Johnson & Johnson Medical S.p.A., Johnson & Johnson Medical SAS, Johnson & Johnson Medical Saudi Arabia Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical Taiwan Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Ankara Branch), Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Izmir Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East - Scientific Office, Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ - LLC (Lebanese Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC, Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Ghana Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Kenya Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC Branch (TSO) (Saudi Arabia Branch), Johnson & Johnson Morocco Societe Anonyme, Johnson & Johnson NCB (Belgian Branch), Johnson & Johnson Nordic AB, Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Limited, Johnson & Johnson Pakistan (Private) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Panama S.A., Johnson & Johnson Personal Care (Chile) S.A., Johnson & Johnson Poland Sp. z o.o., Johnson & Johnson Poland sp. z o.o. oddzial w Warszawie "Consumer", Johnson & Johnson Private Limited, Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd. Korea Branch, Johnson & Johnson Pty. Limited, Johnson & Johnson Romania S.R.L., Johnson & Johnson S.A., Johnson & Johnson S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson S.E. Inc., Johnson & Johnson S.E. d.o.o., Johnson & Johnson SDN. BHD., Johnson & Johnson Sante Beaute France, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision Inc., Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision India Private Limited, Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd., Johnson & Johnson UK Treasury Company Limited, Johnson & Johnson Ukraine LLC, Johnson & Johnson Urban Renewal Associates, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (Shanghai) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Ireland Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson d.o.o., Johnson & Johnson de Argentina S.A.C. e. I., Johnson & Johnson de Chile Limitada, Johnson & Johnson de Chile S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Colombia S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson de Uruguay S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Venezuela S.A., Johnson & Johnson del Ecuador S.A., Johnson & Johnson del Peru S.A., Johnson & Johnson do Brasil Industria E Comercio de Produtos Para Saude Ltda., Johnson & Johnson for Export and Import LLC, Johnson & Johnson s.r.o., Johnson Y Johnson de Costa Rica S.A., Johnson and Johnson (Proprietary) Limited, Johnson and Johnson Sihhi Malzeme Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, LTL Management LLC, La Concha Land Investment Corporation, Latam International Investment Company Unlimited Company, Legal Entity Name, MDS Co. Ltd., McNEIL MMP LLC, McNeil AB, McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., McNeil Denmark ApS, McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Limited, McNeil Healthcare (UK) Limited, McNeil Healthcare LLC, McNeil Iberica S.L.U., McNeil LA LLC, McNeil Nutritionals LLC, McNeil Panama LLC, McNeil Products Limited, McNeil Sweden AB, Medical Device Business Services Inc., Medical Devices & Diagnostics Global Services LLC, Medical Devices International LLC, Medos International Sarl, Medos International Sarl succursale de Neuchatel (Branch), Medos Sarl, MegaDyne Medical Products Inc., Menlo Care De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Mentor B.V., Mentor Deutschland GmbH, Mentor Medical Systems B.V., Mentor Partnership Holding Company I LLC, Mentor Texas GP LLC, Mentor Texas L.P., Mentor Worldwide LLC, Micrus Endovascular LLC, Middlesex Assurance Company Limited, Momenta Ireland Limited, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc., NeoStrata Company Inc., NeoStrata UG (haftungsbeschrankt), Netherlands Holding Company, NeuWave Medical Inc., Neuravi Limited, Novira Therapeutics, Novira Therapeutics LLC, NuVera Medical Inc., OBTECH Medical Sarl, OGX Beauty Limited, OMJ Holding GmbH, OMJ Ireland Unlimited Company, OMJ Pharmaceuticals Inc., Obtech Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Inc., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals NV, Ortho Biologics LLC, Ortho Biotech Holding LLC, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical LLC, Orthospin Ltd., Orthotaxy, PT Integrated Healthcare Indonesia, PT. Johnson & Johnson Indonesia, Patriot Pharmaceuticals LLC, Peninsula Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pharmadirect Ltd., Pharmedica Laboratories (Proprietary) Limited, Princeton Laboratories Inc., Productos de Cuidado Personal y de La Salud de Bolivia S.R.L., Proleader S.A., Pulsar Vascular Inc., Regency Urban Renewal Associates, RespiVert Ltd., RoC International, Royalty A&M LLC, Rutan Realty LLC, SYNTHES Medical Immobilien GmbH, Scios LLC, Sedona Singapore International Pte. Ltd., Sedona Thai International Co. Ltd., Serhum S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Elsker For Mother & Baby Co. Ltd, Shanghai Elsker Mother & Baby Co. Ltd Minghang Branch, Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sightbox LLC, Sodiac ESV, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Company, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Partnership, SterilMed, SterilMed Inc., Surgical Process Institute Deutschland GmbH, Synthes Costa Rica S.C.R. Limitada, Synthes GmbH, Synthes Holding AG, Synthes Holding Limited, Synthes Inc., Synthes Medical Surgical Equipment & Instruments Trading LLC, Synthes Produktions GmbH, Synthes Proprietary Limited, Synthes S.M.P. S. de R.L. de C.V., Synthes Tuttlingen GmbH, Synthes USA LLC, Synthes USA Products LLC, TARIS Biomedical, TARIS Biomedical LLC, TearScience Inc., The Anspach Effort LLC, The Vision Care Institute LLC, Tibotec LLC, Torax Medical Inc., UAB "Johnson & Johnson", UAB Johnson & Johnson Eesti Filiaal (Estonian Branch), Vania Expansion, Verb Surgical, Verb Surgical Inc., Vision Care Finance Unlimited Company, Vogue International, Vogue International LLC, Vogue International Trading Inc., WH4110 Development Company L.L.C., XO1, XO1 Limited, Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Beijing Branch Office, Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Shanghai Branch Office, Zarbee's Inc., and Zarbee's Naturals.
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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..
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The following companies are subsidiares of Roper Technologies: AC Analytical Controls B.V., AC Analytical Controls Holding B.V., AC Analytical Controls Services B.V., Abel Pump, Acton Research, Acumen PM LLC, Aderant Canada Company, Aderant Company, Aderant Holdings Inc., Aderant International Holdings LLC, Aderant Legal (UK) Limited, Aderant Legal Holdings (AUS) Pty Ltd, Aderant Legal Holdings (NZ) ULC, Aderant Legal Holdings Inc., Aderant North America Inc., Aderant Parent Holdings Inc., Advanced Sensors Limited, Advanced Sensors Ltd., AiCambridge Ltd., Alpha Holdings of Delaware I LLC, Alpha Holdings of Delaware II LLC, Alpha Technologies B.V., Alpha Technologies GmbH, Alpha Technologies Japan LLC, Alpha Technologies Services LLC, Alpha Technologies U.K., Alpha Technologies s.r.o., Alpha Trust Corporation, Alpha UK Holdings LLC, American LegalNet Inc, Amot Controls Corporation, Amot Controls GmbH, Amot/Metrix Investment Company Inc., Amphire Solutions Inc., Amtech Systems (Hong Kong) Limited, Amtech Systems LLC, Amtech World Corporation, Antek Instruments, Archisnapper BV, Ascension Technology Corporation, Assureweb Limited, Atlantic Health Partners Inc., Atlas Database Software Corp., Avitru, Bellefield Systems, BillBlast, C/S Solutions Inc., CBORD Holdings Corp., CBORD Holdings Corporation, CIVCO Holdings Inc., CIVCO Medical Solutions B.V., Centurion Research Solutions LLC, Chalwyn Limited, Civco Holding Inc., Civco Medical Instruments Co. Inc., Clackamas Pump LLC, CliniSys Group, CliniSys Group Limited, Clinisys Scotland Limited, Clinisys Solutions Limited, Cointec Ingenieros y Consultores S.L., Commerce Pump LLC, Compressor Controls (Beijing) Corporation Ltd., Compressor Controls Corporation B.V., Compressor Controls Corporation Middle East, Compressor Controls Corporation S.r.l., Compressor Controls LLC, Compressor Controls Mauritius Ltd., Compressor Controls Pty Ltd., Compressor Controls Saudi Arabia LLC, ComputerEase Software, ConceptShare, ConstructConnect, ConstructConnect Canada Inc., ConstructConnect Inc., Cornell Pump Company, DAT Solutions LLC, DATSolutions Private Limited, DCMH Group Holdings Inc., DCMH Group Holdings LLC, DCMH Holdings Inc., DI Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., DI Dutch Holdings LLC, DI Hong Kong Limited, Data Innovations, Data Innovations Canada Ltd., Data Innovations Cooperatief U.A., Data Innovations Europe S.A., Data Innovations LLC, Data Innovations Latin America Ltda, Dawning Technologies LLC, Deltek, Deltek Ajera Inc., Deltek Asia Pacific (HK) Limited, Deltek Australia Pty Ltd., Deltek Danmark A/S, Deltek France SAS, Deltek GB Limited, Deltek GmbH, Deltek Inc., Deltek Nederland B.V., Deltek Netherlands B.V., Deltek Norge AS, Deltek Sverige AB, Deltek Systems (Canada) Inc., Deltek Systems (Colorado) Inc., Deltek Systems (Philippines) Ltd., Deltek TNSCore Holdings LLC, Deltek WST LLC, Dominion I Inc., Duncan Technologies, Dynamco Inc., Dynamic Instruments Inc., Dynisco Enterprises GmbH, Dynisco Enterprises LLC, Dynisco Europe GmbH, Dynisco Holding GmbH, Dynisco Instruments LLC, Dynisco Instruments S.a.r.l., Dynisco LLC, Dynisco Parent Inc., Dynisco S.r.l., Dynisco Viatran LLC, Dynisco Viatran (M) Sdn Bhd, Dynisco-Viatran Instrument Sdn Bhd, EPSI, FMS Purchasing & Services Inc., FSI Holdings Inc., FTI Flow Technology Inc., Flow Technology, Fluid Metering, Fluid Metering Inc., Foodlink Holdings Inc., Foodlink Holdings Inc., Foodlink IT India Private Limited, Foundry, Foundry Visionmongers (Ireland) Limited, Freight Market Intelligence Consortium, Gatan, GeneInsight Inc., Getloaded Corporation, HRsmart Canada Inc., HRsmart France SAS, HRsmart Germany GmbH, HRsmart Inc., HRsmart International, HRsmart International Holdings LLC, HRsmart Mexico, HRsmart SA (Pty) Ltd., HRsmart Talent Management Solutions Europe Limited, HRsmart Ventures LLC, Handshake Software Inc., Handshake Software Inc., Hansco Automatisering B.V., Hansen Technologies, Hansen Technologies Corporation, Harbour Holding Corp., Hardy Process Solutions, Horizon Lab Systems LLC, Horizon Software International LLC, IDS, INPUT Inc., IPA Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., ISL Finance SAS, ISL Holding SAS, ISL Scientifique de Laboratorie - ISL S.A.S., Impact Financial Systems, Industrial Products Investment Company, Innovative Product Achievements LLC, Innovative Product Achievements LLC, Inovonics Corporation, Instill Corporation, IntelliTrans Limited, Intellitrans LLC, Intellitrans Sweden AB, JLT Mobile Computers Inc., Job Access LTDA, Laser App Inc., Link Logistics Holding LLC, Loadlink Technologies Corporation, Logitech, Logitech Limited, Lumenera Corporation, MASD, MED Professional Services LLC, MEDTEC Inc., MEDTEC LLC, MHA Long Term Care Network Inc., MHA Long Term Care Services Inc., MIPS Austria GesmbH, MIPS Deutschland GmbH, MIPS France Sarl, MIPS Nederland B.V., MIPS Schweiz AG, MIPS Software Iberica SL, MPR Readers Inc., Managed Health Care Associates Inc., Media Cybernetics L.P., Medical Information Professional Systems NV, Medina Acquisition LLC, Metrix Instrument Co. L.P., NDI Europe GmbH, NDI Holding Corp., Navigator Group Purchasing Inc., Neptune Technology Group (Canada) Co., Neptune Technology Group Holdings Inc., Neptune Technology Group Inc., Neptune Technology Group Mexico S.de R.L. de C.V., Neptune Technology Group Services Inc., Nippon Roper K.K., Northern Digital Inc., Omega Legal Systems Inc., On Center Software LLC, Onvia Inc., PAC (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., PAC Denmark ApS, PAC GmbH, PAC Instruments (Thailand) Company Limited, PAC Instruments Asia PTE. Ltd., PB Bidco Limited, PB Holdco Limited, PB Midco Limited, PB Topco Limited, PGP UK Limited, PMC/Beta, Petroleum Analyzer, Petroleum Analyzer Company L.P., Petrotech, Phase Analyzer Company Ltd., Photometrics, PowerPlan, PowerPlan Canada ULC, PowerPlan Holdings Inc., PowerPlan Inc., PowerPlan Intermediate Holdings Inc., PowerPlan Operations ANZ Pty Ltd, PowerPlan Operations Ltd., Princeton Instruments, Project Aloha Merger Sub Inc., Project Diamond Intermediate Holdings Corporation, Project Torque Intermediate Holdings Inc., Project Viking Holdings Inc., Project Viking Intermediate LLC, QSC 1208 Limited, QSC 1209 Limited, Quantitative Imaging Corporation, RF IDeas, RF IDeas Inc., RI Marketing India Private Limited, RIL Holding Limited, RMT Inc., RT Merger Sub Inc., Rebate Tracking Group LLC, Redlake Imaging Corporation, Resonant Software Inc., Roda Deaco Valve Inc., Roper Acquisitions Holdings Inc., Roper Brasil Comercio E Promocao De Productos E Servicos LTDA, Roper Canada Holdings LP, Roper Canada UK Limited, Roper Denmark UK Limited, Roper EUR Pte. Ltd., Roper Engineering s.r.o., Roper Europe GmbH, Roper GM Denmark Holdings ApS, Roper Germany GmbH, Roper Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Roper Holdings Limited, Roper IH LLC, Roper Industrial Products Investment Company, Roper Industries Denmark ApS, Roper Industries Deutschland GmbH, Roper Industries Inc., Roper Industries Limited, Roper Industries Manufacturing (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Roper Industries Mauritius Ltd., Roper Industries UK Limited, Roper International Holding Inc., Roper International Holding Limited, Roper International Holding SCS, Roper LLC, Roper Luxembourg Finance S.a.r.l., Roper Luxembourg Holdings S.a.r.l., Roper Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Roper Middle East Ltd. FZCO, Roper NL1 UK Limited, Roper NL2 UK Limited, Roper Operations Company I LLC, Roper Operations Company II LLC, Roper Pte. Ltd., Roper Pump Company, Roper Scientific B.V., Roper Scientific SAS, Roper Scot LP, Roper Singapore Holding LLC, Roper Southeast Asia LLC, Roper Swiss Finance GmbH, Roper T1 LLC, Roper T1000 Corp., Roper T2 LLC, Roper Tech. Middle East Ltd. FZCO, Roper Technologies (Ireland) Limited, Roper Technologies (Scot) LP, Roper UK Investments Limited, Roper UK Ltd., Roper-Mex L.P., Ropintassco Holdings L.P., SHP Group Holdings Inc., SIRA LLC, Shanghai Roper Industries Trading Co. Ltd., Sinmed Holding International B.V., Societe de Distribution de Logiciels Medicaux, SoftWriters Inc., Softwriters Holdings, Softwriters Holdings Inc., Sohnar Pty Ltd, Star Purchasing Services LLC, Strata Acquisition Subsidiary Inc., Strata Decision Technologies LLC, Strata Decision Technology LLC, Strata Parallel II Inc., Strategic Healthcare Programs Blocker 2 Inc., Strategic Healthcare Programs Blocker LLC, Strategic Healthcare Programs Holdings LLC, Strategic Healthcare Programs Holdings LLC, Strategic Healthcare Programs L.L.C., Struers, Struers (Shanghai) International Trading Ltd., Struers A/S, Struers GmbH, Struers Inc., Struers K.K., Struers Limited, Struers SAS, Sunquest Europe Limited, Sunquest Holdings Inc., Sunquest Information Systems (Europe) Limited, Sunquest Information Systems (India) Private Limited, Sunquest Information Systems (International) Limited, Sunquest Information Systems Inc., Sunquest Information Systems Pty Ltd, TLP Holdings LLC, Team TSI Corporation, Technolog Group Limited, Technolog Holdings Limited, Technolog Holdings Ltd., Technolog Limited, Technolog SARL, The CBORD Group Inc., The Foundry Topco No.2 Limited, The Foundry USCo Inc., The Foundry Visionmongers Ltd., The Tidewater Healthcare Shared Services Group Inc., The Washington Management Group Inc., Torque Acquisition Holdco Inc., Transcore Atlantic Inc., Transcore CNUS Inc., Transcore Holdings Inc., Transcore ITS LLC, Transcore LP, Transcore Nova Scotia Corporation, Transcore Partners LLC, Trinity Integrated Systems Limited, Trinity Integrated Systems Ltd., UHF Purchasing Services LLC, Union Square Software (International) Limited, Union Square Software Inc., Union Square Software Limited, Union Square Software Pty, United Controls Group Inc., Uson L.P., Uson Limited, Utilitec Limited, Utilitec Services Limited, Utility Data Services Limited, Verathon Canada Holdings Inc., Verathon Holdings (Delaware) Inc., Verathon Inc., Verathon Inc., Verathon Medical (Australia) Pty Limited, Verathon Medical (Canada) ULC, Verathon Medical (Europe) B.V., Verathon Medical (France) SARL, Verathon Medical (Hong Kong) Limited, Verathon Medical (Japan) K.K., Verathon Medical (UK) Ltd., Vertafore, Vertafore Canada Inc., Vertafore Inc., Vertafore India Private Limited, Viastar Services LP, Viatran Corporation, WELIS, Walter Herzog GmbH, WorkBook APAC Ltd., Workbook Software A/S, Zetec (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zetec Canada Ltd., Zetec France, Zetec Inc., Zetec Korea Inc., Zetec Services Inc., iPipeline, iPipeline (TCP) Limited, iPipeline Canada Inc, iPipeline Co. Ltd., iPipeline Holdings Inc, iPipeline Inc, iPipeline Limited, iSqFt Holdings Inc., iSqFt Parent Corporation, iSqFt Sub Inc., iTradeNetwork Inc., and mySBX Corporation.
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First Republic Bank was founded by Jim Herbert with the intention of providing exceptional levels of customer service. It was his belief that customer service would set the bank apart and create a profitable investment for its shareholders. After 35 years, his vision has proven true with a 25% CAGR that continues to this day. The initial enterprise value has grown from only $8.8 million in that time, to over $19 billion making it the 14th largest bank in the US. First Republic Bank was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
First Republic Bank with its subsidiaries operates in two segments and provides personal banking, business banking, and wealth management services to individuals, families, organizations, and small businesses in the United States. The companys services are available in-person at one of the more than 80 offices or via ATM, online, mobile, and debit cards.
The company offers deposit products including checking and saving accounts, money market, and CDs as well as a range of lending products. The full range of lending products includes but is not limited to residential mortgages, home equity lines of credit, commercial real estate and construction loans, and personal and business loans.
The companys wealth management services include advisory services, online investment management, trusts, estate planning, and alternative investments as well as insurance and foreign exchange. The online brokerage service is available to all clients and can be accessed at any time via a web browser or mobile device.
First Republic Bank operates a network of more than 80 deposit-taking branches and 12 wealth management offices. The network is located primarily in California with additional branches in major metropolitan areas and two destination locations that include Portland, Boston, Palm Beach, Greenwich, New York, and Jackson, Wyoming.
First Republic Bank has proven its worth over the year by maintaining a consistently strong capital level, asset quality, and liquidity position. Its prudent management has allowed it to weather market ups and downs while commanding investment grade ratings for its bonds and preferred stock.
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Trade With Artificial Intelligence For Happiness (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Trade With Artificial Intelligence For Happiness (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Trade With Artificial Intelligence For Happiness (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Trade With Artificial Intelligence For Happiness (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
S&P 500 3,991.73 DOW 33,592.92 QQQ 289.39 Retiring Soon? 8 Facts About Retirement You Need to Know These 5 Microcap Stocks (Ad) Three Penny Stocks Making Big Moves In November Agilent Remains In Buy Range Ahead Of Next Week's Q4 Report Trade With Artificial Intelligence For Happiness (Ad) Dont Chase Walmart Higher, Wait For Extra Low Prices Russian airstrikes reported in cities across Ukraine Trade With Artificial Intelligence For Happiness (Ad) Stocks gain ground after wholesale inflation eases in US The Latest | UN Climate Summit
The following companies are subsidiares of Transocean: 15375 Memorial Corporation, Agon Shipping Inc., Aguas Profundas Limitada, AngoSantaFe - Prestacao de Servicos Petroliferos Limitada, Angola Deepwater Drilling Company (Offshore Services) Ltd, Arcade Drilling AS, Asie Sonat Offshore Sdn. Bhd., Barents Rigco Limited, Blegra Asset Management Limited, Blegra Financing Limited, Caledonia Offshore Drilling Services Limited, Challenger Minerals Inc., Covent Garden - Servicos e Marketing Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Deepwater Drilling (Transocean Ghana) Limited, Deepwater Drilling North Africa LLC - Free Zone, Deepwater Pacific 1 Inc., Deepwater Supply Inc., Drillship Alonissos Owners Inc., Drillship Hydra Owners Inc., Drillship Kithira Owners Inc., Drillship Kythnos Owners Inc., Drillship Paros Owners Inc., Drillship Skiathos Owners Inc., Drillship Skopelos Owners Inc., Drillship Skyros Owners Inc., Eastern Med Consultants Inc., Entities Holdings Inc., GSF Leasing Services GmbH, Global Marine Inc., Global Offshore Drilling Limited, GlobalSantaFe (Labuan) Inc., GlobalSantaFe B.V., GlobalSantaFe C.R. Luigs Limited, GlobalSantaFe Denmark Holdings ApS, GlobalSantaFe Drilling (N.A.) N.V., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Company (Overseas) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Operations Inc., GlobalSantaFe Drilling Services (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Trinidad LLC, GlobalSantaFe Drilling Venezuela C.A., GlobalSantaFe Financial Services (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., GlobalSantaFe Group Financing Limited Liability Company, GlobalSantaFe Holding Company (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe Hungary Services Limited Liability Company, GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Corporation, GlobalSantaFe International Drilling Inc., GlobalSantaFe International Services Inc., GlobalSantaFe Nederland B.V., GlobalSantaFe Offshore Services Inc., GlobalSantaFe Operations (Mexico) LLC, GlobalSantaFe Saudi Arabia Ltd., GlobalSantaFe Services (BVI) Inc., GlobalSantaFe Services Netherlands B.V., GlobalSantaFe Servicios de Venezuela C.A., GlobalSantaFe South America LLC, GlobalSantaFe Tampico S. de R.L. de C.V., GlobalSantaFe Techserv (North Sea) Limited, GlobalSantaFe U.S. Holdings Inc., Indigo Drilling Limited, Inteliwell JV GP Limited, Inteliwell JV LP, Kalambo Operations Inc., OCR Falklands Drilling Inc., OR Norge Operations Inc., Ocean Rig, Ocean Rig 1 Inc, Ocean Rig 2 Inc., Ocean Rig Canada Inc., Ocean Rig Cuanza Operations Inc., Ocean Rig Cubango Operations Inc., Ocean Rig Deepwater Drilling Limited, Ocean Rig Investments Inc., Ocean Rig Management Inc., Ocean Rig Operations Inc., Ocean Rig UDW Inc., Ocean Rig UDW LLC, Offshore Ghana Transocean Limited, Offshore Rig Operations AS, Olympia Rig Angola Holding S.A., Olympia Rig Angola Limitada, Orion Holdings (Cayman) Limited, Orion RigCo (Cayman) Limited, P.T. Santa Fe Supraco Indonesia, PT. Transocean Indonesia, Platform Capital N.V., Platform Financial N.V., Primelead Limited, R&B Falcon (A) Pty Ltd, R&B Falcon (Caledonia) Limited, R&B Falcon (M) Sdn. Bhd., R&B Falcon (U.K.) Limited, R&B Falcon B.V., R&B Falcon Deepwater (UK) Limited, R&B Falcon Drilling Co. LLC, R&B Falcon Exploration Co. LLC, R&B Falcon International Energy Services B.V., RBF Rig Corporation LLC, Ranger Insurance Limited, Reading & Bates Coal Co. LLC, SDS Offshore Limited, Safemal Drilling Sdn. Bhd., Santa Fe Braun Inc., Santa Fe Construction Company, Santa Fe Drilling Company of Venezuela C.A., Saudi Drilling Company Limited, Sedco Forex International Inc., Services Petroliers Transocean, Servicios Petroleros Santa Fe S.A., Ship Investment Ocean Holdings Inc., Songa Offshore Delta Limited, Songa Offshore Drilling Limited, Songa Offshore Enabler Limited, Songa Offshore Encourage Limited, Songa Offshore Endurance Limited, Songa Offshore Equinox Limited, Songa Offshore Equipment Rental Limited, Songa Offshore Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Songa Offshore Management Limited, Songa Offshore Pte. Ltd., Songa Offshore Rig 2 AS, Songa Offshore Rig 3 AS, Songa Offshore SE, Songa Offshore SE, Songa Offshore Saturn Limited, Songa Offshore T & P Cyprus Limited, Songa Saturn Chartering Pte. Ltd., Spitsbergen Rigco Limited, Sub-Saharan Drilling Inc., T. I. International Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., TILAM Holdings Limited, TRM Holdings Limited, TSSA - Servicos de Apoio Lda., Transocean Africa Drilling Limited, Transocean Asia Services Sdn Bhd, Transocean Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Asset Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Asset Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Atlas Limited, Transocean Barents ASA, Transocean Brasil Ltda., Transocean Britannia Limited, Transocean Canada Drilling Services Ltd., Transocean Conqueror Limited, Transocean Conqueror Opco LLC, Transocean Corporate Services Limited, Transocean Cyprus Capital Management Public Limited, Transocean Cyprus Drilling Operations Public Limited, Transocean Deepwater Drilling Services Limited, Transocean Deepwater Holdings Limited, Transocean Deepwater Inc., Transocean Deepwater Mauritius, Transocean Deepwater Nautilus Limited, Transocean Deepwater Seafarer Services Limited, Transocean Discoverer 534 LLC, Transocean Drilling Enterprises S.a.r.l., Transocean Drilling Israel Ltd., Transocean Drilling Limited, Transocean Drilling Namibia Inc., Transocean Drilling Offshore S.a.r.l., Transocean Drilling Sdn. Bhd., Transocean Drilling Services (India) Private Limited, Transocean Drilling U.K. Limited, Transocean Eastern Pte. Ltd., Transocean Employee Support Fund, Transocean Enabler Limited, Transocean Enabler Rigco Limited, Transocean Encourage Limited, Transocean Encourage Rigco Limited, Transocean Endurance Limited, Transocean Endurance Rigco Limited, Transocean Entities Holdings GmbH, Transocean Equinox Limited, Transocean Equinox Rigco Limited, Transocean Finance Limited, Transocean Financing (Cayman) Limited, Transocean Financing GmbH, Transocean Guardian Limited, Transocean Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Holdings LLC, Transocean Hungary Holdings LLC, Transocean Hungary Investments LLC, Transocean Hungary Ventures LLC, Transocean Inc., Transocean Innovation Labs Ltd., Transocean International Holdings Limited, Transocean International Resources Limited, Transocean Investimentos Ltda., Transocean Investments Holdings LLC, Transocean Investments S.a.r.l., Transocean Ltd., Transocean Management Services GmbH, Transocean Minerals Holdings Limited, Transocean Nautilus Limited, Transocean North Sea Limited, Transocean Norway Operations AS, Transocean Offshore (North Sea) Ltd., Transocean Offshore Canada Services Ltd., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Drilling Inc., Transocean Offshore Deepwater Holdings Limited, Transocean Offshore Drilling Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea II Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VI Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea VII Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XII Limited, Transocean Offshore Gulf of Guinea XIII Limited, Transocean Offshore Holdings Limited, Transocean Offshore International Limited, Transocean Offshore International Ventures Limited, Transocean Offshore Limited, Transocean Offshore PR Limited, Transocean Offshore USA Inc., Transocean Onshore Support Services Limited, Transocean Orion Limited, Transocean Phoenix 2 Limited, Transocean Phoenix 2 Opco LLC, Transocean Pontus Limited, Transocean Pontus Opco Inc., Transocean Poseidon Limited, Transocean Poseidon Opco Inc., Transocean Proteus Limited, Transocean Proteus Opco LLC, Transocean Quantum Holdings Limited, Transocean Quantum Management Limited, Transocean Quantum Rig Holdings Limited, Transocean Quantum Sentry Holdings Limited, Transocean Rig 140 Limited, Transocean Rig Management Limited, Transocean SPSF Holdings Limited, Transocean Sedco Forex Ventures Limited, Transocean Sentry Limited, Transocean Services (India) Private Limited, Transocean Services AS, Transocean Services UK Limited, Transocean Skyros Limited, Transocean Spitsbergen ASA, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 1 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 2 Limited, Transocean Sub Asset Holdings 3 Limited, Transocean Support Services Limited, Transocean Support Services Nigeria Limited, Transocean Support Services Private Limited, Transocean Technical Services Egypt LLC, Transocean U.S. Holdings LLC, Transocean UK Limited, Transocean Voyager 1 Limited, Transocean Voyager 2 Limited, Transocean West Africa Holdings Limited, Transocean Worldwide Inc., Triton Asset Leasing GmbH, Triton Capital I GmbH, Triton Capital II GmbH, Triton Capital Mexico GmbH, Triton Conqueror GmbH, Triton Corcovado LLC, Triton Financing LLC, Triton Gemini GmbH, Triton Holdings Limited, Triton Hungary Asset Management LLC, Triton Hungary Investments 1 Limited Liability Company, Triton Industries Inc., Triton KG2 GmbH, Triton Management Services LLC, Triton Mykonos LLC, Triton Nautilus Asset Leasing GmbH, Triton Nautilus Asset Management LLC, Triton Offshore Leasing Services Limited, Triton Pacific Limited, Triton Poseidon GmbH, Triton Voyager Asset Leasing GmbH, and Wilrig Offshore (UK) Limited.
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ISA TanTec acquires major stake in Italian tanner
Italy
International tanning Group ISA TanTec has acquired a major stake in Scamosceria del Brenta Srl (Scabrenta), an Italian tannery with over 75 years of tradition in tanning and even longer in leather trading.
Under the terms of agreement, Scabrentas senior leaders Angelo and Filippo Gerolimetto have invested into ISA TanTec, while other shareholders sold a majority stake of Scabrenta to ISA TanTec.
ISA TanTec says Scabrenta, using its proprietary technology and deep knowledge of Italian leather making, will be an important R&D hub for various kinds of leather solutions within the Group. Through this agreement, ISA aims at delivering Italian-developed leather to the Asian market, hence, broadening the range and quality of solutions for its customers
We are convinced that the investment into Scabrenta is another milestone in continuing to develop ISA TanTec into a global player in the tanning industry, now also covering Italy, the hub of fashion and leather making. said Uwe Hutzler, CEO, ISA TanTec.
Founded in 1941 and based near Vicenza, Italy, Scabrenta has focussed its operations on the production of cow hides, from raw material to finished leather; ranging from full grain, corrected grain, nubuck, aniline and embossed. The Veneto region tannery has developed specialised leather solutions for leading international consumer brands over the years in footwear and leather goods in particular.
ISA TanTec, the eco-friendly leather manufacturer, known for its LITE (Low Impact To the Environment) trademark, is owned by its founder, Management and Navis Capital Partners, one of the largest Private Equity Firms in Asia.
Open Source Summit Europe 2017 & Dedoimedo
Updated: November 6, 2017
If you've noticed a brief absence of wisdom and rant on Dedoimedo in the previous week or so, that was because I was busy attending and presenting at the Open Source Summit in Prague, Czech Republic. For those wondering, yes, this is the new unified event combining the likes of LinuxCon and CloudOpen and similar venues under a single umbrella.
So let me give you a somewhat longer overview of how it went and what it was like, and finally, tell you a bit more about my own presentation. Images, philosophy, chocolates, the whole nine yards, and whatnot. After me.
Jozin z Bazin
The conference took place in the Hilton Hotel in the Czech capital. It's a nice, modern venue, well suited to accommodate the 2,000 odd folks who had come to sample the technical sessions, free T-shirts and an odd raffle or three. It was quite busy, with the main event co-hosted back to back with the ELC, KVM Forum, MesosCon, and the Diversity Summit, making for a somewhat hectic time, and also forcing people to have to choose what to attend, as physical constraints of our universe still prevent people from being in two places at the same time.
The conference was well-organized. Looking at the last four years of my participation, I'd say this ranks second after LinuxCon 2014 in Dusseldorf, which had the best overall organization, ambiance, food, as well as quality of talks and keynotes. However, to be frank, it's somewhat difficult to compare to the Berlin event last year, where I was able to spend only a few short hours to deliver my own session before having to fly back. This time, I was there for four full days, plus change.
The vendor booths were the usual combination of marketing, promotion, HR CV hunting, and some good ole networking. The names above logos and on posters were also rather interesting, with fresh new players you would not expect to see, like Microsoft and Amazon, and then some familiar faces like Red Hat, IBM and Intel.
Most of the focus was on containers and containers orchestration, less so on pure Linux or, as you might expect, large-scale systems and frameworks. Understandable, but then, the whole new micro-services thingie was so overplayed, it felt a little flat. I guess there's some technological saturation in the commercial Linux world, and it's hard to come up with stunning innovation year after year. Linus wasn't around that much, and his absence was present, if you get the drift. Still, it wasn't all bad. Far from it.
Another novelty was that people were more "open" talking about non-technical stuff. There's always an element of normal day-to-day interaction, but given the code of conduct and focus on adhering to a somewhat ambiguous strictness of behavior, it came as a pleasant surprise to see people feeling comfortable to discuss politics and the impact thereof on the technology world. Might be the change of the mission statement from a purely tech-focused venue to a more business-colored conference.
The keynotes also reflected this change. That said, despite the new angle, I just wasn't as engaged as in the years before - we're talking Dusseldorf or the 2015 CloudOpen in Dublin, Ireland. Maybe I'm older and more jaded, or maybe we're coasting on a plateau, and this technological saturation is doing its thing. Which is fine, because it gives you more time to network, and also check out the city.
Out in the wild
Prague is a very nice place. The Austro-Hungarian architecture, mild, calm, pleasant people, good food, reasonable prices. And of course, when you sing popular songs in the local language, you get mega bonus dope points from everyone. I had my mandatory stage appearance alongside the local band at the conference end party, singing, you guessed it, Jozin z Bazin, a delightful Czech national song with a subliminal cultural and political message from days of yore, and which I also happen to use as a ringtone on one of my phones. It was absolutely splendid. There was much rejoicing.
I performed at that stage. Honest.
Join the dark side
My session was community focused this year. Less techno, more Linux spirit. The presentation was titled The Empire Strikes Back - We Just Need an Emperor, and it was about how we can make the Linux desktop tick over the 1% barrier and become a world-class operating system, in a similar fashion to server flavors.
It was the last slot of the conference, and there were about 60 people in the room, with good space and aircon, so we didn't have to exercise any Hunger Games scenarios. What I really liked was seeing a lot of familiar, friendly faces from people who had attended my sessions in the previous years. It's always a good feeling knowing you've done something right, when people come back to hear more of your stuff. Of course, I used the proven emotional blackmail techniques like in the years before, free chocolate and lame jokes. More rejoicing ensued. 'Twas good.
East side, West side.
Conclusion
I am happy with the OSS Europe 2017. It was a solid success. Smart planning, great organization, great atmosphere, friendly attitude, and a colorful mix of mingling, food and technology. My own session was received well, I met old friends, made some new ones, and that's what it's all about.
While it's unlikely that my call to action will result in any major revolution on the desktop side, and we still haven't figured out who the emperor - or empress - ought to be, having fun is all that matters. I intend to continue participating, well, provided my future talks get accepted, and I am definitely looking forward to the 2018 event. Anyway, thank you for the fish and see you next year.
Cheers.
Indias Reliance Communications has pulled out of a tabled merger deal with Aircel, citing inordinate delays caused by legal and regulatory uncertainties.
In a statement, the operator also attributed the collapse of the deal to various interventions by vested interests, policy directives impacting bank financing for telecoms and changed industry dynamics. It added that it would now evaluate an alternative plan for its mobile business.
RCom stated that its new strategy would shift away from 2G and 3G mobile operations, as unlimited free voice offers and irrational pricing by all industry participants have destroyed profitability for these businesses. Mobile 4G will therefore become a major focus for RCom, and it will look to optimise its spectrum portfolio.
To this end, the operator is going ahead with its scheduled acquisition of SSTL this month, which will not only expand its spectrum holding but also extend the licensing period for its spectrum across eight key regions. Based on the reserve prices from Indias most recent auctions, RComs spectrum is valued at INR190 billion ($2.9 billion).
RCom and Aircel had been discussing a possible merger since December 2015. The proposed agreement, which would have seen RCom spin off its wireless unit and merge it with Aircel and its subsidiary Dishnet Wireless, received approval from the Competition Commission of India in March.
The Bombay Stock Exchange, National Stock Exchange of India, and Securities & Exchange Board of India had all confirmed their approval of the merger. While certain other industry bodies needed to give the green light, RCom had claimed as recently as August that the deal was on course to go ahead.
The merged entity would have had a market share of 15%, with around 170 million subscribers. RCom claimed that the deal would have allowed it to reduce its debt by INR110 billion. The operator is going ahead with a separate deal to sell its tower unit to Canadian firm Canadas Brookfield Infrastructure Group, lowering its debt by INR140 billion; had both deals progressed, RCom would have seen its debt cut by 60%.
RCom enjoys some other advantages in the Indian market, such as its access via spectrum-sharing and roaming agreements to Indias most extensive nationwide 4G mobile network Reliance Jios. In addition, RCom has a valuable B2B business and real estate holdings.
The collapse of the merger runs counter to Indias general trend towards consolidation, which will see numbers two and three Vodafone India and Idea Cellular merge to create a new market leader, while current number one Bharti Airtel is on course to buy Telenors Indian unit.
Asset management company Brookfield Infrastructure has scrapped its $200 million deal with Reliance Communications (RCom) following the collapse of the Indian operators merger with Aircel last month.
A statement from Brookfield read: the [Aircel] merger will not proceed and therefore our transaction as previously announced will not proceed either. However, we continue to monitor the evolving situation to determine if revised terms can be agreed upon."
The Canadian firm added that it would be patient with regard to agreeing new terms for the deal, and noted that it was pursuing several other potential opportunities in this sector by evaluating a number of tower portfolios in hopes of developing a scalable presence in India.
While Rcom's executive director Punit Garg confirmed that discussions over the deal were still ongoing, he added that other bidders would be able to put in offers for the towers concurrently. RCom had forecast that the Aircel merger and resulting Brookfield agreement would allow it to reduce its US$69.7M debt by 60%. With the collapse of the deal, Garg confirmed that RCom is looking to offer 4G services as an MVNO after shuttering its 2G and 3G voice business.
The operator is looking to monetise its spectrum assets in the 800MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands via spectrum sharing and trading agreements with other Indian operators. According to ratings agency Fitch, Reliance Jio is a particularly likely candidate for such a deal.
Fitch noted that the fierce competition in Indias mobile space will likely lead to RCom significantly downsizing its business and gradually pulling out of wireless voice altogether. Reliance Jio was a major catalyst for the intensifying of competition when it entered the market last year offering voice and data services that were effectively free for consumers.
Angola Cables has become a Microsoft ExpressRoute partner to meet the needs of Africa-based organisations migrating business applications and IT infrastructures to the cloud and accelerating digital transformation on the continent.
Taking advantage of the Microsoft Azure cloud platform, Angola Cables has created ACloud Connect to provide dedicated, high-quality connections to a worldwide network of 42 Azure regions offered by Microsoft, and connectivity to Angonap Angola Cables data centre located in Luanda.
As one of the worlds most trusted and flexible enterprise-grade cloud computing platforms, Azure allows organisations to extend on-premises networks into the cloud over a private connection. Because ExpressRoute connections do not go over the public internet, customers experience reliable, fast and more predictable connectivity than conventional connections.
Offering dedicated Ethernet links between customers infrastructures and Azures data centres as well as running one of the worlds most advanced IP / MPLS backbones Angola Cables ACloud Connect will interconnect Africa and the rest of the world. Expected to be available in November 2017, Angola Cables will initially concentrate on servicing Angola and South Africa-based organisations with ACloud Connect.
We see ACloud Connect as a natural extension of customers own IT infrastructures, said Antonio Nunes, CEO at Angola Cables. In addition to benefiting from the scale and economics of Microsoft Azure, Africa-based customers should also look forward to low latency services.
Complementing NAPAfrica in South Africa offering peering across sub-Saharan Africa the Azure cloud platform will help protect organisations online assets as they look to expand globally, while maintaining data residency on the African continent.
Microsofts enterprise experience and approach to the cloud addresses customers needs in a differentiated way. Our unique approach to the cloud spans three areas that, when combined, give customers the most choice and flexibility with the cloud: enterprise capabilities, global cloud infrastructure, and comprehensive hybrid solutions, said Laurence Janssens, Country Manager, Microsoft Southern Africa.
Through the partnership with Microsoft, Angola Cables seems to be making all the right moves to become a key enabler of cloud adoption on the continent, said Lehlohhonolo Mokenela, Industry Analyst for the Digital Transformation Practice at Frost & Sullivan Africa. The impact on latency and the cost of bandwidth will make cloud an even more viable option for enterprises across Africa. This will also see greater demand from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), a segment of the market that typically drives cloud adoption in some of the more developed countries. With SACS due to go live in 2018, Angola is well-positioned to become an important technology hub in the region.
Mokenela further notes that economies with relatively more mature technology adoption such as South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria, are already witnessing a growing transition towards the cloud. These types of partnerships, along with the impending arrival of new cables like SACS, can provide the platform for greater cloud uptake across the rest of the continent as well.
Broadcom's bid for Qualcomm may be made in the coming days and could be an offer of about $70 a share, including cash and stock
It seems like Apple may not be the only other company Qualcomm may have to battle. Bloomberg reports that rival chipset manufacturer, Broadcom Ltd. is planning a $100 billion bid for Qualcomm. The report notes that an offer of about $70 a share would include cash and stock. Sources told the publication that the bid is likely to be made in the coming days. Purchasing Qualcomm would turn Broadcom into the third-largest chipset maker in the world, behind Intel and Samsung. Qualcomm is currently one of the dominant suppliers of chips for mobile handsets.
Qualcomm is currently embroiled in a courtroom battle against Apple, accusing the Cupertino-based company of infringing on its terms of licence. The company claims that Apple used its access to Qualcomms proprietary software to help its rival, Intel. Qualcomm also claims that Apple is not allowing an audit of how it handles its software. Something which is apparently a part of Qualcomms contract. It was also reported that an Apple engineer working with a competitor also requested information from a colleague on Qualcomms data download technology.
The lawsuit came just a few days after reports surfaced that Apple was planning on dropping Qualcomms chipsets altogether. The two companies have been working together for almost a decade. This may be a part of Apples strategy of moving all manufacturing in house. Apple ditched Imagination Technologies for the supply of PowerVR GPUs on its iPhones, and now equips its current generation of iPhones with its own GPU.
Trumbull, CTNovember 6, 2017 TMC announced the return of the Hot Topics track at ITEXPO to be held February 14-16 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. ITEXPO is the communications and business transformation event where influential buyers gather to make their purchase decisions. The enterprise mid-market, resellers and service providers attend for 3 full days of content, 6 collocated events, training opportunities, powerful keynotes, an interactive exhibit floor and hours of dedicated networking time.
Keeping up with the latest trends, seems to be an impossible task for those working in the ever changing communications industry. From AI, to VR, to automation, how do you know which innovations and solutions are a fit with your companys unique set of needs? The team that builds the ITEXPO program works meticulously with thought leaders across the industry to develop sessions focused on helping attendees navigate the hottest technologies, said Rich Tehrani, TMC CEO and conference chairman. Keep up with your colleagues, join us in Fort Lauderdale, this February.
The Hot Topics Track at ITEXPO includes:
A White Collar Survival Guide to the AI Apocalypse
Using Artificial Intelligence to Grow Your On-Demand Services
Making Chatbots Your Most Valuable Assets
Cloud, Cognitive, and Big Data: Using AI to Drive Business Decisions
By Automation Do You Mean Excel?
How AI is Changing the Customer Experience
Getting Emotional About AI
Zombies in Your Inbox: Email Marketing is Not Dead
Turning Voice into Revenue: Next-Gen Speech Analytics
How to Beat Evolving Security Threats
Business Process Automation: The Key to Unlocking Digital Transformation
How Can Virtual Reality Help My Business?
Ransomware: How We Hack Back
Optimizing Cloud Spend
To view the full ITEXPO agenda click here. Speakers are updated daily.
ITEXPO is supported by Diamond Sponsors, Digium, Inc., Platinum sponsors, 888VoIP, Fiber Mountain, Grandstream, Sangoma, Sansay, Telnyx, Windstream, Yealink, Gold sponsors, ABP Tech, Speech Mobility, Vitelity and vXchnge
For more information or to register for ITEXPO, contact [email protected]. For media inquiries, contact Jessica Seabrook. Companies interested in exhibiting, sponsorship or advertising packages for ITEXPO should contact TMC's Joe Fabiano at 203-852-6800 x132 or Maureen Gambino at 203-852-6800 x109.
For the latest ITEXPO news, updates and information follow the event on Twitter at @ITEXPO.
photo courtesy of TMC
About TMC
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TMCs Marketplaces:
Unique, turnkey Online Communities boost search results, establish market validation, elevate brands and thought leadership, while minimizing ad-blocking.
Custom Lead Programs uncover sales opportunities and build databases.
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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:
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203-852-6800 x 170
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Edited by Mandi Nowitz
While updating its policies, Twitter censored the bisexual hashtag under its adult content rules.
Twitter which updated its policies last week to fight abuse in an efficient way has come under fire for censoring LGBTQ terms like "bisexual" on its platform. According to The Verge on Monday, while updating its policies, the micro-blogging website also censored the "bisexual" hashtag under its adult content rules.
The biggest updates on the platform included abusive behaviour, self-harm, spam and related behaviours, graphic violence and adult content.
Angry Twitterati posted against the move.
"If you search #bisexual and click on photos or news there are no results. This is bi-erasure. @Twitter has done this. We exist," tweeted one user.
The updates last week were part of revamp to Twitter's policies surrounding online abuse. Reacting to the latest controversy, Twitter posted: "We've identified an error with search results for certain terms. We apologize for this. We're working quickly to resolve & will update soon".
Earlier in October, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey had said that the social media platform would take a more aggressive stance in its rules and its enforcement of them.
Dorsey, in his announcement which was a response to the #WomenBoycottTwitter protest, said that the platform would develop new rules for things like unwanted sexual advances, non-consensual nudity, hate symbols, violent groups, and tweets that glorify violence.
The ROG G703 also features the worlds first 17.3-inch AHVA panel which has a 144Hz native refresh rate and supports G-Sync.
After the thin and light zephyrus and the worlds first laptop to feature a 120Hz refresh rate display (ROG G701), Asus is back with another ROG laptop. The company has launched the ROG 703, which comes with a 17.3-inch 144Hz AVHA display and a pre-overclocked Intel Core i7-7820HK. It features NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 1080 GPU handling the graphics and is a full desktop replacement, priced at $3499 (Rs. 2,26,600 approx). The GPU will itself will go up to 1974MHz in boost mode, which is way higher than Nvidias recommended 1733MHz. Asus has further fettled the GPU and the GTX 1080 on the G703 can push its memory data transfer rate from 10GT/s to 10.3GT/s.
Besides being the only laptop to have a 144Hz refresh rate G-Sync display at 1080p, Asus has plans to bring a 4K version of the laptop as well with a 60Hz refresh rate, with 100% coverage of the NTSC gamut. The Overclocked CPU option with the i7-7820HK will come overclocked at 4.3GHz in single-core burst mode, which is about 400Mhz higher than what Intel recommends, which may help in some games. Although, less powerful variants of the ROG G703 wont get the higher CPU performance as those will be powered by a non-overclockable Intel Core i7-7700HQ. If you are concerned about Asus using the last gen Intel processor for the job, be assured that the 8th gen equivalent of the CPUs are not out yet and we may see an spec update in the future.
To cool things down Asus has equipped the machine with two blower style 12V ADC (anti-dust cooling) fans. These fans are more powerful than the usual 5V fans laptops of this genre use. These fans are combined with a newer heat sink design with larger fins to drive more air, reducing the air resistance as well as increasing the surface area by using more fins.
On the memory front, the ROG G703 features a 32GB of DDR4-2800 DRAM. This is further expandable upto 64GB. Unlike the RAM, there are multiple storage options listed on Asus website, including two 512GB PCIe 3.0 x4 SSDs in RAID 0 combined with a 2TB HDD.
The laptop can support up to three displays simultaneously. The keyboard has an N-key rollover, customisable per key RGB backlighting and a travel distance of 2.5mm which is complemented by an anti-slip palm rest. The combined weight of this gaming powerhouse is around 4.8 kilograms.
The last ROG G701 laptop from Asus was launched at a 3,49,990 in India and we believe, if launched the ROG G703 will be priced similarly.
The Google Pixel 2 is the Android phone wed recommend to anyone who wants a compact Android phone and can afford its huge price tag. It has an excellent camera, but battery life needs some work and Google should put more into its design.
Google Pixel 2 detailed review
Having reviewed the Google Pixel 2 XL, theres really little I can say about the Pixel 2. Yes, the smaller variant of Googles premiere smartphones is a phone that warrants a review for itself. The most important aspect of these devices, including its AI prowess and camera remain the same as the Pixel 2 XL, but the Pixel 2 has a one or two things that make it different.
Its worth noting that our Pixel 2 review is intentionally brief. The entire camera section will be missing, since you can read all about it on the Google Pixel 2 XL review here. In this review we cover only the aspects that differ between the two phones.
Build and Design
Of course, the most obvious amongst those is the fact that this phone is smaller. With a 5 inch display, the Pixel 2 is perhaps the most compact and ergonomic phone today. If you like compact phones, youll take to this phone right away. But that said, the Pixel 2 also has huge ugly bezels on either side. No ones done a 5 inch 18:9 display yet, but I keep wondering whether that would have made this phone better.
While the Pixel 2 is meant to be one of 2017s best Android phone, it certainly doesnt qualify for that monicker in terms of design. The aluminium frame remains the same as its counterpart, but the Pixel 2s smaller footprint also makes for a lighter smartphone. Itll disappear in your pocket when youre walking around.
As with the Pixel 2 XL, I wish the power button and volume rocker were more tactile, though they are easier to reach at this size.
To sum up, the Pixel 2 is without a doubt the most powerful compact phone today. But as with all Pixels so far, it brings utilitarian looks, putting functionality over beauty.
Display
Next, the display itself makes a big difference here. You could complain about its resolution, but the fact remains that 1080p resolution works absolutely fine on a 5 inch panel. To be honest, the battery benefits from the lower resolution far outweigh the benefits of higher pixel density. This is also an AMOLED panel, so youll get the warmer tone that many like. Of course, Google chooses AMOLEDs to provide Daydream support, so the company has also toned down the warmer tones to some extent.
That said, I do need to discuss colours on the Pixel 2s screen a little more. For instance, the phone doesnt have the Pixel 2 XLs blue tint from off angles, and theres been no reported burn-in issues (our review unit hasnt had any issues either). That said, the Pixel 2s display is not what youd call vibrant. It lacks the pop that many people like. It also doesnt have the curved edges of the Pixel 2 XL and 18:9 display, which makes it less immersive.
Simply put, youre looking at a display that works, but doesnt jump off the page as an attractive display.
Performance
In terms of power, the Pixel 2 is fitted with the same hardware as the bigger version. With a smaller screen and lower resolution, that amounts to higher scores on some benchmarks, especially ones counting frame rates. That said, theres really no real difference in performance here. The Pixel 2 is fast, smooth and its a pleasure to use. Want a compact Android phones thats fast too? This is your best bet.
Note: The high pitched clicking noises from the Pixel 2s speakers, reported by some users, were not heard on our review unit. NFC was kept on throughout the review period. The issue though has been acknowledged by Google, and the company said turning off NFC is a temporary fix. An update is on the way to fix this issue.
Battery
A smaller form factor comes with a smaller battery. However, the 2700 mAh battery on the Pixel 2 lasts me just as long as the XL version. Leaving home with 100% battery at 10am, I found myself charging the phone between 4.30 and 5 pm every day. On a daily basis, I could play Sim City BuildIt for about 4.5 hours at a time. So, while you will get by a work day with this device, youre looking at two charges per day. Like the Pixel 2 XL, that makes for average battery life.
Bottomline
I wasnt particularly happy with the Pixel 2 XL, but I do like the Pixel 2. Thats partly because Im a sucker for compact smartphones though. We must commend Google on keeping the essentials unchanged between the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL (make note, Apple!).
The Pixel 2 is the Android flagship for anyone that likes compact phones. Of course, you also great the excellent camera to go with that. If I had to recommend one of the new Pixels, Id pick this one without a doubt.
The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus is expected to be the top-end variant in the Redmi 5 series. The Chinese smartphone maker is expected to go bezel-less with the launch of the Redmi Note 5 and the Redmi 5 next year.
Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone maker has had a great run this year in terms of both revenues and gaining market share. After a lacklustre 2016, the company has managed to regain the fifth place in the global smartphone market. Xiaomi has sold over 5 million units of the Redmi Note 4 in India and the company has also managed to ship over 10 million smartphones globally in the last two months. It is expected to refresh the Redmi Note 4 and Redmi 4 with the launch of the Redmi Note 5 and Redmi 5 next year. For Xiaomi, the Redmi series is a major contributor in terms of volume and with the next Redmi series, the company is expected to adopt a bezel-less design.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 was spotted on Chinese certification website TENAA last month and Redmi 5 specifications had leaked as early as July this year. The retail box of the Redmi 5 Plus had leaked in September and now the handset has leaked in the form of a render. The leaked render obtained by GizChina suggests the smartphone will sport a thin-bezel design with a large display supporting the trendy, new 18:9 aspect ratio.
The render reveals it will feature a FullView display with 18:9 aspect ratio and dual rear camera setup. The render shows a vertically stacked dual camera setup with dual-LED flash and fingerprint sensor placed below it. The rear fingerprint sensor placement seems similar to that of the Redmi Note 4. Rumours suggest that the phone will feature either Snapdragon 625 or the newer Snapdragon 630 chipset and could launch with 3GB RAM and 32GB internal storage.
Xiaomi was one of the first major smartphone makers to adopt a bezel-less design with the launch of the Mi Mix last year. Even Xiaomi's Chinese competitors including Huawei, Oppo and Vivo offer smartphones with a bezel-less design and taller 18:9 aspect ratio. By bringing the design language to the Redmi series, Xiaomi will further strengthen its position in the entry-level and mid-range segment.
London-based early investment and development company Cadence Minerals agreed to acquire a 35 square kilometre exploration license in the Pilbara region of Western Australia from Macarthur Minerals .
Kiran Morzaria, chief executive officer of Cadence, said, "Historical sampling suggests that this area is highly prospective for gold with rock chip sampling returning results up to 447 grams per tonne gold and 7.8% copper. "
"Previous prospecting has also found surface nugget gold in the area," Morzaria added.
The E45/4685 license adjoins Macarthur's other exploration licences, E45/4824, E45/4708 and E45/4709, comprising the Hillside Gold Project.
Cadence held a 15.2% equity interest in Macarthur, a lithium, iron ore and gold exploration company focused primarily on the Pilbara, but which also operated a lithium project in Nevada, USA.
As of 1600 GMT, shares had slipped 2.86% to 0.340p.
Copper mining and exploration firm Central Asia Metals on Monday completed the reverse acquisition of Lynx Resources, owners of the Sasa zinc mine in Macedonia.
On completion of the deal, the expanded base of 176.5m ordinary shares in the hitherto Kazakhstan-focussed metals group were immediately readmitted to trading.
Executive chairman Nick Clarke, said, "CAML is now the owner of the Sasa zinc-lead mine in Macedonia, which means that our company is a newly diversified base metals producer."
"The low-cost nature of Sasa complements our Kounrad operation and we look forward to our future with two long life and cash generative base metal operations in highly prospective jurisdictions. This should enable us to continue to reward our supportive shareholders with attractive returns," he added.
AIM-listed CAML owns 100% of the Kounrad copper project in central Kazakhstan and 80% of the Shuak copper exploration property in the north of the central asian country.
As of 0900 BST, shares had gained 1.03% to 246.25p.
Central American focussed explorer Condor Gold said on Monday that the final six drill holes of a 43-hole programme on the Mestiza Vein Set at its La India Project in Nicaragua had returned positive results.
Condor discovered a high-grade ore shoot on the Tatiana vein, nicknamed Big Bend, with a strike length of 450 metres at a depth of 200 metres and a mineralised true width of 4.6m.
The best results came from drill LIDC378, which delivered 17.4 grammes per tonne of gold and 3.0 g/t of silver from 77.3 metres downhole depth, and drill LIDC383 and its 18.50 g/t of gold and 22.1 g/t of silver from 19.60 metres.
Mark Child, chairman and chief executive said, "The final six drill holes of a 43 drill hole programme, totalling about 6,000 metres, at Mestiza demonstrate high-grade gold mineralisation from surface to a depth of up to 200m beneath surface."
"The discovery of a high-grade oreshoot ('Big Bend') on the Tatiana vein, which has a strike length of 450 metres, an estimated average true width of 2.2 metres and a depth of at least 200 metres, is material to the project.
"Additionally, there is potential for a small open pit on the Tatiana vein that can add high-grade gold to the mine plan, reduce the payback period and enhance the project economics," he added.
As of 1235 GMT, Condor was back where it started at 41p.
UK healthcare company Concepta received notice of a 600,000 order from one of its distributors for November but noted that due to third-party constraints, revenue from the order would not be realised until the first quarter of the 2018 financial year.
The firm noted that orders had been increasing during the second half of October and that with further distributors having been appointed in November Concepta's board expected the delayed revenue to be additive to the group's 2018 budget.
In order to prevent any future delays with the supply chain, David Darrock, recently appointed chief operating officer, was set to head the supply chain management process between Concepta and the UK and Chinese manufacturers of its myLotus products to ensure future volume requirements would be met.
Erik Henau, chief executive of Concepta, said, "Despite the supplier constraints, the company has made significant progress this year, establishing initial revenues and a growing order book, and the board expects 2018 to be a transformational year for the company."
He added, "We see a considerable opportunity for myLotus to become an integral tool for healthcare systems to provide personalised healthcare with better patient outcomes at reduced healthcare costs."
As of 1650 GMT, shares had slipped 7.04% to 8.25p.
Founder and creative director of UK-based restaurant firm Comptoir Group Tony Kitous sold 333,333 shares in the company at a price of 0.15p each on Monday.
The 49,999.95 sale came after Comptoir's shares had begun to recover from the more than 30% hit to the stock back in June following a profit warning.
Multiple businesses in Britain's casual dining sector had warned investors of a difficult trading outlook over the course of 2017 and Comptoir was no exception to the rule with first half pre-tax losses widening from 435,454 in 2016 to 755,833 a year later, despite a 36% boost to its revenue.
Richard Kleiner, non-executive chairman of the company, said in September, "Notwithstanding the challenging environment that has subsisted since early 2017, I am pleased to see that, over the last few months, the business revenue has stabilised."
"The company is therefore in a good position to take advantage of the opportunities that the board believe will arise over the foreseeable future," he added.
As of 1430 BST, shares had gained 4.55% to 23.00p.
Top Director Buys
Thruvision Group (THRU)
Director name: Black,Thomas (Tom) Joseph
Amount purchased: 516,303 @ 16.00p
Value: 82,608.48
Surgical Innovations Group (SUN)
Director name: Day,Charmaine
Amount purchased: 305,343 @ 3.28p
Value: 9,999.98
Phoenix Global Mining Limited (di) (PGM)
Director name: Cohen,Andre
Amount purchased: 200,000 @ 4.30p
Value: 8,600.00
Top Director Sells
Comptoir Group (COM)
Director name: Kitous,Tony
Amount sold: 333,333 @ 15.00p
Value: 49,999.95
A huge new cache of financial documents has been released showing how some of the worlds wealthiest individuals and companies use offshore tax havens to maintain and grow their riches.
The Paradise Papers, similar to the release of the Panama Papers last year, is the name given to 13.4m documents that detail a wide variety of action taken by the Queen, US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross, Conservative party donor Lord Ashcroft and a host of other politicians and powerful people in order to protect their wealth.
The leaked documents, which offshore law firm Appleby said were hacked from its servers, show the details of various services provided to companies and individuals investing offshore.
Queen Elizabeths estate is shown to have invested over 10m in offshore assets, including funds in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.
The documents show that the investments have never been disclosed, with the Queens 500m estate being managed by the Duchy of Lancaster.
Among the other revelations, which were originally leaked to German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung through the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Wilbur Ross was revealed to have a stake in a company with connections to Vladimir Putin and Russian businessmen currently subject to US sanctions.
Despite no suggestion that Ross or his associates have broken the law, President Donald Trump faces embarrassment and further questions about his administrations connections to the Kremlin.
UK-listed mining company Glencore has also been caught up in the leak, after it was revealed that it made secret loans to an Israeli billionaire in order to secure a contract in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
More revelations are expected to arrive this week, with several global news organisations such as The New York Times and the BBC collaborating on the release of the information.
ANGER AND DISGUST
Union group Unite backed calls for a public inquiry into the tax avoidance schemes used by such individuals and companies. The body's general secretary Len McCluskey said it was up to the government to ensure that such tactics were prevented.
"These tax avoidance schemes may be legal, but there is deep anger and disgust about the them and us attitude to paying tax revealed in the Paradise Papers," McCluskey said.
"The prime ministers refusal this morning to commit to introducing a public register of who owns offshore companies and trusts in British tax havens or to opening a public inquiry into tax avoidance is to be strongly deplored."
Theresa May had earlier refused to guarantee that the government would create a register for entities which make avail of offshore funds.
Speaking at the annual CBI conference on Monday, May said there was already measures being put in place to minimise the practices.
"There is already work that is being done to ensure greater transparency in the dependencies and British overseas territories and we continue to work with them."
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York announced on Monday that William Dudley, the bank's president since January of 2009, would be stepping down from his position in mid-2018.
Dudley's term was set to end in 2019 when he reached the 10-year policy-limit in the role, but said that he planned to retire ahead of time in order to "ensure that a successor is in place well before the end of his term."
Eligible members of the bank's board of directors began the search process for Dudley's successor immediately, with Sara Horowitz of the Freelancers Union and Glenn Hutchins of North Island and Silver Lake serving as co-chairs of the committee.
The bank said the committee would conduct a nationwide search in order to identify a "broad, diverse and highly qualified" pool of candidates from which to select its next president and chief executive.
Horowitz said, "I want to thank Bill for his thoughtful stewardship. What I have come to appreciate about Bill is his humility and empathy. I admire how he combines smarts with openness to new and differing perspectives. This includes an appreciation of the fundamentally changing nature of work in the country."
She added, "He takes to heart his responsibility to explain what the Fed does and to understand how the economy and thus the Feds decisions affect real people in different communities. I saw this first hand during a visit to WHEDco, a community development organization in the Bronx, where his genuine interest and concern was clear. These are certainly attributes that I will be looking for as we conduct our search."
The search committee expected to conclude the search by mid-2018.
MATTOON -- The school district, like the Charleston school district, saw lower test scores than the state average, however, school officials chalk it up to the new online format and the newer more rigorous test mostly.
Overall test scores of Mattoon elementary and middle school students showed a lower percentage meeting or exceeding testing expectations in comparison to the state average.
These test scores were listed in the Mattoon district Illinois report card along with other aspects of the district such as attendance records.
Tim Condron, Mattoon curriculum director, said specifically for the younger grade levels, the format change to online played a hand in the test scores.
At the younger levels, they are not as exposed to some of that technology like sitting at a computer and taking an online assessment, Condron said. Some of the stuff requires kids to type.
The state reported that districts that chose to do the paper test had higher percentages than that of districts that had it electronically, Condron said. Since the school district adopted the online format, officials has been working to offer more opportunities for students to enhance their keyboarding skills.
That is an area we are going to continue to work upon, Condron said. Teachers are doing that regularly now.
The district saw incremental increases in those that met or exceeded the testing expectations in comparison to last year.
Changing standards might have also had a hand in the testing results. The state standards changed in the past couple of years and school districts have been shifting to better prepare students for the new common core standards model, Condron said.
The whole landscape of assessment in Illinois has changed, he said. We used to do (Illinois Standard Achievement Test) testing and then that shifted to (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) testing...the rigor of the PARCC test is very different from that of ISAT.
These new standards introduce more advanced concepts at younger grade levels than in years past, Condron said. For example, students at younger grade levels are getting introduced to algebraic concepts that would not have been in years prior.
That was not the case 8 years ago or when we were doing ISAT testing, he said.
But these test scores are not the biggest concern to those in the district.
We don't put all of our eggs in the PARCC basket, Condron said. It is an indicator and a snapshot of how well our kids are doing but the local control of curriculum allows us to make those adjustments for kids and what we believe they need. There are obviously other subject areas beyond ELA (English Language Arts) and Math that we teach.
Condron anticipates that the district will continue to make gains and eventually level out with the state average or exceed it.
A part of this is that transition, he said. (The report card) just gives us a map to look toward the future and what we can do to improve.
Outside of testing, Condron said he was pleased with the increasing amount of students enrolling in dual-credit and career and technical courses at the high school. A larger amount of those in the district is taking these courses in comparison to last year.
It is reflective of what our community would like to see, he said.
A Nebraska State Penitentiary corporal was arrested Saturday after investigators say he accepted a bribe and tried to bring K2 into the Lincoln prison, according to court documents.
Staff in the prison's intelligence office alerted investigators about a tip Saturday that Michael J. Miller, 24, planned to bring the drug to the prison, a Nebraska Department of Correctional Services investigator said in an affidavit for Miller's arrest.
Prison officials began staff searches as Miller arrived for work, the investigator said.
Inside Miller's vehicle, investigators found a Ziploc bag containing small wrapped packages of K2 and cigarette rolling papers, the affidavit said.
They also found a black cellphone charger wrapped in black electrical tape.
Investigators believe Miller gave his personal phone number to an inmate at the prison to arrange bringing contraband inside in exchange for $1,000, according to the affidavit.
A woman Miller didn't know drove to his apartment at 721 Folsom Lane at an unspecified date and gave him the drugs and the cash, the affidavit said.
Miller was taken to the Lancaster County jail on suspicion of bribery and unauthorized communications with a prisoner.
Charges had not been filed against Miller by late Monday. He remained in jail pending a first court appearance Tuesday.
It is disappointing to see staff members make choices to break the law and endanger the safety of their coworkers and inmates, state Corrections Director Scott Frakes said in a statement.
K2's side effects are a significant risk for the user, he said, and can make inmates violent.
Miller has been suspended without pay, prisons spokeswoman Dawn-Renee Smith said in a news release.
He became a correctional officer at the prison in August 2016 and was promoted to corporal in May, she said.
Last month, a State Penitentiary caseworker was arrested and accused with bringing K2 into the prison for inmates four times during September.
That case followed the Oct. 1 discovery that at least 15 inmates there had used K2.
It wasn't immediately clear Monday whether the two cases were connected.
Last Friday, the White House stunned many after it released a sweeping
report concluding that climate change is not only real, but it also poses as a major threat to the U.S. and humans are extremely likely to be responsible.
The 477-page National Climate Assessment, which was mandated by Congress and reviewed by 13 federal agencies, conflicted with
President Trumps notorious stance on global warming as a hoax. It also defied Trumps continued efforts to dismantle environmental regulations on both the national and international scale.
So why did the Trump White House release a report contradicting the president and much of his administrations stance on climate change?
Well, as
Bloomberg reports, dont read much into it:
Public drafts of the report have circulated for months, making it politically perilous to tinker with the findings. So, with editing a high-risk affair and the report required by Congress, the administration may have just decided to downplay it, said John Holdren, who ran the Office of Science and Technology Policy under President Barack Obama.
It would do more harm to block this report than to let it out, Holdren, now a Harvard University environmental policy professor, said in an interview. Theyre letting it out on a Friday afternoon, which is pretty much the standard approach for letting out something that you dont want to get a lot of attention.
The other reason? Blame Obama. The report has been
in the works since 2015.
It is unfortunate that the Trump Administration has released these Obama-era climate reports, without attempting to remove the junk scienceand the reports are full of junk science, fervent
climate change denier and former Trump EPA transition team leader Myron Ebell told Bloomberg.
The White House has also distanced itself from the main conclusion of the special report. In a
Friday statement, White House spokesperson Raj Shah used familiar climate-skeptic talking points to dismiss the findings.
The climate has changed and is always changing. As the Climate Science Special Report states, the magnitude of future climate change depends significantly on remaining uncertainty in the sensitivity of Earths climate to [greenhouse gas] emissions,' Shah said. In the United States, energy related carbon dioxide emissions have been declining, are expected to remain flat through 2040, and will also continue to decline as a share of world emissions.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys ( EPA) has removed the phrase climate change from its websites and has prohibited its own scientists from speaking about the issue.
Additionally, Common Dreams reported on Saturday that President Trump is looking to use the COP23 climate talks as a platform to sell fossil fuelsand coal in particularas necessary and beneficial.
By Robert McSweeney and Rosamund Pearce
For the next two weeks, thousands of negotiators, policymakers, researchers, journalists and campaigners are gathering in Bonn for the 23rd Conference of the Parties (COP23).
The talkshosted by Fiji, but held in Germanyare the next installment of UNFCCC international climate negotiations, following on from the landmark Paris agreement at COP21 in 2015 and the steps taken towards implementation at COP22 in Marrakech last year.
Carbon Brief dives into the data to find out how many people each country has sent to Bonnand the gender balance of each delegation.
Parties
According to the UNFCCCs provisional list, there are some 11,300 participants at COP23 on behalf of a particular country or party. Thats down from around 15,000 at COP21 in Paris in 2015.
In addition, there are a further 6,176 attendees representing UN bodies, specialized agencies, and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), plus 1,633 journalists covering the talks. This puts the total number of delegates at just more than 19,000approximately half the number that went to COP21.
Carbon Briefs analysis of the provisional list shows that the largest party delegations come from Africain fact, the whole top five of our list are African countries.
In first place is Cote dIvoire with 492 participants; a delegation that is 137 people larger than the second-placed country, Guinea (355 people). Its second place again for Guinea, whose 398-strong delegation was only smaller than Moroccos (439) at COP21 in Paris.
Making up the rest of the Top 5 is the Democratic Republic of Congo (340), Congo (308) and Morocco (253).
The highest-placed European country is Germany in sixth with 230 participantsperhaps unsurprising considering the talks are being held in Bonn.
Other European parties with sizeable delegations include France (177), Poland (77) and the European Union (76). The UK comes someway down the list with 45, which is the average delegation size across the 196 parties attending Bonn.
Despite President Donald Trumps intention to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris agreement, the U.S. has still sent 48 delegates to Bonn. Though this is less than half the number present at COP21 in Paris in 2015. In contrast, neighbors Canada has a team of 161.
Other prominent CO2 emitters also have large delegations, including Indonesia (158), Brazil (128), Japan (109), China (82) and Russia (71). Its also worth noting that some countries allocate some of their party badges to NGOs, which can artificially inflate the size of their official delegation.
You can explore the delegation sizes across all the countries represented at COP23 in the map below. The darker the shading, the more delegates that country has brought along. Mouse over the countries to see the number of delegates and the population size.
The full list of participants and party delegation sizes can be found here.
Note: This data is based on the number of people who had registered for the talks by the end of October this year. The UNFCCC will publish a final list at the end of the COP. Our analysis is based on named participants only, which account for 8,795 people out of a total of 11,306. As Carbon Brief discovered in our analysis of delegates to COP21, the UNFCCC does not provide details of some party overflow delegates.
Gender Balance
As the UNFCCCs list provides the full name of each participant, its possible to work out the balance of men to women that each country is sending to Bonn. On average, party delegations at this years COP are 62 percent male to 38 percent female
Some large delegations with an even male-female split include Turkey (86 delegates, 50 percent female), Poland (77 delegates, 53 percent female) and hosts Fiji (74 delegates, 50 percent female). The UK team is 67 percent female to 33 percent male, while the U.S. delegation is 38 percent female.
Three countries have sent all-female delegations to COP23: Latvia (five delegates in total), Albania (four) and Guyana (four).
In contrast, five countries have sent entirely male delegations: Libya (11 delegates in total), Mauritius (four), the Republic of Moldova (three), North Korea (three) and Somalia (three).
Eritrea, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan also have all-male delegations, but these three countries have only sent one person to the talks. The Vatican (six delegates) has also sent only male representatives, but the Vatican is only present at the negotiations as an Observer State rather than a party.
Reposted with permission from our media associate Carbon Brief.
Theres a lot of negative feelings about capitalism right now, said Kris Lin-Bronner who is the strategic advisor of Dr. Bronners. Her words are indicative of the wide scale erosion of trust between companies and consumers. It seems that time and again we unearth ugly truths behind the products weve come to love and trust. Ive been fascinated with this is for a while now. Is this a result of capitalism itself or is it the way in which capitalism has evolved?
I am first and foremost a documentary filmmaker, my latest film Island Earth examines the cozy ties between agrichemical companies and the food we eat. But Im also an entrepreneur, I work as a storyteller for Guayaki Yerba Mate and I founded a edible sunblock company. I learned about B Corp certification through Chris Cohen, a lawyer friend of mine working for Sustainable Law Group. I was telling him about the business I was planning to start and he suggested I look into creating a benefit corporation and applying for B Corp certification. He said something like this
Say you have a great idea for a businessits unique and youre committed to positive social and environmental impact. The sad truth of capitalism in America today is that if you take money from an investor to help implement your vision, the legal framework surrounding this investment can seriously compromise the original intent of your vision.
To back up, when you incorporate your company you are handing over a large degree of control to your investors to which you have a fiduciary responsibility. Ever since the Revlon Ruling in 1986, this responsibility has shifted away from maintaining the health of the company to maximizing shareholder value often regardless of social or environmental impacts. So quarter by quarter we see companies making decisions that compromise the efficacy of their intentions.
A benefit corporation offers refuge from this system. It allows the founders to essentially bake in their vision and give their higher minded goals the legal armor to weather capital raises, and leadership changes. Then, through the B Corp certification processwhich is open to all businesses that meet certain standards, and not just benefit corporationsthese companies can quantify and communicate their impact to their stakeholders, adding an additional layer of accountability and transparency. It seems to be working, according to B Labs community manager Andy Fyfe, there are now more than 2,000 certified B Corps internationally. His hope is that a tipping point will be reached as literacy grows and big multi-national corporations will be pressured to adopt this framework to hold themselves accountable to a more responsible standard of operation.
In the end only time will tell if capitalism is an inherently flawed system. But Im excited to participate in evolving the current paradigm before starting from scratch. Working at Guayaki, a twenty-one year old company that has stewarded the restoration of over one-hundred thousand acres of rainforest in South America while cultivating empowering relationships with local growers, Ive seen first hand the potential for business to steer industry towards a more sustainable future. My hope is that this short film will create more awareness around the red circled B logo that is printed on the back of products for both customers trying to make informed buying decisions as well young entrepreneurs such as myself wary of falling into the trappings of modern business.
To learn more about Benefit Corporations visit bcorporation.net.
EcoWatch is proud of its standing as a Certified B Corporation.
Cuadrilla Resourcesa UK-based energy company set to horizontally
frack Britain for the first time after two earthquakes halted its initial drilling attempt in 2011is giving cash payments to residents living near its shale gas exploration site at Preston New Road in Lancashire.
Cuadrilla
said that households within one kilometer of the site will each receive approximately 2,070 ($2,700) and those within one to 1.5 kilometers will receive approximately 150 ($197) as part of its 100,000 community benefit payment for the well it is drilling.
Our shale gas exploration work continues to progress in Lancashire, helping to strengthen the countys economy with over 4.7m ($6.2 million) invested in the county since operations began, and now nearly 300 households will directly benefit from our community payments, the company said in a statement.
But John Tootill, who owns nearby Maple Farm Nursery and has
petitioned against fracking, told the Guardian he is refusing Cuadrillas blood money.
It is absolutely the most appalling thing. How can you give money to compensate for
affecting peoples health and spoiling their environment? he said.
What we want is our health. Its just blood money really, because no amount of money can compensate for somebodys health being affected. You cant buy health. Most certainly I wouldnt take it.
https://twitter.com/CuadrillaUK/statuses/927486061932146688
Fracking is a contentious topic in the UK, with
Scotland recently banning the controversial drilling process. England, however, has been very different. Its Conservative-led government has advocated for exploration and drilling licenses despite staunch public opposition.
The Preston New Road site itself has been
at the center of high profile, anti-fracking protests. Controversially, Cuadrilla was allowed to initiate drilling after the UK government overruled Lancashire County Councils rejection of two applications from Cuadrilla to frack in Lancashire.
Cuadrilla expects to begin fracking at the Preston New Road at the end of December or early next year,
Reuters reported.
Third Energy, another UK-based gas exploration company, also expects to start fracking before the end of the year at its Kirby Misperton site in Yorkshire once it is green-lit by the government.
After months of conflict, the state of Ohio officially filed suit against Energy Transfer Partners Friday for pollution caused by its Rover Pipeline.
Rover has racked more noncompliance incidents than any other interstate gas pipeline and leaked more than two million gallons of drilling mud into protected Ohio wetlands this spring, leading the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to order a temporary halt to construction.
The Ohio EPA claims that Energy Transfer Partnerswhich also owns the Dakota Access Pipelinehas refused to pay multiple fines from construction of the 713-mile pipeline and owes the state $2.3 million. Elsewhere in Ohio, the AP reported that legal resistance to an Enbridge/DTE Energy natural gas pipeline is growing, led by the city of Greens mayor Gerard Neugebauer.
Im not opposing oil and gas, Neugebauer told the AP. What Im saying is that you should not go through populated areas when you put in a pipeline.
It takes just one judge to say you cant build this here because this is wrong, Neugebauer added. I hold out hope that this will come.
For a deeper dive:
Rover: AP, PBS NewsHour, WKSU, WMFD. Green: AP
For more climate change and clean energy news, you can follow Climate Nexus on Twitter and Facebook, and sign up for daily Hot News.
By Andy Rowell
On Sunday, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), working with dozens of media partners around the world, published the results of a huge global investigation into the use of tax havens.
The results of the investigation, based on the leak of 13.4 million files from two offshore service providers and 19 tax havens company registries, are shocking and lead to people who are close to Trump.
The files, known collectively as the Paradise Papers, reveal the offshore financial affairs of some of the worlds biggest multinational companies and richest individuals, including some in Donald Trumps cabinet.
Trump has said he will work for ordinary Americans, but his Cabinet are certainly not paying their fair share of tax.
Lets take a quick look at Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The ex-boss of Exxon is named in the Paradise Files as a director of an offshore firm used in a multibillion-dollar oil and gas venture in the Middle East that became embroiled in controversy, according to the Guardian, one of the papers involved in the Paradise Papers collaboration.
Tillerson was a director of Marib Upstream Services Company, incorporated in Bermuda in 1997 to conduct operations in the Yemens Marib-Al-Jauf basin, according to documents from leading offshore law firm Appleby, which is at the center of the leak.
Marib was tied to Exxon during the time that Tillerson was president of ExxonMobils Yemen division. Tillerson sat on Maribs board in the late nineties.
In turn, according to the ICIJ, Marib Upstream was a joint Venture between three companies, including the Yemen Exploration and Production Company which was jointly owned by Exxon and Hunt Oil.
Hunt had discovered the gas fields in the mid nineteen eighties and had brought in Exxon to help develop them.
However, according to the ICIJ, In 2005, the Yemeni government turned over production rights to a state-owned company, effectively nationalizing the assets. Naturally Exxon and Hunt objected and filed a complaint with the International Chamber of Commerce, although Yemen won. Despite this ruling, the company still existed as recently as 2015. But this is not Exxons only offshore dealings.
The Guardian pointed out that in a report published last year, the campaign group Citizens for Tax Justice said Exxon had at least 35 subsidiaries in tax havens such as the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands and Luxembourg. The company held over $51 billion in offshore accounts while Tillerson was CEO.
The leak also raises questions about U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross, Jr. who still has a stake in a shipping firm, Navigator holdings, that receives millions of dollars a year in revenue from a company whose key owners include Russian President Vladimir Putins son-in-law, which is incorporated in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. Some of the individuals linked to the company are closely related to top Russian officials currently under sanctions.
It is alleged that Ross was not totally forthcoming about the extent of these business dealings. According to NBC News, Ross failed to clearly disclose those interests when he was being confirmed for his cabinet position.
And once again the scandal links to oil. According to the ICIJ, Among Navigators largest customers, contributing more than $68 million in revenue since 2014, is the Moscow-based gas and petrochemicals company Sibur, which was created by the Russian state.
Two of its key owners are Kirill Shamalov, who is married to Putins youngest daughter, and Gennady Timchenko, the sanctioned oligarch whose activities in the energy sector, the Treasury Department said, were directly linked to Putin.
The ICIJ continued: The leaked files showed a chain of companies and partnerships in the Cayman Islands through which Ross has retained his financial stake in Navigator. The fact that Ross Cayman Islands companies benefit from a firm controlled by Putin proxies raises serious potential conflicts of interest, experts say.
Amos Hochstein, the top energy diplomat during the Obama administration, told the ICIJ: When you start doing business with Russian energy companies like Gazprom and Sibur, youre not just getting into bed with the company. Youre getting into bed with the Russian state.
The Democrats have seized on leaked documents, with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) calling the revelations of the Kremlin links inexcusable. Blumenthal also told NBC News, Our committee was misled, the American people were misled by the concealment of those companies.
But today Ross has come out fighting. He told the BBC, Theres nothing whatsoever improper about Navigator having a relationship with Sibur If our government decided to sanction them, that would be a different story.
One of the most politically charged debates today, especially in the U.S. and Europe, is the so-called immigration crisis. There are approximately 250 million (3 percent of the worlds 7.6 billion people) migrants in the world today. About 20 percent or 47 million of those, live in the U.S. Another 35 million live in Europe.
Inter Press News Service reported:
Recent elections around the world have clearly shown growing public support for candidates and political parties advocating the deportation of migrants and stricter restrictions on immigration, including halting it altogether. At the same time, opposition, challenges and resistance to deportations and immigration restrictions have become more widespread, visible and vocal.
In the U.S., Donald Trump has consolidated a mass base of support among white racists and conservatives by repeatedly vilifying the nations 10 million undocumented Mexican and Central American immigrants as criminals and rapists. Trump has promised to build a wall along the Mexican border and to deport all illegal aliens including 800,000 dreamersLatin American immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and dont have citizenship papers.
Trump and proponents of mass deportation fail to acknowledge that U.S. foreign policyspecifically the failed War on Drugs; longstanding support for corrupt regimes, police and military forces in Mexico and Central America; and the so-called Free Trade Agreements (NAFTA and CAFTA)have brought about the systematic impoverishment of small farmers and rural inhabitants South of the Border, inflaming gang and drug cartel violence, forcing millions to cross into the U.S. illegally.
Meanwhile hard-working immigrants lacking citizenship or working papers in the U.S. pay billions of dollars in taxes, strengthen immigrant and low-income communities, send back billions of dollars in remesas (remittances) to their families and home communities every year. They often work several jobs, providing a major boost for the U.S. economy, especially in the farm, food processing, restaurant, health care and construction sectors, where work is hard and pay is low.
At the recent regional Summit on Migrants and Returnees in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala, Oct. 20-21, a new and promising solution to the global immigration crisis emerged: the creation of local, grassroots-powered economic development projects based on regenerative food, farming and land-use practices.
Regenerative food and farming is the new gold standard for climate and environmentally friendly agriculture and land use across the world. An increasing number of food and farming leaders have described regenerative agriculture as the next stage of organic food and farming.
Regenerative practices are essentially enhanced organic and permaculture production methods that exclude pesticides, GMO seeds and factory farm techniques. Regenerative practices focus on improving soil health, water retention and rainfall conservation, and on using crop rotation, agro-forestry and planned rotational grazingwith the intention of sequestering excess carbon from the atmosphere.
A growing number of regenerative farms and ranches worldwide are demonstrating how farmers and herders can restore soil health, improve food nutrition and increase yields, while at the same time strengthening local food systems and traditional practices (such as seed saving and small-scale animal husbandry), empowering women and youth, and restoring or enhancing community food security.
Participants at the Migrant Summit in Guatemala discussed how a three-for-one grassroots-powered matching grant or loan program of cross-border financing, supported by immigrants, returnees, citizens and local municipalities could potentially provide the resources for a major transformation of the regions food, farming and land-use practices.
Leaders of the newly formed alliance, Regeneration Guatemala, explained that the restoration of soil carbon and fertility, water conservation, rainfall catchment, and the utilization of organic and beyond organic grain production, agro-forestry and regenerative livestock (especially poultry) practices, could make Guatemala an agricultural leader in the region. By regenerating Guatemalas agricultural system, the country could eventually supply its 16 million people with affordable, high-quality, nutrient-dense food, and also provide employment and much-needed economic development in the countryside and adjoining urban areas, where poverty and crime are the major drivers of forced migration.
Guatemala is a predominately rural, indigenous and agricultural nation, similar to other nations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, where forced migration has become a critical issue. A full 67 percent of Guatemalas citizens, as well as the majority of the over two million Guatemalan immigrants in the U.S. (75 percent of whom are potentially subject to deportation by the Trump administration) come from rural communities where poverty, malnutrition and environmental degradation are the norm. A similar situation throughout the region has driven millions of Mexicans, Salvadorans and Hondurans over the past few decades into forced exile in the U.S. and Canada.
As participants at the Xela Summit stressed over and over again, many of their compatriots in forced exile in El Norte (the North) would be happy to return to their families and home communities, if only there were jobs and social stability.
The more than 1,500 assembled delegates in Quetzaltenango applauded enthusiastically when speakers pointed out that Guatemalas so-called Green Revolution, which includes the heavy use of toxic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, monocrop production, GMOs and the agro-export model, has had a disastrous effect on their home communities and nations. The reaction was the same when speakers talked about the junk food/fast food model, represented by Coca-Cola, McDonalds, KFC and Burger King, and the so-called Free Trade Agreements, including the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Central American Free Trade Agreements.
Conference attendees, representing a broad cross section of indigenous communities, small farmers, agricultural co-ops, students, church activists, migrant rights advocates, and retornados (immigrants who have returned or been deported from the U.S), enthusiastically endorsed the idea of using traditional and regenerative agriculture practices to restore food security, public health, climate stability and rural prosperity in the impoverished zones of Mexico and Central America where forced migration has become the norm.
As native Guatemalan Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin of the Minnesota-based Main Street Project and Regeneration International put it, by developing pilot regenerative agriculture systems, such as the Regenerative Poultry Project throughout the U.S. and Mexico can bring about a revolution of ideas and a flow of capital into impoverished rural communities where so-called Green Revolution chemical- and energy-intensive farming practices have failed. (La Hora newspaper Oct. 21).
Beyond the discussion of Trumps wall, mass deportations and the racist discrimination faced by millions of undocumented Latinos in the U.S., the Migrant Summit attendees responded enthusiastically to the idea that communities aqui y alla, (here and there) could join together and raise the seed money for a new healthy, climate-friendly and economically viable system of food and farming.
I learned at the Summit that Guatemalan migrants in the U.S. already send back close to $7 billion a year in money transfers to their families and home communitiestwice the amount of money that Guatemalan agro-exporters receive for all of their exports of products such as coffee and bananas. Salvadoran migrants send back a similar amount, while Mexican migrants will send back more than $70 billion dollars to their home communities this year. Channeling a strategic percentage of these remittances into community-based regenerative agriculture projects, along with pressuring local and federal governments to match these migrant remesas, could not only restore hope and vitality to these rural communities, but also dramatically reduce the number of forced migrants. Even Donald Trumps fans of mass deportation might have trouble rejecting this type of cross-border bootstrap financing for local economic development.
As I explained to the conference attendees during the final plenary session, regenerative agriculture is not some new invention by organic farmers and ranchers in the Global North. Its the adaptation of ancient farming practices, such as the traditional Mayan system of agro-forestry, multi-crop milpa farming (corn, beans, squash and other vegetables), natural compost and holistic poultry and livestock management.
A form of what is now called regenerative agriculture, or regenerative organic agriculture, was practiced over thousands of years ago by Mayan and indigenous people throughout the Americas. The Mayans survived and thrived in harmony with the Earthwithout pesticides, chemical fertilizers, GMOs or concentrated animal confinement. They fed themselves while also maintaining a proper carbon cycle (a balance between CO2 in the atmosphere and carbon in the soil and forests) and a biologically healthy and diverse environment.
Our mission today as regenerators throughout the Americas and the world is to recapture, reestablish and scale up these traditional practices. We must modify them to match the specific ecological and marketplace conditions in our local areas and regions. In this manner we can regenerate the soil, dramatically improve yields and food quality, restore public health, eliminate the pressures that cause forced migration, and last but certainly not least, draw down and sequester enough excess carbon from the atmosphere through enhanced plant photosynthesis and reforestation to reverse global warming and climate disruption.
Beyond the still-utopian dream of open borders, Guatemalans and indigenous communities have begun discussing in practical terms what we can do right now to mitigate and eventually put a halt to forced migration. We owe it to them and to ourselves to change the discussion on the immigration crisis from walls and deportation to one of cross-border solidarity and regeneration.
Salman Khan has shot one of the most extravagant action sequences on a horseback in Morocco! In YRFs mega action thriller Tiger Zinda Hai, Salman plays a super spy who is an Indian intelligence agent. The Morocco schedule of the film features high octane action scenes that Salman had to pull off riding on a horse.
Salman Khan had spent just three days in preparation for this chapter of the action thriller. To ensure brilliance in execution and assured safety, the team of Tiger Zinda Hai had hired expert horse trainers who have worked on huge Hollywood productions like Brad Pitts Troy and Alexander.
Director Ali Abbas Zafar explains, Salman is a trained rider. He returned from the IIFA awards and took just three days to get familiar with his horse, Wado. A prized Spanish stallion, with a gleaming black mane, the horse was trained to cross hurdles, jump over barricades and ride down hills. We have shot risky and edgy portions on horseback with Salman. Getting Wado to know Salman and vice versa, therefore, was key to ensuring that this portion of the shoot goes off well. Weve shot for eight days and getting trained, skilled horses actually made this portion of the shoot fairly easy to execute.
The most awaited film of 2017, Tiger Zinda Hai is set to release on December 22.
BALTIMORE (6 November 2017)--Scientists have discovered that people with malaria exhale a distinctive "breathprint," insights they have used to develop a new breath test which was highly successful in diagnosing malaria in a group of African children, according to a new study presented today at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Annual Meeting.
It is the first study to identify a specific set of compounds in human breath that can serve as evidence or diagnostic markers for malaria. The analysis also is the first to find that people with malaria exhale a compound identical to a plant-produced vapor that is known to attract mosquitoes, which could be accelerating the spread of disease.
"We were able to determine whether the children were infected or not based on the composition of six different compounds that were detectable in a sample of their breath," said Chad Schaber, who presented the results of the study, produced by a team of biologists and bioengineers from Washington University in St. Louis. "We took breath samples from 35 children and we correctly determined the malaria status--whether they had malaria or not--for 29 of them, which is an 83 percent success rate."
The researchers say that simple tools like breath-testing for diagnosing malaria are urgently needed--both to direct life-saving treatment to infected individuals and to conduct surveillance as part of a new global push to eliminate and eradicate the disease. While there are now relatively simple rapid diagnostic tests, or RDTs, for malaria that require only a finger-prick of blood, they have limits, such as producing positive results after an infection has subsided. More troubling are the growing number of reports of Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites (the world's most deadly form of the disease) that don't produce the protein most of the tests rely upon to detect disease.
Schaber and his colleagues report that the 83 percent accuracy rate of their breath test was lower than the 90 percent or better accuracy of other tests: RDTs or the more labor and technology-intensive method of examining blood samples with a microscope. These blood sample tests are considered the gold standard for malaria diagnosis yet challenging to implement in rural, resource-strapped areas. But the researchers hope to improve the success rate of their breath tests with further refinements to the technology. For example, they are working with engineers who have developed compact electronic noses, or eNoses, devices the size of a credit card or smaller that can be designed to detect a specific set of odors.
An eNose is under development for other purposes, including one attached to locusts to help detect bombs and aid in search and rescue missions. Schaber said the same technology potentially could be used to develop a portable malaria breathalyzer and breath tests for other diseases as well. There is already a prototype eNose under development for diagnosing tuberculosis with a breath sample.
Discovering Malaria's Unique Breathprint
The researchers said they saw malaria as a prime candidate for breath-based diagnosis based on past research indicating that, as the malaria parasite invades the human body, it may alter compounds humans naturally exhale. But that research involved a small trial in which a group of adult volunteers had been deliberately infected with a relatively low level of disease. A similar study had not been done in an area where malaria naturally occurs, they said, where infections are far more intense, or with children, who are more vulnerable to the disease than adults.
To develop a breath test, the researchers recruited 35 children ages 3 to 15 who had arrived at a pediatric care center in Lilongwe, Malawi, suffering from fever and other symptoms that can indicate malaria. The children already had been tested for malaria--17 had tested positive and 18 tested negative. The goal of the study was to determine whether a breath test could be developed that also could distinguish the infected from the uninfected.
The children provided a breath sample by blowing into a simple balloon-like bag. The breath sample was then pumped into a tube packed with an absorbent material, sealed and sent to a lab at Washington University in St. Louis. Researchers also obtained the original blood samples taken from the children at the clinic to further validate the malaria diagnosis by examining them under a microscope.
Back at their lab, the researchers determined that malaria infections appeared to alter the concentrations of six different compounds known to naturally occur in human breath. They used this measure to classify the breath samples as either infected or not infected with malaria. They then compared the breath diagnosis with the microscopic analysis of blood samples and found the breath test correctly determined malaria status--infected or not-- for 83 percent of the children studied.
Malaria Breath and a Potential Role in Spreading Disease
Meanwhile, Schaber and his colleagues also report another curious finding: when they analyzed the breath of children with malaria, they discovered it also contained two types of compounds known as terpenes. Terpenes are typically linked to strong odors exuded by plants, such as pine trees and other conifers. One of the terpenes identified in the malaria breath samples is the same one produced by certain plants that attract mosquitoes that feed on their nectar.
Schaber and his colleagues observed that the parasite appears to be "hijacking" the mosquitoes' pre-existing attraction to the odor to encourage them to bite infected humans, thus extracting parasites in the bargain and facilitating the spread of disease. Malaria spreads through a complex cycle in which mosquitos transmit parasites to humans and then humans transmit them back to mosquitos.
"The terpene is probably a survival mechanism for the parasite, but this compound also might be useful in boosting the effectiveness of mosquito traps used in malaria control efforts," said Audrey Odom John, principal author of the study and associate professor of Pediatrics and of Molecular Microbiology at Washington University School of Medicine.
"The malaria parasite has been outwitting human interventions for thousands of years, which is why we need these innovative collaborations between biologists and engineers to develop new tools that can give us the upper hand," said Patricia F. Walker, MD, DTM&H, FASTMH, and President of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. "It sounds almost like something from science-fiction, but the ability to detect disease with a breath test may be closer than we ever could have imagined or hoped for."
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About the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, founded in 1903, is the largest international scientific organization of experts dedicated to reducing the worldwide burden of tropical infectious diseases and improving global health. It accomplishes this through generating and sharing scientific evidence, informing health policies and practices, fostering career development, recognizing excellence, and advocating for investment in tropical medicine/global health research. For more information, visit astmh.org.
Boston, MA-- Lack of exercise or physical activity is estimated to cause as many deaths each year as smoking. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity physical activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (or a combination of the two), and muscle-strengthening exercises two or more days a week.
A new study led by investigators at Brigham and Women's Hospital published in Circulation on November 6, 2017, investigated physical activity of women measured over seven days using a wearable device called a triaxial accelerometer, and found that more physical activity and higher intensities of physical activity could decrease the risk of death in older women from any cause. Moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (e.g. brisk walking) was associated with 60-70 percent lower risk of death at the end of the four-year study among the most active women, compared to the least active.
"The fact the physical activity lowers mortality rate is nothing new - we have many studies showing this. However, previous studies have primarily relied on self-reported physical activity, and self-reports tend to be imprecise. Based on these self-report studies, we know that physical activity is associated with a 20-30 percent reduction in mortality rates, comparing the most with the least active. Using device-measured physical activity in the present study, we observed a 60- 70 percent risk reduction larger than previously estimated from self-report studies. For context, non-smokers have about a 50 percent reduction, compared with smokers," stated I-Min Lee, MBBS, ScD, associate epidemiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and first author of the study. "This study supports current guidelines for physical activity, such as those from the federal government and the American Heart Association, that emphasize moderate-intensity physical activity. It also adds to existing evidence that can inform upcoming physical activity guidelines over time."
This is one of the first studies to investigate physical activity, and a clinical outcome, using the newer generation triaxial wearable devices which have increased sensitivity to recognize physical activity and are capable of more precise measurements than the previously used uniaxial devices, or studies relying on self-reports only.
"We used devices to better measure not only higher intensity physical activities, but also lower intensity activities and sedentary behavior, which has become of great interest in the last few years," stated I-Min Lee, MBBS, ScD.
Data were analyzed from 16,741 participants (average age 72) from the Women's Health Study who wore the device for at least 10 hours a day, on at least four out of seven days.
Light physical activity, such as slow walking, was not associated with lower death rate during the study. Researchers note that light activity may be beneficial for other health outcomes not reported in this paper. Researchers are continuing this study to examine other health outcomes and to examine details of how much and what kinds of activity are healthful.
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The study is supported by National Institutes of Health grants CA154647, CA047988, CA182913, HL043851, HL080467, and HL099355.
Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is a 793-bed nonprofit teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of Partners HealthCare. BWH has more than 4.2 million annual patient visits and nearly 46,000 inpatient stays, is the largest birthing center in Massachusetts and employs nearly 16,000 people. The Brigham's medical preeminence dates back to 1832, and today that rich history in clinical care is coupled with its national leadership in patient care, quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, and its dedication to research, innovation, community engagement and educating and training the next generation of health care professionals. Through investigation and discovery conducted at its Brigham Research Institute (BRI), BWH is an international leader in basic, clinical and translational research on human diseases, more than 3,000 researchers, including physician-investigators and renowned biomedical scientists and faculty supported by nearly $666 million in funding. For the last 25 years, BWH ranked second in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) among independent hospitals. BWH is also home to major landmark epidemiologic population studies, including the Nurses' and Physicians' Health Studies and the Women's Health Initiative as well as the TIMI Study Group, one of the premier cardiovascular clinical trials groups. For more information, resources and to follow us on social media, please visit BWH's online newsroom.
Rorqual whales are known for their impressive lunge-feeding behavior. As the name suggests, this method involves lunging forward with mouth opened wide to engulf large quantities of water, which is then strained through a series of baleen plates to leave many individually tiny prey behind. But researchers reporting in Current Biology on November 6 have made the surprising discovery that Bryde's whales also find food in a much more relaxed way: they simply lift their heads at the surface, allowing water and prey to flow in.
This report of "tread-water feeding" in Bryde's whales is the first to show a passive feeding behavior in baleen whales, the researchers say.
"Previously, all studies have shown that baleen whales, including rorqual whales, perform active chasing and feeding," said Takashi Iwata, now at the University of St Andrews. "We were surprised to find that Bryde's whales feed on small fish by opening their mouth until the lower jaw contacts the sea surface and waiting for the prey to enter their mouth."
Iwata and colleagues were studying the whales' feeding behaviors in the upper Gulf of Thailand when they noticed them performing this unexpected head-lifting behavior at the surface of the water. The whales weren't lunging or even moving forward at all; they were just treading water in place for several seconds at a time.
Overall, the researchers observed the whales feeding in this manner on 58 separate occasions, involving 31 different individual whales. When a whale kept its upper jaw above the ocean surface, the researchers noticed that many anchovies in the nearby water appeared to lose their sense of direction and, driven by the current, flowed right into the mouths of the whales.
The researchers say it's possible that the whales' behavior is related to conditions in this particular location. The waters in the upper Gulf of Thailand are low in oxygen as a result of sewage flowing in from the nearby rivers. The prey that the whales depend upon might therefore be limited to living at the surface of the water, forcing whales to adapt their feeding strategy. On the other hand, the researchers say, tread-water feeding is likely to be energetically less expensive than lunge-feeding too.
The findings also suggest that the whales in this location might be learning to feed in this unexpected way from each other. The researchers' observations included eight pairs of adult whales and their calves.
"Our findings suggest that calves might learn tread-water feeding by imitating adults," Iwata said. "Moreover, because imitation is an important aspect of social learning, the tread-water feeding of the adult-calf pairs in this study implies social learning."
Because tread-water feeding has never been reported before, Iwata suggested that it might be a cultural behavior, learned and passed on within the social group as a means of survival. The researchers say it's not entirely clear why the small fish appear to lose their bearings and panic when whales tread-water feed. In future studies, they hope to find out.
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This study was supported by program Bio-Logging Science of the University of Tokyo (UTBLS), a Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B) from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), the JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowships Research Abroad, and the Cooperation Research Program of Wildlife Research Center, Kyoto University.
Current Biology, Iwata et al.: "Tread-water feeding of Bryde's whales" http://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(17)31243-5
Current Biology (@CurrentBiology), published by Cell Press, is a bimonthly journal that features papers across all areas of biology. Current Biology strives to foster communication across fields of biology, both by publishing important findings of general interest and through highly accessible front matter for non-specialists. Visit: http://www.cell.com/current-biology. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com.
FRANKFURT. A team of Frankfurt-based archaeologists has returned from the Iraqi-Kurdish province of Sulaymaniyah with new findings. The discovery of a loom from the 5th to 6th century AD in particular caused a stir.
The group of Near Eastern archaeology undergraduates and doctoral students headed by Prof. Dirk Wicke of the Institute of Archaeology at Goethe University were in Northern Iraq for a total of six weeks. It was the second excavation campaign undertaken by the Frankfurt archaeologist to the approximately three-hectare site of Gird-i Qalrakh on the Shahrizor plain, where ruins from the Sasanian and Neo-Assyrian period had previously been uncovered. The region is still largely unexplored and has only gradually opened up for archaeological research since the fall of Saddam Hussein.
The objective of the excavations on the top and slope sections of the settlement hill, some 26 meters high, was to provide as complete a sequence as possible for the region's ceramic history. Understanding the progression in ceramics has long been a goal of research undertaken on the Shahrizor plain, a border plain of Mesopotamia with links to the ancient cultural regions of both Southern Iraq and Western Iran. These new insights will make it easier to categorise other archaeological finds chronologically. The excavation site is ideal for establishing the progression of ceramics, according to archaeology professor Dirk Wicke: "It is a small site but it features a relatively tall hill in which we have found a complete sequence of ceramic shards. It seems likely that the hill was continuously inhabited from the early 3rd millennium BC through to the Islamic period."
However, the archaeologists had not expected to find a Sasanian loom (ca. 4th-6th century AD), whose burnt remnants, and clay loom weights in particular, were found and documented in-situ. In addition to the charred remains, there were numerous seals, probably from rolls of fabric, which indicate that large-scale textile production took place at the site. From the neo-Assyrian period (ca. 9th-7th century BC), by contrast, a solid, stone-built, terraced wall was discovered, which points to major construction work having taken place at the site. It is possible that the ancient settlement was refortified and continued to be used in the early 1st millennium BC.
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Work on the project was initiated by Prof. Wicke in 2015 with support from the local Antiquities Service as well as the Enki e.V. association situated at Goethe University and the Thyssen Foundation. Work is set to continue next year depending on further funding and the political development in the Iraqi-Kurdish region.
Images to download can be found under the following link: http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/68944552
Image captions:
Image 1: Aerial view of the site from the south showing the excavation areas on the summit and south-western slope as well as the small test pit on the south-eastern slope. Photo: Philipp Serba
Image 2: Neo-Assyrian cylinder seal and imprint on right, height 3.9 cm. It depicts two winged genies on a sacred tree. Photo: Dr. Jutta Eichholz
Image 3: Excavated corner of room with remnants of the loom between the wall (top) and a bench of six mudbricks. The round loom weights made from clay are particularly visible, as are slabs of mud once forming some kind of shelving. Photo: Lanah Haddad
Information: Prof. Dr. Dirk Wicke, Institute of Archaeologicaly, Near Eastern Archaeology, Norbert-Wollheim-Platz 1, 60629 Frankfurt am Main, Germany, E-Mail: wicke@em.uni-frankfurt.de, Telephone 49-0-69-798-32317, Secretary's Office 49-0-69-798-32313
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) evaluating the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) finds that patients with lupus endorse the assessment tool as relevant, valuable and potentially useful in improving clinical care.
The study was presented at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals annual meeting on November 6 in San Diego.
The National Institutes of Health assessment tool known as PROMIS seeks to measure the impact of disease on quality of life. It evaluates physical, psychological and social well-being to provide information on the subjective patient experience.
"The measurement of patient-reported outcomes is a priority to achieve patient-centered high value care. This is particularly applicable to chronic systemic diseases such as lupus, which can have a significant ongoing impact on quality of life," said Lisa Mandl, MD, MPH, a rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery and senior investigator. "The PROMIS tool provides additional information on what the patient is experiencing."
For the study, adult outpatients were recruited from the Lupus Center of Excellence at HSS. They completed computerized PROMIS questions and participated in focus groups (women) or structured interviews (men). Focus groups and interviews explored the relevance of PROMIS questions, the potential value of PROMIS instruments in routine medical care, and identified missing content areas that patients thought were important.
Twenty-eight women and four men with lupus participated in four focus groups and structured interviews. Participants reported that PROMIS assessments reflected their experience with lupus. Women prioritized domains of fatigue, pain interference, physical function, sleep disturbance, and cognitive abilities as most relevant to them, while men selected fatigue, sleep disturbance, anxiety, pain interference, and pain behavior.
"We found that study participants were enthusiastic about using PROMIS in their medical care, citing its utility in validating their experience, tracking symptoms and disease progression, facilitating communication with providers, and guiding treatment plans," Dr. Mandl noted. "They also thought it was important for doctors to review patients' PROMIS answers with them."
Regarding issues not addressed in PROMIS, women indicated that they would like to see questions on body image, intimate relationships, pregnancy, and relationships with providers. Men indicated that they would like to see a greater emphasis on mental health in the questionnaire.
Dr. Mandl and colleagues noted that further studies are essential to explore how to most effectively integrate PROMIS measures into routine patient care.
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Study title: Relevance and Utility of Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Instruments in SLE: A Qualitative
Study [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017; 69 (suppl 10).
Authors: Shanthini Kasturi1, Madeline Epsten2, Adena Batterman2, Roberta Horton2, Juliette Kleinman2, Jillian Rose2, Jackie
Szymonifka2, Laura Robbins2 and Lisa A. Mandl2,
1Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, 2Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY.
A free telephone support and education program for people with lupus is a valuable resource to help them cope with the disease, according to a study at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York City.
"At a time when technology is moving so quickly and we're moving to different modes of communication, our study shows that telephone communication is still a viable way to connect with people all over the world to support them and educate them about chronic illnesses such as lupus," said Jillian Rose, LCSW, MPH, assistant director, Community Engagement, Diversity and Research, Social Work Department at HSS. "The service, offered by Hospital for Special Surgery, provides callers with solid support by trained peer counselors."
The study on the lupus support line was presented at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals annual meeting on November 6 in San Diego.
LupusLine, established in 1988, is free and available to the public. People find out about the service through referrals from their physicians, lupus organizations, the Internet or word-of-mouth, and calls come in from around the world. In addition to the United States, volunteers have counseled callers from Canada, Europe, South America, Jamaica, China and India. The number of calls has more than doubled since 2005, averaging 80 to 100 per month.
A clinical social worker conducts an initial screening and assessment, matching the caller with a trained volunteer and scheduling a time for the private counseling session. Many callers receive ongoing support on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis. Counseling is available in English and Spanish. Services in Chinese are provided through another HSS program, LANtern.
"Volunteers, most of whom have lupus themselves, receive 20 hours of training to acquire skills related to counseling, support and active listening. Bimonthly seminars provide them with additional education," explained Priscilla Toral, LCSW, program manager, LupusLine and Charla de Lupus/Lupus Chat. "Four of the counselors have been with the support line since it was established in 1988."
"Lupus can be very isolating," said Rose. "Friends and families may not understand the illness, so it's very valuable for the caller to have a peer counselor, someone with similar experiences, who will listen and help to guide them."
To assess the support line, a 60-item survey was administered to callers matched with a peer-counselor between 2015 and 2017. It collected information on demographics, satisfaction with the screening process and peer counselors, lupus management, coping and the overall impact of the service.
The questionnaire was completed by 23 callers ? 72% of those contacted - ranging in age from 30-80, with 67% ages 40-59. When asked about their initial reasons for calling, 68% indicated they were seeking emotional support, as well as lupus education and resources.
The vast majority of respondents (95%) indicated that their expectations were met. Seventy-two percent noted that having someone knowledgeable about lupus was the most valuable aspect of the call. The majority of participants said the LupusLine helped them feel less isolated, with one caller commenting, "I feel less alone."
Additional survey results:
95% of respondents indicated they were satisfied with their peer counselor match.
94% said they would recommend the service to others.
90% of participants were satisfied with the initial screening call with the social worker.
85% indicated that they have coped better with lupus since being counseled.
81% agreed they had a better understanding of lupus, and 88% respectively attributed this to utilization of the program.
66% reported feeling less depressed since starting the service, with a majority of these callers (78%) crediting LupusLine for this change.
52% had more than 12 calls with their peer counselor.
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The LupusLine number is 866-375-1427.
Study Title: "Evaluation of a Longstanding Telephone Peer Counseling Service on People with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Their Loved Ones [abstract]. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2017; 69 (suppl 10)
Authors: Toral P, Flores MT, Horton R, Rose J. All at Hospital for Special Surgery
Portuguese researchers at Instituto de Medicina Molecular (iMM) Lisboa have identified a defence mechanism by which the malaria parasite can survive inside its host's liver cells, a crucial stage where the parasite acquires the capacity to infect red blood cells causing the symptoms associated with this disease.
The Plasmodium parasite, responsible for malaria infection, replicates inside it's host's liver cells involved by a membrane that protects it against threats present in the intracellular environment, namely autophagy, a process that is triggered upon infection and in which cells degrade materials that are no longer necessary. Importantly, this process is dependent on a protein named LC3.
Although autophagy is activated by host cells after infection the malaria parasite is resistant to this cellular defence mechanism, unlike other more susceptible pathogenic agents. However, researchers led by Maria Mota have now found the Achilles heel of the malaria parasite: a protein named UIS3 which binds to LC3 and forms a type of protective shield against autophagy. Without this protection the parasite becomes vulnerable and is rapidly eliminated by the host.
The study now published in Nature Microbiology has revealed that parasites lacking the UIS3 protein cannot survive inside mice liver cells. However, if the host's autophagy capacity is compromised the parasite gains back its capacity to infect cells.
These results show that UIS3 protein could become a possible target for the development of novel targets against the malaria parasite, namely against the hepatics forms of this disease which, in some Plasmodium species, may persist in a dormente state and cause symptoms several years after the time of first infection.
It is particularly relevant to identify new therapeutic targets at a time where several cases of drug resistance begin to occur, specifically in Southeast Asia. In the future, the team wishes to identify compounds that can block the parasite's capacity to inhibit cellular autophagy and test its efficiency as novel drugs against malaria.
iMM Lisboa
The Instituto de Medicina Molecular in Lisbon (Portugal) is a private non-profit research institute that offers a vibrant scientific environment where world-class ingenious scientists with an ambitious research portfolio are supported by state-of-the-art technology, aiming to maximize creativity towards discoveries without boundaries. In spite of iMM's young age (created in 2002), several iMM findings, spanning from basic to translational research, are already being applied to improve human health. imm.medicina.ulisboa.pt/en/
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INDIANAPOLIS -- Pratibha Varma-Nelson, professor of chemistry and founding director of the STEM Education Innovation and Research Institute at IUPUI, has been named the 2018 recipient of the George C. Pimentel Award in Chemical Education, sponsored by Cengage Learning and the American Chemical Society, or ACS. The prestigious award will be presented in March 2018 at the 255th ACS National Meeting in New Orleans.
Varma-Nelson is internationally respected for her leadership in promoting active learning of chemistry that engages students in collaborative problem-solving and critical thinking under the guidance of a peer leader. She is a strong advocate for transforming traditional pedagogical methods to peer-led models in both face-to-face and online environments. She joined IUPUI in 2008 following two years at the National Science Foundation.
"Lecturing without providing students time to construct their own knowledge is really not teaching," said Varma-Nelson, who started her own teaching career by teaching as she was taught, which was primarily through lectures. She said she later realized that only a small number of students succeed in learning by listening to lectures.
"If we want to broaden the pool of students who get excited about chemistry and select a chemistry-related career, we need to make the learning environment more collaborative and accessible to students from diverse backgrounds," said the professor, who is also the former director of IUPUI's Center for Teaching and Learning. "Students and faculty should work as partners in constructing learning environments that promote understanding of content."
Varma-Nelson's efforts to promote active learning by bringing Peer Led Team Learning, or PLTL, and Cyber Peer Led Team Learning, or cPLTL, to a variety of undergraduate science, technology, engineering and math disciplines have influenced how chemistry and other STEM courses are currently taught at colleges and universities across the United States and abroad. Representatives of some of these programs will participate in a chemistry education symposium to be convened in her honor at the ACS gathering in March.
Varma-Nelson has also been involved in designing research into the effect of PLTL on both students and peer leaders. Her latest research into the use of PLTL in cyberspace examines the differences between face-to-face and synchronous online PLTL sessions. Her work has revealed more similarities than differences between the benefits of PLTL in these two environments. This research is one of the few published studies to compare pedagogies in face-to-face versus online courses.
Earlier this year, Varma-Nelson was named an ACS fellow in recognition of her outstanding achievements in -- and contributions to -- science and the profession and for her service to the ACS, the world's largest scientific society. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and IUPUI.
"The School of Science is so proud that Dr. Varma-Nelson's work in chemistry education is being recognized by this prestigious award," said Simon Rhodes, dean of the school. "Her innovation well represents the commitment of School of Science faculty to student success and the impact this has on our state and beyond."
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The School of Science at IUPUI is committed to excellence in teaching, research and service in the biological, physical, computational, behavioral and mathematical sciences. The school is dedicated to being a leading resource for interdisciplinary research and science education in support of Indiana's effort to expand and diversify its economy.
A future quantum computer, using "quantum bits" or qubits, might be able to solve problems which are not tractable for classical computers. Scientists are currently struggling to build devices with more than a few qubits, with the challenge arising that the qubits mutually hamper each other's proper operation. Researchers led by Professor Ferdinand Schmidt-Kaler und Dr. Ulrich Poschinger at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in Germany have now demonstrated the operation of a four-qubit register comprised of atomic ions trapped in microchip trap. The ion qubits can be freely positioned within the trap, such that laser-driven quantum operations at high accuracy remain possible. The team has realized the generation of an entangled state of the four qubits, where each of the qubits loses its individual identity, but the register as a whole does have a well-defined state. This has been accomplished by sequential operations on pairs of qubits, interleaved with ion movement operations. The resulting quantum state is carried by qubits which are distributed across macroscopic scales of up to several millimeters.
The approach for realizing a quantum computer based on moving ions in a micro-structured trap has originally been proposed by a team around physics nobel laureate David J. Wineland and has been coined "quantum CCD" for the analogy with the controlled movement of charges in the devices underlying modern cameras.
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The work by Kaufmann and coworkers appeared in the high rank international journal Physical Review Letters 119, 150503 and marks a decisive milestone for bringing this idea for scaling up quantum computers into the realm of feasibility.
Image:
http://www.uni-mainz.de/downloads_presse/08_physik_quantum_quantencomputer.pdf
Researchers led by Professor Ferdinand Schmidt-Kaler und Dr. Ulrich Poschinger at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) in Germany have now demonstrated the operation of a four-qubit register comprised of atomic ions trapped in microchip trap.
photo/: QUANTUM / Thomas Ruster
Publication:
Kaufmann et al.
Scalable Creation of Long-Lived Multipartite Entanglement
Physical Review Letters 119, 13 October 2017
https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.150503
Contact and further information:
Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Schmidt-Kaler
Quantum, Atomic, and Neutron Physics (QUANTUM)
Institute of Physics
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
55099 Mainz, GERMANY
phone +49 6131 39- 26234
fax +49 6131 39-25179
e-mail: fsk@uni-mainz.de
Dr. Ulrich Poschinger
Quantum, Atomic, and Neutron Physics (QUANTUM)
Institute of Physics
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
55099 Mainz, GERMANY
phone +49 6131 39-25954
fax +49 6131 39-25179
e-mail: poschin@uni-mainz.de
An estimated one in five pregnant women around the world carry Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria which is a major, yet preventable, cause of maternal and infant ill health globally.
These are the findings of a new research supplement published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, and launched at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
Led by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and involving more than 100 researchers from around the world, the series of 11 research papers conservatively estimates that out of 410,000 GBS cases every year, there will be at least 147,000 stillbirths and infant deaths globally. Despite being home to only 13% of the world's population, Africa had the highest burden, with 54% of estimated cases and 65% of stillbirths and infant deaths.
This first comprehensive study of the burden of GBS, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, includes data and estimates for the year 2015 from every country of the world, including outcomes for pregnant women, their babies and infants. Previous data on GBS burden focused on infant cases and high-income countries, but the impact of GBS disease worldwide, especially in Asia, was less clear.
The new research found GBS is present among pregnant women in all regions of the world, with an average of 18% of pregnant women worldwide carrying (colonised with) the bacteria, ranging from 11% in eastern Asia to 35% in the Caribbean, totalling 21.7 million2 in 195 countries
The top five countries by numbers (to nearest 100) of pregnant women colonised were: India (2,466,500) China (1,934,900), Nigeria (1,060,000), United States of America (942,800) and Indonesia (799,100).
Although several vaccines to prevent GBS are in development, none is currently available. This is despite the disease accounting for more than the combined neonatal deaths from tetanus, pertussis, and respiratory syncytial virus, for which maternal vaccines are already in use, or further advanced in development. This analysis shows for the first time that a maternal GBS vaccine, which was 80% effective and reached 90% of women, could potentially prevent 231,000 infant and maternal GBS cases.
GBS is carried by up to a third of adults, usually with no symptoms. In women, GBS can live harmlessly in the digestive system or lower vaginal tract, from where it can be passed to the unborn baby through the amniotic fluid or to newborns during labour. Babies are more vulnerable to infection as their immature immune systems cannot fight off the multiplying bacteria. If untreated, GBS can cause serious infections, such as meningitis and septicaemia, which may lead to stillbirths, and newborn and infant deaths. If they survive, babies can develop permanent problems including hearing or vision loss, or cerebral palsy.
Current GBS prevention focuses on giving antibiotics to women in labour, aiming to reduce disease in infants at delivery. At least 60 countries have a policy for antibiotic use in pregnancy to prevent newborn GBS disease. Of those, 35 have a policy to test all pregnant women to see if they carry GBS, and the remaining 25 countries identify women with clinical risk factors. However, implementation of these policies varies around the world.
Joy Lawn, Series co-lead and Professor of Maternal, Reproductive and Child Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: "Too many parents around the world face the death of a baby or a young child - avoidable GBS deaths are happening in every country. Antibiotics currently prevent an estimated 29,000 cases of early-onset Group B Streptococcal disease per year, almost all in high-income settings. However, this approach may be difficult in low-income settings where many births take place at home, and laboratory capacity for screening for GBS is limited. In addition, giving antibiotics to 21.7 million women may contribute to antimicrobial resistance - a major global health crisis."
Anna Seale, Series co-lead and Associate Professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine said: "Even if antibiotics were given to all pregnant women identified through screening strategies, they target mainly early-onset GBS disease in newborns, not GBS disease in pregnant women, GBS disease before delivery causing stillbirth, or GBS disease in infants more than a couple of days old. A maternal GBS vaccine could prevent many more cases and deaths worldwide."
Dr Keith Klugman, Director of the Pneumonia Team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said "The first few days and weeks of a baby's life are the most vulnerable - by far. By filling in one of the great voids in public health data, this work provides crucial insight and shows the pressing unmet need for the development of an effective Group B Strep vaccine. Immunizing expectant mothers is a potentially ground-breaking approach that could dramatically reduce the number of maternal and child deaths."
Johan Vekemans, co-author and Medical Officer, Initiative for Vaccine Research, World Health Organization, said: "These disease burden estimates highlight the importance of perinatal infection prevention. Existing recommendations should be implemented, but these are insufficient, and the number of affected families remain unacceptable. It is now essential to accelerate the GBS vaccine development activities. The technical feasibility is estimated to be high. Guidance highlighting research priorities is available. Work is ongoing to strengthen existing maternal immunization programmes. Next steps include a comprehensive evaluation of cost-effectiveness. We will be working with Professor Lawn and others at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, and global partners to lead on these activities."
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For more information or to arrange interviews with key spokespeople, please contact the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine press office on press@lshtm.ac.uk or +44(0)2079272802.
For a copy of the supplement, contact press@lshtm.ac.uk. US based reporters please contact LMartin@pcipr.com
If you wish to provide a link for your readers, please use the following, which will go live at the time the embargo lifts (note all papers are open access): https://academic.oup.com/cid/issue/65/suppl_2
Notes for Editors
Spreadsheet with embargoed estimated maternal colonisation numbers and rates by country, and regional cases & deaths numbers, can be accessed via Dropbox -http://bit.ly/2h6cZmp
Please download file to see full data set.
Stillbirths defined as a fetal death after 28 weeks of gestation. Infant defined as 0-89 months.
21.3 million live births for women colonised with GBS, and 21.7 million including women who have stillbirths in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Technical note on estimates: Although the team were able to more than double the previously available data through the many authors and institutions involved, and aimed to minimise bias where possible, and to describe and analyse the direction of bias where it was identified, modelling studies cannot overcome a lack of data. Some evidence was found of GBS being a risk factor for preterm birth, and GBS could contribute to up to 3.5 million preterm births each year, but this evidence was impeded by variations in study designs. The researchers also highlight the need for more follow-up studies to examine disability, especially beyond five years of age, and more data regarding stillbirths especially from Asia. Hence, these estimates of maternal GBS disease, stillbirths, and infants with invasive GBS disease are all likely to be underestimates.
Clinical Infectious Diseases Group B Streptococcus research supplement study group: Joy Lawn, Anna C Seale, Fiorella Bianchi-Jassir, Neal J. Russell Maya Kohli-Lynch, Cally J. Tann, Jennifer Hall, Lola Madrid
Clinical Infectious Diseases Group B Streptococcus research supplement Expert Advisory Group: Carol J. Baker, Linda Bartlett, Clare Cutland, Michael G. Gravett, Paul T. Heath, Margaret Ip, Kirsty Le Doare, Shabir A. Madhi, Craig E. Rubens, Samir K. Saha, Stephanie Schrag, Ajoke Sobanjo-ter Meulen Johan Vekemans
Declaration of conflict of interest: Authors and members of the Expert Advisory Group's declaration of potential conflicts of interest can be found in each paper.
About the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health, with more than 4,000 students and 1,000 staff working in over 100 countries. The School is one of the highest-rated research institutions in the UK, is among the world's leading schools in public and global health, and was named University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Awards 2016. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice. http://www.lshtm.ac.uk
New Rochelle, NY, Nov. 6, 2017-When cannabinoids activate signaling pathways in cancer cells they can stimulate a cell death mechanism called apoptosis, unleashing a potent anti-tumor effect. Yet cannabinoids, which have also shown strong activity against human tumor tissue grown in animal models, have undergone minimal testing in patients. Their potential use as antitumor drugs and/or to boost the effectiveness of conventional cancer therapies is examined in an article published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM), a peer-reviewed publication from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on JACM website.
In "A Review of the Therapeutic Antitumor Potential of Cannabinoids," coauthors Visnja Bogdanovi? and Jasminka Mrdjanovi?, Oncology Institute of Vojvodina (Sremska Kamenica, Serbia), and Ivana Borisev, University of Novi Sad (Serbia) present the results of a detailed survey of the medical and scientific literature focused on the effects of cannabinoids on signaling pathways involved in tumor cell proliferation and death. The researchers review the mechanisms of anticancer activity of cannabinoids, discuss the similarities and differences between exogenous (plant-derived) and endogenous cannabinoids, report on the clinical studies conducted to date to assess the anti-tumor effects of these compounds, and consider the possible adjuvant properties of cannabinoids in cancer treatment.
"Although medical cannabis is well-supported in the literature for symptom reduction from cancer treatment or the disease itself, there are many claims that cannabis can treat cancer itself," says Leslie Mendoza Temple, MD, ABOIM, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program. "So far, this is based on only a handful of small human studies, anecdote, or laboratory research. This article nicely summarizes some of the work done in the lab for an understanding of cannabis' potential anti-cancer mechanisms, while pointing to the paucity of human trials." Dr. Temple adds, "Federal rescheduling of cannabis is critical so we can study its effects in humans and determine cannabis' direct or indirect effects on cancer cells."
"The value of the review from Bogdanovi?, Mrdjanovi?, and Borisev is describing the evidence landscape that is generating claims for this very political herb," says JACM Editor-in-Chief John Weeks, johnweeks-integrator.com, Seattle, WA. He adds: "The evidence supports freeing researchers to provide us with more answers."
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For interview requests, please contact author Leslie Mendoza Temple, (lmendoza@northshore.org) University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
About the Journal
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (JACM) is a monthly peer-reviewed journal published online with open access options and in print. Led by John Weeks (johnweeks-integrator.com), the Co-founder and past Executive Director of the Academic Collaborative for Integrative Health, JACM provides observational, clinical, and scientific reports and commentary intended to help healthcare professionals, delivery organization leaders, and scientists evaluate and integrate therapies into patient care protocols and research strategies. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on JACM website.
About the Publisher
Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Alternative and Complementary Therapies, Medical Acupuncture, and Journal of Medicinal Food. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website.
Dr. Jonathan Dorfan, President Emeritus of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), will receive the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, one of Japan's most distinguished national decorations. The OIST community sends its warmest congratulations to Dr. Dorfan.
The official citation states that the decoration is in recognition of "contributions to the development of our nation's research and education in science and technology". The Conferment Ceremony will take place in the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on November 7th.
"I am deeply honored by this award." Dr. Dorfan said. "It was a privilege to guide the growth of the Graduate University from its very early beginnings to its current place amongst the world's leading science and technology universities."
Jonathan Dorfan joined OIST in August 2010, from Stanford University where he had been Director of the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) from 1999 to 2007. Dorfan was President-elect of OIST until the accreditation of the university was conferred and the University was established in November 2011, at which time he became President of OIST and CEO of the OIST School Corporation.
He succeeded Dr. Sidney Brenner, who was President of the OIST Promotion Corporation from 2005 to 2011. Dr. Brenner also received the Order of the Rising Sun, for "the promotion and installation concept of Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University."
During his mandate as President, Dr. Dorfan turned the conceptual aims of OIST into reality, establishing a cutting-edge environment for interdisciplinary research and education comprising world-competitive faculty and students, and state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
Dr. Dorfan successfully built on the foundation laid in 2005-2011 by the OIST promotion cooperation to complete the first phase of the University campus, overseeing the addition of: two laboratory buildings; educational space and facilities; an auditorium with adjacent conferencing capabilities; an on-campus Village with apartments, free-standing houses and quality-of-life support functions; a Child Development Center building which currently provides 10 hours per day of care for 140 children from ages 2 months to 5 years; a Marine Science Station adjacent to the East China Sea and an Engineering Support building. With the planning of Laboratory 4 he also initianted the second phase of OIST's growth, which will double the size of the University by 2023.
From the outset and without compromise, Dr. Dorfan established all aspects of the university under the highest standards, compatible with those of the best worldwide research universities: in particular, for the hiring and advancement of faculty and for the admission of graduate students. Forty faculty and one-hundred-and-forty students were recruited to the University during Dr. Dorfan's tenure. The University is highly international - the faculty and students come from 35 nations/regions on six continents.
Dr. Dorfan retired from OIST in December 2016 and was succeeded by Dr. Peter Gruss, former President of the Max Planck Society.
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In Okinawa's thick, hot jungle and amid its urban sprawl, a collection of green boxes has sprung up in the past year. These monitoring stations are simple, yet they have the potential to remotely track animal life and weather conditions on the island, collecting vast stores of information about species on the island.
Using remote acoustic monitoring to track bird activity on Okinawa for the first time, scientists examined the distribution of birds on Okinawa. Their study was published this month in the journal Ecological Research. Their work is part of a new collaboration between scientists and citizens: the Okinawa Environmental Observation Network (OKEON) Churamori Project, which aims to better understand the island's terrestrial environment.
Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), and the University of Leeds (United Kingdom) recorded the "soundscape"--the acoustic landscape of natural and human-produced sounds--at five field sites over a one-month period in the summer. Microphones at the sites took in audio every 30 minutes, and recorded for a 10-minute period. Researchers then compared the distribution of their recordings to the makeup of the environment by land cover type.
The findings confirm what scientists have long thought to be true: there are more bird and animal sounds in less developed areas of the island, particularly in the north. There, a dawn chorus of chirps and calls awakens residents. Meanwhile, there are fewer animal sounds in the south of the island, where the landscape is more urban.
"Everyone knows a city sounds different than a forest, but scientists are increasingly interested in studying soundscapes in a quantitative way," said Evan Economo, senior author on the paper and head of the Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit at OIST. "How an ecosystem sounds has a lot of information in the processes occurring there."
For birds, which rely on their hearing to establish territory or feed or mate, human-caused sounds can be disruptive, Economo said. "Noise pollution can have a big effect."
The program itself is an important advancement for science on the island, said Nicholas Friedman, corresponding author on the study. The network's automation allows researchers to more efficiently monitor sites--and track multiple sounds at once. The use of a supercomputer based at OIST and sound-recognition software allows the team to significantly reduce time spent on analysis.
"In a previous model of ecological research we'd have technicians in the field constantly to get this kind of data," an approach that required extra training and additional time," said Friedman. "But with this approach we can make a model of how you identify birds, so we can survey more sites with less money."
The team aims to use the study as a basis for future research. They have expanded their recorders to 24 sites and will monitor multiple animals, including insects. The researchers have already collected more than 25 terabytes of audio--an amount that would take eight years to listen through without supercomputing power.
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Columbus, Ohio - Albert de la Chapelle, MD, PhD, Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics at The Ohio State University, has received a lifetime achievement award from the Collaborative Group of the Americas on Inherited Colorectal Cancer (CGA-ICC), which was established to improve understanding of inherited colorectal cancer and the clinical management of affected families, particularly those living in the Americas.
De la Chapelle, who is a member of the Molecular Biology and Cancer Genetics Program at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James), received the award Oct. 20 during the organization's annual meeting.
"Dr. de la Chapelle is truly a giant in the field of genetics and specifically in colorectal cancer genetics," says Sonia S. Kupfer, MD, 2017 CGA president. "He made several seminal discoveries that paved the way for identification, diagnosis and cancer prevention in patients with mismatch repair mutations."
De la Chapelle's work spans more than five decades and includes more than 800 publications. His early research contributed to the detection of a gene that helps determine maleness and to characterizing the XX male syndrome, also called De la Chapelle syndrome. But most of his career has focused on identifying, mapping, cloning and characterizing disease genes, especially genes that predispose people to cancer.
In particular, he played a key role in the discovery of genes that cause Lynch syndrome (LS), a cancer-causing condition that occurs when a person inherits a mutation in one of four genes. De la Chapelle is known for having a compassionate approach to clinical research. He shows an interest in the patients seen by his staff in clinic, and his work has emphasized applying laboratory discoveries to the development of new diagnostic procedures and treatments. These have included the development of the test used to screen people for LS and studies that led to recommendations for the universal screening of people with colorectal cancer for LS. His work helped lead to the Ohio Colorectal Cancer Prevention Initiative, which includes 50 hospitals throughout Ohio and was funded in part by Pelotonia, the annual grassroots bicycle event that raises money for cancer research at Ohio State.
De la Chapelle also has made significant contributions in the areas of papillary thyroid cancer, acute myeloid leukemia and endometrial cancer. Ongoing work includes inherited mutations that predispose to papillary thyroid cancer, including non-coding RNA genes.
De la Chapelle holds the Leonard J. Immke Jr. and Charlotte L. Immke Chair in Cancer Research at Ohio State. He earned his MD and PhD from the University of Helsinki, where he served as professor of Medical Genetics from 1974-1997, and as director of Clinical Genetics of the University of Helsinki Central Hospital from 1977 to 1997. His awards include honorary doctorates at the Universities of Uppsala and Oulu, membership of the Academy of Finland, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (1977), and the William Allan Award of the American Society of Human Genetics (2002). About the OSUCCC - James
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute strives to create a cancer-free world by integrating scientific research with excellence in education and patient-centered care, a strategy that leads to better methods of prevention, detection and treatment. Ohio State is one of only 49 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and one of only a few centers funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs sponsored by the NCI. As the cancer program's 308-bed adult patient-care component, The James is one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report and has achieved Magnet designation, the highest honor an organization can receive for quality patient care and professional nursing practice. At 21 floors with more than 1.1 million square feet, The James is a transformational facility that fosters collaboration and integration of cancer research and clinical cancer care.
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Media Contact: Amanda Harper, director, Media Relations
Direct: 614-685-5420; central media office: 614-293-3737
Amanda.Harper2@osumc.edu
Written by: Darrell E. Ward, associate director for Cancer Communications
614-293-3737, or Darrell.Ward@osumc.edu
Americans may disagree on many things, but love might not be one of them. According to researchers, people in the U.S. largely agree about what makes them feel loved, coming to a general consensus that it may be small gestures that matter most.
In a study, researchers found that small, non-romantic gestures -- like someone showing compassion or snuggling with a child -- topped the list of what makes people feel loved. Meanwhile, controlling behaviors -- like someone wanting to know where they were at all times -- were seen as the least loving.
Saeideh Heshmati, a postdoctoral research scholar who is working with Zita Oravecz in Penn State's College of Health and Human Development, said the study results -- published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships -- could give insight into how love affects people's overall well-being.
"Whether we feel loved or not plays an important role in how we feel from day to day," Heshmati said. "We were curious about whether the majority of Americans could agree about what makes people feel loved on a daily basis, or if it was a more personal thing. Our results show that people do agree, and the top scenarios that came back weren't necessarily romantic. So it is possible for people to feel loved in simple, everyday scenarios. It doesn't have to be over-the-top gestures."
The researchers recruited 495 American adults to answer a questionnaire about whether or not they thought most people would feel loved in 60 different scenarios. The situations included positive actions, like being greeted by a pet; neutral scenarios, like feeling close to nature; and negative situations, like someone acting possessive.
After gathering the data, the researchers analyzed it with a cultural consensus model -- a framework for measuring the beliefs of a culture. Heshmati said that while participants disagreed on some items -- there was a near-even split, for example, on whether "someone giving you positive feedback on the Internet" was loving or not -- there were many instances where the participants agreed.
"We found that behavioral actions -- rather than purely verbal expressions -- triggered more consensus as indicators of love. For example, more people agreed that a child snuggling with them was more loving than someone simply saying, 'I love you,'" Heshmati said. "You might think they would score on the same level, but people were more in agreement about loving actions, where there's more authenticity perhaps, instead of a person just saying something."
Participants also agreed on what doesn't make people feel loved. Behaviors that could be seen as controlling were ranked among the least loving actions.
"In American culture, it seems that controlling or possessive behaviors are the ones people do not feel loved by," Heshmati said. "If someone wants to know where you are at all times, or acts controlling, those actions are not loving to us. This could be a cultural difference, though. There's research showing that in more communal societies, these types of controlling behaviors may be seen as affection. But here in America we don't see it as loving."
The analysis was also able to identify which demographics had the most knowledge of, or were more in tune with, the cultural consensus.
The researchers found that men tended to know less about what the majority of the American culture deems loving, which Heshmati said could be because previous research has shown that men tend to think about the concept of love differently than women. Additionally, people in a relationship and people with agreeable or neurotic personality traits tended to know more about the cultural consensus.
Heshmati said that even though the results may reflect how the American culture in general feels about love, individuals still can and do have their own personal feelings about what makes them feel loved.
"It may not be wise to go into a relationship assuming that both of you know the same things about feeling loved or that all of the same things will make you feel loved," Heshmati said. "I think it's important to communicate these things to each other, which can assist in being more in tune with each other and feeling loved in the relationship."
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Zita Oravecz, Penn State; Sarah Pressman, University of California, Irvine; William H. Batchedler, University of California, Irvine; Chelsea Muth, Penn State; and Joachim Vanderkerckhove, University of California, Irvine, also participated in this study.
This research was supported by the Templeton Foundation.
Ecologists are using a network of "outdoor recording studios" to better monitor the subtropical Japanese island of Okinawa. Now a pilot study, in which more than 1,100 hours of birdsong were analyzed, is available in the journal Ecological Research which is the official journal of the Ecological Society of Japan and is published by Springer.
The research was led by both Nick Friedman of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan, and Samuel Ross of the University of Leeds in the UK. The soundscapes they analyzed reflect how human activity influences the occurrence of species such as the Okinawa Rail and Ruddy Kingfisher on the island.
In this acoustic monitoring study, five pilot recording sites were set up in three city parks, a forest and a forested suburb on Okinawa, which is the largest and most inhabited island in the Ry?ky? archipelago. Together with nineteen other sites, these are part of the Okinawa Environmental Observation Network Churamori Project which monitors the island's plants and animals - many of which are either endemic or threatened.
Indices from the recordings were calculated to reflect aspects such as the composition and complexity of the soundscape. The range of frequencies of the bird song were monitored as well as different sound intensities within a recording, as an indication of the diversity of birds present in an area.
The presence of five different bird species were also automatically detected using machine learning methods. The Okinawa Rail and Ruddy Kingfisher were, for example, most often heard in forested areas. This reflects the impact that urban development is having on the location of endemic species.
The research team recorded the influence that rainy weather and seasonal changes have on birdsong and the soundscape in general. They also learned when to start listening for different bird species. The Ruddy Kingfisher's song is, for instance, almost exclusively heard during the morning, while the Jungle Crow is audible throughout the day. The Okinawa Rail is the most silent.
The use of automated recording sites now makes it possible to monitor many field sites simultaneously, without the need for a large research team. Also, acoustic recordings do not interfere with the normal behavior of the animals being monitored. Thanks to technological advances in the development of miniaturized recording and data storage equipment, ecologists are now better able to analyze the sounds of nature and to monitor and measure the species living in a specific area.
"Our results highlight the potential use of remote acoustic monitoring practices that, in combination with other methods, can provide a holistic picture of biodiversity," says Ross. "We intend this project as an open resource, and wish to extend an invitation to researchers interested in scientific collaboration."
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Reference: Ross, S.R.P-J. et al (2017). Listening to ecosystems: data-rich acoustic monitoring through landscape-scale sensor networks, Ecological Research DOI: 10.1007/s11284-017-1509-5
Further Information
About the Ecological Society of Japan http://www.esj.ne.jp/esj/e_index.html
The perovskite metal halide materials, such as CH3NH3PbI3, have attracted wide interest in the field of photoelectric conversion, detecting and luminescence. As an emerging semiconductor, this type of material has distinctive advantages of high light absorption coefficient, long carrier lifetime, low defect density and exciton binding energy, and low fabrication cost. The energy conversion efficiency of the perovskite solar cell (PSCs) has been exceeding 22%, even higher than that of the multicrystalline silicon cell, implying its potential commercial application. In the development process of PSCs, Chinese scientists have made contributions in developing efficient hole transport material free PSCs, exploring new materials with photoelectric and luminescence properties, regulating the material fabrication, integrating large-area devices, investigating the stability issue of the cell.
Here, Meng's group from Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, reviews the latest advance from the perspective of material structure, fabrication technology to the critical physics properties. Especially for the physics properties, the doping, defects, carriers, junction and electric field, ion transportation and their influence on the semiconductor properties have been discussed.
For the ternary perovskite, its carrier property is closely related to the self-doping; and the carrier control can also be realized in experiment by regulating the physics-chemistry process behind the material fabrication. In the meanwhile, impurity atoms could be an alternative for the carrier adjustment. Due to the p-type doping, a single heterojunction at the TiO2/perovskite interface was observed in the cell, where the heterojunction is mainly located in the perovskite region. Interestingly, no obvious junction was found at the perovskite/hole transporting layer interface, which implies that the cell may be not a p-i-n cell. For the defect properties, some works have been reported. The defect density of these low-temperature solution-processed perovskites is as low as 1015 cm-3, which thus contributes to the long carrier lifetime. Recently, significant ion transport in the material has been found, which would redistribute the doping and defect in the cell, thus affecting the photoelectric behavior and stability.
These physics properties play essential roles in the operation of the cell and need to be understood thoroughly. For the cell, the low stability is the key limitation to its further development, and the physics stability has the critical effect. It is believed that, with substantial effort toward developing new hybrid perovskite materials and new fabrication techniques, a reliable perovskite photovoltaic technology can be realized in the future.
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See the article:
Dongmei Li, Jiangjian Shi, Yuzhuan Xu, Yanhong Luo, Huijue Wu, Qingbo Meng
Inorganic-organic halide perovskites for new photovoltaic technology
Natl Sci Rev, nwx100, https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwx100
http://nsr.oxfordjournals.org/content
The National Science Review is the first comprehensive scholarly journal released in English in China that is aimed at linking the country's rapidly advancing community of scientists with the global frontiers of science and technology. The journal also aims to shine a worldwide spotlight on scientific research advances across China.
Patients with severe burns who have higher levels of vitamin D recover more successfully than those with lower levels, according to a study presented at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference in Harrogate. This study is the first to investigate the role of vitamin D in recovery from burn injury and suggests that vitamin D supplementation may be a simple and cost-effective treatment to enhance burn healing.
Despite improvements in burn care over the last 10 years, many patients are still at risk of poor recovery. Complications can range from delayed wound healing through to infections. Patients with severe burns are at high risk of infection that may lead to life-threatening sepsis. Vitamin D is known to have antibacterial actions that may help combat infection and therefore aid in wound healing of burn patients.
In order to investigate the role of vitamin D in recovery from burn injuries, Professor Janet Lord and Dr Khaled Al-Tarrah, at the Institute of Inflammation & Aging in Birmingham, assessed the recovery progress, over one year, in patients with severe burns and correlated this with their vitamin D levels. The study found that patients with higher levels of vitamin D had a better prognosis, with improved wound healing, fewer complications and less scarring. The data also showed that burns patients tend to have lower levels of vitamin D. These data suggest that vitamin D supplementation immediately following burn injury may have potent health benefits to the patient, including enhanced antimicrobial activity to prevent infection, and improved wound healing.
Prof Lord states, "Major burn injury severely reduces vitamin D levels and adding this vitamin back may be a simple, safe and cost-effective way to improve outcomes for burns patients, with minimal cost to NHS."
The effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation to improve outcomes in burn patients would need to be verified in clinical trials. Prof Lord and her team are now focussed on finding out why there is a rapid loss of vitamin D in patients immediately following burn injury and hope that they may be able to prevent this in future. The amount of reduction in patients' vitamin D levels was not related to the severity of the burn, so levels may also be decreased in more minor burn injuries.
Prof Lord comments, "Low vitamin D levels were associated with worse outcomes in burn patients including life threatening infections, mortality and delayed wound healing. It was also associated with worse scarring but vitamin D levels are something generally overlooked by clinicians."
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Abstract
P030
Influence of Vitamin D on Outcomes Following Burn Injury: An Observational Cohort Study
Khaled Al-Tarrah1,2, Carl Jenkinson3, Martin Hewison3, Naiem Moiemen2, Janet Lord1
1Institute of Inflammation & Aging, Birmingham, United Kingdom, 2Scar Free Foundation Burns Research Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom, 3Institute of Metabolism & Systems Research, Birmingham, United Kingdom
Introduction: Low levels of vitamin D are associated with higher mortality in critically ill patients. Studies on vitamin D levels in adult burn patients and their influence on clinical outcomes are scarce. Therefore, vitamin D status following thermal injury is often overlooked as its clinical implications are poorly understood.
Aim: To examine the relationship of major thermal injury on the vitamin D axis and the influence of vitamin D levels on outcomes in adult burn patients.
Methods: An observational cohort study in major burn injury patients (TBSA ?20%) with patients followed up for 1 year following injury and blood samples taken at 10 time-points. Vitamin D metabolites and their serum carrier vitamin D binding protein (DBP) were assessed using LC-MS/MS and ELISA respectively. Various clinical outcomes of patients were recorded, including wound healing, sepsis, multiorgan failure and mortality.
Results: 38 burn patients with median TBSA of 42% were assessed. The inactive circulating form of vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25D3) and DBP were significantly reduced following major burn injury compared with healthy controls. Median 25D3 remained low.
Conclusion: Thermal injury affects vitamin D status, with low 25D3 levels predisposing patients to poorer prognosis. Data indicate that low serum 25D3 impairs tissue-specific antibacterial and wound healing responses in burn patients, potentially via tissue-specific activation and function. Supplementing with high doses of vitamin D to increase serum 25D3 may greatly improve health outcomes in burns patients.
Women with PCOS are more likely to suffer from mental health disorders and should be routinely screened for these during medical assessments, according to a study presented at the Society for Endocrinology annual conference in Harrogate. These findings support previous work showing that the condition may negatively affect mental health and highlight the importance of screening PCOS patients for mental health disorders.
PCOS is a common condition, affecting 5-10% of women globally, in which elevated male hormone levels can cause a range of distressing and life-limiting symptoms, including reduced fertility, irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, and acne. Previous studies have suggested a link between PCOS and poor mental health in women but the studies were small and did not adequately take other factors that can affect mental health into consideration. In addition, high levels of testosterone during pregnancy have been reported to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and autism, in children.
In this study, researchers from the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute at Cardiff University retrospectively assessed the mental health history of over 17,000 women diagnosed with PCOS. The study followed these patients from PCOS diagnosis and across routine follow- up assessments, for a minimum of 6 months. When compared with unaffected women, matched for age, body mass index and geographical location, the study found that PCOS patients were more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Children born to mothers with PCOS were also found to be at greater risk of developing ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. These findings suggest that women with PCOS should be screened for mental health disorders, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment and ultimately improve their quality of life.
Dr Aled Rees, study lead comments, "The effect of PCOS on mental health is under-appreciated. Our work shows that screening for mental health disorders should be considered during clinical assessments."
Dr Rees and his group now hope to investigate if genetic factors that contribute to the risk of PCOS, also contribute to the risk of autism and ADHD, which may help to reveal new biological pathways implicated in these disorders, and lead to new treatments.
Dr Rees says, "Further research is needed to confirm the neurodevelopmental effects of PCOS, and to address whether all or some types of patients with PCOS are exposed to mental health risks."
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Abstract
P353
Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with adverse mental health and neurodevelopmental outcomes: a retrospective, observational study
Thomas Berni1, Christopher Morgan2, Ellen Berni1, Aled Rees3
1School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 2Pharmatelligence, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 3Neurscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterised by hyperandrogenism, oligo/amenorrhoea and subfertility but the effects on mental health outcomes are unclear. Offspring neurodevelopment might also be influenced by gestational androgen exposure. Aims
To determine if (i) there is an association between PCOS and psychiatric outcomes, and (ii) rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are higher in the offspring of mothers with PCOS. Methods
Data were extracted from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients with a diagnosis of PCOS (2000-2014) were matched to two control sets (ratio 1:1) by age, BMI and primary care practice. Control set 2 were additionally matched on prior mental health status. Primary outcomes were the incidence of depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of ADHD or ASD in offspring. Rates of progression to each primary outcome were compared using Cox proportional hazard models. Prevalence of ADHD and ASD in offspring were compared using logistic regression. Results
16,986 eligible PCOS patients were identified; 16,938 (99.7%) and 16,355 (96.3%) were matched to control sets 1 and 2 respectively. Compared to control set 1, baseline prevalence was 23.1% versus 19.3% for depression (p<0.001), 11.5% versus 9.3% for anxiety (p<0.001) and 3.2% versus 1.5% for bipolar disorder (p<0.001). The hazard ratio for time to each endpoint was 1.26 (95% CI 1.19-1.32; p<0.001), 1.20 (1.11-1.29 p<0.001), and 1.21 (1.03-1.42; p<0.001) for cohort 1 and 1.38 (1.30-1.45 p<0.001), 1.39 (1.29-1.51 p<0.001) and 1.44 (1.21-1.71) for cohort 2. The odds ratio for ASD and ADHD in offspring were 1.54 (1.12-2.11) and 1.64 (1.16-2.33) for cohort 1, and 1.76 (1.27-2.46) and 1.34 (0.96-1.89) for cohort 2. Conclusions
PCOS is associated with psychiatric morbidity and increased risk of ADHD and ASD in the offspring. Screening for mental health disorders should be considered during assessment.
The neural underpinnings of the decoy effect -- a marketing strategy in which one of three presented options is unlikely to be chosen but may influence how an individual decides between the other two options -- are investigated in new neuroeconomic research published in JNeurosci using neuroimaging and brain stimulation.
To make a decision, the brain encodes values for available choices and an individual then theoretically chooses the option with the highest value. In reality, however, these choices are made in varying contexts that may have a role in the value calculation of each option.
Chen-Ying Huang and Wen-Jui Kuo led a team of neuroscientists and economists to investigate this question by conducting two experiments with young adults in Taiwan. Participants were asked to make choices between two and three restaurant meals based on price and rating information from the website enjoygourmet.com. The researchers observed greater value-related activity in the left ventral striatum when the chosen option was superior to the decoy, compared with the situation where the same chosen option was not. Their functional magnetic resonance imaging and transcranial magnetic simulation work also revealed that input from the frontal region of the brain has a role in correcting this bias.
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Article: Why Do Irrelevant Alternatives Matter? An fMRI-TMS Study of Context-Dependent Preferences
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2307-16.2017
Corresponding authors: Chen-Ying Huang (National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan), chenying@ntu.edu.tw and Wen-Jui Kuo (National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan), wjkuo@ym.edu.tw
About JNeurosci
JNeurosci, the Society for Neuroscience's first journal, was launched in 1981 as a means to communicate the findings of the highest quality neuroscience research to the growing field. Today the journal remains committed to publishing cutting-edge neuroscience that will have an immediate and lasting scientific impact while responding to authors' changing publishing needs, representing breadth of the field and diversity in authorship.
About The Society for Neuroscience
The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 37,000 members in more than 90 countries and over 130 chapters worldwide.
A study of two related species of fruit fly published in JNeurosci reveals that a gene known to regulate behavior for attracting a mate in one species gives rise to unique wooing techniques observed in the other species.
The neural circuitry underlying courtship behavior has been previously identified in the fruit fly species Drosophila melanogaster. These circuits are composed of neurons expressing the fruitless gene, which could form differently in different species.
Daisuke Yamamoto and colleagues explored the fruitless circuity in Drosophila subobscura, a related species that engages in unconventional mating tactics such as a male giving a potential mate a regurgitated "nuptial gift." The researchers confirmed that these circuits, which are similar to but distinct from those of D. melanogaster, are required for courtship and found that artificially activating them with light induced species-specific mating behaviors. The study points to the possibility that the same neurons in both species evolved to generate different behaviors as a result of acquired gene expression. Further research and new genetic techniques are required to test this hypothesis.
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Article: Optogenetic activation of the fruitless-labeled circuitry in Drosophila subobscura males induces mating motor acts
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1943-17.2017
Corresponding author: Daisuke Yamamoto (Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan), daichan@m.tohoku.ac.jp
About JNeurosci
JNeurosci, the Society for Neuroscience's first journal, was launched in 1981 as a means to communicate the findings of the highest quality neuroscience research to the growing field. Today the journal remains committed to publishing cutting-edge neuroscience that will have an immediate and lasting scientific impact while responding to authors' changing publishing needs, representing breadth of the field and diversity in authorship.
About The Society for Neuroscience
The Society for Neuroscience is the world's largest organization of scientists and physicians devoted to understanding the brain and nervous system. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1969, now has nearly 37,000 members in more than 90 countries and over 130 chapters worldwide.
RESTON, VA - Italian researches have demonstrated a better way of determining the aggressiveness of tumors in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a study presented in the featured clinical investigation article of the November issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine, they used 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT imaging to show that the amount of cell-free tumor DNA circulating in the bloodstream correlates with tumor metabolism (linked to cancer aggressiveness), not tumor burden (amount of cancer in the body).
According to the American Cancer Society, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women, causing roughly 1 out of 4 cancer deaths. NSCLC represents approximately 85 percent of lung cancer cases. More than 22,000 new cases are expected this year in the United States, and the disease is expected to claim more than 155,000 lives.
"Despite the identification of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as biomarkers capable of providing clinically relevant information in cancer patients, at present their identification is not routinely used in clinical practice," explains Silvia Morbelli, MD, PhD, of the IRCCS San Martino - IST National Cancer Research Institute and University of Genoa in Genoa, Italy.
This study of 37 patients (24 men and 13 women, ages 51 to 80) who have never been treated with chemotherapy found direct correlation of the amount of cfDNA with tumor metabolism (based on PET-derived parameters), but not with metabolic tumor volume. These results suggest that cfDNA might better reflect tumors' biological behavior and aggressiveness than tumor burden in metastatic NSCLC.
The researchers noted that a subgroup of 13 patients had metabolically active bone lesions and also higher levels of cfDNA. In addition, while cfDNA correlated with tumor metabolism, no association was found with circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Previous investigations have suggested that cfDNA and CTCs might provide complementary information about tumor biology. The small size of this study means that no definitive conclusions could be made regarding the role of CTCs in NSCLC metabolism.
Morbelli points out, "Our findings illustrate the prognostic value of 18F-FDG and provide a deeper understanding of clinically reliable, noninvasive biomarkers that may help identify potential unresponsive NSCLC patients before treatment and limit unnecessary toxicity."
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The authors of "Circulating tumor DNA reflects tumor metabolism rather than tumor burden in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): 18F-FDG PET/CT study" include Silvia Morbelli, Giulia Ferrarazzo, Francesca Bongioanni, Roberta Piva, Alberto Nieri, Matteo Bauckneht, and Gianmario Sambuceti, IRCCS San Martino - IST National Cancer Research Institute and University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Angela Alama, Simona Coco, Carlo Genova, Erika Rijavec, Federica Biello, Maria Giovanna Dal Bello, Giulia Barletta, IreneVanni, and Francesco Grossi, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST National Cancer Research Institute; and Michela Massollo, EO Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy.
Please visit the SNMMI Media Center to view the PDF of the study, including images, and more information about molecular imaging and personalized medicine. To schedule an interview with the researchers, please contact Laurie Callahan at (703) 652-6773 or lcallahan@snmmi.org. Current and past issues of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine can be found online at http://jnm.snmjournals.org.
About the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising awareness about nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, vital elements of precision medicine that allow diagnosis and treatment to be tailored to individual patients in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.
SNMMI's more than 15,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice. For more information, visit http://www.snmmi.org.
Bottom Line: Preventive care visits for adolescents increased moderately after implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) but most U.S. adolescents still do not attend doctor "well visits" or receive preventive care.
Why The Research Is Interesting: American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines recommend preventive care services up to age 21, including an annual visit. The ACA requires that most private insurers cover preventive services without a copay, including services recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
What, When and How: Comparison of past-year well visits and preventive services received by adolescents before (2007-2009) and after the ACA was implemented (2012-2014) using national survey data collected from adult caregivers (mostly parents) of adolescents
Authors: Sally H. Adams, Ph.D., of UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital at the University of California, San Francisco, and coauthors
Results: Annual well-visit rates increased from 41 percent before the ACA to 48 percent after the ACA, with the biggest gains among minority and low-income adolescents; among adolescents who had any past-year health care visit, there were increases of from 2 to 9 percent for 8 of 9 preventive services and results did not change after accounting for demographic factors.
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Study Limitations: Data on adolescent health care were based on caregiver reports.
Study Conclusions: Findings highlight the need to bring adolescents into well care and to improve the delivery of preventive care to them in practices.
Related material: The following related elements also are available on the For The Media website:
The editorial, "Ensuring Access to Preventive Services for Adolescents; Historical Roots, Current Progress and Future Challenges," by Abigail English, J.D., of the Center for Adolescent Health and the Law, Chapel Hill, and Jane Perkins, J.D., M.P.H., of the National Health Law Program, Carrboro, both in North Carolina
For more details and to read the full study, please visit the For The Media website.
(doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.3140)
Editor's Note: The article contains funding/support disclosures. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc..
Want to embed a link to this study in your story? Links will be live at the embargo time http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.3140
Microfinance institutions are popularly known for providing small loans to low-income entrepreneurs lacking access to traditional banking services. However, new research from The Arnhold Institute for Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, published today in the November issue of Health Affairs, suggests that the capabilities of microfinance networks expand well beyond banking, and that tapping into these networks can bring measurable health improvements to rural and underserved communities on a national scale with reduced cost.
Arnhold Institute researchers partnered with Fonkoze (the largest microfinance organization in Haiti) and tested whether training microfinance center chiefs to deliver micronutrient supplements during credit center meetings could improve the health of children under five. At the meetings, center chiefs distributed the nutritional supplements to Fonkoze borrowers (mothers who had children at home under the age of five), while also showing them how to mix and administer the supplements. The research team compared changes in blood test results and rates of anemia among 250 children who lived in villages where the intervention was delivered over three months, to a control group of 250 children in other villages who did not receive the supplements. The control children were, however, given the micronutrient powders after the three-month study period. The team found that the microfinance institution delivery worked, and that its health impact on the children was equal to a prior trial in Haiti where the same intervention was delivered through a non-profit health and nutrition program. The microfinance-health initiative is now being scaled nationally in Haiti through a social business model.
"Given the strength of informal institutions and markets in low-income countries like Haiti, we wanted to see if leveraging them could be effective in distributing essential health products," said Aaron Baum, PhD, Lead Economist at The Arnhold Institute for Global Health and lead author of the study. "This is the first randomized trial that provides evidence of the beneficial health impacts from integrating microfinance and health care services. If we can increase coverage of existing health interventions such as vaccines, micronutrient supplements, and water purification tablets, two-thirds of child deaths could be prevented. We believe that MFI-based delivery of health services offers a promising approach to reach scale."
Using MFI distribution networks as a part of scaling essential health interventions also has important policy implications. Globally, microfinance institutions reach 200 million households, with the number rising by about 20 million per year. Having MFI deliver basic health products may be a promising way to reach poor rural communities on a national scale. Moreover, using already-existing supply chains could reduce the total cost of mass delivery of micronutrient powders in low-income countries by 25 percent.
"We know there is a reciprocal relationship between poor health and poverty - that illness increases the likelihood of business failure and poverty, and poverty increases the risk of illness," said Carine Roenen, MD, MPH, Executive Director, Fonkoze. "Careful integration of health services into anti-poverty initiatives in a sustainable manner provides real health benefits and improves the bottom line."
"The findings indicate that networks organized by microfinance institutions offer an accessible bridge between health systems and the communities they serve," said Prabhjot Singh, MD, PhD, Director, The Arnhold Institute for Global Health, and Chair, Department of Health System Design and Global Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "As a result, we recommend that policy makers looking to rapidly scale up community health programs consider incorporating microfinance institutions into their deployment strategy."
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Additional study collaborators include Wesly Elize, MD, MPA, and Florence Jean-Louis, MD, MPH. The research was supported by Vitamin Angels, a non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on combating childhood malnutrition around the world through vitamin supplementation.
About The Arnhold Institute for Global Health
The Arnhold Institute for Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Health System, seeks to improve the health of people and the communities they live in, both in the U.S. and abroad. The Arnhold Institute serves as a global arm of the Mount Sinai Health System, leading research on the design of more equitable and effective care models that are disseminated through digital products, training systems and input on policy design.
About the Icahn School of Medicine
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is an international leader in medical and scientific training, biomedical research, and patient care. It is the medical school for the Mount Sinai Health System, an integrated health care system which includes seven hospitals and an expanding ambulatory network serving approximately 4 million patients per year.
The School has more than 1,800 students in MD, PhD, and Master's programs and post-doctoral fellowships; more than 5,600 faculty members; over 2,000 residents and fellows; and 23 clinical and research institutes and 34 academic departments. It is ranked among the highest in the nation in National Institutes of Health funding per principal investigator. The School was the first medical school in the country to create a progressive admissions approach for students who seek early assurance of admission through the FlexMed program.
The Graduate School of Biomedical Science trains PhD and MD/PhD students, and offers master's-level programs in areas such as genetic counseling, clinical research, biomedical sciences, and public health, and an online master's degree in health care delivery leadership. The seamless connections between our medical school, graduate school, and hospital campuses provide an extraordinary environment for translating scientific discoveries into clinical treatments.
For more information, visit http://icahn.mssm.edu or find the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Computer Tomography (CT) is a standard procedure in hospitals, but so far, the technology has not been suitable for imaging extremely small objects. In PNAS, a team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) describes a Nano-CT device that creates three-dimensional x-ray images at resolutions up to 100 nanometers. The first test application: Together with colleagues from the University of Kassel and Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht the researchers analyzed the locomotory system of a velvet worm.
During a CT analysis, the object under investigation is x-rayed and a detector measures the respective amount of radiation absorbed from various angles. Three-dimensional images of the inside of the object can be constructed based on several such measurements. Up until now, however, the technology reached its limits when it came to objects as small as the tiny, 0.4 millimeter long legs of the velvet worm (Onychophora).
High-resolution images of this magnitude required radiation from particle accelerators, yet there are only a few dozen such facilities in Europe. Approaches suitable for the typical laboratory still had to struggle with low resolutions, or the samples investigated had to be made of certain materials and could not exceed a certain size. The reason was often the use of x-ray optics. Put simply, x-ray optics focus x-ray radiation similar to the way optical lenses focus light - but they also have several limitations.
High resolutions possible with new x-ray sources
The TUM Nano-CT system is based on a newly developed x-ray source, which generates a particularly focused beam, without relying on x-ray optics. In combination with an extremely low-noise detector, the device produces images that approach the resolution possible with a scanning electron microscope, while also capturing structures under the surface of the object under investigation.
"Our system has decisive advantages compared to CTs using x-ray optics," says TUM scientist Mark Muller, lead author of the PNAS article. "We can make tomographies of significantly larger samples and we are more flexible in terms of the materials that can be investigated."
Insights into the evolution of the arthropod world
Exactly these properties were ideal for the team led by Prof. Georg Mayer, head of the Department of Zoology at the University of Kassel. The scientists investigate the evolutionary origin of arthropods, including for example insects, spiders and crustaceans. Their current research, however, focuses on velvet worms (onychophorans), which can be thought of as worms with legs and are closely related to arthropods. Some velvet worm species can grow to a length of up to 20 centimeters, while others do not exceed 1 centimeter. The exact zoological classification of these ancient animals is still a matter of controversy; presumably, they share a common ancestor with arthropods and tardigrades (water bears).
"In contrast to arthropods, onychophorans do not have segmented limbs, as is also the case with their presumed common fossil ancestors," says Georg Mayer. "The investigation of the functional anatomy of the velvet worm's legs plays a key role in determining how the segmented limbs of the arthropods evolved." The Nano-CT images make it possible to investigate the individual muscle strands of the velvet worm leg. The team from Kassel plans to publish detailed results in the next few months. But they are already convinced about one thing: The Nano-CT device has passed its first practical test.
Nano-CT: Future applications in medicine
Like so many other imaging instruments, the Nano-CT system was developed and installed at the Munich School of BioEngineering (MSB). This TUM interdisciplinary research center is Europe's thematically most comprehensive university facility for the intersection of medicine, engineering sciences and natural sciences. Our goal in the development of the Nano-CT system is not only to be able to investigate biological samples, such as the leg of the velvet worm," says Franz Pfeiffer, TUM Professor for Biomedical Physics, Director of the MSB, and a Fellow at the TUM Institute for Advanced Study (TUM-IAS).
"In the future, this technology will also make biomedical investigations possible. Thus, for example, we will be able to examine tissue samples to clarify whether or not a tumor is malignant. A non-destructive and three-dimensional image of the tissue with a resolution like that of the Nano-CT can also provide new insights into the microscopic development of widespread illnesses such as cancer."
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Publication:
M. Muller, I. de Sena Oliveira, S. Allner, S. Ferstl, P. Bidola, K. Mechlem, A. Fehringer, L. Hehn, M. Dierolf, K. Achterhold, B. Gleich, J. U. Hammel, H. Jahn, G. Mayer, F. Pfeiffer. "Myoanatomy of the velvet worm leg revealed by laboratory-based nanofocus X-ray source tomography". PNAS (2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710742114
Further Information:
Munich School of BioEngineering: http://www.bioengineering.tum.de/
TUM Institute for Advanced Study: https://www.ias.tum.de/
Nano-CT-imaging video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwtzPWdKWqY
Contact:
Prof. Dr. Franz Pfeiffer
Chair of Biomedical Physics and Munich School of BioEngineering
Technical University of Munich
Tel.: +49 (89) 289 12551
franz.pfeiffer@tum.de
High-resolution images for journalists: https://mediatum.ub.tum.de/1401200
New research from the University of East Anglia (UEA), UK, and Dalhousie University, Canada, reveals how immune systems can evolve resistance to parasites.
A study, published today in Nature Communications, solves the enigma of how species can adapt and change their immune system to cope with new parasitic threats - whilst at the same time showing little or no evolutionary change in critical immune function over millions of years.
The findings help to explain why we humans have some immune genes that are almost identical to those of chimpanzees.
Scientists from UEA and Dalhousie University studied how Guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) adapt to survive by studying their immune genes, known as the Major Histocompatibility Complex or MHC genes.
They found that guppies fine-tune these genes in each location, enabling them to adapt and survive in many different and extreme environments. Despite this adaptation, genes maintained critical function of tens of millions of years.
The discovery could improve scientists' understanding of how related species can adapt and change their immune system to cope with new threats from parasites while simultaneously sharing similar function.
Dr Jackie Lighten from UEA led the study. He said: "Guppies are a small, colourful fish native to South America, Trinidad and Tobago. They are a fantastic model for researching the ecology and evolution of vertebrates.
"MHC genes are an important line of defence in the immune system in vertebrates, including humans. Because parasites evolve quicker than their vertebrate hosts, immune genes need to be highly diverse to keep up with parasites and prevent infections.
"MHC genes produce protein structures that are on the external surface of cells. These genes are diverse and so produce an array of proteins, each of which presents a specific part of a parasite or pathogen that has attempted to infect the body. The specific shape of the protein dictates which parasites it can recognize, and signals to the immune system to prevent infection."
The study looked at MHC genetic variation in 59 guppy populations across Trinidad, Tobago, Barbados, and Hawaii. The authors found hundreds of different immune variants, but these so called 'alleles' appear to be clustered in a smaller number of functional groups or 'supertypes'.
Prof van Oosterhout, also from UEA's School of Environmental Sciences, said: "Each supertype protects the host against a specific group of parasites, and these supertypes were common across populations, and species, irrespective of the location.
"However, the alleles that make up a supertype track the rapid evolution of the parasites, and they too are evolving rapidly. These alleles are largely specific to each population, and they help in the 'fine-tuning' of the immune response to the specific (local) parasites that attack the host in that population."
Before this study, scientists debated how these immune genes can evolve rapidly (which is necessary to keep up with the fast-evolving parasites), whilst also showing little or no evolutionary change in their function over millions of years, as observed between humans and chimpanzees. This study resolves that debate.
Prof Bentzen from Dalhousie University said: "Although this study focused on MHC genes in vertebrates, the evolutionary dynamics described in it likely apply to other gene families, for example resistance genes and those which prevent self-fertilization in plants (self-incompatibility loci) that are caught up in their own evolutionary races."
Dr Lighten added: "It is an important step forward in understanding the evolutionary genetics of the immune system, and can help explain some of the puzzling observations observed in previous studies of many other organisms."
The research was funded by the British Ecological Society, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
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'Evolutionary genetics of immunological supertypes reveals two faces of the Red Queen' is published in the journal Nature Communications on November 3, 2017.
The symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (known as SLE or lupus) can fool you. You might think you're tired or have a cold when, in fact, you may actually have this autoimmune disease that leads to chronic inflammation in multiple organs. Blood tests or a kidney biopsy can confirm the diagnosis and extent of organ involvement, but these tests are invasive and often uncomfortable.
At the University of Houston, Chandra Mohan, Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Endowed Professor of biomedical engineering, is proposing a simpler test. With a $386,599 grant from the National Institutes of Health, he'll test biomarkers for a lupus test that uses only saliva.
In a blood test for lupus, anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody markers are very high in someone who tests positive for the disease. Scientists have found that the anti-dsDNA also shows up in saliva.
"Now we need to find out if salivary anti-dsDNA is at least as good if not better to test than blood anti-dsDNA," said Mohan. "If it is, then that is great, because wouldn't you rather give saliva than blood?" Testing saliva samples is particularly attractive for children and patients from whom blood is difficult to draw.
Lupus continues to be disproportionately diagnosed in the population underserved by medicine. Mohan is working to provide treatment and mitigate health risks in underserved communities, which is a growing focus of UH Health.
Preliminary studies reveal that saliva from people with SLE harbors antibodies and several proteins currently being pursued as potential blood biomarkers of SLE and lupus nephritis, or inflammation. Encouraged by these findings, the pilot study will investigate the different isotypes and specificities of autoantibodies and biomarker candidate proteins that are elevated in the saliva of SLE and lupus nephritis patients and establish their association with the disease. Clearly the easier option, saliva from a larger sample group will also be tested by Mohan while he and a colleague from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Professor Michelle Petri, also test other control conditions. Other researchers include Sanam Soomro, a graduate student, and Kamala Vanarsa, a research scientist.
Their work may pave the way for a home-based kit, similar to one Mohan is developing with UH engineer Richard Willson for urinary home testing of lupus nephritis flare-ups.
"The same kit could be used to test saliva, but with urine we already know some of the biomarkers to look for," said Mohan. "In the case of saliva, this grant will help us study what to look for and how to identify the proteins that are useful as biomarkers in saliva."
Mohan, a former practicing physician, has made lupus his life's work. In the 1980's, after receiving his medical degree in Singapore, many of his first, memorable patients had lupus.
"One of the things the patients and their families would always ask me was, 'Am I going to die?' and 'Is there a treatment?' At that time we hardly knew anything about lupus, and the literature was very sparse," said Mohan.
Those patients and their questions changed Mohan's life, and he dedicated himself to changing the outcomes and treatments for patients with lupus. He quit practicing medicine to pursue a doctoral degree at Tufts University in Boston, where he focused on the cellular immunology of lupus. He's been at it ever since.
Mohan said if he was that young doctor today, he would have better answers for those patients and could offer better treatment options. And though he might not have imagined it then, maybe a way to test for the disease with, by far, the easiest bodily fluid to collect.
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Future quantum computers will be able to solve problems where conventional computers fail today. We are still far away from any large-scale implementation, however, because quantum systems are very sensitive to environmental noise. Although systems can be protected from noise in principle, researchers have been able to build only small prototypes of quantum computers experimentally. One way to reduce the error rate is by encoding quantum information not in one single quantum particle but in several quantum objects. These logical quantum bits or qubits are more robust against noise. In the last few years, theoretical physicists have developed a whole range of error correction codes and optimized them for specific tasks. Physicists Hendrik Poulsen Nautrup and Hans Briegel from the Institute of Theoretical Physics of the University of Innsbruck and Nicolai Friis, now at the Institute of Quantum Optics and Quantum Information in Vienna, have found a technique to transfer quantum information between systems that are encoded differently.
Interface between processor and memory
Similar to classical computers, future quantum computers might be built with different components. Scientists have already built small-scale quantum processors and memories experimentally, and they have used different protocols to encode logical qubits: For example, for quantum processors they use so-called color codes and for quantum memories surface codes. "For the two systems to interact with each other quantum mechanically, we have to connect them," says PhD student Hendrik Poulsen Nautrup. "We have developed a protocol that allows us to merge quantum systems that are encoded differently." The scientists suggest to locally modify specific elements of the encoded quantum bits. This process is also called lattice surgery, which is used to couple systems such as quantum processors and memories. Once the systems are temporarily "sewed" together, quantum information can be teleported from the processor to the memory and vice versa. "Similar to a data bus in a conventional computer, scientists can use this technique to connect the components of a quantum computer," explains Poulsen Nautrup.
This new scheme is another step towards building a universal quantum computer and research for experimental realization is under way. The research was conducted within the framework of the doctoral program Atoms, Light, and Molecules offered at the University of Innsbruck and was funded by the Austrian Science Fund and the Templeton World Charity Foundation.
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OMAHA Authorities have released the names of two people shot on U.S. Highway 75 in northeast Omaha.
Police say the shooting happened around 12:45 p.m. Sunday near the Hamilton Street exit. Someone in a vehicle shot at the victims' vehicle while both vehicles were traveling south.
Police say 21-year-old Xavier Bass was killed and 24-year-old Marcus Eiland was wounded.
No arrests have been reported.
Treatment with a neuroprotective compound that saves brain cells from dying also prevents the development of depression-like behavior and the later onset of memory and learning problems in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. Although the treatment protects the animals from Alzheimer's-type symptoms, it does not alter the buildup of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the rat brains.
"We have known for a long time that the brains of people with Alzheimers disease have amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of abnormal tau protein, but it isnt completely understood what is cause or effect in the disease process, say senior study author Andrew Pieper, MD, PhD, professor of psychiatry in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and associate director of the Iowa Neuroscience Institute at the University of Iowa. Our study shows that keeping neurons alive in the brain helps animals maintain normal neurologic function, regardless of earlier pathological events in the disease, such as accumulation of amyloid plaque and tau tangles.
Alzheimer's disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition that gradually erodes a person's memory and cognitive abilities. Estimates suggest that more than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according the National Institute on Aging. In addition to the impact on cognition and memory, Alzheimer's disease can also affect mood, with many people experiencing depression and anxiety before the cognitive decline is apparent. In fact, people who develop depression for the first time late in life are at a significantly increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
"Traditional therapies have targeted the characteristic lesions in Alzheimer's disease, amyloid deposition and tau pathologies. The findings of this study show that simply protecting neurons in Alzheimer's disease without addressing the earlier pathological events may have potential as a new and exciting therapy," says Jaymie Voorhees, PhD, first author of the study, which is an article-in-press in Biological Psychiatry.
Saving brain cells protects brain function
Pieper and Voorhees used an experimental compound called P7C3-S243 to prevent brain cells from dying in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. The original P7C3 compound was discovered by Pieper and colleagues almost a decade ago, and P7C3-based compounds have since been shown to protect newborn neurons and mature neurons from cell death in animal models of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke, and traumatic brain injury. P7C3 compounds have also been shown to protect animals from developing depression-like behavior in response to stress-induced killing of nerve cells in the hippocampus, a brain region critical to mood regulation and cognition.
The researchers tested the P7C3 compound in a well-established rat model of Alzheimer's disease. As these rats age, they develop learning and memory problems that resemble the cognitive impairment seen in people with Alzheimer's disease. However, the new study revealed another similarity with Alzheimer's patients. By 15 months of age, before the onset of memory problems, the rats developed depression-like symptoms. Developing depression for the first time late in life is associated with a significantly increased risk for developing Alzheimer's disease, but this symptom has not been previously seen in animal models of the disease.
Over a three-year period, Voorhees tested a large number of male and female Alzheimer's and wild type rats that were divided into two groups. One group received the P7C3 compound on a daily basis starting at six months of age, and the other group received a placebo. The rats were tested at 15 months and 24 months of age for depressive-type behavior and learning and memory abilities.
At 15-months of age, all the rats - both Alzheimer's model and wild type, treated and untreated - had normal learning and memory abilities. However, the untreated Alzheimer's rats exhibited pronounced depression-type behavior, while the Alzheimer's rats that had been treated with the neuroprotective P7C3 compound behaved like the control rats and did not show depressive-type behavior.
At 24 months of age (very old for rats), untreated Alzheimer's rats had learning and memory deficits compared to control rats. In contrast, the P7C3-treated Alzheimer's rats were protected and had similar cognitive abilities to the control rats.
The team also examined the brains of the rats at the two time points. They found that the traditional hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease, amyloid plaques, tau tangles, and neuroinflammation, were dramatically increased in the Alzheimer's rats regardless of whether they were treated with P7C3 or not. However, significantly more neurons survived in the brains of Alzheimer's rats that had received the P7C3 treatment.
"This suggests a potential clinical benefit from keeping the brain cells alive even in the presence of earlier pathological events in Alzheimer's disease, such as amyloid accumulation, tau tangles and neuroinflammation," Pieper says. "In cases of new-onset late life depression, a treatment like P7C3 might be particularly useful as it could help stabilize mood and also protect from later memory problems in patients with Alzheimer's disease."
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In addition to Pieper and Voorhees, who is now a postdoctoral fellow at St. Louis University, the research team included UI researchers Matthew Remy, Coral Cintron-Perez, Eli El Rassi, Michael Kahn, Laura Dutca, Terry Yin, and Latisha McDaniel. Noelle Williams at University of Texas Southwestern and Daniel Brat at Emory University were also part of the team.
Pieper noted that the study received critical funding from philanthropic organizations: the Mary Alice Smith Fund for Neuropsychiatry Research, the Titan Neurology Research Fund, and the Brockman Medical Research Foundation.
This work was also supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences through the University of Iowa Environmental Health Sciences Research Center (P30 ES005605), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Pieper is co-founder and consultant of Neuroprotective Therapeutics, and holds patents related to the P7C3 series of neuroprotective compounds.
University of Kent research on women working as drug 'mules' has found they aren't victims of their sex but of the trade, and its illegal status.
University of Kent research on women working as drug 'mules' has found they aren't victims of their sex but of the trade, and its illegal status.
Dr Nayeli Urquiza Haas of the University's Kent Law School compared different legal developments and strategies in Europe and Latin America.
Globally, women who traffic drugs across borders are over-represented in prison in relation to their limited role in the trade. Dr Urquiza Haas found attributing victim status to women who traffic drugs is used to minimise prison sentences if they are arrested and charged.
But she suggests this legal bias, born from pre-conceived judgments and expectations about women's behaviour, distracts law and policy-makers from paying attention to the negative effects of punitive drug control laws and the so-called 'war on drugs'.
Her research examined how courts fail to consider how drug mules, among other participants in the drug trade, endure precarious work conditions in foreign countries; disregarding the conditions which make them more vulnerable to exploitation.
Dr Urquiza Haas says gender does play a role but only in the same way as in any other 'workplace' where sexism and poverty may restrict women's access to safe working conditions.
Dr Urquiza Haas presented her research at a workshop bringing together international researchers, activists and practitioners from the field of global drug policy reform in Budapest, Hungary, earlier this year.
Vulnerability Discourses and Drug Mule Work: Legal Approaches in Sentencing and Non-Prosecution/Non-Punishment Norms is published in a special issue of The Howard Journal of Crime and Justice dedicated to international advances in research and policy regarding drug mules and couriers.
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Note to editors
Established in 1965, the University of Kent - the UK's European university - now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.
It has been ranked 22nd in the Guardian University Guide 2018 and 25th in the Complete University Guide 2018, and in June 2017 was awarded a gold rating, the highest, in the UK Government's Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, it is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016.
Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality.
In the National Student Survey 2016, Kent achieved the fourth highest score for overall student satisfaction, out of all publicly funded, multi-faculty universities.
Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium.
The University is worth 0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes 293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals.
Kent has received two Queen's Anniversary prizes for Higher and Further Education.
Approximately 30 per cent of patients with epilepsy do not respond to anti-epileptic drugs. In these cases, all neurologists can do is attempt to find the right combination of medication through trial and error. A treatment that could target the root cause of epilepsy is a beacon of hope for these patients. But identifying the cause of the pathology is no easy feat. "There are many genes involved," said Jacques Michaud, pediatrician at CHU Sainte-Justine and Professor of Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the Faculty of Medicine of Universite de Montreal. "Each child can have different genetic mutations. Often the clinical symptoms do not clearly reflect the cause of epilepsy, which makes choosing the right treatment more difficult."
A recent study by Michaud examining 200 children with epileptic encephalopathy - epilepsy combined with intellectual or overall developmental disability - and their parents could lead to the development of a more rational anti-epileptic treatment strategy. This extensive research project was piloted by Michaud and his colleagues, Elsa Rossignol and Patrick Cossette of Universite de Montreal and Berge Minassian of the University of Toronto. The team identified eight new genes involved in this type of epilepsy thanks to their use of whole-genome sequencing, which had never been done before in an epileptic study of this scope. The results of their study were recently published in the American Journal of Human Genetics. "By learning about the pathophysiology of the genes involved, we hope to move towards a more appropriate treatment and decrease the amount of time spent on cumbersome medical assessments," said Michaud.
This discovery has had further-reaching implications. The findings not only validate the systematic approach to whole-genome sequencing in clinics, they also demonstrate that de novo mutations, otherwise known as spontaneous mutations not inherited by parents, are the main cause of this severe type of epilepsy. "We were able to identify the specific genetic change that led to epileptic encephalopathy in 32 per cent of our subjects, which is quite remarkable," said Michaud.
"These children underwent extensive medical assessments, but no one could find the main cause. If we had conducted this analysis earlier, before all the medical tests were performed, it is possible the yield would have been even greater."
A collective effort on an international scale
Michaud, who holds the Jeanne and Jean-Louis Levesque Research Chair on the genetic basis of brain diseases and the Jonathan Bouchard Research Chair on intellectual disability, believes that using whole-genome sequencing in a clinical setting has added value compared to the more conventional approach based on the exome, which represents less than 2 per cent of the genome. "Thanks to whole-genome sequencing, we were able to identify a larger number of mutations," he said. "In the future, the development of new methods for analyzing whole-genome sequencing data will make it possible to improve diagnostic performance."
This scientific breakthrough was made possible thanks to the collective efforts of more than 100 researchers from around the world. "We developed a network of collaborators in the United Kingdom, in several other European countries and in Australia to identify 30 other children with mutations in the same genes," said Michaud. "This is how we were able to validate our findings."
In the context of epilepsy, he added, de novo mutations seem to involve mechanisms of gene disruption that are unlike those involved in intellectual disability. "Mutations in epilepsy tend to affect specific areas of the gene, whereas mutations associated with intellectual disability are more often distributed throughout the entire gene. This pattern suggests that mutations in epilepsy impart specific properties to their corresponding proteins, which may then manifest as a decrease or increase in protein activity. In intellectual disability, mutations will simply deactivate the gene."
Knowledge of these mechanisms of action is crucial for the development of personalized epilepsy treatments. However, much more work is needed before these treatments can be harmonized with patients' genetic profiles.
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About the study
The study "High rate of recurrent de novo mutations in developmental and epileptic encephalopathies" was published online in the American Journal of Human Genetics on November 2, 2017. This study was funded by Genome Canada, Genome Quebec and the Jeanne and Jean-Louis Levesque Research Chair on the genetic basis of brain diseases.
AMHERST, Mass. - Astronomers using the Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT), which is operated jointly by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Astrofisica, Optica y Electronica, report today in Nature Astronomy that they have detected the second most distant dusty, star-forming galaxy ever found in the universe - born in the first one billion years after the Big Bang.
It is the oldest object ever detected by the LMT, says astrophysicist Min Yun at UMass Amherst, and at present there is only one other, slightly older and more distant object like this known.
"The Big Bang happened 13.7 billion years ago, and now we are seeing this galaxy from 12.8 billion years ago, so it was forming within the first billion years after the Big Bang," he points out. "Seeing an object within the first billion years is remarkable because the universe was fully ionized, that is, it was too hot and too uniform to form anything for the first 400 million years. So our best guess is that the first stars and galaxies and black holes all formed within the first half a billion to one billion years. This new object is very close to being one of the first galaxies ever to form."
He adds, "This result is not a surprise, because this is what the LMT was built to do, but we are very excited. These high redshift, very distant objects are a class of mythical beasts in astrophysics. We always knew there were some out there that are enormously large and bright, but they are invisible in visible light spectrum because they are so obscured by the thick dust clouds that surround their young stars. Paradoxically, the most prolific star-forming galaxies and thus the most luminous are also the most difficult to study using traditional optical telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope because they are also the most obscured by dust."
"Determining the extremely high redshift of this object with millimeter waves is a highlight result from the LMT, which can see through the dust in the radio- and millimeter- wavelengths," he notes. "Its ability to study these very distant objects is one of its most outstanding abilities, almost unique in the world."
The new object was first detected by astronomers using the Herschel space telescope, but for such distant objects, that instrument can take only "very blurry pictures that yielded almost no information," Yun notes. So Herschel astronomers passed their information on to LMT director David Hughes, knowing that the new instrument in Mexico is the best in the world to confirm it. Hughes' graduate student at the time, Jorge Zavala, now a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Texas, is first author of the new paper.
The LMT, located on the summit of a 15,000-foot extinct volcano in Mexico's central state of Puebla, began collecting its first light in 2011 as a 32-meter millimeter-wavelength radio telescope. It has since been built out to its full 50-meter (164-foot) diameter and when fully operational this winter it will be the largest, most sensitive single-aperture instrument of its kind in the world. It is expected to be at the forefront of new discoveries about the oldest, most distant objects in the universe.
Yun, one of the world's experts in analyzing data from such objects, explains, "The way we can tell this object is very distant is by measuring its redshift, which is a measure of the universe's expansion speed. More distant objects have a larger redshift. To measure redshift, you use a spectral line of atoms or molecules, each of which has a recognizable, discrete signature or fingerprint. Historically we measured this in visible light, but because you cannot see these very old, distant dusty objects with visible light you have to do something else."
In the millimeter wavelength, one of the most common and easily detected spectral lines is that of carbon monoxide (CO), which the LMT was designed to trace, he points out. For independent confirmation of the large redshift they observed, Zavala, Yun and colleagues enlisted the help of astronomers at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics to make additional observations using the Smithsonian Submillimeter Array telescope on Mauna Kea, Hawaii. That triangulation allowed the researchers to create a more detailed image of the new object, referred to as G09 83808, and to confirm its redshift with a carbon emission line.
Further, Yun says, a phenomenon called gravitational lensing, which magnifies light passing near massive objects as predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity, came into play in this study. A huge galaxy between observers on Earth and object G09 83808 acted as a giant magnifying glass and made it look about 10 times brighter and closer than it is, he notes.
With the LMT coming fully online in the next couple of months, Yun says its higher resolution and higher sensitivity means "we can find really, really faint things. They are essentially at the very edge of the universe, so the higher resolution is important because with poor resolution everything looks blended and you can't pick out that very small and faint but extremely interesting objects like this galaxy."
"Now, it could be that there are a whole bunch of them out there and we haven't been able to see them, but with the LMT we have the power to see them. Maybe they'll start popping out," he adds. "We are in the discovery field. Every time I reduce one of these data sets I'm full of anticipation. I'm always hoping that these things will pop out. You have to be a hopeless optimist to be doing this kind of work, and this time it absolutely paid off."
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Yun's work as an LMT project scientist is supported by UMass Amherst. The construction of the LMT and its Redshift Search Receiver were supported by grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation. This work was also supported by Mexico's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia and the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, a joint collaboration between the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory and the Harvard College Observatory headquartered in Cambridge, Mass.
Researchers say the same mutation could cause more cases of the flu this year
PHILADELPHIA - The low efficacy of last years influenza vaccine can be attributed to a mutation in the H3N2 strain of the virus, a new study reports. Due to the mutation, most people receiving the egg-grown vaccine did not have immunity against H3N2 viruses that circulated last year, leaving the vaccine with only 20 to 30 percent effectiveness. Scott Hensley, PhD, an associate professor of Microbiology, in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, describes his teams findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week.
"Our experiments suggest that influenza virus antigens grown in systems other than eggs are more likely to elicit protective antibody responses against H3N2 viruses that are currently circulating," Hensley said. "The 2017 vaccine that people are getting now has the same H3N2 strain as the 2016 vaccine, so this could be another difficult year if this season is dominated by H3N2 viruses again."
Flu vaccines work by priming the immune system with purified proteins from the outer layer of killed flu viruses. This induces immune cells to make antibodies that stop foreign invaders from infecting cells, readying them to attack flu viruses when the body sees them again. Most flu vaccine proteins are purified from a virus grown in chicken eggs, although a small fraction of flu vaccine proteins are produced in systems that do not involve eggs.
During the 2014-2015 flu season, a strain of the H3N2 virus with a different outer layer protein emerged and this version of H3N2 remains prevalent today. The 2016-2017 seasonal flu vaccine was updated to include the new version of this protein; however, Hensley's lab found that the egg-grown version of this protein acquired a new mutation. "Current H3N2 viruses do not grow well in chicken eggs, and it is impossible to grow these viruses in eggs without adaptive mutations," Hensley said.
The team showed that antibodies elicited in ferrets and humans exposed to the egg-produced 2016-2017 strain did a poor job of neutralizing H3N2 viruses that circulated last year. However, antibodies elicited in ferrets infected with the current circulating H3N2 viral strain (that contains the new protein) and humans vaccinated with a H3N2 vaccine produced in a non-egg system were able to effectively recognize and neutralize the new H3N2 virus.
"Our data suggest that we should invest in new technologies that allow us to ramp up production of influenza vaccines that are not reliant on eggs," Hensley said. "In the meantime, everyone should continue to get their annual flu vaccine. Some protection against H3N2 viruses is better than nothing and other components of the vaccine, like H1N1 and influenza B, will likely provide excellent protection this year."
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Coauthors are Seth J. Zost, Kaela Parkhouse, Megan E. Gumina, Kangchon Kim, Sebastian Diaz Perez, Patrick C. Wilson, John J. Treanor, Andrea J. Sant, and Sarah Cobey.
This work was funded in part by the National Institutes of Health (R01AI113047, R01AI108686, DP2AI117921, CEIRS HHSN272201400005C) and an Investigators in the Pathogenesis of Infectious Disease Award from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.
Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $6.7 billion enterprise.
The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $392 million awarded in the 2016 fiscal year.
The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine.
Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2016, Penn Medicine provided $393 million to benefit our community.
Monday, November 6, 2017
Saturday, November 11, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The second annual 2017 Authors Festival at the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History showcases local writing talent. The finest of the New Mexico writers scene will gather at Albuquerque Museum to share their experiences, sell merchandise, and sign books for their fans. The museum is located at 2000 Mountain Road NW. The event is free.
Gail Rubin, CT, is among the authors featured in this years festival. Shell have copies of A Good Goodbye: Funeral Planning for Those Who Dont Plan to Die, Kicking the Bucket List: 100 Downsizing and Organizing Things to Do Before You Die, and Hail and Farewell: Cremation Ceremonies, Templates and Tips. Shell also bring T-shirts that proclaim: The one who dies with the most toys still dies.
The festival is partly a fundraiser for the Albuquerque Museum Foundation. For each book sold at the event, the foundation receives 40 percent of the proceeds, with 60 percent for the authors.
Whether you are a mystery addict, a hard-core sci-fi fan, or a history buff, youll be amazed at the diversity of writers working across a range of genres who call New Mexico home. Read this story in the Albuquerque Journal about the festival.
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The Heart of the Irish: the music, the stories, and the resourcefulness throughout all time
RSVP to a rollicking event at the House of Ireland this Thursday.
Pauraig Dolan, an innovative traditional musician, will play music and present his background story as a modern man from the occupied North, its ancient and contemporary history and his love of the culture, it's values, and its possibilities. The event will occur at the House of Ireland in Balboa Park this November 9th.
Attendees will hear songs and poetry old and new and hear Pauraig present an oral history of his Ireland in the midst of it's sizable generosity, innovation, Brexit post Ireland Week. Guest attendees will hear how language protects culture; culture preserves music; and history informs us on issues which have bothered humans in the past, may continue to plague mankind unless communities and individuals try new trajectories. Small ideas can create new outcomes. He will talk about his musical touring, his leadership program, and his contributions to others as a father, artist, engineer, athlete, and fiddler.
As an example of his ongoing leadership, this citizen diplomat and fiddler will talk about his run for focused drivers to his cultural awareness of Irish and Scottish culture in a lively presentation. His dialogue will put a spotlight on diversity and integration, social possibilities, and the success of co-creation that arose out of a crisis in the middle of grief and terror.
With the theme on his flier of healthy communities working together for greater good, the flier highlights both the annual run for the Conor Lynch Foundation to end distracted driving to the recent campaign in Northern Ireland to gather sociological impact of the Integrated Education movement which started 30 years ago after a violent bombing (Poppy Day Massacre). Visiting the U.S. for this two quarters studying how peace of mind, creativity, and internal and external actions can change our human cultural trajectory towards arts, language, cooperation and creativity. He is sharing his fiddle, flute, whistle, voice, poetry and song remembering where he grew up and today's green isle.
From coast to coast, equity and integration are part of California's public school planning with separate demographics, but in order to make education work for children. Without social inclusion and planned achievement, programs and schools seem doomed to marginalize certain students and rancor can continue despite ongoing innovation.
http://www.nicie.org/thebigsmallstories/the-big-small-stories-of-integrated-education-project/)
Pauraig will speak up about All Children Together's/Nicie history, migration, and the paradigm of transformative learning. With mass shootings in San Antonio and a history of anarchism to hate based crimes as well as lunatics in America's history, it seems that learning from the past is just one part of the process where we culturally envision a positive future and take steps toward it.
House of Ireland in Balboa Park:
https://www.facebook.com/houseofirelandsd/?rf=188907881146290
History:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembrance_Day_bombing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clinton_Centre
http://openingdoorsopeningminds.org/1_164_enniskillen_clinton.shtml
"Enniskillen's Remembrance Day service was re-staged two weeks after the bombing, and attended by about 5,000 people, including British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.[33] The site of the bomb, which was owned by the Catholic Church,[10] was rebuilt as The Clinton Centre, a youth hostel, in 2002. The hostel was opened by and named after former US President Bill Clinton.[34]
Integrated Schools:
https://achieve.lausd.net/integration
Integrating learning styles and types of learners:
http://www.creativitypost.com/education/the_benefits_of_movement_in_schools
Magnet Fairs:
https://achieve.lausd.net/cms/lib/CA01000043/Centricity/Domain/263/2018-19%20Magnet%20Fairs%20for%20Website.pdf
Equity in Education:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/equity-education-where-to-begin-terry-heick
Policy:
http://www.oecd.org/education/school/39989494.pdf
https://radiolarne.co.uk/liam-neeson-in-call-for-more-integrated-schools/
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-38900064
https://www.catholicireland.net/neeson-calls-for-more-integrated-schools-in-northern-ireland/
Worlds of Learning:
https://www.internationalcenter.org/2015/11/23/worlds-of-learning/
http://livinglanguageinstitute.org/
Options in Ireland:
http://www.nicie.org/about-us/integrated-education/what-is-integrated-education/
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jun/27/irish-language-act-hampering-northern-ireland-power-sharing-talks
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/10/proposed-irish-language-act-could-breach-good-friday-northern-ireland-deal-lawyer-says
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/irish-language-act-1.3230476
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/articles/integrated-schools
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/villiers-signals-fresh-start-for-integrated-education-in-northern-ireland
House of Ireland Music, Culture, Language Arts:
http://www.uptospeed.net/hoi/
Music and Culture:
http://www.uptospeed.net/hoi/castleofgold.mp3
The Size despite its impact:
http://www.dailyedge.ie/how-small-is-ireland-1626264-Aug2014/
Balboa Park:
http://www.sdhpr.org/
Preventing hatred, bigotry and bullying:
http://www.ncpc.org/topics/hate-crime
https://www.splcenter.org/teaching-tolerance
https://www.nps.gov/brvb/index.htm
ESL:
https://www.us-immigration.com/us-immigration-news/us-immigration/immigration-impacts-on-english-learning/
Stand up:
http://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/HealthyLiving/ViolencePrevention
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Two-wounded-in-theater-shooting-4122668.php
https://www.yahoo.com/news/more-dozen-people-shot-texas-church-193004387--abc-news-topstories.html
Teaching respect:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBrtgRn_dGk
Remembering the Past and Moving to new possibilities in the Future:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP8A9rtg0iI
http://urlibrary.co/download/irish-cultural-directory-for-southern-california.pdf
http://irishcenter.org/
www.pintofirish.org
https://www.irishfair.org/
The Rose Parade, new time and "making a difference to human kind theme":
https://www.tournamentofroses.com/rose-parade
https://www.tournamentofroses.com/makingadifference
Always generous and innovating, using resources for others and for community:
www.artfortexasbenefit.wixsite.com
https://www.convoyofhope.org/donate/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP8A9rtg0iI
By Susan Crowell
HANOVERTON, Ohio The Highlandtown Wildlife Area was honored as the Columbiana Soil and Water Conservation Districts Cooperator of the Year Nov. 2 during the districts 75th anniversary banquet at United Local High School.
The wildlife area, part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, encompasses more than 2,800 acres of land and more than 217 acres of lakes and ponds in Columbiana County. The area also includes 5,000 acres in Harrison County; 4,800 in Jefferson County; and 800 acres in Carroll County.
Longtime partner
For many years, the wildlife area and its staff have worked with the Columbiana SWCD to implement conservation practices and coordinate educational events.
The staff currently Wildlife Area Supervisor Jeff Janosik, area technicians Vern Snyder and Andy Merkle, and Fish Unit Leader Matt Backhaus manage the wildlife and fishery habitat. Among their projects, they create wetland areas, plant warm season grasses and food plots, conduct invasive species control, oversee timber harvests and regeneration, including large scale tree plantings.
The wildlife area is also the site of trapper education courses, including the Ohio State Trappers Association advanced workshops, which theyve hosted since 1997.
In 1996, the Highlandtown Wildlife Area hosted its first Outdoor Education Day, which drew more than 200 students from four area schools. The event continues, 22 years later, each spring, and the SWCD staff and volunteers are also involved in teaching stations and coordination of the field trip for local fifth-graders.
75 years
The local SWCD celebrated its 75th year during the annual meeting, featuring a slide show and poster of photos of people and activities since it became Ohios fifth organized soil and water conservation district in 1942.
The Cooperator of the Year award was first presented in 1951. That first award honored William and C.E. Rupp.
The first board of supervisors, elected in June 1942, included: W.J. Hays, Lloyd Farmer, Lloyd Watson, R.W. Armstrong and Kim Crawford. Armstrong died in December 1942 and James Huston was appointed to fill his term.
The 2017 board includes Jeremy Kohler, Elton Lowmiller, Brady Baker, Bryan Hays and Jack Moore. In an election held Nov. 2, Kohler was re-elected to the board and Ron Little, of West Township, was elected to his first term.
Some of the work that was done before us was fascinating to read, said Rob Hamilton, state SWCD programs manager within the Ohio Department of Agriculture who attended the banquet.
But two things havent changed over the course of those 75 years, Hamilton added: the cooperator program, the ones who get conservation on the land; and the local board, which directs conservation efforts targeted to the needs of each county.
This is a very grassroots-oriented organization, Hamilton said of its success.
Pete Conkle, district program coordinator, said Columbiana Countys conservation focus is still predominantly agriculture, including forestry, but the district works closely with neighboring Stark and Mahoning counties when urban or development issues arise that require attention.
In addition to Conkle, local staff include Jason Reynolds, wildlife/forestry specialist; Josh Emanuelson, watershed coordinator; and Lindsay Short, administrative assistant.
RACINE In a late Friday night vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that continues the Childrens Health Insurance Program until 2022, but that did not stop protesters from rallying in Monument Square for fear the program will be killed in the Senate.
On Sunday afternoon, more than 60 protesters gathered on Monument Square to hang about 200 pairs mittens on a clothesline to signify children being left in the cold. Organizers said the mittens will be donated to Racine-area schools.
Tamerin Hayward, co-president of the Racine Interfaith Coalition, which sponsored the event, said politicians must act to fund the program.
Christmas is coming we dont want any Grinches in our Congress that deny little children health care, Hayward said. That would be pretty awful.
Hayward offered a prayer for those who could be affected by the loss of CHIP, but also for those in Congress and ask them to understand that their action and their decisions are going to make a huge difference in what happens to our children all over these United States.
The program provides health coverage to children and families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicare but who cant afford private coverage. According to Benefits.gov, in Wisconsin children and pregnant women who are covered by CHIP are in the BadgerCare Plus program.
Maria Morales said that before she got into activism, she worked in human services as a health care eligibility worker and saw first-hand how families being denied health care affected their children.
It hurt me when parents came in and they were just a little bit above the limit where they could not get medical care for their kids, Morales said. I felt for them because once my kids had to go without medical care.
We will stand together
Racine Alderman John Tate II advocated for supporters of CHIP to call their elected officials to ensure it gets funded.
It is up to us to hold (elected officials) accountable, Tate said. I encourage you and strongly support that we call each of our legislators and let them know where we stand. And let them know if they cannot stand with us, we will stand together to put them out (of office) because they dont deserve to represent us if theyre putting our children at risk.
Racine Unified School Board member Michael Frontier said: Too many Wisconsin kids are being left out in the cold.
Wisconsin has the largest health gap between black and white children in the country, Frontier said. Race and ZIP code should not determine the quality of life of our children. We must work to challenge our government when it fails to support just policies for children of color.
Nadia Pinto, a junior at Park High School, said health care is a right that should be given to all.
Its not a childs fault that he or she is born into poverty or wealth, Pinto said. If there is anything all children should be given, it is the right to equal education and health care.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that assists farmers and landowners with conserving land and natural resources.
1Brief history
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s spurred the creation of the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) to help protect American farmland and help prevent another disaster like it.
Congress passed a law April 27, 1935, which directed the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the SCS as a permanent agency in USDA.
SCS was developed from the efforts of Hugh Hammond Bennett, known as the father of soil conservation and the first chief of SCS.
In 1994, Congress changed the name to the Natural Resources Conservation Service to better reflect a broader scope.
2Technical assistance
The Conservation Technical Assistance program provides farmers and landowners personal assistance with tailoring a program that fits the needs of their land. An NRCS agent works closely with a landowner to provide science-based data to help landowners target efforts that will receive the greatest return on investment.
3Have a plan
Developing a conservation plan is the first step to managing natural resources on your land. An NRCS agent will walk the land with you, conducting soil surveys, using aerial imagery and other information to help farmers develop a plan. Once a plan is in place, NRCS can help landowners determine what financial assistance they may qualify for.
4Financial assistance
Farmers and forest landowners can receive financial assistance from NRCS to make improvements to their land. Farm bill incentives include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Stewardship Program (CRP), and the Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA).
5Easements
NRCS offers easement programs to eligible landowners to conserve working agricultural lands, wetlands, grasslands and forestlands. Easements include the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program and the Healthy Forests Reserve Program.
This month we will break down different services provided by the NRCS each week, wrapping the series up with how you can get started with NRCS.
Next week: What is a conservation plan?
Sources: NRCS.
(Farm and Dairy is featuring a series of 101 columns throughout the year to help young and beginning farmers master farm living. From finances to management to machinery repair and animal care, farmers do it all.)
More Farming 101 columns:
A sharp rise in farm fires has prompted a rural insurer to call for farmers to check their fire prevention and evacuation procedures.
NFU Mutuals claims statistics reveal that the cost of farm fire claims rose by an alarming 26% to 44m in 2016.
The most common cause of farm fires was electrical faults, which were responsible for almost half of 2016 fire claims, according to the insurer. Arson was the next most common cause.
Farmers across the UK are seeing a rise in deliberate acts of fire starting on their land. On Saturday (4 November), police are investigating into the possibility of arson at a Staffordshire farm after 300 tonnes of wood chip were set alight.
Firefighters battled a huge fire on a Scottish farm where more than 700 hay bales were caught alight in October, and in September, hundreds of tonnes of straw were set on fire at a farm in Cambridgeshire.
A blaze that torched more than 150,000 worth of straw in a suspected arson attack in Nottinghamshire was described as one of the largest ever in the UK.
The statistics reveal that the East of England was the worst affected region in 2016, followed by the South East, Midlands and South West of England.
'Greatest hazard'
"Farm fires are one of the greatest hazards to the lives of farmers, workers and livestock, said Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist.
As the UKs leading farm insurer we know that people in the countryside are concerned by longer fire service response times in very rural locations*.
This makes it more important than ever for farmers and country people to maintain their buildings and equipment to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out and have evacuation and fire-fighting plans prepared and shared with family members and staff.
The first priority if a fire breaks out is to ensure people and livestock are safe. However, with training and the right sort of fire extinguishers in place it is often possible for farmers to tackle a small fire and prevent it turning into a major blaze without putting themselves at risk.
Government statistics for England report that fire and rescue service incident response times in significantly rural areas increased by 48 seconds to nine minutes and 45 seconds from 2010/2011 to 2015/2016.
This compares with a response time of seven minutes and 46 seconds in urban areas.
Farm fire checklist
Fire Prevention:
Ensure there are sufficient fire extinguishers for the size of buildings and that materials stored are inspected and regularly maintained
Ensure staff and adult family members know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them
Reduce the risk of arson by fencing-off straw stacks and farm buildings
Store hay and straw at least 10m from other buildings
Put in place an evacuation plan for staff and livestock
Store petrol, diesel and other fuels in secure areas
Schedule regular electrical safety checks
Invite your local fire and rescue service to visit to check water supplies and access routes
Check nfumutual.co.uk for advice on preventing farm fires
If a fire breaks out:
Call the Fire and Rescue Service without delay
If possible, send someone to the farm entrance to direct the Fire and Rescue Service to the fire to help save time.
Prepare to evacuate livestock should the fire spread
Prepare to use your farm machinery to assist the Fire and Rescue Service
The message from the British farming industry during this year's largest civil parade, the Lord Mayors Show in the City of London, will be simple: "Were proud to produce your food."
Agriculture will take centre stage in the 802nd parade on Saturday (11 November) thanks to the Worshipful Company of Farmers, with its own independent entry in the show for the first time.
Supported by the NFU and agricultural machinery manufacturer New Holland, the organisations will be highlighting the economic and environmental importance of farming, as well as its crucial role in helping to deliver food security for Britain.
This years entry led by Julian Sayers, the newly installed Master of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, will feature a New Holland T7.270 tractor and a CR8.80 combine harvester, equipped with a 20-foot header showing full support for the Back British Farming message.
The procession will also include eight young farmers each representing the NFUs regions. They were chosen after the NFU launched a nationwide search to find young farmers who have made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural sector.
Worshipful Company of Farmers Master Julian Sayers said: The Lord Mayors Show is an ideal showcase to tell a largely urban audience about the importance of Britains farming industry to both food production and care for the countryside.
Our livery Companys purpose is to inspire, encourage and develop excellence in the management of UK agriculture.
The Lord Mayors Show has a long tradition of showcasing the best of British.
Last year, numerous farming organisations brought the 'Back British Farming' message into the heart of the City of London to encourage people to think about where their food comes from.
Firefighters have been tackling a 300 tonne wood chip blaze at a farm building in Staffordshire.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday morning (4 November) near Eccleshall. It took firefighters several hours to totally extinguish the fire.
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service were on scene, in Stone Road, around 1.40am and by 6am reported they were scaling down the incident, although they were likely to be at the scene for some considerable time.
(Photo: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service)
Staffordshire Fire Control, said: "We received a call at 1.40am on Saturday morning.
"Good progress is being made. There is a vast amount of materials being left to burn in a controlled manner.
"The incident had involved one building made of wood and concrete measuring 50m (164ft) by 20m (66ft) which contained a large amount of wood chippings.
"On Saturday morning a fire investigation team was requested to rule out any deliberate ignition. It has not been confirmed either way."
Farmers across the UK are seeing a rise in deliberate acts of fire starting on their land.
Firefighters battled a huge fire on a Scottish farm where more than 700 hay bales were caught alight in October.
In September, hundreds of tonnes of straw were set on fire at a farm in Cambridgeshire.
And a blaze that torched more than 150,000 worth of straw in a suspected arson attack in Nottinghamshire was described as one of the largest ever in the UK.
Dairy farmers have insisted that their sector remains in a chronic poor state because the Common Agricultural Policy lacks a mechanism to prevent damaging market breakdowns.
In spite of the current high butter prices, dairy farmers across Europe took to the European Commission recently to show off a model skeleton cow which they say help symbolise the sector being "stripped to the bone".
According to the European Milk Board, the frequency of crises in the sector is alarming, driving many farms out of business in recent years, and severely destabilising the farms that continue to produce milk.
As Sieta van Keimpema, vice president of the European Milk Board (EMB) reports, forced cuts are usually made at the cost of animal welfare.
"It is an impossible situation for the last link in the milk production chain, which has received no consideration in policy to date. Major distortions in competition on the dairy market have, for many years, led to prices that are significantly lower than inherent production costs," said van Keimpema.
A study recently published has calculated milk production costs in five key milk-producing countries, documenting a persistent deficit.
Since 2012, the annual average deficit in France has been 21 per cent, in the Netherlands 23 per cent, in Germany 22 per cent, in Belgium 24 per cent, and in Denmark 17 per cent.
The study also highlighted that the so-called "better years" were not enough to compensate for this deficit.
Mechanisms
The European Milk Board has said farmers are not looking for subsidies to produce milk, but rather mechanisms to deal with future "hard-hitting" crises.
It calls for a mechanism that is flexible enough to allow growth in the sector and could also cater to increasing demand.
Dairy farmers protested with a model skeleton cow which they say help symbolise the sector being "stripped to the bone" (Photo: European Milk Board)
The EMB has called for this mechanism to be legally anchored in the CAP. The absence of such provisions means that reactions come "too late and even then, often lead to nowhere," the group explained.
The specific proposal is to complement the Milk Market Observatory with a permanent mechanism that could temporarily limit or reduce production in the event of crises, called the Market Responsibility Programme (MRP).
The MRP is a programme for the EU milk sector that is to be used when there is a risk of a milk market imbalance.
A combination of monitoring and response to the market enables impending crises to be recognised and reacted to in a three-phase programme.
Brexit and dairy
With Brexit drawing closer and the open-sided nature of many milk contracts skewed towards the processor, these are still uncertain times for the British dairy industry.
In terms of combatting the increasing volatility in the UK, the NFU's new domestic agricultural policy highlights that the UK currently lacks the quality of market data, experience or institutional capacity required to deliver more targeted volatility mitigation measures for farmers.
In order to facilitate their development, the government has been urged by the NFU to improve the provisioning and reporting of such market data.
Improvement in market data will also support the development of market linked pricing mechanisms in
the supply chain, which in turn can be used to drive greater productivity, the report suggests.
The UK currently has very limited experience of delivering market-orientated volatility mitigation schemes.
Therefore, the document explains that a range of pilot schemes would build the UKs capacity to understand how such schemes could be best structured and delivered to support farmers and incentivise uptake.
Dairy Producer Organisations
The NFU has also renewed its call for new dairy Producer Organisations (DPOs) after the release of an EU Commission report into the impact of the 2009 Milk Package.
The focus of the European Commission report is the important role DPOs can play in increasing farmer bargaining power, it lines up with the NFU dairy boards asks including its calls for fairer, more balanced milk contracts and stronger producer representation.
According to NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes, many British milk buyers see DPOs as a "threat".
This is something the NFU has always promoted and encouraged," Mr Oakes said, its a shame that many UK milk buyers, both large and small, see POs as a threat and have publically said that they will not work with farmers who are part of a PO.
Today in the dairy farming sector, collaboration is the key and the NFU sees POs as a vital part of developing new relationships in the UK dairy sector.
In 2009 the NFU, NFU Scotland and DairyUK agreed a voluntary code of conduct on contractual relationships as a preferred route to the type of regulation Defra was contemplating at the time. The voluntary approach has led to some improvements, but not a wholesale change of behaviour from milk buyers.
The three organisations said many farmers continue to be treated unfairly, with contract terms changed with little or no notice, and verbal assurances offered by milk buyers but then withdrawn.
Solar must go on rooftops instead of farmland, charity says
What Karisma Had Said
Karisma had told a web portal, ''Yes, Taimur's birthday is arriving and it is a special moment for us.''
We Will Not Have A Big Celebration
''The family is really very excited and thrilled about the same. We will have a family get together of sorts, and will not be having a big celebration."
It's Not True
A source told famous journalist Subhash K Jha, "Wrong! I don't know why she would say this.''
Huge Celebrations Are On The Cards
''Taimur's birthday is more than a month away. There's certainly no talk of making it simply a family get-together.''
Saif & Kareena Have A Special Plan
''Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan are planning a huge first birthday for their little one.''
Sharmila Will Fly To Mumbai For The Party
''Saif's mom (Sharmila Tagore) is expected to fly in from Delhi for the big day and the big party."
Their Bollywood Friends Would Also Be Present For Taimur's B'Day
A family friend told Deccan Chronicle, "Saif and Kareena are excited about Taimur's first birthday. They intend to invite all their friends from the film industry and outside.''
Taimur Loves Candles
''Taimur is too young to understand what his first birthday will be like. But he does love candles, cakes, and balloons."
No More Monday Blues
In the above picture, one can see Tiger aka Salman Khan riding a horse in an action packed chase sequence. Too hot to handle naa?
Real Meets Reel
Earlier in one of his interviews, Salman had mentioned that Tiger Zinda Hai is inspired by a real life incident.
Tigress Katrina Too Roars!
A source from the film's unit was quoted as saying, "Director Ali Abbas Zafar has committed to deliver action, stunts and fight sequences that will compete with global standards with Tiger Zinda Hai. To shoot for Katrina's action scenes, Tom Struthers, the action and stunts director of the film worked with her.
Buster Reeves, the fight coordinator of many Hollywood films, also worked with Katrina on this portion. Given Struthers shot for certain action sequences for Christopher Nolan's Batman films including the Dark Knight Rises, expect the absolute best from these scenes. There are also stuntmen from France, UK and Spain involved in this portion, which is quite elaborate."
Surprise For Fans!
Reportedly, the fans are in for a delight for we will be seeing Salman with a pack of Wolves in high octane action in YRF's Tiger Zinda Hai in the snow laden forests of Austria.
A Musical Treat
Just like Tiger Zinda Hai, the sequel too would be having some chartbuster song. One of which one is a track titled 'Swag Se Karenge Sab Ka Swagat' shot in the picturesque location of Greece. Another track has been filmed at the famous Historic Town Golden Roof in Austria.
Mark The Date
Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Yash Raj Films, this espionage thriller is slated to release on 22nd December, 2017.
Retail asset management group, Vicinity Centreshas entered into contracts to exchange its 49 per cent interest in Chatswood Chase Sydney for 50 per cent of the Galleries and Strand Arcades Queen Victoria Building.The premium Sydney retail assets interests have been purchased for $556 million.Chatswood Chase was sold for $562.3 million.Vicinity will continue to manage Chatswood Chase and will assume management of the Sydney CBD Centres.The company says the deal will be accretive to funds from operations by about $5 million on a full year basis.Shares in Vicinity Centresare trading about 0.6 per cent higher to $2.69.
A scheme offering farmers in Wales grant support to invest in new machinery or technology has been undersubscribed during the first two application rounds.
The Farm Business Grant (FBG) scheme has the potential to deliver 40m to farmers in Wales over four years, offering between 3,000 and 12,000 for farm businesses that meet turnover criteria and other conditions.
But it has now emerged the grants are going unclaimed because farmers dont have the cash available to match-fund them.
See also: Grant scheme for new farm kit opens in Wales
Budget allocations
According to official figures, the first funding application window for the FBG closed on June 30 and had a budget allocation of 6m.
There were 507 applications submitted and the 493 approved had a total value of 3,313,705. The average grant claimed was therefore 6,723.
The second application window, which closed on September 29, had a budget of 7.6m.
A total of 327 farmers requested funding worth 2,336,087 resulting in a slightly higher average grant request of 7,144.
Grants have helped to pay for equipment for livestock weighing, borehole establishment, handling equipment and for feed-storage facilities.
Reflects uncertainty
A Welsh government spokesman said the level of interest in the scheme had met expectations, but the average grant requested was less than predicted.
This reflects uncertainty in the industry and a lack of available capital to match-fund these projects, he said.
The level of interest was known to be high because farmers had to attend Farming for the Future meetings to qualify to apply and every meeting was at capacity.
The third application window is due to open on 2 January 2018 and run until 2 March.
It is anticipated there could be a higher level of interest at this point because many farmers will have received their Basic Payment, which would ease any cashflow difficulties.
Wider scope?
The farming unions are urging the government to widen the scope of eligible projects, to include quarantine units and infrastructure to improve grass use, among others.
John Davies, deputy president of NFU Cymru, said although farmers had not made full use of the grant so far, the scheme had a positive outcome.
So far there are over 800 businesses who have sought to make their farms more efficient.
The government says the Farming for the Future events have made farmers focus more closely on business performance as there has been a sharp increase in demand for Farming Connect services.
Georgian mobile cottages to appear on the market in 1 month - GeorgianJournal
Khavitsi is the New Fondue - GeorgianJournal
List of Samsung smartphones eligible for Android Oreo update Features oi -Harish Kumar These Samsung smartphones will get the Android Oreo update sometime soon.
The Android 8.0 Oreo update was released globally back in September this year. Ever since the release of the latest iteration of Android, several manufacturers are keen on rolling out the update to their high-end smartphones.
Samsung is one such manufacturer focused on updating the premium and high-end smartphones with the latest version of Google's OS.
List of Smartphones to Get Androide Oreo OS
The company recently hit the headlines as it rolled out the update to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, the current generation flagship smartphones. That's not all! We say so as there are many more Samsung smartphones all set to relish the flavor of Oreo.
Today, we at GizBot have compiled a list of Samsung smartphones those are eligible to receive the Android Oreo update. Do check out the list of devices to know if your smartphone will also get the Oreo update anytime soon.
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Galax launches two new GTX 1070 Ti EX graphics cards for gamers in India News oi -Samden Sherpa Galaxy has built its reputation as the behind-the-scenes designer and manufacturer of many of the most popular OEM-branded graphics card products on the market.
Founded in 1994, Galaxy has built its reputation as the behind-the-scenes designer and manufacturer of many of the most popular OEM-branded graphics card products on the market.
"We are dedicated to creating a custom user experience and believe that each of our products needs to fit its owner, not the other way around. What we make is not merely the product of focus group tests, but rather the results of observing and honoring the way individuals choose to interact with technology," the company has said.
As such the company has now announced its own versions of Nvidia's new GeForce GTX 1070 Ti graphics card for users in India. Like all GeForce GTX 1070 Ti graphics cards, the clock speeds are of similar set 1607MHz base and 1683MHz boost. However, both GALAX EX models come with custom cooling solutions and VRM which should help the system achieve better overclocks.
Further, the company has stated, "The all-new GeForce GTX 1070 Ti delivers incredible speed and power through NVIDIA Pascal the most advanced gaming GPU architecture ever created. Together with GALAX's design and premium materials, the Galax GeForce GTX 1070 Ti can provide an incredible gaming experience and superior performance."
Galax GeForce GTX 1070 Ti EX
The standard EX edition uses a 5+2 phase design, a slight upgrade from the reference FE model's 5+1. To power it, users need to plug in an 8-pin and a 6-pin PCIe connector. The custom cooling uses a pair of 100mm fans. These run much quieter since they require less RPM to push as much air as an 80mm or 90mm fan used on common cards. These fans stop operating automatically when the GPU temperature dips below 43C, maintaining silence.
There is RGB LED lighting on the fans and on the GeForce logo on the side. This is controllable via GALAX' Xtreme Tuner Plus software (an innovative overclocking and monitoring tool with an expertly designed interface for hardcore DIY users), allowing users to change colors, set behavior, as well as monitor the card and overclock it.
Underneath the active cooling solution is a nickel-plated copper dual 8mm and dual 6mm heatpipe heatsink. The VRM MOSFETs get their own aluminum heatsink as well. Even the back has aluminum alloy back-plate reinforcement, matching the metal shroud. This backplate uses thermal pads so as to help dissipate heat from the PCB as well, and not just trap it.
The company claims that "this card is ready to rock out of the box! Sleek, all-black look graphics card that boasts a refined style and custom 100mm fans. Also, allows users to change the color of its top lighting effect."
The card is priced at Rs. 43,000 and it comes with 3-year warranty.
Galax GeForce GTX 1070 Ti EX-SNPR White
Another member of GALAX WHITE family, the company has said that GTX 1070 Ti EX-SNPR White comes with amazing cooling performance with 100mm dual fans and at the same allows users to change the color of its top lighting effect.
Basically, the Sniper Edition features a stylish white shroud, fans, and backplate. The PCB remains the same including the 5+2 phase power design and 8-pin+6-pin plugs. As mentioned earlier the system has dual 100mm fans and dual 6mm with dual 8mm nickel-plated copper heatpipe heatsink.
The only difference between EX and White is that the latter comes with RGB LED position. The fans do not have LEDs in this version while the GeForce logo and the backplate are backlit.
The card is priced at Rs. 44,500 and it comes with a 3-year warranty as well.
Meanwhile, the company has promised, "Our aim is to produce performance products that help to enhance the escapist in games, to heighten the perception of play and help contribute a performance level that is unsurpassed."
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Honor 7X slated to be launched in India in December News oi -Abhinaya Prabhu Honor 7X will soon be launched in India.
Lately, the Huawei sub-brand Honor has been launching an array of innovative smartphones in the Indian market arena. It has been stated by George Zhao, the company's Global President that Honor has progressed to become one of top most smartphone brands in the past few years.
It looks like the brand is in plans to push its market position further in the highly competitive space in India by launching flagship devices at affordable prices. One attempt that the brand has taken is to launch devices with cutting edge technology such as Artificial Intelligence. Also, the brand is increasing the market presence by making their offerings available both online and offline.
Zhao stated that they are all set to launch the Honor 7X smartphone in India in December at a competitive price point. This was announced while the company unveiled their roadmap for the Indian market, claims an IANS report.
The Honor 7X is the new bezel-less smartphone launched by the company with dual camera technology. The device is already official in China at a price point of 1299 yuan (approx. Rs. 12,800), 1699 yuan (approx. Rs. 16,800) and 1999 yuan (approx. Rs. 19,800) for the 32GB, 64GB and 128GB storage variants. All these different models will have 4GB RAM under their hood.
Detailing on the other specs, the Honor 7X adorns a 5.93-inch FHD+ 2.5D curved glass display with 2160 x 1080 pixel resolution and 18:9 aspect ratio. Under its hood, the smartphone employs an octa-core Kirin 659 processor. The smartphone runs Android 7.0 Nougat OS topped with EMUI 5.1. As mentioned above, there are three variants and all the models support expandable up to 256GB using a microSD card.
The Honor 7X features a dual camera setup at its rear with a 16MP primary camera and a 2MP selfie camera with LED flash. Up front, the device boasts of an 8MP selfie camera for selfies and video calls. The other goodies on board include 4G VoLTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, a fingerprint sensor and a 3340mAh battery.
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iVoomi sold more than 150,000 units during this festive season News oi -Priyanka The brand also offered a Cash Back through Mobikwik on the purchase of an iVOOMi smartphone and provided its customers with Free Screen replacement offer on Me3 & Me3s up to 180 days.
Chinese electronics company iVooMi has declared that it has managed to sell more than 150,000 units during this festive season. The figure is a collation of its sales across various platforms like Flipkart & Amazon.
Ashwin Bhandari, iVOOMi India Said, "It is an achievement for iVOOMi India, and we are extremely thankful to our iVOOMi family for their support in achieving this milestone. This is just the beginning. We will continue to provide world-class technology and advanced features as a value proposition. Strategic planning and close control over our supply chain for our highest selling smartphones - Me3 & Me3S throughout the festive season have also helped in increased sales."
iVOOMi Me3 and Me3S were the highest sold models of smartphones offered by iVOOMi during the festive season sale.
The brand witnessed a significant increase in sales this festive season by offering discounts to its customers. Great discounts were offered on their recently launched flagship products Me3 & Me3s along with Me1, Me4 & Me5 which were launched earlier this year.
The brand also offered a Cash Back through Mobikwik on the purchase of an iVOOMi smartphone and provided its customers with Free Screen replacement offer on Me3 & Me3s up to 180 days.
Meanwhile, it has expanded its servicing set-up in India. The company today said that it has achieved the target of 500+ service centers in 6 months since their inception in the Indian market.
iVOOMi has its presence in all 29 states and is further expanding in the nooks and corners of the country. The brand has announced its plan to strengthen its space in the Indian market by serving its consumers through 500+ service centers which are spread across 400 cities nationally.
The company also plans to work towards the target of delivering services to all the consumers with a TAT of 48 Hours by the mid of 2018.
It also offers 6 months screen replacement policy on few of its products and in the next stage it will be coming up with few more innovative offers which will be released by the end of 2017.
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Man detained at Mumbai airport for carrying 11 units of iPhone X News oi -Chandrika The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs has seized all the iPhones from the passenger.
Apple's iPhone X has been making the headlines lately, but not always for the good reasons. In a recent incident, a man carrying 11 units of iPhone X was caught at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
The Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) of Mumbai Customs has seized all the iPhones from the passenger who was traveling from Hong Kong to Mumbai on Saturday. Identified as Bhavesh Ravjibhai Virani, he was carrying 11 units of the latest iPhone which is worth Rs. 10,57,388 in the Indian market. As of now, the reason is quite unclear why the passenger was taking so many iPhone X out of the country.
As reported, the officials said; "We are in the process of finding the reason as to why was he carrying the phones." Moreover, a case has already been registered.
As per the rules of Indian Customs, a person is only allowed to carry electronics worth up to Rs. 55,000 under the free allowance. If someone exceeds this limit he will be leveraged heavy customs duty. This is what makes importing electronic products so difficult.
Something similar had happened a few days back at an airport in China. A woman was caught for carrying around 40 pound iPhones.
It is not an uncommon thing for people to resell the iPhones after a few days of the release. It was surveyed that about 60 percent percent of people who actually stand in the queue to buy iPhones resell it. Many people opt to purchase the iPhones at a lower price than the original price.
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Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2017) launch imminent: Spotted on FCC and Bluetooth SIG database News oi -Samden Sherpa Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2017) launch will likely take place soon.
It looks like Samsung is gearing up to launch a new variant of the Galaxy J2 Pro which was launched last year. Well, the new variant which has been dubbed as Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2017) has now been spotted on two occasions.
The handset has been listed on the FCC website as well as in the Bluetooth SIG database. The listing further reveals some of the details about the upcoming handset but the appearance on these two websites means that the Samsung Galaxy J2 Pro (2017) launch is imminent and it may happen soon.
Talking about the specs, it looks like most of it will be the same as the standard Galaxy J2 (2016) and it will come with features like 5-inch Super AMOLED display, 1.5GHz Spreadtrum SC8830 quad-core processor, 8-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front camera, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage as well as 2600mAh battery. Connectivity options should include 4G LTE, dual-SIM, Bluetooth v4.1, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz, GPS, and micro USB port.
However, the new model seems to have a removable battery unlike other recent models in the Galaxy J lineup. We are also expecting Android Nougat with this smartphone.
Meanwhile, the original handset was a device for the budget conscious customer and the company could most probably launch this model with the same mindset. We are assuming that it could be priced below sub 10 K category.
In any case, Samsung is yet to officially confirm when the Galaxy J2 Pro (2017) is actually going to be launched. Besides, when that happens we will update you on the same.
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Nokia launches limited edition Steel smartwatches: Free shipping worldwide News oi -Samden Sherpa The newly launched limited edition Nokia Steel smartwatches are already available for purchase from company's official website.
Nokia has yet again launched two Nokia Steel limited edition smartwatches. The new watches come in two new colors Full Black and Rose Gold which is an addition to the already existing Black and White variants.
The good news though is that these newly launched limited edition Nokia Steel smartwatches are already available for purchase from company's official website. The Rose Gold is priced at $149.95 (roughly Rs. 9,645) while the Full Black variant is priced at $129.95 (roughly Rs. 8,412). Son interested buyers can head over to the site and buy the device which they fancy.
The company is providing one year warranty on the watch and is also offering free shipping for customers worldwide with a 30-day return policy.
Besides, these smartwatches by Nokia is quite premium in design as they are made from corrosion-resistant 316L Stainless Steel case with full black PVD and further come with Rose Gold coating. Nokia has said that a premium Italian leather is used for the wristbands for a superior and stylish look.
Interestingly, the Rose Gold option only comes with two strap colors like Gray or Rose Gold leather option, while the Full Black model comes with a Black strap or a brown leather option. The straps for both models that come in the box are silicone.However, the new Nokia Steel Rose Gold and Nokia Steel Full Black smartwatches seem to have fewer customization options compared to the standard ones.
As for the functionality, Nokia Steel watch monitors the users' health and synchronizes with Nokia Health Mate app on the smartphone. The watch further keeps track of sleep, swimming, Heart, Environment, calories burnt activity apart from activities like running, jogging and every step taken in everyday life.
Coming to the tech specifications, it is pretty much the same as the standard models. The device is powered by a CR2025 button battery which the company claims will provides up to 8 months of battery life. The device supports iPhone with iOS 8 or higher and Android smartphones running Android 5.0 or higher.
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President Talks to Troops at Yokota Air Base
By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2017 U.S. and Japanese service members standing shoulder to shoulder have made Yokota Air Base one of the most capable operational bases in Japan and in the world, President Donald J. Trump said in a troop talk there, today.
The president has embarked upon an Indo-Pacific trip of numerous nations such as Japan, China, Vietnam and the Philippines. But, "there's no single place I'd rather begin my trip than right here with all with you, the incredible men and women of the United States military [and] your amazing partners, the [Air Defense Command of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force]," Trump said.
Japan is a treasured partner and crucial ally of the United States, he said, adding his thanks for "decades of wonderful friendship between our two nations."
A Critical Center
Yokota Air Base serves as a critical center for coordination between American and Japanese commanders as they plan their missions, the president said.
"For almost 60 years, the military alliance we see on this base has endured a cornerstone of sovereignty, security and prosperity for our nations, this region and indeed, the entire world," Trump told the audience.
"Today we pay tribute to that legacy -- a legacy you protect and grow each and every day," he said.
The Best People
The United States dominates the sky, the seas, land and space, the president said, not just because America has the best equipment, but because it has the best people.
Each service member embodies the warrior creed, Trump said, adding their devotion, prowess and expertise comprise the U.S. military as the fiercest fighting force in world history.
"As long as I am president, servicemen and women who defend our nation will have the equipment, the resources and the funding they need to secure our homeland, to respond to our enemies quickly and decisively," he said, "and when it's necessary to fight, to overpower and to always win. This is the heritage of the American armed forces, the greatest force for peace and justice the world has ever known."
Peace, Strength
Free nations must be strong nations and the United States welcomes their allies' renewal of their commitments to peace through strength, the president said. "We seek peace and stability for the nations of the world, including those right here in this region."
Like their predecessors, today's service members are brave warriors who are the last bulwark against threats to the dreams of people in America, Japan and across the world, Trump said.
The U.S. military comprises the greatest hope for people who desire to live in freedom and harmony, and they are the greatest threat to tyrants and dictators who seek to prey on the innocent, he said.
"As Americans celebrate Veterans Day this month, we honor all who have sacrificed to make peace and stability possible," Trump said, adding the United States pays tribute to every proud American who has worn the uniform and served the nation.
"Today, many nations of the Indo-Pacific are thriving because of the sacrifices made by American service members and our allies," the president said, "and because of the sacrifices all of you continue to make each and every day."
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Iran dismisses US allegations concerning Yemen missiles
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Tehran, Nov 5, IRNA -- The Iranian defense minister categorically dismissed the US allegations accusing Iran of supporting Yemen missile attacks on Saudi Arabia.
Brigadier General Amir Hatami told reporters on Sunday that the enemy uses every opportunity to make allegations against Iran.
Commenting on the US officials' accusations against Iran, following Yemen missile attack on a Saudi airport on Saturday, he said that they are ready 'to blame Iran for any event in the region'.
'Of course, such measures by enemy are not surprising,' he added.
The Yemeni army has confirmed targeting the King Khalid international airport in the Saudi capital, Riyadh by a long-range ballistic missile. The Saudi regime also confirmed the missile attack.
Translator: Hamdollah Emadi Heydari
Editor: Hamid Shamlou
9191**2050
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FM spokesman rejects anti-Iran remarks by Lebanon's Hariri
ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency
Sun / 5 November 2017 / 11:18
Tehran (ISNA) - Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi has dismissed the anti-Tehran remarks by Saad Hariri, who stepped down as Lebanese prime minister on Saturday.
"Mr. Hariri's sudden resignation and announcing it in another country is regrettable and at the same time surprising; it shows Hariri is playing in a field prepared by those who wish ill for the region, and the winner of this game is both Arab countries and the Zionist regime [of Israel] whose survival is contingent upon tension in and among Muslim countries in the region," said the spokesman in a statement.
He said at a time when the life of ISIS and other terrorist groups in some regional countries is coming to an end, efforts should be made to calm the situation and repair the damage caused by terrorists trained and sponsored by the US and its regional allies and reconstruct the countries suffering from the ravages of years of war and destruction.
The spokesman rejected Hariri's comments against Iran's role in the region, saying, "The resigned Lebanese premier's repetition of unfounded accusations leveled against Iran by the Zionists, Saudis and Americans bears witness to the fact that this resignation, too, is a new scenario to create new tension in Lebanon and in the region; but we believe that strong Lebanese people will easily pass through this phase, too".
He said Iran has always wanted to see peace and stability in the Middle East countries and has defined its interests based on the security, stability and economic growth of all neighboring and regional countries.
"Accordingly, top of Iran's regional policies is to fight insecurity and instability as well as extremist and terrorist groups to ensure tranquility for all countries," he added.
He concluded by saying that Iran and Lebanon enjoy good relations.
"As the Lebanese president highlighted the good political relations between the two countries and rejected any accusations of Iran's interference in Lebanon, the Islamic Republic of Iran, too, has always respected Lebanon's independence and [the necessity of] maintaining stability and tranquility, and has expressed its readiness to cooperate with the Lebanese government in areas of mutual interest," the spokesman noted.
End Item
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3 held with fake Indian currency
Police on Sunday arrested three Indian nationals from Dharan, Sunsari on charge of smuggling counterfeit Indian currency. Mohammad Istiyak, 25, from the Indian state of Bihar was arrested with fake Indian banknotes of 500 denomination.
USS Coronado departs Singapore after 14- month rotational deployment to Southeast Asia
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS171105-01
Release Date: 11/5/2017 11:09:00 AM
From Task Force 73 Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) departed Singapore Nov. 4 after completing a 14-month rotational deployment to Southeast Asia.
During the deployment, the ship and crew operated with navies of 16 partner nations, participated in 11 multilateral and bilateral exercises, and made 10 strategic port visits across the region.
"The rotational deployment of USS Coronado demonstrated the relevance of LCS as a platform tailor made for the dynamic and congested sea lanes, straits and archipelagos of South and Southeast Asia, providing flexible options and tactical advantages," said Rear Adm Don Gabrielson, Commander, Task Force 73. "We made tremendous strides in a challenging, forward deployed environment and the team is already applying lessons learned to future deployments in 2018. The Navy remains committed to the rotational deployment of LCS to the Indo-Asia-Pacific and views the LCS as a pillar of future U.S. maritime presence in Southeast Asia."
Coronado achieved many operational milestones for the LCS program to include coordinated counterpiracy operations with the Philippine Navy in the Sulu Sea and inaugural port visits to Cam Ranh, Vietnam and Lamut, Malaysia where the ship and crew deepened maritime partnerships. While operating alongside the Republic of Singapore Navy during exercise Pacific Griffin near Guam, Coronado fired a Harpoon surface-to-surface missile and successfully struck a target beyond visual range. The ship also contributed to regional maritime security through routine presence operations in the South China Sea, Philippine Sea, Andaman Sea, and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
"USS Coronado has been an integral part of building and strengthening maritime partnerships around the region," said Capt. Lex Walker, commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. "By working side-by-side with partner nations and learning from each other, we were able to effectively operate Coronado and enable the ship to make valuable contributions to maritime stability and security in the region."
There were also opportunities to improve scheduled and expeditionary maintenance for a deployed LCS. The ship's maintainers reduced the average repair time while deployed from 15 to 4 days, increasing the availability and readiness of Coronado to operate across the region. Coronado also conducted expeditionary maintenance availabilities in locations outside Singapore to include Cam Ranh, Vietnam, Guam, and Lumut, Malaysia.
"I am extremely proud of the Sailors and the work we did in the region," said Cmdr. Douglas Meagher, commanding officer of Coronado. "The experiences we've made with new friends and partner navies throughout the region during this deployment will remain with us for a long time."
As U.S. 7th Fleet's executive agent for theater security cooperation in South and Southeast Asia, Commander, Task Force 73 and DESRON 7 conduct advanced planning, organize resources and directly support the execution of maritime exercises and engagements, such as Pacific Partnership, the bilateral CARAT series, the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with Vietnam and the multi-lateral Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT). Task Force 73 and DESRON 7 also tactically control and coordinate maintenance for rotationally deployed Littoral Combat Ships.
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Hezbollah leader: Hariri was under pressure to resign his post
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 04:11PM
The secretary general of the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement says the country's prime minister has been under pressure to resign his post.
Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah made the remarks in a speech on Sunday after the country's prime minister, Saad Hariri, announced his resignation through a televised statement from Saudi Arabia on Saturday, citing fears about his life and accusing Iran and the Hezbollah movement of interfering in internal affairs of Arab countries.
Nasrallah noted that the announcement of Hariri's resignation came after a number of visits to Saudi Arabia, adding that the text and style of his resignation clearly showed that it was not his own text and was a Saudi text dictated to the Lebanese prime minister.
"So far, we have reached the conclusion that nobody in Lebanon knows what the real reason behind Hariri's resignation is and everybody has been taken by surprise in this regard," Hezbollah leader noted.
"Some people in Lebanon say the prime minister has been angry with some people and currents, but these remarks are not accurate and the main reason behind his resignation should be sought in Saudi Arabia," he added.
The Hezbollah leader noted that resignation of Hariri may have been a result of the power struggle in Saudi Arabia or the result of the fact that Riyadh was not satisfied with his performance and had decided to see another person in his place.
Nasrallah said that resignation of Hariri was a plan by Saudi Arabia in order to replace him with somebody else.
It is also possible that they want to disturb security in Lebanon and launch a war in the country like the war that has been waged in Yemen, he said.
In view of the above facts, Nasrallah noted, Hezbollah first of all calls on all parties to be patient until the real reason behind Hariri's resignation is made clear.
Secondly, he said, Hezbollah seeks peaceful life in Lebanon and advised Lebanese people not to be afraid of the possibility of a new war in the country.
"Hezbollah is totally responsible and we ask everybody to remain calm and protect the country's security and peaceful life in Lebanon," he added.
The Leader of Hezbollah movement further stated that legal institutions and regulations in Lebanon can help the country weather this crisis unscathed.
Nasrallah advised all political groups and currents in Lebanon to avoid any measure that would disturb order and peace in the country, emphasizing that pressures exerted on Hezbollah will not make it to change course and alter its policies.
The leader of Hezbollah also warned against a return of political groups to old times and resorting to street rallies, assuring that such rallies, if take place, would not solve any problem.
He added that President Michel Aoun and parliament speaker, Nabih Berri, were doing their job without any problem and were awaiting Hariri's return from Saudi Arabia, "if he is allowed to come back."
"All of us must remain calm within legal frameworks and I don't think that there is any party to clan in Lebanon whose interests are in Lebanon returning to chaotic conditions of the past," he noted.
Nasrallah said any effort to disturb security and calm in Lebanon would not be in favor of people and would simply serve the masters of those groups that may seek insecurity in the country.
The Lebanese Hezbollah leader said the sole source that has talked about a possible attempt on Hariri's life was the Saudi-owned al-Arabiya network while the Lebanon's army has not been able to find any clue to prove that such a plot exits.
Refuting claims that Hariri's resignation was plotted by Israel to wage a new war on Lebanon, Nasrallah said if Israel wanted to wage a war, it would do so on the basis of its own calculations and it would not have anything to do with Hariri's resignation.
He also stated that Saudi Arabia and the Saudi-led coalition were also not possible to wage a war on Lebanon because they had no geographical access to the country.
Nasrallah emphasized that if Saudis could to anything, they would have done it in Yemen where the country is caught in a serious mire and is unable to achieve its goals.
The Lebanese army announced on Sunday that it had not uncovered any assassination plots in the Arab country, noting in a statement that intelligence in its possession in addition to ongoing arrests and investigations had not revealed "the presence of any plan for assassinations in the country."
Hariri announced his resignation in a televised statement on Saturday, citing many reasons, including the security situation in Lebanon, for his sudden decision. He also said that he sensed a plot being hatched against his life.
Hariri accused Iran and the Lebanese Resistance Movement Hezbollah of meddling in Arab countries' affairs; an allegation the two have repeatedly denied.
The Lebanese prime minister announced his resignation following visits to Saudi Arabia.
The resignation also comes less than a month after he announced plans to join a coalition government with Lebanese Resistance Movement Hezbollah.
He became prime minister in 2016 after serving another term between November 2009 and June 2011.
Iran has vehemently rejected Hariri's remarks, saying his resignation and rehashing of the "unfounded and baseless" allegations regularly leveled by Zionists, Saudis and the US were another scenario to create new tensions in Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East.
"The sudden resignation of Mr. Hariri and its announcement in another country are not only regrettable and astonishing, but also indicative of him playing in a court that the ill-wishers in the region have laid out," Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said on Saturday.
"The winners in this field are not Arab and Muslim countries but the Zionist regime (Israel) which has defined its existence in tensions 'in' and 'among' the Muslim countries in the region," the Iranian spokesperson added.
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Sacked Catalan leader Puigdemont, deputies turns self in to Belgian police
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 03:45PM
Belgian authorities have in custody the former Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont and four of his deputies who escaped Spain following a crackdown to block the independence of the northeastern Spanish region.
Puigdemont and four members of his now-dismantled cabinet turned themselves in to police in the Belgian capital of Brussels on Sunday, hours after authorities said they were studying warrants issued for the separatist leaders by Spain.
Puigdemont flew to Belgium after the Spanish government dismantled his government and took over the control of Catalonia on October 28, a day after the separatists declared independence from Spain based on results of a controversial referendum that came earlier that month.
Spain's Supreme Court then summoned the five politicians, along nine other members of the former regional government, to face charges of rebellion, sedition, misuse of public funds, disobedience and breach of trust. Puigdemont and the four associates who are in Belgium did not appear in the hearing last Thursday. The nine others were jailed after attending the National Court in Madrid although one was later released on a 50,000-euro bail.
Puigdemont's decision to turn himself in to police comes amid reports that he is planning to contest fresh elections called by the Spanish government for Catalonia. New polls suggest he and other pro-independence parties would nominate the December 21 votes and capture most seats in the next Catalan parliament. However, the polls said the pro-independence parties ERC, PDECat and CUP would fall short of a majority needed to revive the secession campaign.
The polls by GAD3 and the conservative newspaper La Razo, conducted between October 30 and November 3, said pro-Madrid parties would divide seats but would garner around 54 percent of the vote. The GAD3 survey said the new election would see a record turnout of 83 percent.
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Lebanese army says it has not uncovered any assassination plans
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 03:17PM
The Lebanese army says it has not uncovered any assassination plots in the Arab country after the country's resigned prime minister, Saad al-Hariri, said during a speech declaring his resignation that there was a plot to kill him.
The army, in a statement released on Sunday, announced that intelligence in its possession in addition to ongoing arrests and investigations had not revealed "the presence of any plan for assassinations in the country."
In a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia by Arabic-language Al-Arabiya television news network, Hariri announced his resignation, citing numerous reasons, including the security situation in Lebanon, for his sudden decision.
He also said that he sensed a plot being hatched against his life.
Hariri accused the Islamic Republic of Iran and Hezbollah of meddling in Arab countries' affairs; an allegation the two have repeatedly denied.
Hariri announced his resignation following visits to Saudi Arabia.
The resignation also comes less than a month after he announced plans to join a coalition government with Hezbollah.
Saad Hariri became Lebanon's prime minister in 2016 after serving another term between November 2009 and June 2011.
He is the son of former Lebanese prime minister, Rafiq Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005. Hariri has also been the leader of the Future Movement party since 2005.
Meanwhile, informed sources at the Lebanese presidential palace said on Sunday that President Michel Aoun will not decide whether to accept or reject Hariri's resignation until he returns to Lebanon to explain his reasons.
There is no obvious successor to Hariri and by refusing to accept his resignation, Aoun is seen to be delaying political consultations on a new prime minister.
According to Reuters, Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq al-Awsat has quoted unnamed sources close to Hariri as speculating that he would probably not return to Lebanon, because of the alleged security threat against him.
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Daesh claims deadly attack in Yemen's Aden
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 02:30PM
The Daesh Takfiri terrorist group has claimed responsibility for a deadly bomb attack against forces loyal to the Saudi-backed former Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in the southern port city of Aden.
The claim of responsibility was made online Sunday by the terrorist group's so-called Aden and Abyan Wilayah, which said "clashes are still ongoing."
At least 15 people, including several police officers, were killed and dozens more wounded after a car bomber on Sunday blew himself up outside the main security headquarters in Aden's Khor Maksar district. Clashes erupted in the area immediately afterward, witnesses reported.
The attack, which also sparked a hostage crisis, continued well into the day. Local forces confirmed that they were continuing to battle terrorists who had also taken hostages in a police department.
Earlier on Sunday, it was said that al-Qaeda militants were suspected of being responsible for the attack. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has been the most active militant group in southern Yemen in recent years.
In May, Qasim al-Rimi, the ringleader of AQAP said that his forces had often fought alongside militia backed by the US and Saudi Arabia as well as supporters of Hadi against the Yemeni army and the popular Houthi Ansarullah movement.
Aden is dominated by pro-Hadi Yemeni forces, backed by the United Arab Emirates, which is a key member of a campaign led by the regime in Riyadh against Yemen.
The Saudi-led war, which began in March 2015, has been accompanied by a naval and aerial blockade on Yemen. It has so far killed over 12,000 people and led to a humanitarian crisis.
The Riyadh regime launched the offensive to eliminate Yemen's Houthi movement and reinstall a friendly regime there. The campaign, however, has failed to achieve its goals despite spending billions of dollars.
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Trump's allegations about Iran missiles in Yemen baseless: IRGC cmdr.
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 02:20PM
The chief commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has dismissed as "baseless" the allegations leveled by US President Donald Trump about the Islamic Republic's provision of missiles to Yemeni forces.
"Trump's claims about providing Yemen with missiles by the Islamic Republic of Iran are baseless," Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said on Sunday.
He added that Iran had no means of transferring missiles to Yemen, noting that missiles used by Yemeni forces belonged to themselves and they had only increased their range.
The Yemeni army on Sunday confirmed that it had targeted Saudi Arabia's King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh with a long distance Borkan H2 ballistic missile.
"Our Yemeni forces succeeded in launching a missile, a Borkan H2 long distance missile, at King Khalid International Airport in northeastern Riyadh, which was in response to the massacres committed by the US-Saudi coalition in Yemen," said Colonel Aziz Rashed, a spokesman for the Yemeni army.
Saudi Arabia has also confirmed the launch, saying, however, that its air defense intercepted the missile, bringing it down north of the airport.
Responding to the attack, Trump immediately put some of the blame on Iran, saying, "A shot was just taken by Iran, in my opinion, at Saudi Arabia. And our system knocked it down."
The IRGC commander rejected the US president's claims and said, "Trump has made many wrong, baseless and false remarks and leveled many accusations against Iran and this is one of those accusations."
After the Yemeni retaliatory attack, Saudi warplanes engaged in airstrikes on Yemen, hitting targets in the provinces of Sana'a and Sa'ada. The buildings of the Defense Ministry and the Interior Ministry and the National Security Council were hit during the latest Saudi strikes.
Meanwhile, Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami also rejected reports about Iran's involvement in the missile attack on the Saudi airport.
"The enemy uses every opportunity to make allegations against Iran and we definitely reject this issue," Hatami said.
Jafari's stance on Hariri's resignation
Elsewhere in his remarks, IRGC's chief commander also responded to allegations by Saad Hariri, who stepped down as Lebanon's Prime Minister on Saturday, against Iran and Lebanon's Resistance Movement Hezbollah, saying Hariri was a stooge of Saudi Arabia.
The senior IRGC commander added that Hariri's resignation was announced in Riyadh which "conveyed a clear message that this person is a puppet of Saudi Arabia and, in fact, took this step at the behest of the Zionist regime [of Israel] and Saudi Arabia."
Hariri's sudden departure was aimed at creating instability in Lebanon, he said.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi on Saturday said Hariri's resignation and rehashing of the "unfounded and baseless" allegations regularly leveled by the Zionists, Saudis and the US were another scenario to create new tensions in Lebanon and elsewhere in the Middle East.
"The sudden resignation of Mr. Hariri and its announcement in another country are not only regrettable and astonishing, but also indicative of him playing in a court that the ill-wishers in the region have laid out," he said.
Qassemi said Iran believed that the resilient Lebanese people would thwart plots aimed at creating new tensions in their country and would "easily see this phase through as well."
In a speech broadcast from Saudi Arabia on Saturday, Hariri announced his resignation, citing many reasons, including the security situation in Lebanon, for his sudden decision. Hariri announced his resignation following visits to Saudi Arabia.
He said that he sensed a plot being hatched against his life. Hariri also accused Iran and Hezbollah of meddling in the affairs of the Arab countries.
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Hariri quit after Iran rejected Saudi request on Yemen: Informed source
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 11:03AM
Saad al-Hariri resigned as Lebanon's prime minister after Iran turned down a request by Riyadh to stop supporting the oppressed Yemeni nation in the face of a deadly Saudi war, an informed Iranian source says.
The source close to Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on international affairs, made the revelation to the Fars news agency on Sunday.
After a trip to Saudi Arabia, Hariri returned to Beirut to meet with Velayati and convey the kingdom's "dictated" appeal to Iran regarding the Yemen conflict.
Hariri was hopeful that he could discourage the Islamic Republic from its opposition to the Saudi crimes in Yemen, but he received Iran's negative response, the source said.
During the meeting with Hariri, Velayati said that the Saudis should halt their bombing campaign as well as economic and medical blockade on Yemen in order pave the way for dialogue with the impoverished nation.
"The inappropriate request by Hariri and the Saudis was that the Islamic Republic of Iran abandon backing the right side [in the Yemen crisis], but because they were disappointed, Saad Hariri was immediately summoned to Riyadh to declare his resignation outside the Lebanese territory," the source added.
"It is clear that the text of [Hariri's resignation] was dictated by the Saudi side to the resigned Lebanese prime minister," he pointed out.
During the Beirut meeting, Velayati hailed Hariri's coalition government with the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah as "a victory" and "great success".
Hariri told the Italian daily La Repubblica last month that he and Hezbollah had "put aside" their differences to serve Lebanon.
Hariri, a long-time Saudi ally, quit his post on Saturday in a televised speech from Saudi Arabia. He claimed that he feared the same fate as his assassinated father and accused Iran and Hezbollah of meddling in Arab countries' affairs.
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Saudi gamble risks plunging Lebanon into war
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 10:40AM
Saad Hariri's sudden resignation from Lebanon's premiership, announced from Saudi Arabia, has raised fears that regional tensions were about to escalate and that the small country would once again pay a heavy price.
Hariri quit his post on Saturday in a televised speech broadcast by Saudi Arabia's Al-Arabiya television, during which he appeared tense as he carefully read out from a written statement.
He claimed that he feared the same fate as his assassinated father and accused Iran and the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah of meddling in Arab countries' affairs.
Hariri's departure sent shockwaves through Lebanon as the country is struggling to maintain stability at a time when much of the Middle East is gripped by Takfiri violence rooted in Saudi Arabia.
Lebanon's Minister of Justice Salim Jreissati said the development was "confusing and suspicious in its timing and location as well as the way it was delivered and the content of the resignation."
"The optics are terrible for Hariri to resign from Riyadh, imagine how his audience [in Lebanon] feels watching that," said Emile Hokayem, a regional analyst at the Institute for Strategic Studies.
"God protect Lebanon from the evil of Saudi Arabia's reckless adventures," Sheikh Nabil Kawouk, a member of Hezbollah's central committee, told Lebanon's Al Jadeed television.
Last week, Qatar's former prime minister Hamad bin Jassim revealed how the US coordinated support by Doha, Riyadh and Ankara for terrorists operating against the Syrian government.
Syria has always been a thorn in the side of Israel. The Arab country is part of the "axis of resistance" along with Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran, which has brought Daesh to the brink of elimination.
The triangle of Saudi Arabia, Israel and the US is alarmed and the prospect of an eventual triumph of this axis which has now become inevitable has prompted them to take drastic measures.
On Friday, as Syria began celebrating the capture of Dayr al-Zawr, Nusra Front terrorists launched a massive assault on a Druze village neighboring the occupied Golan Heights.
According to Syrian state media, the onslaught was carried out with the Israeli coordination and assistance but Tel Aviv used the occasion to threaten a direct intervention in the war.
Hariri's resignation over what he called Hezbollah's "grip" on Lebanon is the latest drastic step which Saudi Arabia and its allies have taken to tip the scales even at the cost of turning Lebanon into another Syria.
With the prime minister out of the political landscape, the architects of the new "plot" could claim that Lebanon was exclusively under Hezbollah's control. That idea was articulated by Israeli minister of military affairs Avigdor Lieberman on Saturday.
"Lebanon=Hezbollah. Hezbollah=Iran. Lebanon=Iran," he tweeted.
Hariri was appointed as the Lebanese premier in late 2016, after two years of political deadlock in the country. He formed a national unity government that included almost all of the main political parties in Lebanon, including Hezbollah.
Under the Lebanese constitution, the prime minister should be picked from among the Sunni community, but Saudi Arabia has tried to use the prerogative to maintain its influence in the country.
Riyadh says the government should be purged of Hezbollah, especially at a time when the resistance movement is emerging stronger from the Syria conflict.
Over the past few weeks, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Persian Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan had unleashed a series of vitriolic attacks against Hezbollah, saying the group "should be punished... and confronted by force."
The accusations coincided with new sanctions approved by US House of Representatives on the Lebanese resistance movement.
Hossein Sheikholeslam, a senior Iranian politician, told Al Mayadeen TV that Hariri's' resignation had been coordinated before between US president Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
He said, "After the defeat of Daesh and the US in the region, Washington and Riyadh are trying to fuel tensions in Lebanon and the region."
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, an adviser to the Iranian parliament speaker, agreed. "The decision has been made by the anti-Iran and anti-Hezbollah front following the disillusionment of US and its allies with Daesh," he said.
In Lebanon, political leaders expressed their apprehension, including the leader of Lebanon's Druze minority, who has frequently played kingmaker in Lebanese politics.
Walid Jumblatt, the leader of Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party (PSP), warned of the political burden and consequences of the resignation.
Hilal Khashan, a professor of political science at the American University of Beirut, said Hariri's departure was "a dangerous decision whose consequences will be heavier than what Lebanon can bear."
"Hariri has started a cold war that could escalate into a civil war, bearing in mind that Hezbollah is unmatched in Lebanon on the military level," he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, welcomed the decision and said Hariri's departure should be a "wake-up call" to the international community to what he described as the threat posed by Iran.
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Twin bombings hit Yemen's Aden, leave casualties
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 08:49AM
Two bomb attacks have hit Aden as insecurity continues to grip the southwestern Yemeni province despite the presence of forces loyal to Saudi-backed former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.
A high-ranking member of pro-Hadi forces said a car bomb exploded outside the security headquarters in Aden's Khur Maksar district on Sunday.
He blamed the incident, which killed at least seven pro-Hadi soldiers, on the al-Qaeda militant group. Local residents said clashes erupted in the area immediately.
In a second incident moments later, gunmen stormed the Aden criminal investigations unit and set alight the files stored there, as a bomber set off his explosive belt in the building, according to a source in the unit.
Aden is dominated by pro-Hadi Yemeni forces, backed by the United Arab Emirates, which is a key member of the Saudi-led military campaign on Yemen.
However, there have been some indications that Saudi Arabia and the UAE disagree on a number of issues over the war on Yemen, among them the control of Aden International Airport.
Saudi strikes continue
In another development on Sunday, Saudi jets conducted fresh airstrikes on Yemen.
The air raids left two people dead and two more injured in the northern province of Amran and also destroyed al-Sabeen Square, the main square of national celebrations in Sana'a.
The Saudi-led war, which began in March 2015, has been accompanied by a naval and aerial blockade on Yemen. It has so far killed over 12,000 people and led to a humanitarian crisis.
The Riyadh regime launched the offensive to eliminate Yemen's Houthi movement and reinstall a friendly regime there.
The campaign, however, has failed to achieve its goals despite spending billions of dollars.
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Retaliatory missile launched at Riyadh airport was Borkan H2, Yemen says
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 01:02AM
The Yemeni army has confirmed that it targeted Saudi Arabia's King Khalid international airport in Riyadh with a long distance Borkan H2 ballistic missile.
"Our Yemeni forces succeeded in launching a missile, a Borkan H2 long distance missile, at the King Khalid international airport in north eastern Riyadh which was in response to the massacres committed by the US-Saudi coalition in Yemen," said Colonel Aziz Rashed, a spokesman for the Yemeni army, early on Sunday.
"This comes in order to even out power between the coalition and Yemen, who have been attempting to fight more than one country in the past three years," he added.
Saudi Arabia has also confirmed the launch, saying that Saudi Arabia's air defense intercepted the missile, bringing it down to the north of the airport.
"Shattered fragments from the intercepted missile landed in an uninhabited area of the airport and there were no injuries," said a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition waging war against Yemen.
After the Yemeni retaliatory attack, Saudi warplanes engaged in airstrikes on Yemen, hitting targets in the provinces of Sana'a and Sa'ada. The buildings of the Defense Ministry and the Interior Ministry and the National Security Council building were also hit during the latest airstrikes.
Saudi Arabia has been incessantly pounding Yemen since March 2015 in an attempt to crush the popular Houthi Ansarullah movement and reinstate former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, who is a staunch ally of the Riyadh regime.
More than 12,000 people have been killed since the onset of the campaign more than two and a half years ago. Much of the Arabian Peninsula country's infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and factories, has been reduced to rubble due to the war.
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4,482 in the fray for Phase II
A total of 4,482 candidates are in the fray for the second phase of federal and provincial elections, to be held on December 7, under the first-past-the-post system for 128 federal and 256 provincial seats, the Election Commission (EC) said on Sunday,
Hizballah Leader Says Saudi Arabia Forced Lebanese PM To Quit
RFE/RL November 05, 2017
The Lebanese movement Hizballah has accused Saudi Arabia of forcing Prime Minister Saad Hariri to quit, in a move that could draw Lebanon deeper into the bitter regional rivalry between Sunni-led Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite-majority Iran.
Hariri on November 4 announced he was stepping down, accusing Iran and its Hizballah ally of destabilizing his country and spreading unrest in the Arab world.
Hizballah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on November 5 that it was "clear" the resignation was "imposed" by Riyadh.
"It was not his intention, not his wish, and not his decision" to quit, Nasrallah said in a televised address.
Hariri, a protege of Riyadh, announced his surprise resignation in a broadcast from the Saudi capital.
He cited the "grip" of Hizballah on the country, and also said he feared for his life. His father, the late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, was slain in 2005.
The Lebanese Army said in a statement on November 5 that there was no evidence of an assassination plot against Hariri.
Nasrallah, whose powerful group has been part of Hariri's government for nearly a year, said "we did not seek this resignation."
Hizballah is both a major political and independent military player in Lebanon.
Nasrallah questioned the timing of Hariri's announcement at a time when "things are proceeding normally... in the heart of government" in Lebanon.
Hariri, 47, a Sunni Muslim, claimed in his resignation speech on November 4 that Iran was using Hizballah to spread its influence over Lebanon.
Through Hizballah, he said, Iran has created "a state within a state." He accused Tehran of sowing "sedition, devastation, and destruction in any place it settles in."
In remarks seen directed at Iran, he said the Arab world would "cut off the hands that wickedly extend to it."
Hariri said the atmosphere in Lebanon was the same as when his father was assassinated 12 years ago.
Tehran rejected Hariri's suggestion that it or its allies were plotting his assassination or spreading terror.
"Such suppositions that have also been made by the U.S., [Israel], and the Saudis against Iran lead only to further tensions," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said.
U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Iran and Hizballah of supporting regional terrorism, and the U.S. Congress has placed sanctions on the militia, describing it as Tehran's "terrorist proxy."
It was not immediately clear who would replace Hariri.
Lebanon's leadership structure is based on a power-sharing system that helped end the country's 15-year civil war. Under the agreement, the president must be a Christian, the prime minister a Sunni, and the speaker a Shi'ite.
Michel Aoun, a Christian and an ally of Hizballah, was elected president a year ago in what was seen as a victory for Iran.
Walid Jumblatt, the country's most prominent Druze leader, said Hariri's resignation was another outgrowth of the Saudi-Iran feud, and he called for increased diplomatic efforts to end the rivalry.
With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/lebanon-hariri-resignation- saudi-arabia-hizballah/28836529.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.
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Trump Blames Iran for Missile Fired at Saudi Airport From Yemen
Sputnik News
13:22 05.11.2017(updated 13:31 05.11.2017)
A new spiral of tensions between the US and Iran is emerging as President Donald Trump claims Tehran is responsible for a Yemeni missile launch against Saudi Arabia.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) Late on Saturday, a Riyadh-based press outlet reported that Saudi Arabia's air force had intercepted a ballistic missile which had been fired from Yemen over the Saudi capital. Trump, responding to the attack, expressed his support for the Saudi-led coalition and put the blame on Iran.
"A shot was just taken by Iran, in my opinion, at Saudi Arabia. You know about that, right? You saw the missile that went out? And our system knocked the missile out of the air," Trump told reporters, referring to the capabilities of the US-manufactured Patriot missile batteries which were used by Saudi Arabia.
Turki bin Saleh Maliki, spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition backing the Yemeni government in the country's military conflict, said that the missile had been launched by the Yemeni rebel Houthi movement. Saudi air defense forces intercepted the missile over northern Riyadh and no casualties or damage were reported.
This is not the only case of such an attack, as on October 30 a Yemeni missile was fired at a Saudi army base in the Aseer province bordering Yemen, the latest attack is the first to have targeted a heavily populated civilian area.
In Yemen, the Houthis have been involved in the armed conflict with forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition since 2015. The conflict has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation in the country, with millions in need of various kinds of assistance.
Sunni-led Saudi Arabia accuses Shiite Iran, its key rival in the region, of arming and training the rebels in Yemen. Iran, in turn, refutes the claims, although it makes no secret of the country's political support for the Houthis.
The relations between Iran and Washington, one of Saudi Arabia's most important military suppliers, have worsened over the past months. In October, Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to halt the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iranian nuclear deal, said his administration had decided not to certify that Iran was in compliance with the accord, which stipulates the gradual cancellation of the Western sanctions in exchange for Tehran abandoning its nuclear program. Trump's claims caused strenuous objections from Tehran.
Sputnik
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Lebanon: Amid news of Prime Minister's resignation, UN chief hopes all sides focus on support for State institutions
5 November 2017 Concerned by the news that Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has offered to resign, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday expressed the hope that all sides will focus on supporting the continuity of Lebanon's State institutions.
A statement from Mr. Guterres' spokesman said the UN chief hopes that such broad support for State institutions would adhere to the constitution, and aim to safeguard the country's security and stability.
"The United Nations remains committed to supporting the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon," the statement concludes.
News reports suggest that Mr. Hariri unexpectedly offered his resignation during a televised speech Saturday, saying his life was in danger.
The UN works on multiple fronts to assist Lebanon in forging a peaceful, stable and democratic future. The world body's efforts there include the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) the Special Coordinator serves as the Secretary-General's representative to the Lebanese Government, all political parties and the diplomatic community based in the country and carries out good offices work on behalf of the UN chief to assist Lebanese parties to reach peaceful and consensus-based solutions to contentious issues.
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Somali Pro-IS Group Chief Survives US Strike, Says Regional Leader
By Harun Maruf November 05, 2017
The leader of the Pro-Islamic State group in Somalia has survived U.S. airstrikes which targeted caves in a remote mountainous area in Puntland, the region's president told VOA Somali.
Abdiweli Mohamed Ali said the leader of the group, Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin, was the target of Friday's U.S. strike.
"They [US] were targeting those troublemakers and their biggest leader Abdulkadir Mumin, they were looking for them," he said. "Based on the information I'm getting he is still alive and is not dead."
Ali said the U.S. did not share intelligence with his region but assessment is based on information from his region's intelligence agencies.
On Friday, the United States Africa Command confirmed carrying out two strikes against IS militants in Somalia. The first attack occurred at around midnight and the second attack took place the following morning at 11:00am.
The U.S. Africa Command says several militants were killed in the strikes in Buqo Valley, 160 kilometers east of the city of Bosaso. The strikes were the first against the group by the United States.
On Sunday a senior Somali intelligence official told VOA Somali that they believe up to 20 militants were killed in the two strikes. He said some of the caves the militants were sheltering in collapsed on them as a result of the bombing.
The official who asked not to be named, told VOA Somali that it's "likely" the leader of the group Sheikh Abdulkadir Mumin survived the attack.
"Either he was not in those caves or he was missed, it is likely that he is alive," he said.
Al-Shabab splinter group
The official said he believes two foreign figures including a Sudanese militant were also in the targeted area.
Intelligence sources say at least four missiles hit the caves in Buqo Valley in the first of two rounds of strikes. The second round of strikes occurred after the militants gathered in a place believed to be a burial site for those killed in the overnight strike.
Pro-IS militants emerged in Somalia in October 2015 after splitting from al-Shabab. The group has since recruited members in the eastern parts of Puntland, where Mumin's clan resides.
The group has claimed responsibility for four attacks in Bosaso this year including the last incident which occurred just ten days ago where a would-be bomber pushing explosives hidden in a wheelbarrow detonated the device killing himself and injuring six others.
A month before, the group claimed an attack on a police commander at a coffee shop in Bosaso. The officer survived with injuries.
In February this year two gunmen attacked the International Village Hotel in Bosaso and exchanged fire with security forces. Four soldiers and the two attackers were killed.
In May a suicide bomber blew himself up at a police checkpoint near the Jubba Hotel in Bosaso, killing five people and injuring 17 others.
The group scored its biggest attack in late October 2016 when its fighters seized the ancient town of Qandala from Puntland forces and kept control of it for 40 days.
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Saudi-led Coalition Intensifies Airstrikes on Houthis After Intercepting Ballistic Missile
By Noor Zahid November 05, 2017
Saudi Arabia and its allied forces launched a new wave of airstrikes on targets in neighboring Yemen, where Riyadh has been leading a military alliance against Iran-backed Shi'ite Houthi militant forces since March 2015.
Alhurra reported the airstrikes targeted the National Security building and the Ministry of Interior and other positions Sunday in the capital, Sana'a.
The renewed attacks came a day after the country's military said it intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen and aimed at the King Khalid International Airport northeast of Riyadh.
Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen claimed responsibility for the missile. "We had warned that the capitals of the countries that attack Yemen would not be safe from our ballistic missiles," Mohamed Abdel Salam, a Houthis spokesperson, said in a statement, Arab media reported.
Saudi Arabia has been leading a military campaign in Yemen, which has been engulfed in civil war since 2014 after the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels swept into Sana'a and overthrew President Abd Rabu Mansour Hadi's government. Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of providing arms to the Shi'ite rebels and that Iran's hostile policy is the major obstacle in solving the crisis in Yemen.
"A shot was taken by Iran, in my opinion, at Saudi Arabia," President Donald Trump, who talked to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz about the intercepted missile, told reporters on board Air Force One while flying to Japan. "And our system knocked it down," he added, a reference to the Patriot missile batteries Riyadh purchased from the United States.
Saturday's missile was not the first Houthi attack on Saudi territory. The Houthi forces have repeatedly struck targets inside Saudi Arabia. In July, the Saudis shot down a ballistic missile from Yemen near Mecca, a month before Muslims began their annual pilgrimage to the city.
Abdel-Malek al-Houthi, the Houthi leader, last month threatened that missiles available to his forces could target Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, which is a key member of the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen.
Recent reports by the United Nations and right groups have blamed the warring parties for civilian deaths, including hundreds of children, and for destroying schools and hospitals.
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Saudi King, Trump Talk About Intercepted Missile
By VOA News November 05, 2017
Saudi Arabian state media say the country's military has intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen and aimed at the King Khalid International Airport northeast of Riyadh.
Iran-backed Houthi fighters in Yemen have claimed responsibility for the missile, which was intercepted by Saudi forces Saturday.
Saudi authorities said the missile caused no casualties or major damage. The Houthis said they were targeting the airport.
The White House said President Donald Trump talked to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud about the intercepted missile.
Trump, blaming Iran for the missile attack on Riyadh, told reporters on board Air Force One Sunday while flying to Japan, "A shot was taken by Iran, in my opinion, at Saudi Arabia. And our system knocked it down," a reference to the Patriot missile batteries Saudi Arabia purchased from the U.S. "That's how good we are. Nobody makes what we make and now we're selling it all over the world."
Saudi Arabia is leading a mission in Yemen to eliminate the Houthi forces, but the violence has begun to spill over the border.
In July, the Saudis shot down a ballistic missile from Yemen near Mecca, a month before Muslims began their annual pilgrimage to the city.
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US Commerce Chief Tied to Russian Shipping Venture, Leaked Documents Show
By Ken Bredemeier November 05, 2017
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross shares significant business interests through a shipping venture in Russia with President Vladimir Putin's son-in-law and an oligarch subject to American sanctions, newly leaked documents showed Sunday.
Ross, a 79-year-old billionaire industrialist, has an investment in partnerships valued at between $2 million and $10 million in the shipper, Navigator Holdings, according to his government ethics disclosures.
The shipping company earns millions of dollars a year transporting natural gas for Sibur, a Russian energy company that is partly owned by Kirill Shamalov, the husband of Putin's daughter, Katerina Tikhonova, and Gennady Timchenko, the oligarch who is Putin's judo partner, according to the documents. Timchenko is subject to the U.S. sanctions because of Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its subsequent support for pro-Russian separatists fighting the Kyiv government's forces in eastern Ukraine.
Ross sold off numerous holdings when he joined President Donald Trump's Cabinet earlier this year to avoid conflicts of interest while he promotes U.S. commerce throughout the world. But he kept his Navigator stake, which has been held in a chain of partnerships in the Cayman Islands, an offshore tax haven where Ross has placed much of his estimated $2 billion in wealth.
'Paradise Papers'
Ross did not disclose the Russian business link when he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as commerce secretary, but it surfaced in a trove of more than 7 million internal documents leaked from Appleby, a Bermuda-based offshore law firm that advises the wealthy elite on global financial transactions as they look to avoid billions of dollars in taxes. Appleby, says it has investigated all the allegations, and found "there is no evidence of any wrongdoing, either on the part of ourselves or our clients."
The cache of documents, called the Paradise Papers, was first leaked to a German newspaper, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, and then shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and other media, including The Guardian in Britain, The New York Times and NBC News in the U.S., all of which reported on the Ross investment on Sunday.
Ross, through a Commerce Department spokesman, said he removes himself as secretary from matters related to trans-oceanic shipping and consults with the agency's ethics officials "to ensure the highest ethical standards."
The disclosure of Ross' financial interests in Russia comes as a special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, and three congressional panels are investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, an effort the U.S. intelligence community has concluded was led by Putin in an effort to undermine U.S. democracy and help Trump win the White House.
Several Trump campaign associates have come under scrutiny, but until the disclosures about Ross' holdings, there have been no reports of business links between top Trump officials and any member of Putin's family and his inner circle.
The disclosures will likely put pressure on world leaders, including Trump and British Prime Minister Theresa May, who have both pledged to curb aggressive tax avoidance schemes.
"Congress has the power to crack down on offshore tax avoidance. There are copious loopholes in our federal tax code that essentially incentivize companies to cook the books and make U.S. profits appear to be earned offshore. The House tax bill introduced late last week does nothing to close these loopholes," said Matthew Gardner, a senior fellow at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy.
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DRC Sets Election Date for December 2018
By VOA News November 05, 2017
The Democratic Republic of Congo's long-awaited presidential elections have been scheduled for December of 2018, the Electoral Commission president announced Sunday.
The DRC was due to have elections in 2016, but the national elections commissioner has said elections this year are not possible due to the ongoing conflict in the Kasai region and the need for a national registry of eligible voters. Long-time president Joseph Kabila has refused to step down even though his second term expired last December.
Congo's electoral commission had said it will not be ready to conduct elections until April 2019 at the earliest. The opposition accuses Kabila of trying to buy time until he can change the constitution and eliminate term limits.
During a visit to the central African country last week, U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Niki Haley called for free and fair elections by 2018, saying that Kinshasa would not receive international help with the vote if there were any further delays.
Dozens died in protests against Kabila's refusal to step down at the end of his constitutional mandate last December.
Kabila's government has faced a wave of protests in recent months over the election issue. Growing unrest in the country has raised fears of a return to civil war, which ravaged the DRC for nearly a decade beginning in the late 1990s, leading to the deaths of millions of people.
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Hezbollah: Riyadh 'Imposed' Resignation of Lebanon's Hariri
By VOA News November 05, 2017
Lebanon's Hezbollah group is accusing Saudi Arabia of forcing Prime Minister Saad Hariri to resign.
The head of Lebanon's Shi'ite Hezbollah movement, Hassan Nasrallah, said Sunday the group that participated in Hariri's government during the past year had not pushed for the resignation.
"It is clear that the resignation was a Saudi decision that was imposed on Prime Minister Hariri. It was not his intention, not his wish, and not his decision" to quit, Nasrallah said in a televised address.
Hariri announced his resignation Saturday, after delivering a blistering attack on Iran and its proxy militia, Hezbollah, both in Lebanon and across the region. The resignation followed consultations with Saudi Arabian leaders in Riyadh, and an earlier meeting with Iran's top foreign policy adviser, Ali Akbar Velayati, in Beirut.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun indicated that Hariri's office had called him from outside Lebanon to relay the news of his resignation. Commentators on Saudi-owned al-Arabiya TV stressed that Hariri's resignation speech was made from the Saudi capital, Riyadh, and that it had "regional implications."
Hariri blames Iran, Hezbollah
In his speech, Hariri accused Iran and its Lebanese proxy militia, Hezbollah, of creating discord in the country, as well as across the region.
He says that outside parties, alluding to Iran, that wish ill on Lebanon have sown sectarian strife among the Lebanese, gaining control of the levers of power, and setting up a state-within-a-state. He also accused Iran of meddling in the internal affairs of other Arab states, including Syria, Iraq, Bahrain and Yemen.
Hariri went on to claim the political climate inside Lebanon resembled the one that prevailed in the months before his father, the late Prime Minister Rafiq al-Hariri, was assassinated in February 2005, and that he sensed a "covert plot" against his own life. Arab and Lebanese media have long accused Hezbollah of killing the elder Hariri.
He added that the Lebanese people are "determined to be free and independent," and he insisted the country must have "only one state, one army, and one set of arms."
Hariri met Friday with Iran's top foreign policy adviser, former foreign minister Ali Akbar Velayati.
New government unlikely soon
Hilal Khashan, who teaches political science at the American University of Beirut, tells VOA he thinks Hariri might have wanted to tell Iran he was not "seeking to escalate the conflict," despite his impending resignation.
Khashan says he does not think a new government will be formed any time soon and that Hariri's government will continue to govern in a caretaker capacity for a long time.
"We are used to having a caretaker Cabinet perform its functions for a year or so. So, it will be a long time before another Cabinet is formed [and] it will be a long time before another Sunni leader will accept to form a Cabinet. ... Otherwise, he would be labeled a traitor."
Despite the sudden political storm, Khashan does not believe that it is "in the interest of either Iran, or Hezbollah to escalate tensions" following Hariri's resignation.
Israel: a wake-up call
He said outside parties like Israel, however, are taking a more muscular attitude toward Hezbollah. He says recent Israeli "raids against Hezbollah (targets) in Syria ... mark an escalation in their attacks."
He also points out that Israeli warplanes have been "making intensive overflights in the south of Lebanon during the past few days."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hariri's resignation is "a wake-up call to the international community to take action against the Iranian aggression that is trying to turn Syria into Lebanon."
The Israeli leader said, "This aggression endangers not only Israel, but the entire Middle East. The international community needs to come together and stand against this aggression."
Bahram Ghasemi, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman dismissed the resignation as a plot by the U.S., Israel and the Saudis to incite tensions in the region, according to the semi-official Iranian Tasim news agency.
Ghasemi said Hariri's "baseless accusations" indicate that "a new scenario" for the region was being created.
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Simmering Tension Between Islamic School, Government Led to Protests in Eritrea
By Salem Solomon November 05, 2017
Unusual acts of defiance against government demands led to protests last week in Eritrea's capital, Asmara, according to experts who study the region.
The rare protests were the culmination of nearly two years of back-and-forth between the Ministry of Education and leaders of the Diaa Islamic School of Asmara, who defied government orders aimed at removing religion from their curricula. An elderly school board member, Hajji Muasa Mohamed Nur, voiced the school's resistance in a widely shared video posted on YouTube. "We are not going to change anything," Nur said as the crowd applauded.
Nur was arrested, and the government threatened to take over the school, sending officials to collect the keys, several opposition groups said. That's when a crowd descended on the school grounds and marched toward the Ministry of Education to protest the closing, according to state-owned media shabait.com.
Vacuum of information
Videos of frightened crowds dispersing as gunshots ring out have circulated on social media since last week. But the time and place of the videos have not been verified, and no injuries or deaths are depicted.
The government says the reports of deaths and violence are part of a pattern of sensationalized stories that dominate news coverage of Eritrea.
"Scoop-oriented media outlets keep churning out false 'casualty figures' peddled by Eritrea's detractors without minimum verification," Yemane Gebremeskel, the minister of information, posted on Twitter. He said a small demonstration by one school in Asmara dispersed without any casualties.
But press freedom in Eritrea ranks among the lowest in the world, and non-governmental organizations can't operate independently in the country.
Felix Horne, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch who focuses on the Horn of Africa, said those restrictions prevent verification and block credible information. In this case, that information could support the government's side of the story.
Instead, opposition groups have seized the moment to give their version of events, Horne said. "It's a very self-defeating strategy in our view, if the government has nothing to hide."
Social media has added to the confusion, but it's also enabled some information to leak out, including the clip of Nur. "That the government can suppress, but not completely black out news, I think, emboldens people and encourages people to know that they're not alone," said Saleh Younis, the editor of Awate.com, an Eritrean news website that is opposed to the government and its policies.
Details of last week's protests and the government reaction also remain murky because people are scared of reprisals, Younis said. "Even if you know information, you're hesitant to disclose it because we have a police state in Eritrea," he said.
Much of the government's response happens out of the spotlight. According to Younis, police have rounded up hundreds of people at night, and entire areas have been cordoned off.
Years of pressure
The Diaa Islamic School of Asmara was founded in 1968. The school has taught students from kindergarten to high school, and according to Younis has been well regarded. Nearly 3,000 students attend Diaa.
But for nearly two years, the government has had a litany of requests: Girls in high school should not wear headscarves, the school should remain open on Fridays, secondary classes should no longer be segregated by gender and no classes should focus on Islamic teachings, according to an alum.
School leaders were willing to compromise on some points, for example, staying open on Fridays. The government pressed to implement all of the changes, but school leaders refused. "The whole core of the school is being undermined," Younis said.
Other schools have changed their practices and curricula in the government drive to secularize education, and some have closed, but Diaa appears unique in its resistance.
The key difference, said Semhar Habtezion, a member of the Eritrean Diaspora, was Nur. "He was fearless, and he was, in effect, saying we cannot continue fearing this government. This is our school, and we will do whatever it takes to fight back."
When the government attempted to take over the school it crossed a red line that caused people to rise up and say "No," Younis said.
From the government's perspective, intervening in the school's affairs was necessary to protect its secular national curriculum. Writing on the Ministry of Information's website, Mella Ghebremedhin said, "Similar... actions have recently been taken with both Catholic and Orthodox schools."
Despite last week's unrest, the Diaa school remains open. VOA's stringer in Asmara visited the day after the protests and confirmed to VOA Tigrigna that classes had resumed and students were outside playing sports. He also said by phone on Friday that ninth and 11th-grade students at the Catholic Cathedral school had been ordered to begin attending public schools near their neighborhoods.
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Arrested Indian duo has no terror links
The Special Bureau of Nepal Police has found no connection of two Indian nationals arrested with a gun and four magazines with any terrorist groups or any plans of terrorism activities inside the Valley.
CIA documents on Iran's links to Al-Qaeda "shameless fabrication": FM spokesman
ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency
Sun / 5 November 2017 / 12:00
Tehran (ISNA) - Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi has rapped the newly-released CIA documents which accuse the Islamic Republic of being linked to the Al-Qaeda terrorist group.
In a statement, Qassemi has reacted to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)'s release of documents pertaining to Al-Qaeda some of which contain accusations that Iran has ties to the terrorist group.
"Although US authorities have not yet made any comments on these alleged documents, the American government and intelligence agencies have a dark record of fabricating such documents and deceiving the world public opinion and even American people to achieve their political and strategic objectives," said Qassemi.
"Such moves are a clear example of shamelessly fabricating documents in order to prove the US president's groundless remarks against the Islamic Republic of Iran and to use them for domestic consumption," the spokesman highlighted, adding that such documents have no other value.
"There is no doubt that such futile propaganda campaigns by American intelligence services are only aimed at saving some of the United States' allies in the Middle East region which are seriously gripped by multiple domestic and regional crises, and those in the international community that have a conscience have no doubts about their (US allies') role in creating and ideologically training terrorist groups in the past two decades," said the spokesman.
"Leveling such accusations against the Islamic Republic of Iran is completely irrelevant, farcical and unfounded, and releasing them ahead of November 4, the day Iranian people express their opposition to the US government's policies and decades of interference in our country, shows that such campaigns against our country lack any credit and value," he said.
Qassemi then touched upon the current US statesmen was misleading American people regarding the role that some of Washington's allies played in the September 11 attacks in which around three thousand American citizens were killed.
"While the US government intentionally refuses to release a full report by the national 9/11 commission and shed light on the real perpetrators behind the incident, the publication of such illusionary and fabricated documents will not change the proven international belief regarding what countries in the region are ideologically feeding terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda, and what country or countries have contributed to their formation and have offered them military, political and logistical support," he said.
End Item
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'This is Grim': High-Casualty Pentagon Assessment of US Ground War in DPRK
Sputnik News
23:40 05.11.2017(updated 23:49 05.11.2017)
In an unusually frank assessment of risk, the Pentagon has noted that the forcible removal of nuclear weapons from North Korea would require a bloody and protracted ground war, a move lawmakers acknowledge would result in a death toll in the hundreds of thousands, possibly millions, on the Korean Peninsula and surrounding regions.
Responding to a formal request by two US House members for projections relating to "expected casualty assessments in a conflict with North Korea," the Pentagon stated in a letter that the only method to accomplish disarmament "with complete certainty" would be through a ground invasion, confirming fears that casualties both military and civilian would be very high, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The official Pentagon statement included the likelihood of a biological and chemical weapon defense by the People's Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK), and was penned by Rear Admiral Michael Dumont, vice director of the Pentagon's Joint Staff. The letter took pains to assert that a more precise assessment of the tactics, logistics and human risk involved in a full-scale US ground assault against North Korea must remain classified, for now.
Dumont's letter comes in response to a request for information for "expected casualty assessments in a conflict with North Korea," spearheaded by Democratic House members Ted Lieu (D-CA), and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ).
"We have not heard detailed analysis of expected US or allied force casualties, expected civilian casualties, what plans exist for the aftermath of a strike including continuity of the South Korean Government," stated Lieu and Gallego in their letter.
Noting the importance of bringing to light the severity of risk due to an all-out war with a nuclear-capable state, the two lawmakers in their request for information observed that "a decision to attack or invade another country will have ramifications for our troops and taxpayers, as well as the region, for decades," particularly in the South Korean capital of Seoul, an area home to some 25 million people, cited by Tampabay.com.
The Pentagon response confirms their worst fears, claim the lawmakers.
"This is grim," said US House member Lieu, an Air Force veteran with experience in the Pacific operating theatre, who added that, "We need to understand what war means. And it hasn't been articulated very well."
The potential necessity of a no-holds-barred ground invasion of the DPRK to secure nuclear weapons indicates that the US military would likely suffer minimum losses in the thousands, suggested Gallego, cited by TampaBay.com.
While an estimated 29,000 US troops are deployed in South Korea, "It's important for people to understand what a war with a nuclear power would look like," said Lieu, who pointed to estimates of at least 300,000 dead on both sides within just the first few days.
Pentagon spokesman Air Force Colonel Patrick Ryder, asserted that the US military would provide no further details about Dumont's letter.
Sputnik
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Russia slaps sanctions on dozens of Canadians in tit-for-tat measure
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 09:59AM
Moscow has banned dozens of Canadian individuals from entering Russia in retaliation for sanctions recently imposed by Ottawa against 30 Russian officials.
The move was prompted after Canada's government on Friday banned and froze the assets of 30 Russians over alleged accusations of corruption and human rights violations.
"We have to respond with mirror-image sanctions," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement. "If our Canadian partners like playing sanctions games, we will be forced to respond, although we certainly prefer to develop constructive cooperation on the issues important for the peoples of both countries."
"The list is long and contains dozens of names the Russophobic Canadian citizens that have been systematically destroying bilateral relations," Zakharova said, without offering names.
The Russian Foreign Ministry also warned that Canada must step back from a "destructive course, leading to further aggravation of bilateral relations."
Meanwhile, the Russian diplomatic mission in Canada censured Ottawa's measure as "a false pretext of a hypocritical protection of human rights," which is "absolutely senseless and reprehensible."
Ottawa "is isolating itself from one of the key global powers" and "pushes Canada's foreign policy back to the narrow black-and-white world view, incompatible with modern geopolitics," the mission added.
"At the moment, dozens of Canadians have been banned from entering Russia; this is not our choice, but in case of new sanctions, our response will be unchanged and reciprocal in terms of amount and quality," it said.
Canada's sanctions list came after the country earlier this year passed its own version of the United States' Magnitsky Law, a measure that punishes Russian officials linked to the case of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who died in prison after exposing an alleged tax fraud scheme in 2009.
The Magnitsky Act in the US has led to sanctions on more than 40 senior Russian officials so far. The list includes names of those whose assets under US jurisdiction are frozen and are barred from doing business with Americans or receiving US visas.
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Police Detain Hundreds Of Antigovernment Protesters In Moscow, St. Petersburg
RFE/RL's Russian Service November 05, 2017
MOSCOW/ST. PETERSBURG -- Russian authorities have detained hundreds of people after nationalists gathered in central Moscow for an antigovernment rally coinciding with celebrations of Russia's National Unity Day.
The protesters are believed to be linked to self-exiled Kremlin critic Vyacheslav Maltsev, who called for a "people's revolution" to end President Vladimir Putin's rule.
OVD-Info, which monitors crackdowns on demonstrations, said 448 people were detained in St. Petersburg and at the unsanctioned demonstration on Moscow's Manezh Square by the Kremlin walls on November 5.
It said 339 were detained in Moscow, 21 in St. Petersburg, and the rest in rallies across Russia, including in Krasnodar, Krasnoyarsk, Perm, and Rostov-on-Don.
OVD-Info said among those detained in Moscow were 49 minors.
The Interior Ministry had earlier said police detained 263 people in Moscow "for breaches of public order."
TASS news agency quoted an unidentified law enforcement official as saying many of those detained in Moscow were carrying knives, brass knuckles, and pistols that could fire rubber bullets.
Police picked up the protesters one by one close to the Kremlin, according to an AFP photographer.
Reuters reported that police detained a few dozen people on a Moscow street, although none of those detained had any posters or were chanting slogans.
A reporter for the radio station Ekho Moskvy, Andrei Yezhov, wrote on Twitter that he was detained and that most of those held were in their early 20s. He said he was was later released without charge.
On November 4, police detained dozens of nationalist demonstrators at an antigovernment rally in Moscow.
Maltsev had appealed on his website for supporters to hold protests across the country on the weekend.
Maltsev, who has described himself as a nationalist and anarchist, is the leader of the Artpodgotovka (Artillery Bombardment) movement.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on November 3 said it had detained several members of a "conspiratorial cell" of Artpodgotovka in the Moscow area, claiming they were plotting to trigger riots by attacking government buildings and police.
The RBK news agency cited an unidentified Interior Ministry source as saying that a spate of additional raids targeting Maltsev's group were carried out in Moscow and the surrounding area on early on November 4.
Maltsev fled Russia in July after authorities launched an investigation into his statements. He was charged in absentia in May with making public calls for extremist activities, while his movement Artpodgotovka was banned by a court in October.
Putin established National Unity Day in 2005, replacing Soviet-era celebrations of the Bolshevik Revolution anniversary. It officially honors a Russian victory over Polish forces in 1612.
This year's celebrations came amid the centennial of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution.
With reporting by TASS and AFP
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-moscow-antigovernment- protest-detentions/28836159.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.
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A Series of Anti-Graft Royal Orders Announced, related Committee led by Crown Prince Formed
Saudi Press Agency
Saturday 1439/2/15 - 2017/11/04
Riyadh, Safar 15, 1439, Nov 4, 2017, SPA -- The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued a series of royal orders.
In a statement announced here tonight, the King said the following:
In view of what we have noticed of exploitation by some of the weak souls who have put their own interests above the public interest, in order to, illicitly, accrue money and as we have taken care, in this regard, since we assumed the responsibility to follow these matters out of our pledges towards the homeland and the citizen, we decided:
First: To form a supreme committee chaired by the Crown Prince and the membership of: Chairman of the Monitoring and Investigation Commission, Chairman of the National Anti-Corruption Authority, Chief of the General Audit Bureau, Attorney General and Head of State Security.
Second: Exemption from laws, regulations, instructions, orders and decisions, while the Committee shall perform the following tasks:
1) To identify offenses, crimes, persons and entities involved in cases of public corruption.
2. The investigation, issuance of arrest warrants, travel ban, disclosure and freezing of accounts and portfolios, tracking of funds, assets and preventing their remittance or transfer by persons and entities, whatever they might be. The committee has the right to take any precautionary measures it sees, until they are referred to the investigating authorities or judicial bodies. It may takes whatever measures deemed necessary to deal with those involved in public corruption cases and take what it considers to be the right of persons, entities, funds, fixed and movable assets, at home and abroad, return funds to the state treasury and register property and assets in the name of state property.
Thirdly: The Committee may seek the assistance of those it deems necessary and may set up teams for investigation, prosecution, etc., and may delegate some or all of its powers to these teams.
Fourthly: Upon completion of its duties, the committee shall submit to us a detailed report on its findings and what it has taken, in this regard.
Fifth: Competent authorities shall be informed of this order and all parties concerned shall similarly cooperate fully to enforce the provisions of this order.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ordered tonight the following:
1 - Prince Miteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, the Minister of National Guard, to be sacked of his office.
2 - Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammed bin Ayyaf Al Muqren to be appointed as Minister of the National Guard.
Competent authorities shall be informed of this order to apply it.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud issued an order here tonight as follows:
First: Minister of Economy and Planning Eng. Adel bin Mohammed Faqih to be relieved of his post.
Second: Mohammed bin Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri to be appointed as Minister of Economy and Planning.
Competent authorities shall be informed of this order to apply it.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in his capacity as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of all Armed Forces (Military Units), issued sacking and replacement orders:
First: Tenure of Admiral Abdullah bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, the Commander of the Naval Forces, is to be terminated and be retired.
Second: Vice Admiral Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Ghifaili is to be promoted to the rank of admiral and be appointed as Commander of the Naval Forces.
The Minister of Defense shall carry this order, out.
-- SPA
22:53 LOCAL TIME 19:53 GMT
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Turkey says Russia has postponed Syria peace conference
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 06:59PM
Turkey says the Kremlin has decided to postpone a planned peace conference on Syria that was scheduled to be held in Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi on November 18.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Sunday that the meeting had been delayed and Syrian Kurdish groups such as the Democratic Union Party (PYD) would not be invited if it is held later.
"Russia told us that the meeting has now been postponed and that the PYD will not be invited," the spokesman told broadcaster NTV in an interview.
Turkey had been troubled by the possible involvement of the PYD, which is considered by Ankara to be a terror organization.
"We immediately objected," Kalin said, adding, "The Kremlin then got in touch with us and said they were postponing the meeting."
"So as of now, if there is no change, the meeting will not be taking place on November 18 but at a later date."
Kurdish forces, mainly the PYD and its military wing the YPG, are currently in control of nearly all of Syria's entire northern border with Turkey.
Ankara accuses the PYD of having links with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been fighting for an autonomous Kurdish region inside Turkey since the 1980s.
Russia was planning to hold the Congress of Syrian National Dialogue in Sochi to bring together various parties to the conflict in Syria. The plan had been announced by Russia after the latest peace talks on Syria, which were also backed by Turkey and Iran, in the Kazakh capital, Astana.
Kazakhstan's capital has hosted several rounds of peace talks on Syria since January.
Iran, Russia and Turkey, which serve as guarantor states in the peace process, plan to map out de-escalation zones in Syria's militant-held northwestern province of Idlib, the central province of Homs and the Eastern Ghouta area outside of the capital Damascus, and exchange viewpoints on other matters such as prisoner exchange.
The talks in Astana have been going on in tandem with another series of talks held in Geneva and brokered by the UN.
Since early 2011, Syria has been experiencing a deadly conflict the government in Damascus blames on foreign sponsors of terrorism.
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Iran will stand by post-war Syria: Defense minister
Iran Press TV
Sun Nov 5, 2017 06:38PM
Iran's Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami has expressed the Islamic Republic's determination to continue its support for Syria after the end of the foreign-backed war in the Arab country.
"Like in the past, we are determined to stand by our Syrian brothers after the war," Hatami told Syrian Defense Minister Major General Fahd Jassem al-Freij in a phone conversation on Sunday.
Hatami extended his congratulations to the Syrian president, defense minister, nation and brave commanders and fighters over the full liberation of the eastern city of Dayr al-Zawr from Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
"The five-year resistance of the Syrian armed forces and nation against terrorist groups is admirable and should be recorded in the history of a nation's legitimate defense of its identity," the Iranian defense minister said.
The Syrian army and allied fighters on Friday managed to retake full control over city of Dayr al-Zawr in their latest push against Daesh Takfiri terrorists.
Damascus began the liberation operation two months ago and broke Daesh's three-year-long siege of the government-held part of the city in September. Army troops have in recent days stepped up their gains in the city, going neighborhood to neighborhood after the remaining terrorists.
The fall of Daesh in Dayr al-Zawr is yet another key defeat for the Takfiri outfit, which has lost most of the territory it seized during its rapid advances across Syria and neighboring Iraq in 2014.
Hatami also called for the strengthening of cooperation between Iran and Syria until terrorists are completely defeated.
The Syrian defense minister, for his part, commended Iran's support for his country in the fight against terrorism and said the Islamic Republic had always stood by the Syrian government and helped it defend its sovereignty.
Excellent cooperation between Iran and Syria will guarantee peace, stability and security in both countries and the entire region, Freij added.
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Taiwan keeping close watch on Trump's Asia trip
ROC Central News Agency
2017/11/05 15:58:40
Taipei, Nov. 5 (CNA) National security authorities are keeping a close watch on U.S. President Donald Trump's trip in Asia and will continue to gather related information, the Presidential Office said Sunday.
Trump arrived in Japan on Sunday on the first stop of a five-nation trip to Asia that will also cover South Korea, China, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Taipei and Washington have a good understanding on regional issues, the Presidential Office said, citing a comment by President Tsai's Ing-wen () during a recent trip to the Pacific.
"We will clearly see the U.S.'s commitment to regional peace and stability, including maintaining stable relations with Taiwan" during Trump's trip to Asia, Tsai said while in Hawaii.
"Taiwan's ties with the United States have never been stronger," she said at the time on a trip that also took her to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands and the U.S. territory of Guam.
At a gathering with media covering her trip in the Solomon Islands on Nov. 2, Tsai added that her administration will keep a close eye on Trump's visit to China.
"We maintain an optimistic attitude and hope that their meeting will help the region's peaceful and stable development," she said, referring to a highly anticipated meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The Presidential Office said Sunday that Trump will focus on North Korea and trade issues during his Asia trip, and national security officials will follow related developments, adding that the U.S. will brief Taiwan on Trump's Asia trip in accordance with past practice.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) spokesman Andrew Lee () said the ministry is paying close attention to Trump's trip and has set up a special team with Taiwan's representative office in the United States to maintain contact with Washington as the trip progresses.
Lee said the ministry has told the U.S. not to sacrifice Taiwan to improve ties with China during Trump's meeting with Xi.
(By Yeh Su-ping and Evelyn Kao)
Enditem/ls\
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Poroshenko, Tillerson Discuss UN Peacekeeping Plan
RFE/RL November 05, 2017
The Ukrainian presidential office says President Petro Poroshenko and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have discussed the possibility of sending UN peacekeepers to eastern Ukraine.
A November 4 statement said Poroshenko and Tillerson held a telephone conversation during which they "coordinated further steps for the deployment of an international UN mission" in the separatist-held parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, including the border between those areas and Russia, which Kyiv says is used to ship weapons and military personnel in from Russia.
Fighting between government forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 10,000 people in Ukraine's east since April 2014.
Several cease-fire deals announced as part of the Minsk accords, signed in September 2014 and February 2015 to put an end to the conflict, have failed to hold.
Russian President Vladimir Putin in September proposed deploying UN peacekeepers on the contact line separating the sides of the conflict. The plan swiftly drew criticism from both Kyiv and the West, in part because of concerns that deployment only along the front line would cement Russian control over separatist-held territory.
According to Poroshenko's office, Tillerson told Poroshenko that Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Wess Mitchell plans to visit Ukraine in November.
Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-poroshenko- tillerson-un-peacekeepers/28836101.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.
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CIAA interrogates one serving, two former secretaries
The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) on Sunday interrogated one incumbent and two retired secretaries in relation to their decision to go for arbitration to settle the transfer scam even as corruption cases against officials of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) was under consideration of the Special Court.
Congress to throw weight behind Thakur
The Nepali Congress (NC) on Sunday withdrew the candidacy of Bajranga Nepali in Mahottari-3 in Province 2 to support Mahantha Thakur, coordinator of the Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N).
Farmers or new secretariat: What's KCR priority?
Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Raos adamant statement in the state legislative assembly that he would construct the new secretariat and assembly complex at Bison Polo Grounds at the cost of Rs 500 crore despite opposition from other parties and peoples organisations has drawn a lot of flak from all sections.
Several leaders and organisations are questioning KCR for his wrong priorities.
At a time when the cotton farmers are committing suicides due to failure of crops, is it so urgent to spend so much money on new secretariat building? Moreover, the roads in Hyderabad are very bad causing a lot of inconvenience to the people.
The government can as well spend money on roads rather than wasting it on the new buildings, a Telangana JAC leader said.
Controversial professor Kancha Ilaiah also joined the issue and lashed out at the chief minister.
He wondered whether it was proper on KCRs part to shift the secretariat at the cost of public money on the pretext of Vasthu.
If the Vasthu of the Secretariat is wrong, how did Telangana state was achieved? he asked.
He also suggested that the chief minister could spend funds on rescuing cotton farmers instead of utilizing the funds on constructing new Secretariat.
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Arcadia Views opponents want NCDOT to bar entrance on U.S. 64
Residents opposing the Arcadia Views development across from two large subdivisions on U.S. 64 are urging the NCDOT to require a single entrance on Davis Mountain Road instead of U.S. 64.
Gregory Plumb and Peggy Smith, two leaders of the anti-development movement made up of Hawthorn Hills and Hunters Crossing residents and others, urged the state transportation agency "to effectively limit ingress and egress for the Cottages at Arcadia Views to Davis Mountain Road, Smith said in a letter to NCDOT District Engineer Steve Cannon dated Oct. 26. That followed Plumb's letter a month earlier recommending the same thing.
WXZ Development is seeking approval from the Laurel Park Town Council to build 199 cottages on a 91-acre ridge with road frontage on U.S. 64 and Davis Mountain Road, a winding road that runs from Daniel Drive to Hebron Road. The first of six phases would contain 56 units on the lower part of the property on U.S. 64 across from Hunters Crossing.
A single entrance/exit road on Davis Mountain Road, Smith said, "would bypass the unsolvable problems (unsafe sight distances and unsafe offset driveway distances) (posed by) the developers desired driveway access onto U.S. 64" and would disperse "Arcadia Views traffic in four directions via Daniels Road and via Crystal Spring Drive to White Pine, Hebron Drive, and 5th Avenue."
Here's the entire letter:
October 26, 2017
Mr. Steve Cannon, PE
District Engineer
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Highway Division 14, District l
4142 Haywood Road
Mills River, NC 28742
RE: Follow-up to Cottages at Arcadia Views Street and Driveway Access Permit Application,
Gregory M. Plumbs Response dtd 9/25/17 and US64W Traffic Survey Request dtd 9/25/17 Q6AAXXYQVH
Dear Mr. Cannon:
The concerned residents of the US64W corridor realize that improvements to our road are inevitable in some form, probably within the 10-12 year timeframe you have suggested. However, to deal with the immediacy of the Arcadia Views approval in a well-thought-out, compliant and logical fashion, we believe North Carolina Department of Transportation should effectively limit ingress and egress for the Cottages at Arcadia Views to Davis Mountain Road, as previously suggested by Gregory M. Plumb on 9/25/17.
We cite the following compelling reasons why this alternative should prevail:
1. It would bypass the unsolvable problems (unsafe sight distances and unsafe offset driveway distances) with the developers desired driveway access onto US64.
2. There are already intentions by the developer to eventually build one access driveway onto Davis Mountain Road (as mentioned at the Laurel Park Town Council meeting in September).
3. A Davis Mountain Road entrance would funnel Arcadia Views traffic in four directions via Daniels Road and via Crystal Spring Drive to White Pine, Hebron Drive, and 5th Avenue; dispersing traffic throughout the entire area. In addition, Davis Mountain Road connects to Etowah. Having no entrance on 64W prevents the Arcadia Views road from becoming a cut-through for Davis Mountain Road converging into a single intersection on US64W.
4. Laurel Park police would likely travel up Davis Mountain Road from the police station if required to make a call in Arcadia Views since it would be the most direct and fastest route.
5. We understand current developments (i.e. Charlotte, NC) are reducing theft and vandalism problems by deliberately designing their communities with a single entrance to cut down on easy escape routes for perpetrators . (Obviously, the necessity of a criminal having to drive right by the Laurel Park Police Department after committing theft/vandalism would deter such incidences, thereby increasing the overall safety of Arcadia Views residents.)
6. Arcadia Views IS a Laurel Park medium density housing project and Laurel Park should attempt to solve the resulting traffic issues they are creating.
As current 64W corridor residents, we would like to see a single entrance on Davis Mountain Road, with a landscaped berm along 64W to buffer noise and maintain the country feel that we wish to preserve.
Again, referring to the 500 petition signatures already obtained from US64W corridor residents, we remind NC DOT and the Henderson County Traffic Advisory Committee that your mission is to listen to the public as stated at the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting this past Wednesday, October 18, 2017, prior to recommending transportation decisions that are not felt to be in the best interests of the community.
Sincerely,
Peggy Smith, President
Hunters Crossing Homeowners Association
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 09: Actors Daniel Radcliffe (L) and James McAvoy attend the AOL BUILD Speaker Series: "Victor Frankenstein" at AOL Studios In New York on November 9, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy team up to play Doctor Frankenstein and his sidekick Igor in a new twist in the infamous tale. Susan Griffin chats to the actors about their Victorian bromance, gender pay gaps and the trouble with science
Daniel Radcliffe is sporting a startling new look - a buzz cut.
He admits he wasn't sure on the severe look initially but "loves it" now, as do the fans who've taken to social media in their droves to share their approval.
His hair, it transpires, was shaved off for his role as a neo-Nazi in Imperium, due out next year, but it wasn't just the shorn head that caused concern for the star - the title has too.
"Imperium - it sounds too much like a Harry Potter spell," Radcliffe teases, eyes glinting.
At 26, the boy wizard may be all grown-up, but that doesn't mean he isn't still haunted by his most famous role.
"Whenever I try on glasses for a part, I'm always like, 'No, get ones that are less similar'," he says, referring to his former big-screen alter ego's circular specs.
James McAvoy, his co-star in new movie Victor Frankenstein, doesn't share Radcliffe's Potter spell concerns, but tells him the title reminds him of 2002 sci-fi flick Equilibrium.
"I auditioned for that when I was nine," informs Radcliffe.
"For the part of Christian Bale's son, and if I'd got it, I wouldn't have been able to do Potter, so thank God I was s**t that day."
He and McAvoy make for easy company and their chemistry has transferred to the big screen in Victor Frankenstein, a twist on Mary Shelley's legendary 1818 novel.
It seems a shame that it's taken this long for the pair to unite on a project.
"We weren't avoiding it. I think this is the first opportunity to work together," says Radcliffe.
"I'd already read the script when James' name came up. It was very much one of those reactions of, 'Yeah, but will we get him?'. I thought he might be doing X-Men."
This is news to 36-year-old McAvoy. "It was quite easy [for me]. As soon as they offered it to me, I was like, 'Yep'," the Scot reveals.
In the movie, he plays the radical scientist Frankenstein, a name often mistakenly attributed to the monster instead of its creator.
It's on a visit to the circus that Frankenstein witnesses a hunchbacked clown [Radcliffe] perform an emergency procedure on a fellow performer, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, and impressed by his knowledge of anatomy, which has been self-taught, saves him from his life of squalor, relieves him of his deformity, and gives him the name Igor Strausman.
"Igor has a very rich, intellectual life, and if he's not the academic equal of Victor, he's certainly a partner in terms of what they're creating," explains Radcliffe.
Paul McGuigan, the director - who's also helmed episodes of Sherlock Holmes - has noted that it's very much a platonic love story between the two men, and McAvoy agrees.
"It's about two people who've been absolutely isolated, one self-imposed and the other one that's had it beaten into him and treated more like a beast than a man, and yet they have a commonality," says the actor.
The movie might have maintained the novel's original Victorian setting, but Radcliffe notes that he doesn't "think of it as a period film, but as being completely modern".
"Victor and Igor have cutting-edge ideas; they're the tip of the spear. They view science as being more than just observational," he says. "They believe it could be creative and re-shape the world."
Just because they discover they can cheat death though, should they?
"I think Victor's intentions are good," reasons McAcvoy. "He's looking to improve the human condition, which is very fragile.
"Victor is trying to make it more robust and, ideally, eliminate death, which has been a human obsession for ages."
Radcliffe, meanwhile, appreciates "there are always ethical issues" relating to the advancement of science.
"You can't just do insane and awful things to people in the name of science. But generally speaking, you can't really research too much, you can only apply it too much."
McAvoy's five-year-old son Brendan turned up on set, but wasn't overwhelmed by meeting Harry Potter in the flesh - because he hasn't been introduced to that world yet.
"He's too young and there's a lot of death and killing and loss and grief. I would suggest it's for a wee bit older," says McAvoy, who married his Shameless co-star Anne-Marie Duff in 2006.
Duff recently starred in Suffragette and has spoken passionately about women's rights, while McAvoy's X-Men colleague Jennifer Lawrence made headlines when she revealed that her male American Hustle co-stars were paid more than her.
One of the men in question, Bradley Cooper, has reportedly said he'd be willing to divulge his wage if it would help his female counterparts.
"There's definitely an issue and maybe it would get helped by everybody just outing what they earn, but I don't want to start putting figures on actors' heads, because it's not what we do," says McAvoy in response to the debate.
"What I find weird about the whole American Hustle thing was Jen, rightly so, was aggrieved that she was paid less, but it's even more shocking that Amy Adams [was]," Radcliffe chips in.
"Because she's better than them, do you know what I mean?" adds McAvoy with a laugh. "I'm only joking. But she is."
"The fact that the boys were on one deal and the girls were on another deal was weird," continues Radcliffe.
"What guy, sitting in a studio somewhere, was going, 'Hey, let's bill the girls out of some money, that's where we can save a few'.
"The fact that mentality still exists is slightly shocking to me and as a very liberal, progressive industry, we need to, pardon my language, sort that s**t out."
Victor Frankenstein is in cinemas now
Dalits hold the key
Dalits are likely to tip the ballance when Baitadi goes to the federal and provincial assembly polls, with one in eight Baitadi residents coming from the excluded community.
Oscar Wilde, Bernard Shaw, home-grown musical treats, first-rate stand-up and a little bit of Christmas spirit. Yep, its weekend time again, folks. So, grab your hats and scarves - weve got your itinerary sorted
The Big Concert
Kodaline, 3Arena
Just when you think that tickets for two of the biggest gigs of the week have all but sold out, along comes a message from concert promoters MCD to tell us that a limited amount of extra production holds have just been released (thats extra tickets to you and me). Best get a move on theres a huge demand to see Steve Garrigan and his boys from Swords in action, what with Kodaline being one of the most successful, home-grown pop-rock acts of the decade (they know their way around a chorus, thats for sure). Supporting the lads on Friday from 7.15pm are Gabrielle Aplin and Little Hours, with All Tvvins replacing the latter on Saturday. Two nights, one huge headliner but hurry, before the tickets are all gone! Tonight and tomorrow. For ticket info, stage times and more, visit www.mcd.ie / www.ticketmaster.ie.
Wilde Delights
The Importance of Being Earnest, Gate Theatre
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Oscar Wildes timeless tale of crossed wires and mistaken identities still makes us chuckle. Do Jack and Algernon have what it takes to win the hearts of Gwendolyn and Cecily? Who is the best Earnest among them, and what will the great Lady Bracknell have to say about their shenanigans, eh? There may be trouble ahead with director Patrick Mason taking the reins, and the always reliable Marty Rea and Rory Nolan leading the cast as our bumbling bachelors in love. Deirdre Donnelly plays the aforementioned Lady. She gets all the best lines, naturally
Running daily (except Sundays) until January 30. Evening shows: 7.30pm. Tickets 25 - 35 available at www.gatetheatre.ie.
The Homecoming Gig
Jape, Vicar Street
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Two-time Choice Music Prize winner Richie Egan is coming home for Christmas (the talented Dubliner relocated to Sweden a while backyeah, weve missed him, too). Fifth
studio album, This Chemical Sea, was released earlier this year, and with a stellar collection of tasty electronic rock grooves in his back pocket, we could very well be in for an awesome festive hoo-hah. The superb Booka Brass Band is on support duty, as are acclaimed newcomers, Pleasure Beach Saturday, 7.30pm. Tickets 18 available at www.ticketmaster.ie.
The Big Comedy Show
Jimmy Carr, Olympia Theatre
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Have you ever heard Jimmy Carr laughing? Seriously, wed listen to that chap chuckling all day. Luckily, he tells good jokes, too. Indeed, the man with the most unrepeatable one-liners in comedy plays four Dublin gigs in two nights. Ambitious? You betcha, but we think he can handle it. Get your skates on the early shows are sold out, but there are still some tickets left for the late shows. Oh, and dont you dare heckle him, you hear? Hell only destroy you Tonight and tomorrow at 9.45pm. Tickets 36.50 / 38.50 available at www.ticketmaster.ie.
The Anniversary Gig
Happy Mondays, Vicar Street
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Shaun Ryder and the gang step on up (see what we did there?), celebrating 25 years of Pills n Thrills and Bellyaches. But wait theres more. If a couple of hours in the company of these Madchester legends isnt enough, then you might be interested to hear that good-old Bez (our favourite maracas player in the world) will be putting in the over-time with a DJ set at the official after-party in the Workmans Club. We cant wait to see those selfies
Tonight, 7.30pm (Vicar Street) / 11.30pm (The Workmans Club). Tickets 35 (the gig) and 12 (the party) available at www.ticketmaster.ie.
Fresh Comedy
Damian Clark, Upstairs in Whelans
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Okay, so this sounds interesting. The name of the show is Grand Theft Damo (which we love) and its about Australian joke-teller Damian Clarks quest to find his stolen phone. Well, thats not even the half of it. In fact, the year-long search began when Damo (a smashing jester, mind) discovered a few, ahem, questionable photos in his iCloud. Prepare to be shockedand to laugh yourself silly, no doubt. Sunday, 8pm. Tickets 10 available at www.whelanslive.com.
Shaw Magic
You Never Can Tell, Abbey Theatre
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A touch of Bernard Shaw magic at Irelands National Theatre this Christmas? Dont mind if we do. Whats You Never Can Tell about? Well, basically, a family moves to a seaside hotel and all hell breaks loose. Apparently, theres a love-struck dentist in there, too. Oh, and its a comedy - but we wont spoil any more. Conall Morrison directs, with the excellent Denis Conway and Eleanor Methven leading the cast.
Running daily (except Sundays) until February 6. Evening shows: 7.30pm. Tickets 13 45 available at www.abbeytheatre.ie.
The Yuletide Festival
Christmas at Farmleigh 2015
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Did you know that they have puppet shows, storytelling sessions, carol singing and horse and carriage rides at Farmleigh this Christmas? You do now. Its all free, too, and guess what? The Christmas food and craft market is open all weekend. Sweet. Lets hope theyve got mince pies and gingerbread menand maybe a little mulled wine. Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 5pm. For a full programme of events, visit www.farmleigh.ie.
The Christmas Market
Dublin Flea Christmas Market 2015
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More festive goodies, as the Dublin Flea Market relocates to the Point Village for three days, featuring more than 100 stalls of local design, art, craft, second-hand, vintage, collectables, music and food. The perfect place, in fact, to get those all-important prezzies sorted. Lets hope the weather gods play ball
Friday (12pm 7pm), Saturday and Sunday (11am 6pm). For more, visit www.dublinflea.ie.
New Theatre
Fleabag and A Christmas Carol at Smock Alley Theatre
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With so many new plays kicking off this weekend, we couldnt decide which ones to leave out, so why dont we bend the rules and recommend a couple of treats over at the Smock Alley Theatre? First up, A Christmas Carol. Ah yes, Charles Dickens festive favourite is back on the stage, in a new adaptation by John Gentile. Its a family show, and there are matinees over the weekend (the play runs until December 22), but according to the website, one of the ghosts is a little on the freaky side (youve been warned). Also at Smock Alley, we have Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Bad Mouth Theatres Fleabag which, were told, is about a week in the life of some sort of a modern woman (straight from the press release, that one). Starring Hannah OReilly, its running until Sunday, and features explicit content. And there you have it - two very different shows for your viewing pleasure. Just dont get them mixed up For ticket info and more, visit www.smockalley.com.
It WAS a beautiful day for Conor McGregor when he arrived back on home soil and ran into U2's The Edge in Dublin Airport.
The new UFC featherweight champion flew home in time for Christmas with his family and friends as the celebrations continued after his remarkable 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo.
McGregor spotted music star The Edge on the runway and tweeted: "Flying home for Christmas and bump into @U2's 'The Edge' #ItsABeautifulDay."
The Dubliner is set to spend Christmas in a 2m mansion in the K Club with long-time girlfriend Dee Devlin.
Photos have emerged of some high-end cars outside the Co Kildare property.
A Range Rover, BMW I8, Cadillac Escalade and Mercedes S Class Coupe were spotted in the driveway.
McGregor had been staying with his parents on visits home, but he's expected to spend the festive season at the millionaires' hangout.
Meanwhile, three highly- rated UFC fighters called out the Irishman over the weekend, with one even calling him "a motherf***er" live on air.
Lightweight champion Raf-ael dos Anjos, Nate Diaz and Charles Oliveira all challenged McGregor to a fight.
"Conor McGregor, I will go to Ireland to face you. I'm here to stay," said Brazilian Dos Anjos.
American Nate Diaz unleashed an expletive-filled rant about McGregor.
After calling him a "motherf***er", he said: "You know what's the real money fight, and it's me."
In response, McGregor posted a picture of himself online standing in front of a Rolls-Royce and looking unfazed.
"Line them up on their knees with their hands out. I want them to beg me," he wrote.
A father-of-one held up a petrol station with a pointed meat thermometer in an alleged armed robbery on Halloween night, a court has been told.
Stephen O'Doherty (50) is accused of stealing 900 after threatening staff with the metal implement, which gardai found discarded near the scene.
Judge Anthony Halpin refused him bail and remanded him in custody to appear in court again next week.
Mr O'Doherty, from Blakestown Road, Mulhuddart, is charged with robbing staff of 900 cash at Applegreen Service Station, Grange Road, Baldoyle.
Garda Marie Geraghty told Dublin District Court she was objecting to bail based on the nature and seriousness of the charge and allegations.
Footage
She said it was alleged the accused entered the service station armed with a sharp metal implement that was later identified as a meat thermometer.
It was alleged he was with another man and he threatened staff with the sharp metal point of the thermometer.
Gardai obtained CCTV footage in which a man is seen entering the service station armed with the implement, the garda said.
He was wearing the same clothes that the accused wore when he was later apprehended by gardai, it was alleged.
The "weapon" was recovered near the scene of the raid, the garda said. The directions of the Director of Public Prosections (DPP) were not yet available.
Mr O'Doherty's lawyer, Jenny McGeever, told the court the accused's mother died "a pretty harrowing death" in "very tragic circumstances" in February this year and his father had taken that very badly and had "something of a mental collapse".
The accused was "trying to pick up the pieces", was caring for his father and struggling to pay the 7,000 funeral debt.
"All the purported evidence against him is testable and enjoys a presumption of innocence," Ms McGeever said.
Mr O'Doherty's wife suffered from severe health problems and he was also visiting her three to four days per week and looking after her housekeeping, the lawyer added.
The accused was unemployed, on disability allowance and contributing in relation to his four-year-old child who lived with a former partner.
In evidence, Mr O'Doherty said if granted bail, he would "abide by any rules". The gardai had treated him "fair and square" since his arrest, he said.
The accused said he had spent the previous two nights staying at his wife's address in North Cumberland Street in the city centre.
Judge Halpin refused bail and remanded the defendant in custody, to appear in Cloverhill District Court on November 7.
Michael Fassbender has revealed he is planning to spend more time in the fast lane next year - as a racing car driver.
The Irish actor has enjoyed an impressive first season competing on the North American Ferrari Challenge circuit.
Now, the Alien: Covenant star has said he is hoping to build on his success next year by producing even better performances behind the wheel.
"Hopefully I will race in the challenge again next year, fingers crossed," the 40-year-old said.
Intense
"I'd like to continue forward and see where I can get to. It would be great to try some GT cars, and I'll take it as far as I can."
In an interview with Autosport, the actor who was raised in Killarney, Co Kerry, described the past season as a "learning curve".
"It's intense. There's a lot of information to take on and a lot of car," he added.
"It's almost 700bhp. I've learned a lot.
"It's been an incredible experience, really."
In an earlier interview, Fassbender - who despite not owning a car is a lifelong motoring enthusiast - said he fulfilled a dream by teaming up with Ferrari and following in the footsteps of his hero, Formula One legend Michael Schumacher.
The Hollywood star, who recently married Swedish actress Alicia Vikander, said: "Ferrari is defined by racing, and training with the Ferrari team gave me a great foundation to hone my skills behind the wheel of the 488 Challenge race car.
"From a very early age I idolised Ferrari and its champion, Michael Schumacher, in particular. Racing in the Ferrari Challenge brings that dream full circle."
Kevin Spacey has been accused of a sexual assault in 2008
Kevin Spacey has been accused of sexual assault by a British actor, who claims he woke to the House Of Cards star performing a sex act on him.
Scotland Yard is believed to be investigating the alleged incident, which reportedly occurred in 2008.
The alleged victim was 23 at the time and claimed Spacey asked him not to tell anyone after reportedly being caught in the act and asked to stop.
The actor claimed the incident occurred after he passed out in Spacey's home after being invited back for a drink.
He is said to have fled the premises after the incident.
It is claimed Spacey said: "Don't tell anyone about this."
It is understood the complainant had asked Spacey to help with his career.
The alleged victim, now 32, contacted City of London Police on Tuesday after it emerged Spacey was accused of allegedly abusing a 14-year-old boy, a claim he has denied.
This was then passed on to the Metropolitan Police as the crime is alleged to have happened in Lambeth, London.
It is reported that detectives from the Met's Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command interviewed the alleged victim yesterday at a Central London police station.
"It is alleged a man assaulted another man in 2008 in Lambeth," a Met statement said.
"Officers from the Child Abuse and Sexual Offences Command are investigating."
Spacey has apologised to actor Anthony Rapp, who accused the Hollywood star of making a sexual advance towards him when he was 14. Admitting publicly for the first time that he is gay, Spacey said he could not remember the alleged 1986 incident with Mr Rapp, but said he was "horrified" by the story.
"If I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate, drunken behaviour," the 58-year-old said in a statement.
Since then, many allegations have been made about the actor, who has been accused of predatory behaviour towards young interns and actors during his time as artistic director at the Old Vic Theatre in London.
Harassment
Roberto Cavazos, who acted in several plays there, said Spacey's attentions bordered on "harassment" and that he felt compelled to fend him off on several occasions.
Writing on Facebook, Mr Cavazos said: "It seems the only requirement was to be a male under the age of 30 for Mr Spacey to feel free to touch us.
"There are a lot of us who have a 'Kevin Spacey story'. It was so common it even became a local joke - in very bad taste. I do not remember how many people told me the same story. Spacey invited them to meet him to 'talk about their careers'.
"When they arrived at the theatre, the gentleman had prepared a picnic with champagne on the stage, beautifully lit.
"Each story varied in how far the picnic came, but the technique was the same."
It is also alleged Spacey sexually assaulted a male former employee of the House Of Cards television series, according to US media. Eight current or former House Of Cards workers also claimed that the actor made the production a "toxic" workplace, CNN reported.
Their identities were withheld because they said they feared professional fall-out.
All of the employees described Spacey's behaviour as predatory, targeting young, male employees.
Hollywood star Rooney Mara has said she loved working with "mad hatter" Jim Sheridan on A Secret Scripture.
A host of well-known faces, including Vanessa Redgrave, Theo James and Eric Bana, filmed the movie in Dublin and Kilkenny earlier this year.
The film is based on the Sebastian Barry novel of the same name and tells the story of Roseanne McNulty, who recounts her life and her experiences in a psychiatric institution.
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo star said filming in Ireland was "an amazing experience" and she loved working with Jim, who is best known for directing In America and My Left Foot.
"I'm very, very Irish and I'd never been there before. When I got there, I instantly felt connected to it and to the people," she said.
"[Jim] is just mad as a hatter, I love him, it was a really fun experience."
Accent
Despite starring in a host of blockbusters, Rooney said she was hit with a dose of nerves about mastering the Irish accent.
Homegrown stars on set included Jack Reynor, Aidan Turner and Tom Vaughan Lawlor.
"There were so many incredible Irish actors on the film and it was a little intimidating," she told RTE Ten.
"Especially as it's kind of a difficult accent to do and it was a little intimidating to do the accent around them at first, but they were all so lovely and generous and sweet."
Jim previously said he didn't know when the film would be released because Rooney was promoting her new movie, Carol. Directed by Todd Haynes, that the film is a romantic drama centred on the relationship between Therese, a young shop worker, and Carol, an older, married woman.
Reacting
Mara said she relished working opposite Oscar-winner Cate Blanchett. "I feel like my entire performance is just in reaction to her and in the sense it was very easy because I couldn't have asked for anything better to be reacting to, she's just incredible," she said.
Mara previously passed on the part of Therese but said she was "so happy" the part came back to her. Carol is in cinemas from today.
Some Fine Gael backbenchers last night expressed disappointment that they were not going to the polls sooner, but declined to publicly criticise Mr Kennys decision to give into Labour demands for a spring election
Enda Kenny must be starting to wish he had held his nerve and gone to the country in November.
According to the latest opinion poll, a general election today would leave Fine Gael in pole position to win a second term.
With Labour still desperately weak, there is no room for complacency in Government Buildings - but at least the Coalition parties can now start talking about victory without the idea sounding completely ridiculous.
Yesterday's Millward Brown poll for the Sunday Independent contained plenty of mixed messages. Fine Gael (29pc, up five points) are enjoying a huge bounce from Michael Noonan's giveaway budget four weeks ago, while Labour (7pc, no change) remain firmly stuck in the death zone.
As for the Opposition, Fianna Fail (24pc, up one) and Sinn Fein (21pc, no change) are holding steady while Independents and smaller parties (19pc, down five) seem to have taken a bit of a tumble.
Most encouragingly of all from Enda's point of view, Irish people are slowly starting to feel better about the future. Two thirds of us expect to be either richer or as well off this time next year - not bad given we've only recently emerged from a recession.
The Government's satisfaction rating has climbed seven points to 32pc, not exactly brilliant but still their highest level since 2012.
Looking at all these figures, it is obvious why so many people in the Taoiseach's inner circle wanted him to call an early election. It is also obvious why Labour leader Joan Burton was so dead set against the idea.
As we all know, Kenny eventually bottled out and TDs can enjoy one more Christmas before taking their posters out from under the bed.
Voters
Of course, Fine Gael and Labour still do not have enough support to form another coalition on their own. Not only does this latest poll show the tide flowing in Enda's direction, however, it also shows him a clear path to follow.
Since all of his extra votes have come from Independents and small parties, it makes sense to keep on fishing in the same pool.
In particular, Kenny and Burton must target one important category of voters. It includes people who backed Fine Gael and Labour in 2011, have got fed up with scandals such as Irish Water but still cannot bring themselves to support either Fianna Fail or Sinn Fein.
These votes are still up for grabs - and the Government thinks it can poach them by pushing a 'stability or chaos' message.
Enda and Joan can also take heart from seeing some of their opponents self-destruct. Sinn Fein's recent attempts to form a new left-wing alliance have basically fizzled out, mainly because the parties they approached do not see them as genuine socialists.
If a clear alternative to the current coalition does not emerge soon, then Fine Gael and Labour may be able to win purely by showing up.
Two big social problems might yet rain on the Government's parade. Last week was dominated by more horror stories from our health system, most notably a 91-year-old man who was left waiting on a trolley for 29 hours at Tallaght Hospital.
Enda Kenny and Health Minister Leo Varadkar both attempted to pass the buck, suggesting that they can only brace themselves for other disturbing incidents from our emergency departments as the winter weather sets in.
The other potential banana skin is Ireland's housing crisis. After several weeks of bad-tempered horse-trading, Environment Minister Alan Kelly will tomorrow unveil a policy package that involves freezing rents for two years.
According to some homelessness campaigners, however, this is no more than a sticking plaster - they believe that more homeless people could die on the streets of Dublin this winter.
Enda Kenny has just celebrated the 40th anniversary of his arrival in Dail Eireann. If he can run a tight ship for another 100 days or so and become the first Fine Gael Taoiseach to get re-elected, he really will have earned a place in the history books.
If not, Enda could end up looking back at this November as a huge missed opportunity - and cursing the day that he allowed Joan Burton to face him down.
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Distribution of embossed plates to restart today
The Department of Transport Management (DoTM) has restarted the scheme to replace hand-painted vehicle licence plates with embossed ones after putting it on hold for two months.
Dr KC warns of 14th hunger strike demanding authentication of HPE ordinance
Senior orthopedic surgeon at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) Dr Govinda KC, who staged several rounds of hunger strikes demanding an end of irregular practices in countrys health and medical profession sector, has asked President Bidhya Devi Bhandari to authenticate the ordinance to enact a new law incorporating the provisions of the Health Profession Education (HPE) Bill within the next seven days.
Police Accountability Boards starting work in most Maryland counties
Mandated by state law after the killing of George Floyd, Police Accountability Boards have begun work in the majority of Maryland counties.
Five dozen CPN (MC) cadres including Panauti chairman join NC
Around five dozen cadres and leaders of CPN (Maoist Centre) leaders including chairman of Panauti municipality have joined Nepali Congress (NC) in Kavrepalanchok district.
Washington : Advocate Rabindra Ghosh, the Founder of Bangladesh Minority Watch recently met elected representatives of USA at Washington. He discussed issues related to protection of human rights of minorities in Bangladesh. Advocate Rabindra Ghosh visited USA on invitation extended by Hindu American Foundation and attended 20th annual meeting of the Cabinet, held on 31st October. It was organized by Indian- American Friendship Council to felicitate persons conferred with national service awards. Advocate Ghosh met MPs of USA viz. Tulsi Gabbard, George Holding and Nikki Haley and discussed the issue regarding human rights of minorities from Bangladesh.
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S uper-fit Hollywood actress Kate Hudson has arrived in Londons Hipsterville Hackney, that is. Her POPfit dance-and-fitness studio chain, to be precise, has found a place in the increasingly trendy north London borough.
The so-called lifestyle brand has opened at Monohaus, a new scheme of 47 flats plus offices that claims to blur the boundaries between home and work.
What used to be a scruffy industrial spot between London Fields and Mare Street is now a haven for beards-and-skinny-jeans fans, with designer homes and workspaces, ateliers, a craft beer outlet, vinyl music shop, artisan bakery and Nordic cafe selling avocado on toast like hot cakes.
The buildings stark black and white look suits the site (the clue is in the name), while a central glazed atrium at Monohaus acts as a communal courtyard, with seating and shops by the residents entrance.
Loft-style apartments with full-height windows have polished concrete floors, Poggenpohl kitchens, underfloor heating, a Sonos smart home system plus a balcony or terrace.
Two-bedroom flats from 675,000. Call 020 7043 8888.
House owner gives 15-day ultimatum to ex-Prez Yadav to vacate house
After the government failed to pay the house rent of former President Ram Baran Yadav, house owner Ravi Bhakta Bista has urged the former to vacate the house within 15 days.
In Morang-6, Koirala, Pandit set for tough fight
When the country votes in the second phase of federal elections on December 7, Morang-6 will be one of the constituencies that will draw huge attention.
ALPHARETTA, GA. Nov. 6, 2017 The Rainmaker Group (Rainmaker), a leading provider of cloud-based hospitality revenue and profit optimization software, today announced that Dan Skodol, the company's vice president of revenue analytics, will be a featured speaker at the Best Western Hotels & Resorts 2017 Annual Conference, which will be held Nov. 7-10 at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn.
Skodol's presentation, titled 'Comp Set: Getting it Right The Relationship Between Benchmarking and Performance', will take place Tuesday, Nov. 7, from 1:30 p.m.2:30 p.m. and from 3 p.m.4 p.m. The presentation will cover comp set best practices; correlation between the nature of price competition within markets and RevPAR performance; and using technology to outperform the competition.
Skodol, who has an extensive background in the hospitality industry, joined Rainmaker in January 2014. As the company's vice president of revenue analytics, he is responsible for product strategy, research oversight, analysis, and modeling for Rainmaker's core hospitality software products. His career experience includes senior positions in the hotel, casino and airline sectors, and he is a frequent speaker on a wide variety of revenue management topics, ranging from forecasting to capital planning.
"Benchmarking not only helps hotels find opportunities in the market but also reveals whether a property's strategies have had an impact on performance," said Skodol. "Hotels that want to beat the competition must stay on top of key metrics and make pricing decisions that improve revenue outcomes. Technology is integral to this process, giving hoteliers access to real-time data so that rates can be set accordingly. This is an important and relevant discussion, particularly for properties in highly competitive markets, and I look forward to sharing information and insights with attendees."
Rainmaker's groundbreaking revenue and profit optimization product suite includes:
guestrev , an intuitive and easy-to-use revenue management solution that analyzes total guest value across a hotel or casino property to forecast and price rooms;
, an intuitive and easy-to-use revenue management solution that analyzes total guest value across a hotel or casino property to forecast and price rooms; grouprev , an innovative group pricing solution that streamlines the process of responding to group RFPs by analyzing historical data, future demand, and price sensitivity to recommend the best pricing for group business;
, an innovative group pricing solution that streamlines the process of responding to group RFPs by analyzing historical data, future demand, and price sensitivity to recommend the best pricing for group business; revcaster , a powerful rate shopping tool that gives hoteliers access to real-time actionable market data, so that rates can be set against the competitive landscape; and
, a powerful rate shopping tool that gives hoteliers access to real-time actionable market data, so that rates can be set against the competitive landscape; and revintel, an intuitive business intelligence solution that improves day-to-day revenue management by mining various data sets and providing deep insights at a granular level.
To sign up for a one-on-one meeting with Rainmaker during the Best Western Hotels & Resorts conference, visit https://www.letitrain.com/best-western-north-american-convention.
About Rainmaker
The Rainmaker Group, a Cendyn company, is the premier provider of revenue and profit optimization solutions to the hospitality industry. Rainmaker's intelligent profit platform helps hotels, resorts and casinos optimize revenue, drive increased profitability, save valuable time & outperform competitors. As part of Cendyn, Rainmaker offers a complete set of software services for the industry, aligning marketing, sales and revenue teams to optimize their strategies and drive performance and loyalty across their business units. To learn more about Cendyn and its suite of hotel revenue management and profit optimization solutions, visit LetItRain.com or www.cendyn.com.
About Cendyn
Cendyn is the leading innovative cloud software and services provider for the hospitality industry. With a focus on integrated hotel CRM, hotel sales, and revenue strategy technology platforms, Cendyn drives sales, marketing and revenue performance for tens of thousands of hotels across the globe. The Cendyn Hospitality Cloud offers a complete set of software services for the industry, aligning marketing, sales and revenue teams to optimize their strategies and drive performance and loyalty across their business units. With offices in Boca Raton, Atlanta, Boston, San Diego, London, Munich, Singapore, Sydney, Bangkok and Tokyo, Cendyn proudly serves clients in 143 countries, delivering over 1.5 billion data-driven, personalized communications on behalf of their customers every year. For more information on Cendyn, visit www.cendyn.com.
Dana Glaze
Marketing Manager
470-440-2041
The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Taleb Rifai has visited Madagascar to express the Organization's full support to the tourism sector. Madagascar's tourism is facing a challenging situation following a plague outbreak which has prompted some countries to implement travel restrictions with Madagascar. Mr Rifai recalled the World Health Organization (WHO) advises no restriction on travel or trade on Madagascar.
"UNWTO is echoing the advice by WHO to governments not to rush to issue inaccurate travel advisories. The WHO Key Messages updates dated 26 October recalls that the risk of international spread appears unlikely. WHO advises no restriction on travel or trade on Madagascar based on the current available information" said Mr. Rifai.
"We can not penalise a country twice once by the country being hit and having to confront and pay the direct heavy price of a devastating crisis and second by us, human community, falling into misguided perceptions and, as a result , shunning and isolating the victim country and adding to the problem rather than to the solution" he added.
WHO recalls that it is important to strike a balance between encouraging countries in the region to be ready to act in case of an outbreak, while avoiding panic that could result in unnecessary or counterproductive measures such as trade restrictions or travel bans on affected countries.
"We are facing a perception crisis. Clear and factual communication on the real situation in Madagascar is crucial to prevent damaging advisories from adding gravity to the crisis" said Rifai.
Meeting with the Minister of Tourism, members of government, the President of the National Assembly, representatives from the United Nations in Madagascar, including the WHO Resident Coordinator, the World Bank, local private sector and media, Mr Rifai recalled that "positive news are coming out of the sector such as the new strategic partnership between Air Madagascar and Air Austral. We need to communicate the good news; build our capacity and restore confidence".
The Minister of Tourism Roland Ratsiraka recalled "Being an island with 80% endemic biodiversity, Madagascar has a natural calling for sustainable tourism" said the Minister of Tourism. "Mr. Secretary General, your visit is rich in meaning, gives hope to a whole people and those who still doubt the economic benefits of the tourism industry" he added.
"Collaboration among all countries in crisis situations is critical and we call upon all countries in the region to cooperate in a way that reinforces prevention without creating unnecessary travel bans" said the Najib Balala, Chair of the UNWTO Commission for Africa and Minister of Tourism of Kenya.
UNWTO Secretary-General and the Minister of Tourism of Madagascar will be meeting the press next week at the World Travel Market in London to brief on the current situation in the country.
About The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations specialized agency fostering tourism as a vehicle for equal, inclusive and sustainable development. Working with its Member States, international organizations and the private sector, UNWTO promotes safe and seamless travel for all. UNWTO also works to make tourism the foundation of trust and international cooperation and a central pillar of recovery. As part of the wider UN system, UNWTO is at the forefront of global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including through its ability to create decent jobs, promote equality and preserve natural and cultural heritage.
Follow UNWTO on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin.
Rut Gomez Sobrino
Principal Media Officer
(+34) 91 567 81 60
UNWTO
With all of the change in the hospitality industry in the last two decades, it's nice to know that certain things remain the same. Fluffy towels are still desirable, for example. Ample, clean washroom facilities remain important to guests. Most of the traditional tenants of good hospitality ring true, even if processes like booking and promotions are virtually unrecognizable to what they were in the 1990s and before.
Talent acquisition is, unfortunately, not among those areas in which hoteliers can continue to follow a traditional playbook. The need for quality people hasn't changed this has always been one of the most important pillars of a good hotel. But the way to attract and retain talent is markedly different.
Before we go in that direction, any discussion of talent acquisition in the hospitality industry should include at least a reminder of why talent is so important to us. Why do we need quality people?
Much has been made of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as it relates to the hospitality industry. Abraham Maslow, an American professor, created an influential pyramid chart in the 1940s to explain what motivates people. From the bottom up, we have the following categories: Physiological, safety, belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
Physiological and safety needs are focused on amenities, facilities, comforts, and feeling of security that should be present at every hotel stay. As we move higher up the pyramid, we reach belonging, esteem and self-actualization. These are more likely to involve employees and their actions. A good hotel must have a social aspect, even if it's just the fact of staff being ready and attentive to guest requests.
We can see right away that this hierarchy is open to different interpretations, and that certain services or amenities could move into different categories through time. Wireless internet, for example, may have been in the "esteem" category once upon a time. Now it seems more appropriate to the "physiological" category.
But if we look at this hierarchy as a system of delivery requirements for hotels to become "self-actualized," there is actually no part of the pyramid where quality people aren't necessary. From housekeeping to guest interactions to the interpretation of key data in designing promotions, to the person designing the algorithm which drives more business from our website, we depend on having the right people working for us.
But the hospitality employment landscape doesn't look like it did before the invention of the internet, and before travel was so accessible to so many people. The last decade in particular has seen the rise of gig culture, crowdsourcing, and the need to redefine traditional career structures. Translation: You're less likely to fill all of your open positions with good talent at every level who see your hotel as a long-term career investment. If you do manage to hire a bunch of good team members, don't rest on your laurels. Australians have seen the average job tenure drop to 3.5 years recently. That's even lower than current averages in the United States (4.3 years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). And as every hotelier knows, the hospitality industry already suffers higher turnover rates than other industries.
Pam Caroll, Sydney-based Editorial Manager at ehotelier (a company that provides online courses and certifications for people looking to join or develop in the hotel industry) argues that it's more about finding leaders who are good at curating talent, incentivizing employees, and maintaining a strong overall team. If you can find the right person to lead a team (housekeeping, food and beverage, etc.), the war for talent can be fought on the ground by team leaders who are both incentivized and equipped to use creative tactics in attracting the professional talent they need. Put more recruiting power in the hands of talented team leaders, and focus more on the "people qualities" that can't be taught, instead of focusing exclusively on skills and qualifications.
This approach seems better fitted to chains and larger hotel organizations than to boutiques and smaller properties, but there's a valuable take-away for every hotelier. Good things can and do happen when you empower the right people on your team, and allow them a greater role in defining that team.
But perhaps more important and basic is the need for increasingly greater clarity on how and why the right people are instrumental in delivering across the hierarchy of guest needs. (Focussing on EQ rather than IQ for instance). Until we understand this on a gut level, it's going to be business as usual with hotel recruiting efforts.
Competition for good professional talent is expected to get tougher in coming decades. As a hotelier in this century, we need to think about who the right people are today and tomorrow, what's going to incentivize them today and tomorrow, and how to create a more collaborative work culture. More and more employees want a say in what goes on and want to feel that they are valued and appreciated. If we are not clear on what we can offer them as much as assessing what they can offer us, the right people will pass us by.
Dean Minett
Director - Minett Consulting
Minett Consulting
View source
Hong Kong Leads Asia Pacific for Hotel Deals in Third Quarter Of 2017
Japan, Thailand and Australia offered the most investment grade hotels for sale, with limited opportunities in rest of region, says real estate consultancy JLL
Hong Kong led Asia Pacific by volume of hotel investment transactions, with 11 deals worth a total of nearly US$1.5 billion in the year to September, according to the latest figures released by JLL. Japan and Thailand saw the second and third highest levels of activity across the region at US$1.2 billion and US$335 million in transaction volumes respectively.
Of the Hong Kong deals, several transactions have potential for conversion into residential or office space. Recently, hotel owners have been considering converting their assets given the strong demand for office space.
"For investors, Hong Kong hotels are appealing because of the discounted rate per square foot when compared to other asset classes, something that has been a factor in some recent transactions. Hotels such as J Plus Hotel has already been purchased for conversation, likely into an office," says Mike Batchelor, Head of Investment Sales Asia, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group.
Domestic investors most active in Japan
Japan has remained a stellar performer in terms of hotel investment since 2013, with transaction volumes reaching more than US$1.2 billion as of September 2017. The lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will continue to boost tourism, with the government aiming to double the number of foreign visitors to 40 million by 2020.
"Domestic investors are traditionally the most active buyers in Japan's hotel market," explains Mr Batchelor. "However, we are now witnessing international investors becoming increasingly active in Japan, as market fundamentals continue to improve and it remains one of the most attractive debt markets in the region. We expect a solid last quarter of 2017 in terms of investment activity."
Regional picture
Thailand has experienced another active year recording US$335 million in hotel transactions, led by the capital, Bangkok. This is the highest total volume recorded since 2014. JLL acted as sole advisor on several hotel deals this year including the Premier Inn portfolio and Sukhumvit S27, selling for a combined US$111.5 million. Interest in Thailand is being buoyed along by the continuing stable political enviroment and relative affordability of hotels compared to a number of other Asian countries.
Australia remains a firm favourite for hotel investors globally, particularly for Chinese investors, due to its strong inbound tourism growth. Investment volumes were close to US$110 million as of September 2017. "Mainland Chinese buyers have purchased around US$1.4 billion of Australian hotels since 2015 but given the recent curbs on outbound capital by the Chinese government, this strong demand may somewhat slow down in the near term," says Mr Batchelor.
Strong year-end volumes expected
Overall hotel investment volumes in Asia Pacific hit US$5.3 billion in the first nine months of the year, down 22 per cent year-on-year. In Q3 alone, sales activity reached US$1.2 billion across the region, with around US$1.5 to 2.0 billion in deals expected to close by year-end. A large component of this volume is expected to come via Japan.
"We expect total year-end hotel investment volumes to reach between US$7.5 and US$8.0 billion across Asia Pacific, slightly down from US$8.6 billion recorded last year," says Mr Batchelor. "There is likely to be a decline of around 10 per cent in 2017 due to the lack of hotels for sale in the market and a pricing gap between buyer and seller expectations."
For more insights on the hotels market, download the latest Hotel Destinations Asia Pacific here.
Big Sean was appointed as Pumas ambassador back in spring of 2017. Since then the Detroit rapper has fronted a number of campaigns for the brand and has even been seen in some of the shoes hottest drops.
Previewed at this years ComplexCon was the first collaborative sneaker between Big and Puma called the Breaker model, XXL reports.
The revamped kick will be apart of the companys 50th-anniversary celebration of the classic Suede sneaker. The shoes feature a khaki suede look with a knitted sock lining as well as a hidden lace technique for easy slip-on access. The publication reports the sneakers will have Bigs signature on the side panel and a Detroit branding on the tongue and heels of the kicks. Puma is also set to collab with MCM, Karl Lagerfield, Jeff Staple and others to celebrate their upcoming milestone.
The Breakers will be available to fans early 2018 and are set to sell for $105 US. Check out the beige pair below.
PUMA
As for Big Seans latest musical offerings, his last release was the unexpected track Pull Up N Wreck that dropped just last week. The beat, featuring 21 Savage, is produced by Metro Boomin and became available just days after Metro, Offset and 21 dropped their fire Halloween mixtape Without Warning.
After Pull Up N Wreck hit the web, HNHH rounded up some of the best comments that listeners had to say about the beat. Some were quick to big-up Metro on how hes getting revenge on the Super Slimey crew while others said Sean is still rapping like its 2008, adding that he needs to develop as an artist.
The track never left a clue as to whether it would be a lead single on any upcoming mixtape or album for Big Sean, but it for sure put his name back on the map as he was a little off the grid as of late.
Big Sean
dvsn just dropped off their sophomore album, Morning After a few weeks a go. It was a monumental follow up to their 2016 self-titled debut and was met with high praises from their fans and critics. Now that they gave everybody a little less than month to fully digest their latest effort, they just announced that theyre taking the project across the globe on their upcoming tour.
Daniel Daley and Nineteen85 will bring their latest cinematic effort throughout North America and Europe at the top of 2018. The duo announced the Morning After tour earlier today. The tour will kick off in Vancouver, BC on Jan 21st, before they begin the American stretch of their tour. The duo will hit the west coast in cities before heading into the southern states. Theyll later hit the mid-west and the east coast before wrapping up the North American leg in Montreal and their hometown of Toronto on Feb. 28th. The duo will later trek across the pond to Dublin for follow it with a few dates in the UK before hitting France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The tour will officially wrap up on April 4th in Stockholm. Tickets are available on November 10th. The Morning After world tour will be their first global tour as headliners. Theyve yet to announce opening acts but thatll probably be announced closer to when the tour begins.
https://twitter.com/_/status/927581487104266240
dvsn are about to have an incredible 2018 with the tour following the release of their most recent album. Considering their unique approach to the album, its going to be interesting to see how they end up presenting it on a live stage.
Aside from touring, the group delivered a slew of new music following the release of the album. They debuted two new tracks directly after the album dropped. They brought Roy Wood$ through for a remix of Dont Choose. They also dropped a remix to SZAs The Weekend with an additional verse from Daniel Daley. Who knows, maybe theyll also perform those live as well.
Rick Ross is regarded as one of the biggest bosses in the rap game. The undisputed Don of the 305, his prowess as an emcee is often overshadowed by the appeal of his overall lifestyle, especially when it comes to his game with the ladies. Expensive cars, trips to exotic locations its all in a days work for the MMG legend. However, based on a photo that has gone viral on Twitter, Ross didnt have to go far to find the next woman who he found irresistible.
Ross was photographed striking a rather, shall we say, flirtatious pose with a female fan at an Atlanta Wingstop location recently. The picture, which was tweeted out by the woman in question, was shared on Twitter late last week, but was only noticed by a majority of fans over the weekend. You can check out her full post below.
Its Ross look in the second picture, completely transfixed by the young fan he sees before him, that had much of the Internet in stitches as of late. Many fans turned up in the comments to do their part in making the replies and retweets nothing short of hilarious, letting her know its okay for her to secure the bag. Interesting tidbit: as of this writing, she was also being followed by Ross official Twitter account. Is some late-night texting in the making between these two? Who knows at this point. For now, enjoy some of the best responses to the picture, which you can see below.
Wingstops are proving to be successful ventures for Rick Ross, and not just on the romantic front. According to Forbes, the locations that he owns generate around $7 million in income for him on an annual basis. At this point, no one should be paying any mind to his haters for all intents and purposes, Rozay is just out here living the American Dream.
Rick Ross
Indian envoy Puri inaugurates bridge in Jomsom
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri inaugurated the RCC Bridge over Kaligandaki River at Jomsom in Mustang district on Sunday.
A report said the homelessness crisis has gone from worse to worse
The Government could halve the cost of the unprecedented homelessness crisis by relying less on emergency accommodation, a leading charity has said.
With the bill for the Dublin region running to about 134 million euro this year, the Peter McVerry Trust said putting people up in hotels, hostels and B&Bs was expensive and inefficient.
Some 1,138 families with 2,416 children were in emergency accommodation in or around the capital in September.
Pat Doyle, the charity's chief executive, said supporting people with putting a roof over their head while giving them other social supports under the Housing First scheme is cheaper.
But he claimed that it gets less than 1% of the national homeless budget each year.
"We have said to Government all along that the solution has to be a housing-led one, yet we find ourselves constantly being asked to deliver greater levels of emergency accommodation," Mr Doyle said.
As the Peter McVerry Trust released its annual report for last year showing it worked with 4,584 people with an average age of 32, it said other countries put half the homelessness budget into Housing First schemes.
"In the past 10 years, Peter McVerry Trust's bed capacity has seen a 28-fold increase, and this winter we have been asked, and have committed, to put in place additional emergency capacity in the absence of alternative housing solutions," Mr Doyle said.
"This is very frustrating because we know that emergency accommodation is more expensive and less effective."
The Trust said it worked with Focus Ireland to help 1,201 people on the streets of Dublin and get 30 rough sleepers into their own accommodation.
It provided 140 new emergency accommodation beds, which it described as a necessary but insufficient intervention.
Some 6.4 million euro was donated to the charity in 2016 and it had a total revenue, including state spending, of 17.7 million euro.
In the report, founder Peter McVerry said the crisis has gone from worse to worse and the sense of outrage has been lost.
"Thousands of homeless children has become the norm and no longer shocks us," he said.
The Environmental Protection Agency says people's use of solid fuels like coal for heating homes is the biggest threat to air quality in Ireland
The use of peat, wood and coal to heat homes is the biggest threat to air quality in Ireland, environmental chiefs have warned.
European experts estimate that 1,480 people died prematurely in 2014 as a direct result of solid fuels being burned in open fires and stoves.
The worst offending towns over the course of last year were Longford and Ennis, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said.
But monitoring sites in Finglas, Marino, Rathmines and Coleraine Street in Dublin; Heatherton Park in Cork and Claremorris, Co Mayo and Bray, Co Wicklow also picked up pollution levels above World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Exhaust fumes are the second biggest issue for air quality, the EPA said.
It noted that the worst levels of nitrogen dioxide, which comes mainly from vehicles, was recorded on one day in Swords.
Laura Burke, the EPA's director general, said: "It has become increasingly clear that there are no safe level of pollutants and with this in mind, it is time to tackle the biggest issue impacting on air quality in Ireland - emissions from solid fuels in our small towns around the country."
The ban on smoky coal in cities is expected to be extended nationwide next year.
The EPA warned that if vehicle numbers continue to rise, Ireland is at risk of breaching strict European limits in towns and cities on nitrogen dioxide.
And it said research is beginning to show that farming, particularly ammonia from intensive piggeries and poultry farms, is adding to the concentrations of fine particulate matter known as PM2.5.
Elsewhere, the analysis showed that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are also produced by burning solid fuels, were above European Environmental Agency guidelines in Rathmines, Dublin, Heatherton Park in Cork, Galway city and Castlebar.
Its latest air quality report said: "The continued promotion of the shift from solid fuel as a method of home heating to cleaner alternatives, is the key issue regarding particulate matter levels in Ireland and the area where there is the greatest scope for improvements in air quality.
It added: "Priority should be given to public transport or clean transport over fossil fuel powered motor vehicles in all aspects of society."
The EPA report was released alongside a new national air quality monitoring programme which will have 38 new automatic monitoring stations providing real-time information to the public by 2020.
Maina Sunuwar Case: SC orders Kavre district court to produce documents
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered Kavre District Court to produce documents regarding the landmark verdict on 2004 Maina Sunuwar murder case.
Northern Ireland will not stay in the European Union's single market or the customs union after Brexit, a British government official said, adding that arrangements for the border with Ireland must not eat into the United Kingdom's integrity.
Allowing Northern Ireland to retain some access has been floated by the European Parliament's Brexit pointman, Guy Verhofstadt.
"We will leave the European Union in 2019 as one United Kingdom," the British minister for Northern Ireland, James Brokenshire, said on Monday. "We need to ensure that nothing is done that undermines the integrity of the UK single market."
"I find it difficult to image how Northern Ireland could somehow remain in while the rest of the country leaves. I find it impossible," he told a seminar in Brussels.
Brokenshire reiterated Prime Minister Theresa May's insistence that the United Kingdom would be exiting both as a result of the 2016 referendum.
London has proposed an "invisible border" without border posts or immigration checks between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland after Brexit. But it has given no firm ideas on customs arrangements and the EU side has been mostly critical, saying these plans are unrealistic.
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Dublin has said it will not let Brexit negotiations move from the divorce talks to discussions about future trade relations between Britain and the EU - as London is pushing for - without more guarantees on the border.
Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has demanded more guarantees that the Irish issue would be solved even if the future trade talks between Britain and the remaining 27 EU states collapse.
Brokenshire said some agricultural laws in Northern Ireland -- which is trying to reach agreement on how to relaunch its regional executive that is ruled at arm's length from London -- were already different than elsewhere in the United Kingdom.
He signalled Belfast could keep some of its laws closer to those of the EU after Brexit to minimise trade disruptions across the future border.
He also said London was keen to preserve the single electricity market on the island of Ireland and hoped for close cooperation with Dublin, including on security matters, after Britain leaves, as is now due to happen in March, 2019.
British and EU negotiators will meet in Brussels again this Thursday and Friday for more Brexit talks that have been grinding slowly, unnerving investors and businesses who demand clarity to plan their future operations.
Government moves to fast-track planning permission for data centres can help avoid upsets like the delay and doubt surrounding Apple's 850m project, IDA boss Martin Shanahan has said.
He welcomed confirmation by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that data centres, like the proposed Apple project for Athenry, in Co Galway, will in future be considered as "strategic infrastructure" in the planning approval system.
This means that plans for such centres can go directly to An Bord Pleanala, and will no longer need initial planning from the relevant local authority.
The designation is to allow projects to move through the planning phase faster. The change will not make any difference to the Athenry data centre, which has been delayed for two years due to appeals and legal challenges.
Apple revealed at the weekend that it was not proceeding with the project, at least in the timescale originally envisaged. This raises huge doubts about the project going ahead at all.
Mr Shanahan, the IDA chief executive who was with the Taoiseach's party on the visit to the US when the Apple decision came to light, agreed that the planning delays were a problem. He did not entirely abandon hope for the Athenry development, but he could not say when Apple might give an update on the issue.
He welcomed the proposed planning permission rule changes. "Anything which helps the predictability in the timeframe of the planning process on these projects will help," Mr Shanahan told RTE.
Mr Shanahan also agreed that, in some instances, the shortage of housing in Ireland was raised by potential overseas investors. He conceded that the issue was a major challenge, but he also said he believed finding solutions was a priority for the Government.
The IDA boss said that Ireland had a good record of winning big inward investment projects, both from the Taoiseach's recent business trip and over the past two years. But winning job-creation projects remained a very competitive field, with 100 investment agencies, like the IDA, vying for investment on the west coast of the US.
Fianna Fail enterprise spokesman Dara Calleary said planning for data centres must be urgently addressed. "It was a great confidence boost for a small town...to get an Apple project like this, and the delay and doubt is similarly a big blow to that confidence," Mr Calleary said.
Mr Calleary, a TD for Mayo, said the west of Ireland had huge potential for data centre development, given the climate and other advantages. "We respect that people can have an input into planning decisions, but that must be tempered by the need to have decisions made quickly, and the reality that a majority of people may well want that development, as was the case in Athenry," he said.
Mr Calleary also said his party colleague, Galway East TD Anne Rabbitte, had already proposed that the fast-track planning be implemented. He hoped this could now be done without delay.
Gardai are investigating a theft incident at a farm in Louth Village, Dundalk, Co Louth over the weekend.
Some 14 Limousin cattle (18months) were stolen and are understood to be worth in the region of 17,000, when they were taken around 6.30pm on November 4.
Gardai have said that no arrests have been made and that the investigation is ongoing.
They are appealing for witnesses to contact Louth Garda Station on 042-9374102 and a reward is being offered for information.
It comes as the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed recently confirmed that he is aware of a recent report of alleged illegal movement of sheep into the Republic of Ireland.
The Department of Agriculture confirmed that confidential information was received regarding possible breaches of intra-community sheep movement requirements.
It said this information is being examined at present and therefore it is not appropriate to make any further comment at this time lest any investigation be compromised.
Minister Creed said the health of the national sheep flock relies on the observance of identification and trade rules.
Sheep smuggling results in the breach of these rules and could pose disease risks for the national sheep flock.
Reports of illegal movement of sheep are examined by staff in my Department. Where evidence of a breach of identification or trade requirements is established, such cases may be prosecuted, provided the evidence is considered sufficient to sustain a conviction.
My Department works closely with An Garda Siochana and with the corresponding authorities in Northern Ireland in an effort to combat farm-animal related crime.
Should evidence of illegal movement of sheep into the country be substantiated, every effort will be made to have the matter prosecuted, he said.
Gardai in the Midlands are searching for four culprits after a farmer in his 50s was subject to an aggravated burglary at his home.
Four men forced their way into the farmers home at Glasderry Beg, Brosna, near the Offaly-Tipperary border, at around 2am on Sunday morning.
He was assaulted by the men as they took him from his home and forced him into the shed.
He lives alone but managed to escape from the shed and make his way to a neighbour's house where the alarm was raised.
The intruders fled the scene with a small amount of cash.
Speaking at Birr Garda Station today Superintend Martin Cashen said: We are appealing to farmers, residents and landowners in the Shinrone area to keep a lookout for clothing possibly discarded in fields or hedges.
He told RTE news that gardai believe the vehicle the culprits used may have been parked off site in a local field for some time.
At this point in time, we think the culprits wore gloves and woolly hats. Likely they discarded those as they left the crime scene.
We are looking to talk to people who saw any people acting suspiciously on the side of the road.
Also any suspicious persons or vehicles in the Drumakeenan and Glassderrybeg areas on the N62 Birr to Roscrea Road that was noticed that night or in the days leading up to the incident."
He said if anything is located, do not touch it and contact Birr Garda Station immediately on 057-9169710.
The attack has sparked fears that criminal gangs may once again be targeting homes along the country's motorway corridors after a man living on his own was targeted by burglars for the second time in six weeks yesterday.
Local Fine Gael councillor John Clendennen noted the area had been targeted by burglars in the past.
He called for more resources to be allocated to prevent crime in rural areas, including the installation of technology capable of reading the licence plates on cars entering the motorway network.
"There are situations where criminal gangs are using motorways to ransack rural Ireland and then get safely back to their havens afterwards," he said.
"We need collaboration between An Garda Siochana and local community groups and we need to see the resurrection of community gardai and their presence in towns and villages where they know everyone and they know what is going on."
This coming Friday, an invitation for responses to a Government consultation on the design of a new renewable energy support scheme will close.
This long-awaited process to agree a replacement for the current renewable energy feed-in tariff (Refit) support scheme is arguably the most important energy consultation the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment has undertaken in recent times. The scheme being designed will set the future course of how we meet Ireland's decarbonised energy goals.
The stakes couldn't be higher. While we have made significant headway to date towards decarbonising our island economy, halving carbon emissions from electricity generation from 1990 levels mostly through onshore wind, we cannot ignore the fact we will miss our EU emissions targets by a wide margin, likely resulting in EU fines totalling hundreds of millions of euro.
To his credit Minister Denis Naughten has acknowledged that while Ireland remains committed to meeting our ambitious targets, the outlook is ever more challenging. Latest analysis by the SEAI shows Ireland is going to miss its total 2020 renewable energy target by almost 20pc, while EirGrid estimates we will need accelerated delivery of between 800 and 1200MW of renewable capacity if we are to meet our 40pc electricity target.
So the consultation before us from his department takes on even greater significance.
One of the debates within the consultation is whether we should set specific support categories in the auction process for different renewable technologies - such as onshore wind, offshore wind, solar and biomass - or whether all technologies should compete against each other, which is described as a 'least-cost' solution.
However, this purely price-based, technology neutral approach risks pitting the technologies that are best placed to deliver future large-scale renewable energy capacity - especially onshore and offshore wind - against each other on a pure cost-per-MWh basis. What's wrong with that? Surely the lowest-cost solution is the best option? Well, while costs associated with offshore energy are falling, it is still more expensive than other technologies on a pure cost-per-MWh scale. However, the 'least-cost' technologies on their own, such as onshore wind and solar, will not deliver on our overall targets - especially in a world where social acceptance to onshore energy developments is not what it was, and where greater grid and planning constraints have been imposed as a result. So, can we really afford not to create the investment environment for offshore wind energy?
Ireland has one of the strongest offshore wind resources in the world; yet we are the only country in Northern Europe not currently developing offshore capacity.
If we are to meet our medium-term 2030 renewables targets, then we need to fast-forward the build-out of large-scale renewable energy capacity - and offshore energy is ready to deliver.
There are a number of significant offshore wind projects already at different development stages in Irish waters from developers, including SSE, which can deliver up to 4.5 gigawatts of offshore energy in the coming years - enough installed capacity to meet half of our current electricity demand on the island.
Offshore wind can also deliver consistent and predictable power to our national grid. Typical load factors are in excess of 40pc, considerably higher than most other renewable electricity sources. With most of the proposed offshore wind projects in the Irish Sea, and close to demand load centres along the eastern seaboard, including SSE's own Arklow Bank project, the development of offshore wind along simpler and fewer grid connections provides significant system demand benefits to the grid.
Indeed, the potential scale and strategic location of current offshore wind energy projects is such that this technology could easily meet the future energy demands of clean-tech multinationals, particularly large-scale load from data centres.
In all of this, creating investor confidence is crucial. By providing a specific auction category in the new renewable energy support scheme from the very outset for offshore wind, policymakers will provide the clear signals and mechanisms necessary to stimulate the investment required to continue to meet our low-carbon ambitions. But it won't stop there; creating investor confidence in the energy industry will also act as a dramatic catalyst to the maritime sector, acting as an enabler to unlock new infrastructure investment in Ireland's ports and maritime businesses. Fostering growth in a burgeoning offshore wind energy sector will not only maximise regional economic benefits and create local sustainable jobs, it can also unlock focused community participation in the sector, particularly around port towns.
We're at a critically important point in our continued low carbon energy transition. Achieving our ambitions will not be based on a single technology solution, but by creating the policy environment that supports a diversified mix of technologies that can deliver large-scale renewable power.
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to grasp the transformative effect that investment in offshore wind can deliver for Ireland. In doing so, we can support ongoing economic development, help achieve our decarbonisation targets, and provide continued security of supply. That's why the policy choices we make in the months ahead will be so important for generations to come.
Stephen Wheeler is Managing Director of SSE Ireland. www.ireland.sse.com
One of the country's biggest employers of new graduates has been forced to introduce interest-free loans to help new recruits secure rental accommodation in Dublin.
The country managing partner at accounting and advisory giant EY, Mike McKerr, has told the Irish Independent that his firm is providing the interest-free loans on flexible terms to graduate trainees in order to ensure that they are able to secure accommodation and so take up placements in Dublin.
The move is a clear signal that the housing crisis is now seriously threatening to choke economic development.
"For the first time, we have offered all graduate recruits interest-free loans to get them over the hurdle of getting set up in Dublin," Mr McKerr said.
Average rents in Dublin city centre are now 1,741 a month, according to the latest survey from Daft.ie.
Even then, shortages mean that it can take weeks to find a place to live. Some landlords in the capital are now demanding two months' rent deposit to secure accommodation, which is beyond the budget of many.
Read more: Finnish model may be key to solving housing crisis
EY took on 248 graduates in the past financial year. A role with the firm is seen as a springboard to a professional career. In May of this year, the firm was named Graduate Employer of The Year at the Gradireland awards. Starting salaries for new graduates, who train with the firm, range from 24,000 to 31,000.
The loans scheme reflects the difficulties in the housing market and can be drawn down if needed, Mr McKerr said.
EY is able to recoup the money through its payroll, so it is effectively an advance on wages.
It has seven offices across Ireland, but the loan scheme is only needed in Dublin, where the accommodation crisis has created a danger that some recruits won't be able to take up jobs.
The news comes as the American Chamber of Commerce in Ireland, which represents big US employers here, warned that lack of housing risked making the country less attractive for investment.
AmCham members are the backbone of Ireland's foreign direct investment (FDI) sector and employ 150,000 staff here.
Risk
Yesterday, IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan downplayed the immediate risk to investment danger, but admitted that the housing crisis is now being raised by potential investors when they look at Ireland.
"We are aware, obviously, that residential housing is a challenge at the moment. It is a function of a rapidly growing economy and the fact that Ireland has strong demographics," he told RTE Radio One's 'This Week'.
"I think what the AmCham are doing in their report is pointing to the future demand.
Read more: Largest number of residential property sales recorded in Dublin 15
"It is something that companies would point to as an issue. They want to ensure going forward that there are plans in place for the supply of residential housing, but also that the it is a Government priority and that steps are being taken."
However, he added: "[Housing] is not something that comes up in every meeting. [It is] not something that is causing a huge amount of difficulty for us [the IDA] at the moment."
Earlier this year, Mr Shanahan raised the housing issue at the annual conference of the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) at Carton House in Kildare, when he told construction executives that the "availability of quality and affordable residential accommodation" was "a key competitiveness factor for FDI".
The board of Dublin-listed challenger bank Aldermore has agreed to a 1.1bn (1.2bn) takeover by South Africa's FirstRand.
The offer from the financial services firm, whose business interests range from investment and retail banking to asset management, will see it fork out 313p per share.
It represents a 22pc premium to Aldermore's closing share price on October 12 and values the firm at 1.1bn.
FirstRand said it aims to diversify Aldermore's proposition in the UK, with the possible addition of services such as car financing, personal loans and insurance.
The offer is subject to a shareholder vote but the board has recommended investors back the deal.
FirstRand chief executive Johan Burger said: "We are very pleased that the board of Aldermore, one of the UK's leading specialist lenders, will be recommending our offer.
"The transaction is the latest step in our strategy of protecting and building shareholder value by achieving a more diversified revenue profile and we believe it will provide the platform to fulfil our growth objectives in the UK.
"It will allow the FirstRand Group to allocate more financial resources to our operations in Africa, whilst diversifying earnings in the UK."
Aldermore - which lends to small and medium-sized businesses, home-owners and landlords - also announced its third-quarter results, which saw net loans up 12pc to 8.4bn, driven by 2.4bn of new lending.
Customer deposits were up 8pc to 7.2bn.
Boss Phillip Monks said of the takeover: "The offer reflects our strong track record of delivery and FirstRand's confidence in Aldermore to continue delivering on its sustainable growth strategy.
"With the backing of FirstRand Group's considerable resources and wider capabilities, we will be able to accelerate the delivery of our strategy and further expand the products and services we offer customers.
"Our vision has always been to bring more competition to UK banking, and the support of the FirstRand Group will enable us to continue to do just that."
'Any managerial headaches it can reach into the boardroom cupboard and fetch some of its Nurofen painkillers.' Stock image
Reckitt Benckiser, the British consumer goods giant, has a very useful product portfolio to deal with its traumas it has encountered in recent months.
For any managerial headaches it can reach into the boardroom cupboard and fetch some of its Nurofen painkillers. And for clean-ups, it has Cillit Bang cleaning spray. Headache pills, however, would have been the most helpful as directors have been obliged to confront a pretty devastating series of painful encounters.
First it had a catastrophic scandal in Korea, where a disinfectant it made there, was linked to many deaths. A number of its Korean directors were charged and jailed for their part in the tragedy and compensation claims totalling 300m (337m) had to be met.
More recently it had a cyber attack that was said to have cost it as much as 100m (112m) in lost sales. In between it had to tell the market that its turnover had fallen for the first time since the group was formed in 1999.
Reckitt has also managed to lose four of its top 10 executives and its chairman and is currently in the midst of a makeover that may see it in further need of the Nurofen. This is despite it being one of the British multinationals that was tipped as being Brexit-proof by virtue of its huge foreign earnings. It has sales of 10bn (11.2bn), operates in 60 countries, employing 27,500, and is valued at 46bn (51.8bn).
In 1999 the group was created with the merger of Dutch company Benckiser and the UK's Reckitt and Colman. It then went on an acquisitions rampage. Within five years of the tie up, it purchased Boots non-prescription products, acquiring brand names like Strepsils and Clearasil. Four years later it picked up major brand Mucinex, followed by Durex condoms and Scholl footwear.
Reckitt makes and sells health and hygiene products, treatments for sore throats, coughs, water softener, fabric treatment and infant nutrition.
In the early part of this year Reckitt purchased the US group Mead Johnson, a category leader in infant and children's nutrition. The acquisition fits neatly into its health portfolio and should develop sales in emerging markets where Mead is strong. The global market is growing at 4pc per annum underpinned by changes in China's one child policy.
The recent problems that have bedevilled the group have affected its sales growth, but the group expects revenue to recover before the year end. It is harder to predict how the management upheaval is going to affect the company at a time of significant uncertainty internationally. There is a feeling that the tide may be turning against the big global brands in favour of local companies, whose provenance may be becoming more acceptable.
However, Reckitt investors were pleased that dividends increased last year and with its strong cash flow it should continue. Revenues were almost 10bn and expected to rise to 12bn (13.5bn) this year. Pretax profits were impressive at 2.6bn (2.9bn).
Interestingly, the majority of its revenue and profits are earned outside the UK. Investors are concerned following the share price fall from a yearly high of 81 (91) to 65.83 (74.14) today.
Earlier this year the group exited its food business, selling it to the US concern McCormick for $4.5bn (5bn). Shareholders are watching to see if the proceeds will be used for a special dividend or an acquisition. However, the company has signalled that it does not intend to buy back shares until its debt is materially lower.
Some analysts are of the opinion that Reckitt is among the best of large cap UK companies. They point out the group is strong in both developed and emerging markets, has high operating margins and enough firepower for any further acquisitions.
However, in key markets like China, the value of global brands may have lost their magic and groups like Reckitt could feel the pinch if this trend continues. A cautious approach is needed to a Reckitt share purchase.
Nothing in this section should be taken as a recommendation, either explicit or implicit to buy any of the shares mentioned.
Murder accused remanded in judicial custody
Three people arrested in connection with their alleged involvement in the murder of 11-year-old Laxman Shivakoti of Arjundhara-11, Jhapa have been remanded in judicial custody for further investigation.
Legendary Irish actress Maureen O'Hara took a stand against sexual harassment in Hollywood in 1945.
The Hollywood star was just 25 when she spoke publicly about being harassed by film directors and producers and said she was ready to "quit" over their behaviour.
In the wake of the furore over the allegations against modern day Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, a newspaper article quoting O'Hara at the time serves as a reminder of just how long harassment has been endemic in the film industry.
The 1945 article, which was shared by pianist James Rhodes on Twitter and has gone viral, reads, "Irish film star Maureen O'Hara to-day charged Hollywood producers and directors with calling her 'A cold potato without sex appeal' because she refuses to let them make love to her, says the Mirror New York correspondent."
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O'Hara, who died in 2015 at the age of 95, is quoted as saying, "I am so upset with it that I am ready to quit Hollywood. It's got so bad I hate to come to work in the morning.
"I am a helpless victim of a Hollywood whispering campaign. Because I don't let my producer and director kiss me every morning or let them paw me they have spread the word around town that I am not a woman - that I am a cold piece of marble statuary.
"I guess Hollywood won't consider me as anything except a cold hunk of marble until I divorce my husband, give my baby away and get my name and photograph in all the newspapers. If that's Hollywood's idea of a woman I'm ready to quit now."
In 2004 O'Hara told the Daily Telegraph that she refused to sleep with her The Quite Man director John Ford as well as co-stars Errol Flynn and Howard Hughes and she says it cost her parts.
"I wouldn't throw myself on the casting couch, and I know that cost me parts. I wasn't going to play the whore. That wasn't me," she said.
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Richard Dreyfusss son has accused Kevin Spacey of groping him, adding another allegation to the mounting claims against the actor.
Harry Dreyfuss claims the alleged incident took place in 2008, when he was 18.
In a guest column published by BuzzFeed, Dreyfuss said the alleged incident took place while his father was rehearsing at Spaceys London apartment for the play Complicit at the Old Vic Theatre.
He said he did not tell his father about the alleged encounter for several years.
He said of speaking up: It wasnt until this year, when so many people have bravely come out with their stories, and the demand for a better world has gotten such broad support, that I saw my own story has value.
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Meanwhile, on Thursday it emerged that the Metropolitan Police had opened an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault made against the star.
Production was also halted on the sixth season of Spaceys show House Of Cards after historical allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the actor began to emerge.
Actor Anthony Rapp claimed Spacey had placed him on a bed and climbed on top of him following a party at his apartment in 1986.
The former artistic director of the Old Vic would have been 26 at the time of the alleged incident, while Rapp would have been 14.
Following Rapps allegation in a BuzzFeed interview, Spacey, 58, said in a post on Twitter he did not remember the alleged incident and announced he is living as a gay man.
On Wednesday, Spaceys representative said the actor was taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment in light of the allegations.
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His lawyers have been contacted for comment.
Russell Watson thought he was going to die. It was 2007 and he had been rushed to hospital by paramedics after he didn't wake up one morning. He had undergone an operation to remove a pituitary tumour a year earlier, but the tumour had grown back and haemorrhaged in three places.
As they prepared him for an MRI scan, Russell could hear loud noises from the machinery, and medical staff discussing his case, but he couldn't see well or move his body.
"All the noise and furore seemed to die down to nothing and I could see this door in my mind with a strip of light shining through the side," recalls the popular English tenor.
"My interpretation was that if I went to the door and opened it, I'd be leaving, but I wasn't ready to go. The thought of my children and how they'd manage without their dad came into my head, and suddenly the clatter in the room started to return and I was back there again."
Russell's problems began a year earlier when he experienced headaches and problems with his peripheral vision, but a specialist concluded it was stress. A few weeks later, he was flying to LA to record his That's Life album and felt ill on the flight. "My head felt like it was going to explode," he says. "I went to Cedars-Sinai hospital for tests, and the specialist said, 'Mr Watson, you have a brain tumour, and from the results I'm seeing it's a big one'."
Reeling from the shock, Russell's anxiety was compounded by having to wait a week to learn if the tumour was malignant or benign. Thankfully it was the latter, but it was a fast-growing fibrous tumour with the potential to cause damage. "I genuinely thought I was going to die," he says. "I didn't tell anyone because I was in denial, and went off to make the album thinking it would be my legacy."
Telling his children, Rebecca (then 11) and Hannah (5) the night before his first operation was the hardest part. "I said, 'Dad's strong and I'm pretty sure I'm going to be OK, but I want you to remember that I love you and don't ever forget that'," he says. "And then I went into the bathroom and buried my head in a towel and sobbed for 20 minutes."
A year after the first operation, Russell was on Michael Parkinson's last chat show telling him how well he was feeling. This was three weeks before that fateful morning when he didn't wake up. After the second operation, he had 25 sessions of radiotherapy, which, he says, "knocked the shit out of me".
"My hair fell out, steroids made me balloon up and my skin was red and puffy," he recalls. "My voice had gone as well. The specialist said not to expect to be singing classical opera again, as I'd feel tired and lethargic and wouldn't have the energy to travel the world.
"The suicide rate for the type of illness I had is high - because people can't deal with constantly taking the drugs."
Happily, Russell made a great recovery and keeps well by injecting himself with his medication in the stomach. He is 50 but looks younger, which he put downs to looking after his skin and going to the gym. His relationship with his daughters became extra-special; after being their powerful protector, they began minding him when he was fragile and falling apart. He's still close to them today, and Hannah is now 16 and Rebecca is 23, and she works with him doing administration and design.
The girls are from his first marriage, and Russell, who was single during his illness, is now happily married to Louise. Together eight years, they live in Cheshire and every room has a dog, cat, duck or chicken in it. Aside from Shih Tzu Muffin, they have a greyhound, Blaze, who was badly mistreated in her former life. Russell is a huge fan of the breed as pets and says that people have the wrong impression of them altogether.
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"They think they're a lot of work, but they're so laid-back," he says. "We have a saluki called Poppy too. I saw her on ITV News. She had been thrown out of a van at 70mph and had four broken legs. She had the same look on her face as Blaze had when he came, so I just looked at Louise and said, 'We have another dog'. Two days later, she was in our house."
Russell is from Salford in Greater Manchester, and his dad Tim was a welder and his mum Nola worked in Woolworths. He has a younger sister, Hayley, who is now his business manager, and they've always been as thick as thieves. He's funny in person and great at doing accents and impressions, which kept his colleagues occupied at the nuts and bolts factory where he worked for eight years. He hated the 12-hour night shifts doing "mind-numbingly boring, repetitive work", but having left school at 16 with no qualifications, his choices were limited. Having had piano lessons and learned guitar as a child, he was musically gifted, but had never done anything about it.
One night, one of his mates entered his name in a talent competition that happened to be on in the pub they were in. Three rounds later, he had won the competition from more than 400 entrants, much to his amazement. The following day, an agent called him saying he could get him work in the pubs and clubs, and he handed in his notice in the factory. He reckons they were delighted, as his output level was the lowest in the place.
After five years developing his stagecraft and learning how to engage with an audience, a regular at a working men's club said he reckoned Russell would made a good job of "that Nessing Doormat". He went off and learned it, and when he performed the aria the following week, he had his first standing ovation.
This encouraged him to take singing lessons and the rest is history. His debut album, The Voice, held simultaneous no 1 slots in the US and UK and he has sold more than 7m albums, scooped four classical Brit Awards and is the UK's biggest selling classical artist in history. The New York Times said of a recent performance that "he sings like Pavarotti, and entertains the audience like Sinatra".
Russell has sung for former US presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama, the Emperor of Japan and the King of Malaysia. His most special moment was getting the call to sing in a private audience for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican. He took to the stage and saw 3,500 people in the audience, 40 cardinals in the front row, and was accompanied by an 140-piece orchestra and a choral section of 500. Oh, and 500m people watched at home.
"I'm stood on the stage thinking it doesn't look like a private audience," he laughs. "It was a bit of an improvement from Wigan Road Working Men's Club."
Russell Watson will perform at Bord Gais Energy Theatre on December 4; UCH Limerick on December 8; Wexford National Opera House on December 9' and Cork Opera House on December 12. For details see www.russellwatson.com
Viewers were left worrying about having nightmares after the latest instalment of Blue Planet II.
Sir David Attenboroughs BBC nature series usually heralded as calming and soothing enough to make fans nod off ventured into The Deep on Sunday night, looking at some of the unusual creatures living at the bottom of the ocean.
They included fish that walk instead of swimming, worms that feed exclusively on bones and shrimps that spend most of their lives imprisoned with their mate in a cage of crystal sponge.
Viewers thought the subject matter was a little frightening.
Why do I watch #BLUEPLANET when Im alone?? Zombie Worms.thats tonights nightmare then! posted one person on Twitter.
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Some of these creatures look like the mutant toys in Toy Story, said another.
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One fan admitted: The Depths are basically my worst nightmare. This is why I never jump off boats to go swimming.
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Is like scary movie this week. Everything menacing, tweeted another.
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One viewer said: If someone told me I was watching a scary sci fi film with alien attacks I would believe them.
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I signed up for a calming nature show and Ive just been shown all the creatures from my nightmares and a fish with a foot, said another.
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Nightmares aside, viewers declared it a fitting end to the week.
Watching #BluePlanet in the bath and could not be more relaxed if I tried. Perfect way to feel on a Sunday evening, said one fan.
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The seven-part programme was filmed over four years and is a sequel to the 2001 original series.
Film crews mounted 125 expeditions across 39 countries to capture footage which Sir David has called astounding.
Gardai have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man who was seriously injured in an assault in Co Donegal.
The man (36) was found with serious injuries on Wednesday afternoon last week, at an address at Sylvian Park, Letterkenny.
Named locally as Sebastian Adamowicz, the man was rushed by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital at 4.49pm.
However, Mr Adamowicz passed away on Thursday as a result of his injuries.
It was initially believed he had fallen down a flight of stairs.
However, after State pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy carried out a post-mortem examination the investigation was upgraded to murder.
Mr Adamowicz was a Polish national who had been living in Donegal for more than three years.
Speaking at Letterkenny garda station, Detective Inspector Pat O'Donnell appealed to anyone who may have information in relation to this investigation.
Mr Adamowicz's parents arrived in Donegal yesterday. His brother is already living in the town.
His friend, Jack Bonia - who runs a Polish restaurant in the town - said they are trying to raise funds to repatriate Mr Adamowicz's remains back to Poland.
"We spoke to his parents today - his mother is feeling terrible. It's absolutely horrible.
"We would have been close friends," he added.
Gardai also appealed to anyone who visited Sylyan Park, between 8am and 6pm on Wednesday, to contact the incident room at Letterkenny garda station on 074 91 67100.
ONE of the leading contenders to become the next Garda Commissioner has been appointed to a top post in the Garda Inspectorate.
Mark Toland joined the Garda oversight body, GSOC, last December where he served as one of the bodys three commissioners.
GSOC announced on its website today that Mr Toland will now take up the post of chief inspector at the Inspectorate, where he previously served.
Mr Toland is among a small number of individuals being tipped to take over as Garda Commissioner.
In a statement, GSOC said:
"GSOC benefited greatly from his insights into and commitment to police oversight over the past year. Mark was also instrumental in leading out an important business transformation project within GSOC."
A FUND is seeking a 1.2m judgment against a partnership comprising broadcaster Gay Byrne, his wife, and their two daughters, over alleged default on a loan, the Commercial Court heard.
The case has been brought by Feniton Property Finance DAC, which in 2015 acquired the August 2007 loan of 1m to the "Clonskeagh Partnership" from Bank of Scotland Ireland (BoSI).
In a sworn statement, the fund said the loan was to be used to fund an investment by the partnership in the Quinlan Private CERDII Fund.
The partnership is made up of Mr Byrne and his wife Kathleen, of Shrewsbury Square, Sandymount Avenue, Dublin, and their daughters Susan O'Byrne, an office manager of Onslow, The Baily, Howth, Co Dublin, and Crona Byrne, an entrepreneur of Tinerana, Raheenmore, in Co Clare,
The loan was for a period of six years duration, and expired in 2013.
In November 2015 the fund purchased the loan from BoSI.
In its action against the partnership, the fund claims the monies borrowed were not repaid.
In April of this year the fund says it made a demand on the partnership for the full amount it claims is outstanding on the loan.
It claims the demand has not been satisfied and seeks judgment against the partnership of just over 1.226m
The case was admitted, on consent, to the fast track Commercial Court list by Mr Justice Brian McGovern on Monday.
The case returns in January.
NAC aircraft averts accident in Bhairahawa
A Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) aircraft averted a major accident when its rear landing gear's tyre brust during take-off in Bhairahawa airport on Monday.
A convicted killer who failed to return to prison after a day release has been charged with being unlawfully at large.
Stephen Henry (41) who was convicted of murdering father-of-two John Cooke with a Samurai sword in Lisburn in 2004, failed to return to Magilligan jail last Monday.
He crossed the border into the Irish Republic where he was detained over a public order offence but subsequently released. He was arrested in Northern Ireland on Friday. Henry has been charged with being unlawfully at large while under sentence and possessing a Class C controlled drug. He is due to appear in court in Lisburn tomorrow.
Ireland's exam-focused second-level system is a major source of stress for teenagers, according to a new report.
More than two in three students (67pc) feel there is too much focus on terminal assessments, such as the Leaving Cert and Junior Cert exams.
Some 78pc of Leaving Cert students and 81pc of Junior Cert students reported that exams made them feel stressed.
The 'So How Was School Today' report arises from a survey on how young people are taught and how they learn.
It was carried out by the youth organisation Comhairle na nOg, among 3,242 children aged from 12 to 17, nationwide.
The report was supported by the Departments of Education and Children and Youth Affairs, and is being jointly launched today by Ministers Richard Bruton and Katherine Zappone.
The students expressed a strong preference for more active learning, with 75pc saying that was how they learned best.
Active learning includes project work - 64pc favoured more of that - quizzes, debates, and role play, while 36pc believe there is not enough continuous assessment.
Only 30pc of those surveyed said their teachers made learning interesting and fun.
Many said they would like the teaching methods for maths, Irish and English to be improved, and first years tend to be the most positive about their school experiences.
Less than half of those surveyed said they were satisfied with the support services in their schools.
Girls report more negative experiences of school than boys.
Ms Zappone said that school was a huge part of a young person's day, and their voices must be heard and acted on.
Mr Bruton said the findings would feed into a growing body of research that would be providing insight into the student experience.
The dates of the series of 24-hour rolling strikes include the sold-out November 14 showdown between Ireland and Denmark at the Aviva Stadium for the second leg of the football World Cup qualifier. (stock photo)
Thousands of commuters are facing travel chaos this Tuesday as Irish Rail commences its second day of strike action.
Irish Rail trains and the DART lines are not expected to run as workers go on strike.
What dates are the strikes happening on?
Trains are not expected to operate across Intercity, DART and commuter routes on the following dates:
Tuesday, November 7
Tuesday, November 14
Thursday, November 23
Friday, December 8
What alternative travel options can I use?
Mytaxi is offering half-price taxis between 5-7am tomorrow morning.
Pay your fare by card, and youll automatically get 50pc off your fare.
Dublin Bus will also be operating as usual.
Why is Irish Rail striking?
Irish Rail workers want a 3.75pc a year pay rise over three years, to match wage hikes recently given to Luas and Dublin Bus workers.
Talks had been ongoing between unions and company management at the Workplace Relations Commission earlier this month, but they failed to reach an agreement.
How many people will be affected by the strike action?
Up to 155,000 passengers a day will be hit when services grind to a halt. A total of 70,000 passenger journeys are made on the Dart on a daily basis, 45,000 on commuter services, and 40,000 on intercity routes.
Can customers get a refund if they have booked tickets with Irish Rail?
If you have booked travel on the dates of strike action, Irish Rail will cancel your booking for the dispute date journey leg and automatically refund you seven days prior to your date of travel. Please allow three to five days for your financial institution to process your refund.
What has the Transport Minister said about the strikes?
Speaking on the eve of the second day of national strike action at Irish Rail, Minister Shane Ross said: I sincerely call on all parties to the Iarnrod Eireann pay dispute to continue to use the services of the Labour Court and the WRC. It is vital for the travelling public and also for the staff and for the company itself that public transport is sustained, and that the dispute is resolved in a realistic, fair and workable manner.
Gardai investigating the murder of a man - who it was initially thought died as a result of a fall - are now searching for the weapon they believe was used to kill him.
Sebastian Adamowicz, aged 36, was found with severe head injuries at his home at 15 Sylvian Park in Letterkenny on Wednesday last, November 1.
He was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital but died the following day as a result of his injuries.
It was initially thought that Mr Adamowicz, a Polish national, had fallen down the stairs at the house.
However, following a post-mortem carried out by State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy, a murder investigation was launched last night by gardai in Letterkenny.
At a press conference at Letterkenny Garda Station today, Detective Inspector Pat O'Donnell said they were seeking witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the attack.
Inspector O'Donnell confirmed that the victim, a single man, suffered serious head injuries and were now searching for a murder weapon.
"We have extended our the radius of our search in the area to cover hedgerows, etc in which the weapon may have been hidden," he confirmed.
There was no confirmation as to the type of weapon used during the attack.
Inspector O'Donnell added that he was appealing to any deliverymen, postmen or other people who may have been in the vicinity of Sylvian Park to contact them.
The victim, a single man who moved to Ireland several years ago, had shared the house with four other people, three males and a female.
All four of these people have been interviewed by gardai.
The house was very tidy apart from the area where the late victim had been found, added the Garda Inspector.
No arrests have yet been made.
Inspector O'Donnell confirmed that he had spoken to the late Mr Adamowicz's mother and family who had arrived in Ireland after their son had been injured.
"They are very decent people and as you can imagine they are very distraught by what has happened," he said.
Anybody with any information is asked to contact Gardai in Letterkenny on 0749167100.
A blind resident in a private nursing home is being charged 2 a day for newspapers in top-up charges.
The revelation is among a range of complaints made by residents in the Fair Deal scheme about additional charges imposed by private nursing homes.
In some cases, complaints to the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) claim frail or elderly people are unable to take part in social activities covered by the charges or are paying for services not provided, documents obtained under Freedom of Information show.
In one home, the top-up charge is as high as 70 a week even though the resident is contributing the majority of their State pension to meet the cost of their care under Fair Deal.
The disclosures reveal that in one home residents are charged 31 a week extra for an activity programme that was not delivered for six months after the departure of two coordinators.
Another complaint detailed how a resident, who was faced with the extra bills, just wanted to stay in their room and not take part in activities such as baking, bingo or card games.
Other grievances include complaints that the grab bars in the toilet are not "fit for purpose and the bath is out of order".
Others claim a nursing home introduced top-up charges which were not set out in the contract of care as they should be.
Another home relies on agency staff for the kitchen. Breakfast can be served at different times, causing some residents to become disorientated.
Lack of space in many nursing homes is an ongoing source of complaint to Hiqa.
Despite the revelations in the Irish Independent and reports by advocacy groups for older people, the Department of Health, which has long known about the distress caused by top-up charges, was unable to say what progress was being made in tackling the issue.
Hiqa is involved in drawing up a new contract which residents would sign detailing the charges and providing more consumer protection.
A spokesman for Nursing Homes Ireland said it had distributed a guide which private nursing homes can give residents explaining the background to the charges and the individual's rights.
Private nursing homes say the State fees they are paid for each resident in the Fair Deal scheme do not cover a range of services needed to provide a proper quality of life for older people.
Grievances against nursing homes
Public health doctors are encouraging parents to avail of the vaccine for the schoolchildren as those who have not received two doses are most at risk. Stock Image
Nearly 70,000 children who return to junior infants classes in primary schools this week are being offered a measles mumps and rubella (MMR) booster vaccine.
Public health doctors are encouraging parents to avail of the vaccine for the schoolchildren as those who have not received two doses are most at risk.
It comes after seven cases of measles were diagnosed in recent weeks in north Dublin and Co Meath.
There have been more than 40 cases of measles reported in Ireland this year - but many other countries in Europe have seen an upsurge in the disease in 2017.
Outbreaks since January 2016 have led to 44 deaths across Europe including in Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, France and Britain.
An adult born since 1978 who has not received two doses of the MMR vaccine should contact their GP to have the jab.
Most of the vaccination of children in junior infants is carried out by HSE staff in school.
Measles starts with cold-like symptoms that develop about 10 days after becoming infected. This is followed a few days later by the measles rash.
In the most severe cases meningitis involving the infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord can happen or there can be infection of the brain itself.
Meanwhile, a survey is under way in Irish universities and third-level colleges to identify the proportion of reported mumps cases in students that are laboratory confirmed and whether other respiratory infections are causing mumps-like illness.
Mumps can have serious complications including viral meningitis and inflammation of the brain, pancreatitis and deafness.
Fiona Clark was born in Ecuador and started a children's theatre company when she left Bristol University and then joined the Bristol Old Vic Theatre. She joined the Bush Theatre in London as executive producer in 1999. After seven years, she made a big change and joined the Earthrace Project, successfully breaking the world record in 2008 for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe in a powerboat - which was run on biodiesel, green technology and was carbon neutral - in 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes.
She joined Get Connected, a national charity helpline for under 25s, as CEO for five years, before moving to Ireland to take up a new development role at the Irish Film Institute. Her husband, Adrian Erangey, is from east Cork, and they moved to beautiful Ballycotton six years ago. Joining Cork Film Festival, a year ago has enabled Fiona to bring all aspects of her life together; to live in and contribute to the community that is now her adopted home. She has a stepson Adam (22)
Film: Vazante
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Cork Film Festival opens on November 10 so my head is well and truly full of films. I have a broad taste but a film that's been on my mind since we first saw it in Berlin in February, is a fascinating and original debut feature, Vazante, (above) directed by Daniela Thomas. Set in 1920s Brazil, and beautifully shot in black and white, it's a mesmerising, provocative period piece that directly resonates with current issues of class, race and gender politics. Original and totally captivating.
Design: The Tetra-Joint
My father, Simon Clark, changed career at the age of 50, reinventing himself as a fine cabinet-maker after 25 years working for Shell. He always maintained that his furniture needed to be practical as well as beautiful, and that the design would emerge from the specific piece of wood he selected. He created the tetra-joint, a complicated and mathematically calculated series of crossover table leg joints, often in mahogany, supporting heavy thick glass tabletops. They look clean and simple, but I know how complicated the geometry of it is. I have a coffee table and a matching side table.
Book: A Gentleman in Moscow
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I recently (reluctantly) embraced the Kindle instead of lugging hardbacks around in my bag. But I love 'real' books. I have hundreds and will never get rid of any - they are my friends! I read most when I'm travelling. I loved A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles, an unputdownable character-driven tale set in Moscow at the start of the Revolution, a period that fascinates me.
Song: Sailing By
Sailing By by Ronald Binge is the music played every night on BBC Radio 4 just before the late Shipping Forecast. I associate it with the excitement of coming over to Ireland from London when we first bought our house and couldn't wait to get to Ballycotton, despite no heating or hot water.
TV: The Handmaid's Tale
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I'm completely addicted to television drama. I was totally absorbed by The Handmaid's Tale (above), based on the equally excellent novel by Margaret Atwood. Actor Elisabeth Moss is hugely versatile, from Mad Men to Palme d'Or-winning film The Square.
The 62nd Cork Film Festival takes place from November 10-19. corkfilmfest.org
Nepal against secession of Spain
The government has stressed the need of settling out domestic issues of Spain by remaining within the constitutional framework of the country. It has made it clear that it is firmly against any attempt to the secession of Spain.
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Radio review: The thing about the Wolfe Tones is not that their music is Irish, but that its bad
We have established that nationalism in general is eejitry taken to such extremes it becomes a form of evil. And in the case of our version of nationalism, perhaps the ultimate eejitry is that many of us would broadly agree in theory with a United Ireland if it wasnt for the nationalists themselves they have contrived somehow to be the main obstacle to their own ambitions.
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Eoghan Harris Opinion Misery media fails to give due credit to the Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheal Martin must drive his advisers mad. Unlike Leo Varadkar or Donald Trump, he never bigs up success stories such as the effect of Level 3 Plus on Covid or his visionary Shared Island project. Last Friday, Tony Holohan and RTE cheerleaders seemed to imply Level 5 was responsible for the improved Covid situation. Not so.
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John Downing Opinion New British prime minister Rishi Sunaks succession proves an important milestone in British political inclusivity
There is an old saying in British politics that goes: The right looks for converts while the left seeks out traitors. It comes to mind when one reflects upon the election of Rishi Sunak as the UKs first non-white prime minister in a party traditionally seen as most opposed to mass immigration and the dilution of national identity via multiculturalism.
Kevin Spacey's mangled gangster brogue from Ordinary Decent Criminal may go down as one of the worst Irish accents in celluloid history - but the film saw the now disgraced star form ties in Dublin which led to him returning here at every opportunity over a near 20-year period.
The actor was initially enamoured of Irish people's general reluctance to openly accost major celebrities and described himself as "worshipping the atmosphere, the history, and of course drinking in the company of the world's finest drinkers".
It was the filming of Ordinary Decent Criminal, the ill-thought-out take on the Martin Cahill story, which saw Spacey's first extended stint here in 2000. He lived in Dublin 4, near Lansdowne Road, and frequently drank at Slattery's pub in Beggars Bush.
The American Beauty star also encouraged young actors to consider making the move to Hollywood.
One of the actors he encouraged was Colin Farrell. Spacey first spotted Farrell in a play at London's Donmar Warehouse Theatre and invited him to appear in one of his films. It would mark the beginning of an incredible rise for Farrell.
Spacey was so impressed by Farrell that he convinced Ordinary Decent Criminal director Thaddeus O'Sullivan to cast the then inexperienced actor in the production - and Farrell has never looked back.
Spacey did not only have professional proteges, however. Romantically and sexually, he was also, in the words of Michael Stipe, dipping into the population.
Stories did the rounds of Spacey making overtures to young men on Dublin's social scene and he hosted parties that were known for their Bacchic excess. Spacey was long reputed to be bisexual - and the rumours of this intensified after he was attacked while ostensibly walking his dog in a public park in the middle of the night in 2004 and subsequently appeared on the cover of Esquire magazine with the knowing headline: 'Kevin Spacey has a secret'.
However while he stayed in Ireland, it was not only men who were the subject of Spacey's attentions. The comedienne Aisling Bea wrote on Twitter last week: "I don't know many actors from my era of drama school graduates who don't have a Kevin Spacey story. The surprise is the lack of surprise."
Bea later confirmed that she was talking specifically about a situation with Spacey, rather than about an incident similar to the one he confessed to last week involving actor Anthony Rapp in 1986 - Spacey admitted to carrying the then 14-year-old actor on to a bed and initiating sexual contact with him.
On social media and elsewhere those Kevin Spacey stories began to trickle to a torrent last week. Dublin-born actor David Gilna told the Irish Sun that Spacey propositioned him with the prospect of a "private performance" in his dressing room during runs of plays that both men were performing in London in 2011.
Despite the rumours that always swirled around him, Spacey always retained the veneer of great respectability that came with his great stardom. He still has many friends and contacts in Ireland and had been slated to appear at a history festival in Cork this year. He was said to have been disappointed in the last few years when a new project, which would have seen him star as businessman Sean Quinn, failed to come to fruition. "I love Ireland," he said. "So any chance I get to work there again I'll grab it with both hands."
Work is already drying up for Spacey, who was yesterday dropped by the streaming website Netflix after a slew of allegations about sexual abuse and harassment.
The company announced it would not release Spacey's film about Gore Vidal, the American writer, which was close to completion. It also said he will no longer be involved in House of Cards, the show in which he had the lead role as well as being an executive producer.
The statement left open the possibility that the drama could continue by focusing on another character. It followed reports that eight current or former employees working on House of Cards had accused Spacey of creating a "toxic" environment on set.
On Halloween night, following the heinous attack by Sayfullo Saipov who killed eight people and injured 13 others, New Yorkers responded by getting on with their evening's plans.
Parents took their children trick-or-treating in and around Lower Manhattan and proceeded undeterred to the annual Greenwich Village parade - albeit with a dramatically increased security presence.
They were encouraged by New York mayor Bill de Blasio, who said: "People should go about their business knowing that the NYPD is out in force."
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump reacted in exactly the way terrorists had hoped. He started by tearing up the lottery visa programme that permits 50,000 fully vetted people to enter the US legally.
This reaction and his move earlier in the year to ban citizens from seven and then six Muslim-majority countries feeds the narrative that groups like Isil promulgate so efficiently: that a clash of civilisation exists; that the West is at war with Islam; and that Muslims and their identity within their religion are not compatible with Western liberal democracies.
Last March, political columnist Simon Jenkins criticised the BBC's coverage of a terrorist attack in Westminster as "aiding and abetting" terrorists. We should "treat them as criminals", he said. It's a crime that they have committed and it's wrong to shroud it with "clutter" of Islam and politics.
Trump said he was "certainly" considering sending Saipov to the Guantanamo Bay prison facility. At its height, Guantanamo detained over 700 men - most of whom there was little or no evidence against to charge with terrorist activities. Yet the US engaged in a torture programme sanctioned by the highest echelons of the administration.
There remain around 40 prisoners in Guantanamo - but its legacy has been described as a "stain" on America's reputation as a world power. If Trump refills it with more so-called 'terrorists' who should really be described as what they are - criminals - he will do exactly what Saipov, Isil and their type want: exacerbate tensions among communities at a time when racial divisions are at an all-time high.
On Friday, Isil claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the Uzbek was a "soldier of the Caliphate", even though so far there is no direct evidence it was involved in orchestrating the attack.
While Isil has suffered substantial military defeat in Syria and Iraq, resulting in the collapse of the so-called caliphate, it still wields significant influence, particularly among willing jihadis.
The type of "micro-managed" attacks orchestrated by senior commanders of the group, from financing and training of attackers to choice of date, time, target and location, are thankfully happening less frequently.
With Isil on the back foot, it is harder but not impossible to organise such brutality. Instead it has ordered willing participants to engage in crude methods like ramming vehicles into pedestrians and using knives. Their allegiance to Isil is released straight after the attack is over in order for martyrdom to be accepted for the assailant among the group.
The reaction by New Yorkers on Tuesday was remarkable. That the whole city refused to come to a standstill points to perhaps a certain 'terrorism fatigue' where such attacks are so frequent and even expected that they don't evoke the type of fear and shock normally seen.
Scores of attacks by Isil-affiliated members have been confirmed in several cities across the West this year alone. Yet there is no major evidence to suggest that people are not willing to go about their normal lives - whether that be attending concerts, eating in packed restaurants or taking public transport.
In order for terrorism to work, a community needs to be divided and living in dread that their lives are under threat.
Isil is not interested in engaging on any wider, deeper level. It wants to continue to polarise communities. In particular, it wants to divide Muslim communities from the Western cities or countries they are born and live in.
Initiating travel bans and engaging in Islamaphobic rhetoric plays to their message and also inspires others to join.
Last year, London mayor Sadiq Khan said terror attacks were "part and parcel" of living in a big city and urged Londoners to be vigilant but not fazed.
"We must never accept terrorists being successful, we must never accept that terrorists can destroy our life or destroy the way we lead our lives," he said.
New Yorkers were right to march on.
Winona Ryder attends the Marc Jacobs Spring 2016 fashion show during New York Fashion Week at Ziegfeld Theater on September 17, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
Actress Winona Ryder said she feels "ridiculous" discussing ageing because has "maintained youthfulness" since her career began nearly 30 years ago.
The 44-year-old star, who shot to fame in 1998 with iconic roles in Beetlejuice and Heathers, is often hailed for her ageless appearance with Marc Jacobs even joking that she "made a pact with the devil".
Ryder stars in the designer's latest Spring/Summer '16 beauty campaign and he praised her natural approach to ageing, saying: "[She] doesn't seem to age...[it's not] plastic and it's not filler or any of those things."
While the Edward Scissorhands star said she hasn't experienced any ageist attitudes in Hollywood, she said she enjoys getting older. "I do look older. And, obviously, everyone knows about airbrushing," she told The Sunday Times.
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"I feel like it sounds ridiculous for me to talk about ageism, because I've been very lucky, in the sense that in other people's eyes, I've maintained this [youthfulness], but I wish society could just celebrate ageing and it could be more of a goal. I do enjoy getting older.'"
She credits daily sunscreen application with boosting her skin over the years, saying she never leaves home without it and a good night's sleep is her secret to
"When Im not working, (I just use) sunscreen and lip balm," she told Allure magazine. "If I go out, tinted sunscreen and lipstick."
Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross attend the closing ceremony of the 69th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals on May 22, 2016 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)
Mel Gibson's pregnant girlfriend Rosalind Ross spotted getting Mexican take-out food from the Little Ass Burrito Bar on Dawson Street, Dublin.
Caitlyn Jenner, actor Mel Gibson and Rosalind Ross arrive at the screening of Summit Entertainment's "Hacksaw Ridge" at Samuel Goldwyn Theater on October 24, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)
Mel Gibson (60) and his pregnant girlfriend Rosalind Ross (26) seen out for a stroll in Dublin
Mel Gibson (60) and his pregnant girlfriend Rosalind Ross (26) seen out for a stroll in Dublin
Mel Gibson is back in town.
The Oscar-winning actor (60) has returned to Dublin to resume filming for The Professor and The Madman opposite Sean Penn and will be spending another number of weeks in the city.
Gibson is joined by his pregnant fiancee Rosalind Ross, a screenwriter, and recently took a break from shooting to fly back to LA where he promoted his much-hyped return to directing in Hacksaw Ridge and also attended the Hollywood Film Awards.
But the expectant father was a far cry from the Mel Gibson of before as he was pictured making his way through Dublin in just a t-shirt, jeans and trilby hat.
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During his sojourn on Irish shores, the Lethal Weapon star is taking up residence at The Shelbourne Hotel, where was pictured on Wednesday, reportedly staying in the exclusive Princess Grace Suite, the two bedroom presidential suite, which costs 5,000 a night.
He previously spent nearly four weeks here before his brief return to Hollywood and Gibson sightings were aplenty - including dining at FX Buckley and Matt The Thresher, while also being spotted climbing The Sugar Loaf and sipping pints in The Long Hall.
He also took in Irish stage show RIOT as part of Dublin Fringe Festival hosted by Panti Bliss.
Panti stars in the production, which has been described as a kaleidoscopic evening of theatre, music, comedy, drag, variety, circus performances and searing social commentary.
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It isn't the first touch the controversial star has touched down on Irish shores - he previously jetted in for the 2008 IFTAs where he was given the Contribution to World Cinema award and also stayed The Shelbourne and scouted locations for Braveheart here in 1994.
The Professor and The Madman tells the story of the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.
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Earlier this week, Sean Penn was also spotted filming scenes for the movie, due for release in 2018.
SO my week got off to an eventful start with a visit to Navan town.
They say that you should never work with animals or children and for this particular photo-shoot, my fellow models were none other than a goat, a turkey and two lovely youngsters.
I was launching the new Christmas market in Navan and it looks great and really got me in the festive mood.
Its going to have loads of food stalls, music and a little petting farm for families to visit during the Christmas season.
Now, I love animals, but this particular turkey that I was shooting with was actually huge and pretty scary there was a lot of eating in him. I didnt feel so guilty about my upcoming Christmas dinner after it pecked me and basically used my shoe as a toilet and they say that modellings a glamorous job!
One of my favourite parts of my job is getting to work in some seriously beautiful and glamorous locations. I had the pleasure of filming Xpose in the presidential suite of the Powerscourt Hotel on Wednesday.
The staff are always so lovely and theres always hot coffee and freshly made pastries waiting for us in the kitchen. It was all baby talk with the other model Sarah McGovern as well as TV3s Aisling OLoughlin as we got ready to film. Aisling has such a gorgeous neat bump and I love how she manages to maintain an edgy and fashionable look through her maternity style.
Earlier in the week, I headed to the Marker Hotel with my mum and dad to try out their Le Drunch menu. Ive heard so many people raving about the food and the atmosphere at the Marker and it did not disappoint. They had a DJ playing cool 80s music and a very diverse crowd of stylish ladies who lunch, young couples and families.
The menu has a special section full of healthy food like the nutri-burger in a gluten free bun served with baked sweet potato fries which I opted for.
After a full week of going to the gym, I felt like I deserved a little treat and I decided to try out The Marker Dream cocktail (inset) which is made up of Beefeater Gin, Chambord, Elderflower, Grapes and Lime Juice it was delicious!
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I may have had a few glasses of wine with brunch, but I was back in the gym the next day to sweat my sins away!
Mary-Kate Olsen spending some time by the water on vacation in Antibes, Southern France. Pictures by : FameFlynet UK 2016
Ashley Olsen at the 'Hotel Du Cap' in Antibes, France. Pictures by : FameFlynet UK 2016
Ashley (L) and Mary-Kate Olsen in Antibes, France. Pictures by : FameFlynet UK 2016
Only Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen could make plain black swimwear look so stylish.
The two laid-back fashionistas were spotted soaking up the sun at Hotel du Cap Eden Roc in Antibes on Sunday.
The notoriously private Olsen twins looked relaxed and carefree as they dipped into the sea in the south of France.
Mary-Kate showed off her rock-hard abs in a tiny black bikini, paired with colourful necklaces and bangles, while Ashely sported a white strapless one-piece.
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The New York-based sisters were in France to attend the wedding of art collector Alberto Mugrabi and fashion blogger Colby Jordan at the hotel, where they were also seen spending time with English model Poppy Delevingne.
The 30-year-olds were joined by Mary-Kates husband Olivier Sarkozy, half-brother of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.
Olivier (47) and Mary-Kate reportedly wed in an intimate ceremony in New York last November, and Mary-Kates engagement ring couldnt be missed as it glistened in the sun.
The banker reportedly bought the Cartier sparkler for over $80,000 at a Sothebys auction.
The former actresses have spent the last decade focusing on their high-fashion label, The Row, which was awarded the title of CFDA Accessory Designers of the Year in 2014.
Nepal to join BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection
Nepal has decided to join BIMSTEC Grid Interconne- ction and sign a memorandum of understanding at the upcoming third BIMSTEC Energy Ministers Meet that the country is hosting shortly.
New York Police Department (NYPD) has said it is investigating a credible rape allegation against Harvey Weinstein.
The forces chief of detectives, Robert Boyce, said the NYPD was working with New Yorks attorney general to gather enough evidence before obtaining an arrest warrant for the disgraced Hollywood producer.
His comments came during a conference at the authoritys headquarters on Friday as he was asked about a claim made by former Boardwalk Empire star Paz De La Huerta that Weinstein raped her in 2010. According to Vanity Fair magazine, she gave her account to the publication over the phone.
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Mr Boyce said: We became aware of the (alleged) victim on October 25. We got a phone call where we spoke to her. She put forth a credible and detailed narrative to us.
We then sought to garner corroboration. This happened seven years ago, and we found corroboration along the way. We immediately contacted the district attorney in New York and we started working the case together.
We have an actual case here, so we are happy with where the investigation is right now. Mr Weinstein is out of state, we would need an arrest warrant to arrest him.
So right now we are gathering our evidence. We continue to do so every day. So thats where we are in the case right now.
As to others, Im not going to close the door and say that others wont come forward, but this is what we have right now, this is what we are moving forward with.
He added: To arrest Mr Weinstein we would need an arrest warrant, so that requires a court order, so we want to get our evidence first before we go out and do something like that.
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The update comes shortly after Beverly Hills authorities became the fourth police department to launch a probe into claims made against the movie mogul.
Officers said they had received multiple complaints about Weinstein, adding to investigations in the UK and elsewhere in the US.
Weinstein has unequivocally denied allegations of non-consensual sex.
The force also said it is investigating James Toback, the film-maker who has reportedly been accused of sexual harassment by more than 200 women, including actresses Julianne Moore, Selma Blair and Rachel McAdams.
Kevin Spaceys latest film has been pulled from a festival in light of the allegations against the actor.
All The Money In The World, about the real life kidnapping of John Paul Gettys grandson, was due to be screened on the closing night of AFI Fest in Hollywood this month.
But after historical allegations of inappropriate behaviour against the actor emerged, a decision was made to pull it from the event.
TriStar Pictures said: All The Money In The World is a superb film and more than worthy of its place of honour in the AFI Fest.
But given the current allegations surrounding one of its actors and out of respect for those impacted, it would be inappropriate to celebrate at a gala at this difficult time.
Accordingly, the film will be withdrawn.
However, a film is not the work of one person. There are over 800 other actors, writers, artists, craftspeople and crew who worked tirelessly and ethically on this film, some for years, including one of cinemas master directors.
It would be a gross injustice to punish all of them for the wrongdoings of one supporting actor in the film.
Accordingly, the film will open wide as planned on December 22.
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Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams also star in the film.
Last week it emerged that the Metropolitan Police had opened an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault made against Spacey.
Production was also halted on the sixth season of his show House Of Cards following the allegations.
Spaceys representative has said the actor is taking the time necessary to seek evaluation and treatment in light of the claims.
His lawyers have been contacted for comment.
Actress Blake Lively is seen walking in Midtown on October 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
Blake Lively seen on the streets of Manhattan on October 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
Blake Lively seen on the streets of Manhattan on October 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)
Actress Blake Lively is seen outside "Good Morning America" on October 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images)
Hollywood royalty descended on Dublin's Talbot Street as 'Gossip Girl' star Blake Lively started filming on her new movie 'The Rhythm Section'.
The actress is considered one of the most best dressed women in Hollywood, but looked a far cry from her usual glamorous self - she was almost unrecognisable as she dressed down in a pair of tracksuit bottoms and a beanie hat. She is taking the leading role in the espionage thriller, which co-stars Jude Law. Set partly in London, the northside street was closed off for most of yesterday as it was transformed to depict the British capital, complete with black cabs and red phone boxes. The film is slated for release in 2019.
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The spy thriller is being produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli of EON Productions, who produced the last eight James Bond movies, while The Handmaid's Tale's Reed Morano is also involved.
Lively and husband, actor Ryan Reynolds have set up temporary camp in Dublin for several months during filming, renting a seaside home in Killiney with their daughters (two) and Ines (one). Sightings of the pair have been relatively rare, but last month, they were pictured enjoying a family day out in Blackrock at Bear coffee shop
Blake (30) and Ryan (41) are famously private when it comes to their personal lives and have been uncharacteristically quiet on social media so as not to tip fans off about their whereabouts during their time in Ireland. Independent.ie Style can also reveal that production took place at the private country estate Clonwilliam House in Arklow, traditionally used as a one-of-a-kind wedding venue.
Vogue Williams attends the Julien Macdonald show during London Fashion Week September 2017 on September 18, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/BFC/Getty Images for The British Fashion Council)
A model presents a creation by British designer Julien Macdonald during a catwalk show for the Spring/Summer 2018 collection on the fourth day of The London Fashion Week Women's in London on September 18, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / NIKLAS HALLE'NNIKLAS HALLE'N/AFP/Getty Images
Vogue Williams outside House of Holland during London Fashion Week September 2017 on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Christian Vierig/Getty Images)
Vogue Williams attends the Paul Costelloe catwalk show during London Fashion Week at The Waldorf London on September 18, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Vogue Williams attends the House of Holland show during London Fashion Week September 2017 on September 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Darren Gerrish/WireImage)
A model walks the runway at the Paul Costelloe presentation during London Fashion Week September 2017 on September 18, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Anthony Harvey/BFC/Getty Images for The British Fashion Council)
Vogue Williams took centre stage at Irish designer Paul Costelloe's much-awaited showing at London Fashion Week.
The tv presenter (31) was the guest of honour, given the task of closing Monday's presentation at The Waldorf Hilton Hotel, in one that attracted one of the biggest Irish audiences. Williams first shot to fame as a model in Dublin, but never did runway work and instead made a name for herself with promotional work during the Celtic Tiger before moving into television and now enjoys a successful career on the small screen both in the UK and Ireland.
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She described the runway show as an "absolute dream", being given a variety of looks that showcased Costelloe's Spring/Summer '18 collection - filled with dreamy pastels and bold prints that will have you hoping to fast forward to knit layers of autumn and winter straight to next season. The vintage inspiration of the collection was apparent with colourful drop earrings and dramatic eye makeup in the vein of Twiggy's iconic dark mascara.
It seems like the fashion world has been taking note of Williams, who is dating Spencer Matthews, who just happens to count Pippa Middleton as a sister-in-law. She has been a FROW seat of choice at the Julien McDonald and House of Holland shows this week and nabbed a sponsorship deal for her Instagram account.
But yesterday was all about Costelloe, the famously outspoken designer from Limerick, who counted Princess Diana as one of his biggest champions in the '90s and still enjoys in-demand status with the British royal family. After taking a break from showing at LFW, he has once again earned a place at the top of fashionistas' front row wishlists and holds a particular penchant for Irish stars cracking the market across the water.
Former Made in Chelsea star Nicola Hughes, sporting a new orange hairdo, was among the guests and in previous years, Storm Keating, Una Healy and Laura Whitmore all enjoyed their place there, but none moreso than Vogue.
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Melania Trump, above, has had her style compared with Laura Whitmore at the EE British Academy Film Awards REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Ralph Lauren came up trumps for her inaugural appearance as First Lady last month, and it seems US President Donald Trump's wife Melania is already having an impact in the world of fashion.
Elegant, structured and mono-coloured designs have been favoured by celebrities including our own Laura Whitmore and Amanda Byram for recent events, and one man who agrees that Melania's role as First Lady is inevitably influencing fashion is Irish designer Paul Costelloe.
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"I think as a First Lady, Melania is probably the most glamorous since Jackie Kennedy. She will set trends as First Lady. She likes strong colours that work well," he told the Irish Independent.
So far, according to Mr Costelloe, she hasn't put a foot wrong.
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"For the inauguration, I liked the colour of the Ralph Lauren number and I thought she looked comfortable in it," he said.
Earlier this week, Melania chose an exclusive design from fashion powerhouse Karl Lagerfeld (creative director at both Chanel and Fendi) for her first White House press conference, with some commentators stateside concluding that the white cashmere pencil skirt and jacket was a nod to purity, innocence and neutrality.
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That such close attention is even being paid to "colour psychology" and Melania Trump's wardrobe indicates that, like her or loathe her, like many first ladies before her, she's emerging as something of a fashion powerhouse.
For Mr Costelloe, Melania's confidence and ability to showcase a good outfit means many eyes in the fashion world are on her.
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"I think she definitely has her own individual style," he said. "Melania isn't the slimmest person in the world, but she wears everything very well. She was a model so she has good posture. She's certainly Donald's trophy wife, and she behaves accordingly."
Numerous American designers, however, are not keen on dressing her. Tom Ford, for example, certainly didn't mince his words when tackled on the subject, stating: "I was asked to dress her quite a few years ago and I declined. She's not necessarily my image."
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Carolina Herrera, however, predicted attitudes towards dressing the First Lady would change, saying: "In two or three months, they'll reach out. You'll see everyone dressing Melania."
Tommy Hilfiger is also all for dressing Mrs Trump, stressing that as far as he's concerned, her clothes have little to do with politics.
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"I think Melania is a very beautiful woman and I think any designer should be proud to dress her," he said.
Investigators work at the scene of a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas (AP)
The gunman who killed 26 people at a small-town Texas church sent threatening text messages to his mother-in-law before the attack, which appeared to have been driven by domestic tensions, authorities said.
A day after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, investigators also revealed that the gunman had been confronted about domestic violence at least twice in the last five years, including an assault on his ex-wife and a child that ended his Air Force career and another report of violence against a girlfriend who became his second wife.
In the tiny community of Sutherland Springs, population 400, grieving townspeople were reeling from their losses. The dead ranged from 18 months to 77 years old and included multiple members of some families.
President Donald Trump, who was in Japan, called the shooting an "act of evil", branding the gunman "a very deranged individual".
Vice President Mike Pence and his wife, Karen Pence, announced they pln to travel to Texas on Wednesday to meet with those affected by the shooting.
Announcing his travel plans in a tweet, Mr Pence said he will visit family members of those killed, those injured in the attack, and first responders in Sutherland Springs.
"We are with you Texas," Mr Pence tweeted.
The attack appeared to stem from a domestic situation and was not racially or religiously motivated, Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Freeman Martin said.
Based on evidence at the scene, investigators believe Devin Patrick Kelley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after he was chased by armed bystanders and crashed his car.
The 26-year-old also used his mobile phone to tell his father that he had been shot and did not think he would survive, authorities said.
Kelley, dressed in black tactical gear, had fired an assault rifle as he walked down the centre aisle during worship services. He turned around and continued shooting on his way out of the building, officials said.
About 20 other people were wounded, 10 of whom were still in a critical condition in hospital.
The investigation showed that Kelley had displayed a pattern of violence spanning years.
In 2014, sheriff's deputies went to his home to check out a domestic violence complaint involving him and his then-girlfriend. People in the house said there was no problem, and no arrests were made. Kelley married the girlfriend two months later.
That same year, Kelley was discharged from the Air Force for assaulting his previous wife and a child and had served 12 months of confinement after a 2012 court-martial.
He was also charged with misdemeanour animal cruelty in 2014 in Colorado and was the focus of a protective order in that state in 2015.
The gunman's family relationships at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs were uncertain. The sheriff said Kelley's former in-laws sometimes attended services at the church but were not there on Sunday.
Mr Martin said the text messages were sent to the gunman's mother-in-law, who attended the church. It was unclear if they were referring to the same people. Once the shooting started, there was probably "no way" for congregants to escape, Wilson County Sheriff Joe D Tackitt Jr said.
Authorities said Kelley lived in New Braunfels, about 35 miles north of the church. Investigators were reviewing social media posts he made in the days before the attack, including one that appeared to show an AR-15 semi-automatic weapon.
Less than two months ago, Kelley had started a job as an unarmed security guard at a nearby resort.
He "seemed like a nice guy" and did not cause any problems, said Claudia Varjabedian, manager at the Summit Vacation Resort in New Braunfels.
In the Air Force, Kelley served in Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his 2014 discharge, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said.
On Sunday, Kelley pulled into a petrol station across from the church, about 30 miles (48.28 km) south east of San Antonio. He crossed the street and started firing the rifle at the church, then continued firing after entering the white wood-frame building, Mr Martin said.
Twenty-three of the dead were found in the church. Two were found outside and one died after being taken to a hospital, Mr Martin said.
A local resident, armed with a gun, confronted Kelley when he emerged from the church. He had help from another local resident, Johnnie Langendorff, who said he was driving past the church as the shooting happened.
The man exchanged fire with the gunman, then asked to get in Mr Langendorff's truck, and the pair followed as the gunman drove away.
"He jumped in my truck and said, 'He just shot up the church. We need to go get him.' And I said 'Let's go,'" Mr Langendorff said.
The pursuit reached speeds up to 90mph. The gunman eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed. The armed man walked up to the vehicle with his gun drawn, and the suspect did not move. Police arrived about five minutes later, Mr Langendorff said.
"There was no thinking about it. There was just doing. That was the key to all this. Act now. Ask questions later," he said.
Among those killed was the church pastor's 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy. Pastor Frank Pomeroy and his wife, Sherri, were both out of town when the attack occurred, Sherri Pomeroy wrote in a text message.
Church member Nick Uhlig, 34, who was not at Sunday's service, said that his cousin, who was eight months' pregnant, and her in-laws were among those killed. He later told the Houston Chronicle that three of his cousin's children were also slain.
Three weapons were recovered. A Ruger AR-556 rifle was found at the church, and two handguns were recovered from the suspect's vehicle, according to officials.
AP
The board of challenger bank Aldermore has agreed to a 1.1 billion takeover by South Africas FirstRand.
The offer from the financial services firm, whose business interests range from investment and retail banking to asset management, will see it fork out 313p per share.
It represents a 22% premium to Aldermores closing share price on October 12 and values the the firm at 1.1 billion.
FirstRand said it aims to diversify Aldermores proposition in the UK, with the possible addition of services such as car financing, personal loans and insurance.
The offer is subject to a shareholder vote but the board has recommended investors back the deal.
FirstRand chief executive Johan Burger said: We are very pleased that the board of Aldermore, one of the UKs leading specialist lenders, will be recommending our offer.
The transaction is the latest step in our strategy of protecting and building shareholder value by achieving a more diversified revenue profile and we believe it will provide the platform to fulfil our growth objectives in the UK.
It will allow the FirstRand Group to allocate more financial resources to our operations in Africa, whilst diversifying earnings in the UK.
Aldermore which lends to small and medium-sized businesses, home-owners and landlords also announced its third-quarter results, which saw net loans up 12% to 8.4 billlon, driven by 2.4 billion of new lending.
Customer deposits were up 8% to 7.2 billion.
Boss Phillip Monks said of the takeover: The offer reflects our strong track record of delivery and FirstRands confidence in Aldermore to continue delivering on its sustainable growth strategy.
With the backing of FirstRand Groups considerable resources and wider capabilities, we will be able to accelerate the delivery of our strategy and further expand the products and services we offer customers.
Our vision has always been to bring more competition to UK banking, and the support of the FirstRand Group will enable us to continue to do just that.
Burma's leader Aung San Suu Kyi will attend two regional summits this month, amid growing international condemnation of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate over violence against a Muslim minority group allegedly conducted by the country's security forces.
State television said Ms Suu Kyi will attend this week's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam and the November 10-14 summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the Philippines.
In September, Ms Suu Kyi cancelled plans to attend the UN general assembly, a decision widely seen as a response to the criticism of the recent violence, which has sent more than 600,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing into neighbouring Bangladesh.
The televised announcement did not say whether Ms Suu Kyi would discuss the Rohingya crisis during the summits.
AP
The Church of England has threatened to pull investments from mining companies that fail to uphold high standards, saying the industry is particularly vulnerable to poor governance.
The Church said its National Investing Bodies (NIB) which include the Church Commissioners, Church of England Pensions Board and CBF Church of England Funds would first determine whether dialogue would help improve company standards, but turn to divestment as a last resort.
Under the policy the NIBs may disinvest from companies where engagement is rebuffed or is clearly not leading to progress, the Church of England said.
Disinvestment applies in cases where companies are unresponsive to investor concerns, require a disproportionate level of engagement and/or pose too great an ethical risk to warrant continued engagement.
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The Church bodies, which together own 11 billion worth of assets, have already disinvested from two companies amid ethical and corporate governance concerns, that failed to improve despite an extensive programme of engagement with both firms.
It resulted in the Church pulling investments from mining firm Vedanta in 2010 and Soco International in 2015.
The Church said the new policy recognised that mining has the potential to aid development and that the industry sourced material for a number of modern products.
However, it also highlights that extractives companies are particularly vulnerable to poor governance and ethical controversy, and harmful, long-lasting impacts on communities and the environment, the Church added.
It also raised concerns about joint venture ownership structures and varying standards for corporate reporting and operations.
Key ethical concerns in the extractive industries are not to be found in extraction in itself, but in business conduct including management of risk, the effects of operation on communities and national economies, and operating standards, the Church said.
Its investment bodies will be asked to consider issues of responsibility, corporate governance, and ethical risks surrounding human rights, social concerns, health and safety, corruption and tax transparency as well as environment and ecology.
The Church said the policy represented a distinctively Christian approach to investment and was the result of expert input, theological reflection, and two years of public consultations and visits to both mine sites and related communities.
Reverend Malcolm Brown, the Churchs director of mission and public affairs, said: This policy recognises mining, as an expression of human vocation and enterprise, has its place within a Christian understanding of society, and therefore of the investable business sector.
However, this must be balanced against the need for wise stewardship and sustainable patterns of human activity.
It follows on from the Churchs climate change policy in 2015, when it pledged to no longer make any direct investments in companies that generate more than 10% of their revenue from extracting thermal coal or producing oil from tar sands.
More recently it joined the Church Investors Group to send a warning shot to company bosses over excessive executive rewards.
Together, the group wrote to 350 of the biggest companies on the London stock market stressing that they would vote against excessive pay deals.
Nepals air safety issue enters European Commissions Nov meet
The Aviation Safety Committee meeting of the European Commission (EC) will discuss Nepals aviation safety issue on November 13-15 in Brussels, Belgium, to assess the progress made by the countrys carriers and civil aviation authority.
Cyprus's public debt is projected to drop to 98.4% of gross domestic product by the end of this year after partly paying off a large loan it owed to the central bank, the island nation's government has said.
The government said Monday's 621 million euro (549 million) payment shaves 3.2 percentage points off the public debt, bringing it below 100 percent of GDP noticeably faster than earlier forecasts.
The International Monetary Fund had projected that Cyprus' debt would drop to 98.7% of GDP in 2019.
Cypriot government officials have hailed the debt drop as an important sign of the economy's steady return to health.
Cyprus had to get a multi-billion euro rescue deal with the IMF and other eurozone creditors in 2013 to stave off bankruptcy.
AP
A Belgian judge has granted conditional release to sacked Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont and four of his ministers after they voluntarily surrended to police in Brussels yesterday.
The group is scheduled to appear at court within 15 days.
Mr Puigdemont, who turned himself in to Belgian police after Spain issued a European arrest warrant for rebellion and misuse of public funds, is now barred from leaving Belgium without a judge's consent.
The separatist leader, removed from office by the Spanish government, has declared that he will fight extradition to Spain, where he faces a possible criminal trial and imprisonment of up to 30 years.
The Brussels prosecutor's office announced yesterday morning that Mr Puigdemont had turned himself in, along with four former ministers from his ousted Catalan administration, who travelled to Belgium last week with their leader to avoid a Spanish court summons.
The Catalan administration last month held a referendum deemed unlawful by Madrid and declared the region independent of Spain. The Madrid High Court judge investigating all 14 members of the deposed Catalan administration remanded eight former ministers in custody without bail and issued European arrest warrants for the five fugitives in Brussels, who are accused of rebellion and sedition, among other offences.
"They went to the office of the federal judicial police and were deprived of their liberty this morning at 9.17am," said Gilles Dejemeppe, a Brussels prosecutor's office spokesman.
Mr Puigdemont has insisted that he does not fear justice, but has lashed out against what he calls Spain's "politicised judiciary". "We are prepared to fully co-operate with Belgian justice following the European arrest warrant issued by Spain," Mr Puigdemont posted on his Twitter feed on Saturday.
"There is no fear of justice, only of injustice," said Gonzalo Boye, the lawyer who is defending Meritxell Serret and Toni Comin, two of Mr Puigdemont's former regional ministers.
The Catalan nationalists have strong support from Flemish political parties in Belgium. The fleeing of Mr Puigdemont and his colleagues to Brussels had been preceded by the country's immigration minister, Theo Francken, saying they would be able to seek asylum.
Yesterday, the Belgian vice-premier and interior minister said that Madrid had overreacted and all efforts must be made to ensure that Mr Puigdemont and his colleagues get a fair trial if he is returned to Spain. Jan Jambon, who criticised the "silence" of the European Union on the issue, said: "I am just questioning how a European Union member state can go this far and I am asking myself whether Europe is to have an opinion on this."
Former Belgian prime minister Guy Verhofstadt, leader of the liberals in the European Parliament, suggested the Spanish judiciary releases the former Catalan officials to prevent the legitimacy of next month's elections being undermined.
A man pauses at a memorial for the victims of a mass shooting in Las Vegas. Stephen Paddock opened fire on an outdoor music concert killing 58 people and wounding 500. Photo: AP
October 1, 2017: Gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire on an outdoor music festival on the Las Vegas Strip from the 32nd floor of a hotel, killing 58 people and wounding 500. Swat teams stormed his room and he killed himself.
June 12, 2016: Omar Mateen opened fire at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, killing 49 people. Mateen was later killed in a shootout with police.
February 25, 2016: Cedric Ford (38) killed three people and wounded 14 others at a lawnmower factory where he worked in the central Kansas community of Hesston. The local police chief killed him during a shootout.
February 20, 2016: Jason Dalton (45) is accused of randomly killing six people and wounding two others during a series of attacks in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He faces murder charges.
December 2, 2015: Syed Rizwan Farook (28) and Tashfeen Malik (27) opened fire at a social services centre in San Bernardino, California, killing 14 people and wounding 20. They died hours later in a shootout with police.
October 1, 2015: A shooting at a college in Roseburg, Oregon, left 10 people dead and seven wounded. Shooter Christopher Harper-Mercer (26) killed himself.
June 17, 2015: Dylann Roof (21) shot and killed nine African-American church members during a Bible study group in a church in Charleston, South Carolina. Police contend the attack was racially motivated. Roof has been sentenced to death for the shootings.
May 23, 2014: A community college student, Elliot Rodger (22), killed six people and wounded 13 in shooting and stabbing attacks in the area near the University of California, Santa Barbara, campus. Authorities said he shot himself after a gunbattle with deputies.
September 16, 2013: Aaron Alexis, a civilian contractor, shot 12 people to death at the Washington Navy Yard before he was killed in a police shootout.
July 26, 2013: Pedro Vargas (42) went on a rampage at his Hialeah, Florida, apartment building, gunning down six people before officers fatally shot him.
December 14, 2012: In Newtown, Connecticut, a 20-year-old man entered Sandy Hook Elementary School and used a semi-automatic rifle to kill 26 people, including 20 first-graders and six adult school staff members. He then killed himself.
Police in Los Angeles are investigating a second claim against Harvey Weinstein, as detectives in New York described a rape allegation against the disgraced producer as "credible".
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) said the latest complainant had accused Weinstein of "lewd conduct" in 2015, adding to the force's investigation of a rape allegation.
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This came after the New York Police Department's (NYPD) chief of detectives, Robert Boyce, said the force was working to gather enough evidence to arrest the 65-year-old over claims by actress Paz de la Huerta. The Boardwalk Empire actress (33) told Vanity Fair magazine that Weinstein raped her twice in 2010.
Speaking at a press conference last Friday, Mr Boyce said the force had interviewed her and was working on gathering corroboratory evidence.
"She put forth a credible and detailed narrative to us," he said. "We have an actual case here, so we are happy with where the investigation is right now. Mr Weinstein is out of state, we would need an arrest warrant to arrest him.
"So right now we are gathering our evidence. We continue to do so every day."
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The LAPD was already investigating the claim by an Italian actress that Weinstein raped her in a hotel near Beverly Hills in 2013.
Of the new allegation, force spokesman Tony Im said: "We have a second victim that came forward alleging Harvey Weinstein of lewd conduct that occurred in 2015."
Four forces in total are investigating the former Hollywood king-maker who had a rapid fall from grace when dozens of women publicly accused him of sexual harassment and assault.
Officers in Beverly Hills are also investigating- and London's Metropolitan Police are looking into 11 separate allegations of sexual assault against Weinstein from seven different women.
Weinstein has "unequivocally denied" all allegations of non-consensual sex.
And yesterday actress Julianna Margulies added her voice to Hollywood's sexual harassment controversy, saying Weinstein and actor Steven Seagal both tried to sexually harass her earlier in her career.
The star of The Sopranos, ER and The Good Wife claimed that she was led to their rooms by female assistants, ostensibly for business reasons, however: "These women were leading me to the lion's den."
Speaking on Sirius XM radio, Margulies told now-familiar tales of being taken to hotel rooms on the pretext of some official business.
In the Seagal case, Margulies was 23 when a female casting director asked her to go to the actor's hotel room at 10pm to "go over a scene". She was told it was between her and another actress for a role that would get her the coveted Screen Actors Guild card.
Margulies said when she arrived at the hotel, the casting director wasn't there, but Seagal was. When she entered his hotel room: "I saw his gun, which I had never seen a gun in real life."
Somehow, Margulies said, she got out of the room "unscathed. I never was raped. And I never was harmed. And I don't know how I got out of that hotel room I sorta screamed my way out".
Shaken by the encounter, a far more wary Margulies recounted a 1996 encounter with Weinstein. She was in her third season of ER and told that if she met Weinstein, she would get a screen test. She was also promised that the woman accompanying her would be in the room at the hotel with them.
"She knocked on the door, and she was standing behind me," Margulies recalled. "And he opened the door in a bathrobe. I could see that there were candles lit in the room, and there was a dinner for two. And I saw him stare at her, daggers."
Margulies turned to quiz her companion. "And I caught her in a shrug - like 'What could I do?' And he looked at me, furious, and he took the door and he said, 'Just wanted to say good audition'. And he slammed the door."
Margulies did not get the part. And though she is now established enough in the Hollywood firmament to avoid future such incidents, she asked, "What's a 16-year-old actress supposed to do?"
The revelations come as it is being reported that US police are monitoring Weinstein's movements in case he tries to leave the country.
A law enforcement officer told the New York Post: "We don't want another Roman Polanski on our hands." The Oscar-winning movie director fled the USA for France in 1977 after he was charged with raping a 13-year-old girl.
Meanwhile, the BBC has been accused of ignoring allegations that Chris Evans, the corporation's highest paid star, repeatedly exposed himself to a female colleague while working for Channel 4.
Details of the alleged sustained sexual harassment in the 1990s, when Evans was working on The Big Breakfast, were spelled out in an email to Lord Hall, the BBC's director general.
The woman's allegations were published in the Sun. She said Evans "would walk in naked following his morning ritual of taking a bath and would sometimes touch himself".
"On one occasion, he grabbed my breasts," she reportedly said.
She added: "This is something that I have had to live with for over two decades and it still haunts me now."
According to the woman, Evans, who was married to Carol McGiffin at the time, intensified his bullying after his advances were rejected.
"He turned other crew members against me and I became very isolated. I went from loving my job to feeling dread every morning."
Evans, who denied sexual assault and claimed he was the victim of a witch-hunt, was questioned by police about the allegations last year. The investigation was dropped at the woman's request. "I did this because at the time I was too scared to face him in a court hearing."
Responding to the allegations relating to Evans, a BBC spokesman said: "We take these issues very seriously and are committed to dealing with matters responsibly and fairly when they are raised with us.
"We wouldn't comment on individuals but the matters raised do not relate to a BBC programme and date back more than 20 years, and press reports in 2016 stated that the police investigated - including interviewing under caution - and concluded that there was insufficient evidence. For these reasons we do not think that the BBC could have relevant information relating to the allegations made.
"If an individual has information that might change the police's judgment, then that would be a matter to raise directly with them."
Paddy output likely to hit new record despite floods
The August floods which caused widespread death and destruction were a traumatic experience for the people in the southern Tarai plains, but the nutrients they brought to the farmlands enriched the soil and boosted productivity, prompting officials to predict another record harvest and hike in economic output.
Special prosecutor Robert Mueller has enough evidence to bring criminal charges against Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, it has been reported.
The special counsel, who is leading the probe into possible collusion between Mr Trump's team and Russia during last year's presidential election campaign, is said to have uncovered evidence that Mr Flynn acted improperly in relation to his work lobbying for foreign governments.
Mr Flynn resigned in February, after just 24 days in the role, when it emerged that he had lied to Vice-President Mike Pence about his communications with representatives of the Russian government.
Sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News Mr Mueller was putting pressure on Mr Flynn after the indictment and arrest of Paul Manafort, Mr Trump's former campaign chairman, last month.
Mr Manafort and his business partner Rick Gates have been charged with 12 offences, including money-laundering and conspiracy against the United States.
The alleged evidence against Mr Flynn, a retired army general, suggests that Mr Mueller's probe is getting closer to the inner circle around Mr Trump.
If Mr Flynn is charged, he would be the first person who had held an administration post to face prosecution.
White House officials have stressed that those charged to date were campaign officials who were not subsequently brought into government by Mr Trump.
U.S. President Donald Trump pours out the remaining fish food from a container as he feeds carp at a koi pond with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, third from right, before their working lunch at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. (Toru Hanai/Pool Photo via AP)
The US President joined prime minister Shinzo Abe who invited him to take part in the act of bonding between guest and host during his trip to the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo.
The White House chief stood on a balcony above the gentle ripples on the surface when an aide for Mr Abe clapped her hands to lure the rare and colourful creatures.
Fish lovers gagged at the sight and wondered had Mr Trump left the koi carp which cannot eat a large volume of food sick or even killed them.
The former Apprentice star quickly came under fire on social media but all is not as it seems.
Twitter users lashed out after the US President dumped his box of food into the pond of koi carp in Akasaka Palace before his meeting with Mr Abe.
Lindsay Beyerstein wrote: Trump murders beloved koi by overfeeding. It's not a Las Vegas buffet, you moron. They suffocate on the extra food!
Sandra K Eckersley wrote: Idiot #Trump dumps entire box of fish food in delicate Koi fish pond.
SV Taylor posted: Oh Dear God! Everything Trump touches dies Gonna be a slaughter of Koi fish!
But Ruben Rosario focused on how Mr Trump had potentially damaged this symbolic act with Mr Abe.
He posted: Do I have to explain how F**ked up what TRUMP did to the KOI Fish IS? The KOI Fish Ceremony dates back to the days of Buddha an is Considered a source of Good Luck. To rush this is Highly Disrespectful.
A website for fish experts and lovers - Aquascape - gives advice warning owners of koi carp not to give them too much food.
It read: Overfeeding occurs anytime the fish are eating more than they need. This can make your fish sick.
However if you watch the entire clip shown below, Donald Trump only throws the food in after prime minister Shinzo Abe did so first.
The man named as the gunman in a mass shooting at a Texas church was discharged from the US Air Force for allegedly assaulting his spouse and child and also had a history of animal cruelty, it has emerged.
A US Air Force spokeswoman, Ann Stefanek, said Devin Kelley served 12 months' confinement after a 2012 court-martial for the assault on his spouse and child.
He ultimately received a bad conduct discharge and reduction in rank.
Neighbours of the gunman said they had heard gunfire in days leading up to the church atrocity while it also emerged that the killer had previously been charged with misdemeanour animal cruelty in the US state of Colorado.
Ms Stefanek said Kelley served in Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his discharge in 2014.
His job was responsible for moving passengers, cargo and personal property in military transportation.
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 Members of the FBI Evidence Response Team use metal detectors at the playground at the site of the shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Memorial flowers are surrounded by media waiting for a news conference outside the site of the shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking A woman delivers flowers to a memorial surrounded by media waiting for a news conference outside the site of the shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Members of the FBI Evidence Response Team use metal detectors outside the site of the shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Pastor Frank Pomeroy (L) listens to his wife Sherri speaking at a news conference outside the site of the shooting at his church, the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Members of the FBI Evidence Response Team use metal detectors outside the site of the shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Pastor Frank Pomeroy, with his wife Sherri, listens at a news conference outside the site of the shooting at his church, the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Officials speak to the news media during a news conference, a day after a mass shooting at the First Baptish Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Herskovitz A law enforcement vehicle sits outside the entrance where Devin Patrick Kelley lived Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, in New Braunfels, Texas.(AP Photo/David J. Phillip) A bouquet of flowers lies at the base of a roadblock where law enforcement officials work at the scene of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, in Sutherland Springs, Texas. . (AP Photo/Eric Gay) The playground at the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking A woman looks at her phone on her porch next to the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking A woman looks at her phone, on her porch next to the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking A woman sits on her porch next to the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Neighbours who live next to the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs are pictured, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Neighbours who live next to the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs are pictured, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Neighbours who live next to the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs are pictured, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking A woman is escorted to site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Neighbours who live next to the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs are pictured, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Police stand outside the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking The site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking The playground at the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking The site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking The playground at the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking The site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking A man walks past the front of the First Baptist Church on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, where a gunman opened fire on a Sunday service in Sutherland Springs, Texas. (Nick Wagner/Austin American-Statesman via AP) Media and police stand outside the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking Police stand outside the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking A police officer walks down the street past a huge refrigerated tent outside the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking A police officer stands outside the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking / Facebook
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Whatsapp Members of the FBI Evidence Response Team use metal detectors at the playground at the site of the shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland, Texas, U.S., November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Rick Wilking
Kelley has been identified as the person who opened fire on Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, killing 26 people and wounding about 20 others.
Kelley is reported to have lived in a San Antonio suburb and does not appear to be linked to any organised terrorist groups.
The official said investigators are looking at social media posts Kelley may have made in the days before Sunday's attack, including one that appeared to show an AR-15 style semi-automatic weapon.
An address listed in online records as belonging to Kelley is located in New Braunfels, Texas, just outside San Antonio and about 35 miles from Sutherland Springs.
At the address listed for Kelley in New Braunfels, two sheriff's vans were parked outside and police officers stood at the gate of a cattle fence surrounding the property.
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Neighbours said that they heard intense gunfire coming from the direction of the address listed for Kelley in recent days.
"It's really loud. At first I thought someone was blasting," said Ryan Albers, 16, who lives across the road.
"It had to be coming from somewhere pretty close.
"It was definitely not just a shotgun or someone hunting.
"It was someone using automatic weapon fire."
A person matching Kelley's name and date of birth also registered in 2014 to vote in Colorado, with an address listed in Colorado Springs, home of the US Air Force Academy.
The Colorado Secretary of State's office lists his registration now as inactive.
Court records in Colorado's El Paso County indicate Kelley was cited for animal cruelty on August 1 2014, when he lived in a mobile home park near Colorado Springs.
He was given a deferred probationary sentence and was ordered to pay 368 dollars in restitution.
The charge was dismissed in March 2016 after Kelley completed his sentence.
The Denver Post reports court records indicate someone was granted a protection order against Kelley on January 15 2015, also in El Paso County.
The suspect, who is believed to have taken his own life after the church killings, was found dead in his vehicle near the border between Texas's Wilson and Guadalupe counties.
The Champs Elysees pictured on Bastille Day
Carnival workers are creating traffic chaos in Paris to protest against the city's ban on a popular Christmas fair on the Champs Elysees Avenue.
The French road authority reported increased traffic on several roads into Paris during Monday morning rush hour.
French broadcasters showed lorries running a so-called "escargot operation" on a road west of Paris, driving at a snail's pace across multiple lanes.
Riot police vans were stationed on Paris' western edge to block carnival lorry from entering the city after the Paris police chief said they would enforce City Hall's ban on the fair.
The city voted in June to change the format of the Christmas market, saying it had become too commercial.
Carnival magnate Marcel Campion and his supporters have objected.
Negotiations last week failed to defuse the dispute.
AP
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe has fired a vice president who had previously been seen as a likely successor, removing an obstacle to the presidential ambitions of Mr Mugabe's wife.
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa was removed from office on Monday "with immediate effect", the government said, opening the way to the possible appointment of Grace Mugabe to the post.
The 93-year-old president and his wife have in recent months accused Mr Mnangagwa of plotting to oust Zimbabwe's leader, who has been in power since independence from white minority rule in 1980.
Mr Mnangagwa had been vice president since 2014 when his predecessor, Joice Mujuru, was fired for allegedly plotting to oust Mr Mugabe.
His dismissal was announced by Simon Khaya Moyo, the information minister.
Mr Mnangagwa was the most prominent of two vice presidents and had been part of Mr Mugabe's cabinet since independence in 1980.
He is said to have enjoyed the support of military generals and war veterans.
His critics view him as ruthless because he was in charge of state security when Mr Mugabe unleashed a North Korean-trained brigade to crush dissent in western Zimbabwe in the 1980s.
At the weekend, both Mr Mugabe and his wife used political rallies to suggest that Mr Mnangagwa would be fired.
Speculation is now swirling over whether Grace Mugabe will be appointed to the vacant vice president's post at a party congress next month.
On Sunday, she said at a rally that she was ready to take over from her husband.
"So I have said to the president: 'You can also leave me in charge,'" she said.
"'Give me the job and I will do it very well because I am good.
"I can do a great job.'"
AP
It is estimated that about 1,000 units directly and nearly 10,000 allied units have been severely impacted by the ban on the use of petcoke and furnace oil from November 1, say the Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
The industries that are directly affected are in all segments i.e. large, medium and small are textiles, rubber, sugar, steel, paper, packaging, forging, agro based industries etc. NCR is the major hub of export of garments and auto components. With the closure of textile processing factories, the supply of fabric to these exporters will also be discontinued, resulting in extinction of this trade from this region.
Similarly, sugar, paper, rubber, agro based industries will also not be able to sustain their business because of sharp increase in cost of fuel, as a result of ban on use of pet coke & furnace oil.
There are no clear guidelines regarding emission of pollutants such as SO2 and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx). Earlier, the Supreme Court of India had directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to formulate the norms for SO2 and NOx for the industry by 30th June, 2017.
Interestingly out of all the fuels used, pet coke is being labelled as a polluting fuel only because of higher Sulphur content and it is alleged that it emits SO2, which pollutes the environment. However, as per the latest report form CPCB, the SO2 level in the entire NCR region including Delhi are well within the prescribed limits.
Other than SO2 levels, PM 10 & PM 2.5 levels in the gases emitted by the use of pet coke, are also well within prescribed limits.
As per EPCA (Environment Pollution Control Authority) in PM10 and PM2.5 the main polluting particles, the industrial contribution is only 11% whereas the major contributors are Road Dust (38%), Vehicular pollution (20%), Domestic Source (12%) and others.
It is imperative that adequate time be given to the industries to set up their process to meet the new norms laid down by the ministry. Therefore, the ban needs to be lifted to save the industry as well as prevent lakhs of workers being rendered jobless, said the industry chamber.
The only alternative to furnace oil and pet coke is natural gas which is nearly four times more expensive and this the industry cannot afford in this competitive environment and poor economic scenario. The industries are already under tremendous stress after the implementation of GST and the ban on use of Pet Coke will prove to be the final nail in the coffin. Over 25 lakh workers will be rendered jobless in Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Panipat, Sonipat& Noida alone.
As per earlier order of 2nd May by the Supreme court, according to ASSOCHAM the industries are already in the process of procuring &commissioning the wet scrubbers& other pollution control technologies to bring down the emission levels of SO2 within the norms prescribed by CPCB &Ministry of Environment. The industry is committed to maintain a cleaner & pollution free environment.
It is also to be considered that during the Diwali holidays, most of the industries were closed from 19th to 22nd October,17& were not using pet coke. Even at that time the air pollution level increased in these days, due to burning of fire crackers, vehicular pollution & stubble burning, which is an indication that the other factors are having a much bigger impact on deteriorating the air quality.
There has been no action by the Government authorities to control the dust pollution; while they are trying to control stubble burning but they are facing resistance from the farmers. But on the contrary the industry is always agreeing to fully comply with the norms as and when laid down, yet they have been punished.
Washington, Nov 6 (IBNS): It is very likely that 2017 will be one of the three hottest years on record, with many high-impact events including catastrophic hurricanes and floods, debilitating heatwaves and drought.
Long-term indicators of climate change such as increasing carbon dioxide concentrations, sea level rise and ocean acidification continue unabated. Arctic sea ice coverage remains below average and previously stable Antarctic sea ice extent was at or near a record low.
The World Meteorological Organizations provisional Statement on the State of the Climate says the average global temperature from January to September 2017 was approximately 1.1C above the pre-industrial era.
As a result of a powerful El Nino, 2016 is likely to remain the warmest year on record, with 2017 and 2015 being second and/or third. 2013-2017 is set to be the warmest five-year period on record.
The WMO statement which covers January to September - was released on the opening day of the United Nations climate change conference in Bonn.
It includes information submitted by a wide range of UN agencies on human, socio-economic and environmental impacts as part of a drive to provide a more comprehensive, UN-wide policy brief for decision makers on the interplay between weather, climate and water and the UN global goals.
The past three years have all been in the top three years in terms of temperature records. This is part of a long term warming trend, said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. We have witnessed extraordinary weather, including temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius in Asia, record-breaking hurricanes in rapid succession in the Caribbean and Atlantic reaching as far as Ireland, devastating monsoon flooding affecting many millions of people and a relentless drought in East Africa.
Many of these events and detailed scientific studies will determine exactly how many bear the tell-tale sign of climate change caused by increased greenhouse gas concentrations from human activities, he said.
Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change which is hosting the Bonn conference, said: These findings underline the rising risks to people, economies and the very fabric of life on Earth if we fail to get on track with the aims and ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
There is unprecedented and very welcome momentum among governments, but also cities, states, territories, regions, business and civil society. Bonn 2017 needs to be the launch pad towards the next, higher level of ambition by all nations and all sectors of society as we look to de-risk the future and maximize the opportunities from a fresh, forward-looking and sustainable development path, she added.
Extreme events affect the food security of millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. A review of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) found that, in developing countries, agriculture (crops, livestock, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry) accounted for 26% of all the damage and loss associated with medium to large-scale storms, floods and drought.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the global health impacts of heatwaves depend not only on the overall warming trend, but on how heatwaves are distributed across where people live. Recent research shows that the overall risk of heat-related illness or death has climbed steadily since 1980, with around 30% of the worlds population now living in climatic conditions that deliver prolonged extreme heatwaves. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of vulnerable people exposed to heatwave events has increased by approximately 125 million.
In 2016, 23.5 million people were displaced during weather-related disasters. Consistent with previous years, the majority of these internal displacements were associated with floods or storms and occurred in the Asia-Pacific region. In Somalia, more than 760 000 internal displacements have been reported, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
The latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Economic Outlook indicates that adverse consequences are concentrated in countries with relatively hot climates and which are home to close to 60% of current global population.
Kolkata, Nov 6 (IBNS): Honor, Huaweis Smartphone e-brand, recently launched the new Holly 4 Plus smartphone in India.
The device comes incorporated with apical technology and numerous new exciting features and is designed for consumers who wish to capture sharper pictures with a massive battery, the company said.
The Holly 4 Plus comes with a sleek 8.2mm think body with a metal finish. It come with an 8MP front camera with a beauty mode.
The camera has a rear fingerprint scanner as a security measure.
P Sanjeev, Vice President Sales, Huawei Consumer Business Group India, said, The success of the Holly series was so overwhelming that it encouraged us to continue making improved and revolutionary products. The Holly 4 Plus has been curated to meet the preferences of our consumers better."
Hesaid, We have received an exemplary response in all our recent launches from the tech experts and our target audience. This is another offering from us with an aim to cater to the diverse Indian market and serve it in the best way possible.
The Honor Holly 4 Plus is available in Grey, Gold and Silver color, pegged at an MOP of Rs 13,999 across all Honor partner stores pan Indian.
The device will be bundled with a 5V/2A charger, 3.5 mm handsfree with inline call button, and standard USB-A to microUSB cable, the company said.
Honor has increased the number of service centers pan India to provide unmatched after sales service to its consumers.
The Honor Holly 4 Plus comes with a standard 12-month service warranty offering additional piece of mind for the consumer.
The Honor Holly 4 Plus is packed with a 4000mAh battery pack.
According to the company, the user can enjoy 20 hours video playback, 66 hours music playback or 15 hours of 4G web surfing.
The Holly 4 Plus comes with a 2.5D all glass display with a metal finish design. The 13.97cm screen comes with HD quality display.
Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 Octa-Core 64bit processor running on the Android 7.0 with EMUI 5.1 on top, the device comes with 3GB RAM AND 32 GB internal storage and can thereafter be expanded with the help of a memory card up to 128 GB.
The all-new Holly 4 Plus offers 12MP rear camera with 1.25micrometer sensor for superior low light photography.
The 8 MP front camera comes with a beauty mode with speed focus of 0.3 sec. Other modes inlcude Slowmotion, Timelapse and PRO camera.
Papers might have been leaked, police tell IoM
Police investigations show that the MBBS entrance questions of the Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine were leaked. The questions matched the answers that were jotted down by the fake MBBS examinees and the kingpin of the racket that charged students promising help during the test.
Kolkata, Nov 6 (IBNS): West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged all Twitter users to change their display pictures to black on Nov. 8, the day when the Modi government will celebrate the one year completion of noteban, as a mark of protest.
The WB CM tweeted: "#Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black
#Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 6, 2017
The central government, that had banned Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes on Nov. 8, 2016, will observe the same day this year as an Anti Black Money Day."
Banerjee, who has vehemently opposed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government on a number of issues in recent times, said her party Trinamool Congress will observe the day as a Black Day, which has received support from other opposition parties.
"We will observe Kala Dibas (Black Day) in all blocks on November 8 to mark the anniversary of demonetisation. Rallies will be organised between 2-3 PM. Prepare slogans to reach out to people," she said earlier while addressing at the TMC's extended core committee meeting.
The TMC chief even called the demonetisation as the biggest scam.
"There must be an investigation into it. I had tweeted within 45 minutes of the announcement. Today Manmohan Singh, P Chidambaram, Arun Shourie are saying the same thing. Even eminent economists have spoken out against demonetisation," she said.
"What purpose did demonetisation serve? Did it weed out black money? No. Did it put an end to terrorism? No. Only one party converted its black money into white. They have also stashed away their black money abroad," the CM added,
Meanwhile, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley had announced the BJP will observe Nov 8 as an Anti Black Money Day.
Jaitley said : "We aim to make India an anti-corruption nation."
Jaitley said demonetisation was a huge step to make India a less cash economy.
He said top leaders of the party will travel across India to promote 'Anti-Black Money Day'.
In the post-demonetisation phase, the country had witnessed a huge protest from a collective Opposition at the national capital.
The combined Opposition, including arch-rivals like TMC-Left, SP-BSP, staged a protest outside the parliament against the noteban policy.
Chennai, Nov 6 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday saidi media can play a role to create an awareness about the global climate change, reports said.
Modi was speaking at an event by a Tamil daily 'Daily Thanthi' in Chennai.
Modi, who is presently in Tamil Nadu, said editorial freedom "must be used wisely".
Regarding the climate change, the PM said: "The climate change is a challenge for each one of us."
Modi even urged the media houses to devote some time on the issue of climate change. He said the newspapers should write one sentence per day about the issue.
"It will increase the strength of the publication itself" the PM added.
According to reports, Modi, who reached Chennai on Monday, will also attend an event at the Centenary Hall of Madras University and later the marriage of senior IAS officer T V Somanathan's daughter.
Media reports quoted a senior police officer as saying, "Under the supervision of city Police Commissioner A K Viswanathan, five Additional Commissioners, six Joint Commissioners, 43 Deputy Commissioners and 80 Assistant Commissioners are making security arrangements with a round-the-clock vigil."
The officer added that the area around Madras University has been cordoned off and traffic have been diverted.
Image: Twitter/@PIB_India
Kolkata, Nov 6 (IBNS): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday called the 'GST' as 'Great Selfish Tax' and said it has been introduced by the Centre to harass people.
"Great Selfish Tax (GST) to harass the people.To take away jobs. To hurt businesses. To finish the economy. GoI totally failed to tackle #GST," Banerjee tweeted.
She also urged people to turn their Twitter dp to black on Nov 8 to protest on one year of note ban anniversary.
She called note ban as a disaster.
"#Noteban is a disaster. On #Nov8BlackDay to protest against this scam that destroyed the economy, let us also change our Twitter DP to black," the Chief Minister said.
The Centre on Nov 8 last year had banned old Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 currency notes.
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IBNS): Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Naval Staff is visiting France on a bilateral visit from Nov 5 to 10.
The visit aims to consolidate cooperation between the Armed Forces of both India and France and also to explore new avenues of defence cooperation.
During his visit, the Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Naval Staff will hold bilateral discussions with Florence Parly, Defence Minister of France, General Francois Lecointre, Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Christophe Prazuck, Chief of French Navy, General Joel Barre, Director General Armament and Vice Admiral Hervede Bonnaventure, Director General International Relations and Strategy.
In-addition to holding important bilateral discussions, the Admiral will be visiting the Maritime Prefectures at Brest and Cherbourg, and be conducted around the Maritime Operations Centre.
He will also visit the French Airbase at Landivisiau, where he will be briefed on the operational employability of the Rafale aircraft by the French Air Force, and also visit the French Submarine Facility at Cherbourg.
India and France have traditionally maintained close and friendly relations.
The two countries established a Strategic Partnership in 1998, thereby significantly enhancing bilateral cooperation in strategic areas such as defence, nuclear energy and space.
The Defence relationship between the two countries has been one of mutual trust and confidence.
India has been importing critical defence technologies from France; the latest being the Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Forces and the Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy cooperates with the French Navy on many issues, which include operational interactions such as the VARUNA series of bilateral exercises, training exchanges, exchange of White Shipping Information and Subject Matter Experts in various fields through the medium of Staff Talks.
Warships from Indian Navy have been regularly visiting ports at France, with IN ships Mumbai, Trishul and Aditya making port call at Toulon from 24 to 27 April 2017. The French Navy ship Auvergne, a FREMM Class Frigate, also visited the Indian Naval Base at Karwar from 2 to 6 October 2017.
The Indian Army and Air Force also maintain robust cooperation with the French Army and Air Force.
The Indian Army conducts the biennial exercise SHAKTI with the French Army, whilst the Indian Air Force conducts the GARUDA series of exercises annually. Both the Services also carryout exchanges of Subject Matter Experts and pursue a structured cooperation mechanism through the medium of Staff Talks of their respective Services.
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IBNS): A delegation from the United Kingdom led by the Minister of State for Immigration Brandon Lewis, held talks with the Indian delegation led by the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju here on Monday.
The discussions covered variety of important issues ranging from cooperation in matters of immigration, tackling extremism, extradition, cyber crimes, sharing of criminal records and social security for Indian workers returning from the UK.
At the outset, Kiren Rijiju elaborated the stand of the Government of India on the Migration issues between India and the UK and also sought cooperation of the UK side on more favourable visa regime for Indians, especially Indian students. While seeking cooperation of the UK Government in expediting Indias 13 extradition requests MoS (Home) also assured the visiting Minister of full cooperation on behalf of the Government of India in the extradition of Mohammad Abdul Shakur wanted in the UK on murder charges. During the meeting, Rijiju conveyed New Delhis concerns on the continuing anti-India propaganda carried out by Kashmiri and Sikh extremists in the UK that bear serious repercussions on Indias sovereignty. On behalf of the Government of India, Rijiju also conveyed willingness to cooperate on exchange of criminal records, read a government statement.
Lewis expressed satisfaction that meetings between the Indian and UK Immigration Ministers have been formalized as a dialogue every six months and expressed hope that this will further strengthen the bilateral ties.
Further, drawing attention to the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that will take place in London in April next year, Lewis sought Indias participation and support in making the summit a success.
Image: Kiren Rijiju Twitter page
Patna, Nov 6 (IBNS): Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Monday spoke in favour of the reservations for the backward classes in private sectors too, media reports said.
Nitish made the comment while speaking at the weekly programme of 'Lok Sambad'.
The Janata Dal (United) chief said the extension of the reservations to the private sector should be debated at the national level.
"It is our personal opinion that existing provisions of reservation should be extended in private sector also. But there should be a debate on the issue at national level. Final decision on the issue will be taken by Parliament," Nitish was quoted by The Times Of India.
"If you're using government money and giving employment, then you have to follow the Reservation Act of the state," the chief minister added.
Speaking about the reservations in outsourcing, Nitish said: "Although I am opposed to outsourcing, and the department should hire directly, we have made rules that if we are employing someone through outsourcing, then reservation policies should be followed."
Nitish's cabinet in the last week stated if any government department gives out work to any private company, a 50% reservation must be maintained.
New Delhi, Nov 6 (IBNS): Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurated a two-day National Workshop Chintan Shivir organized by Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development in New Delhi on Monday.
The main aim of the workshop is to provide holistic education relevant for 21st century India and to bring together key stakeholders from various NGOs, private sector and individuals to deliberate on key themes in the education sector.
Speaking on the occasion HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar congratulated the officers of the ministry for organizing the workshop by which we can learn from the best practices of each other.
He informed that workshop mainly focuses on five themes i.e. Digital education, Life Skill education, Experimental learning, Physical Education and Value education.
He envisaged Operation Digital Board to be operational in all the schools of the country in the coming years.
He said government and various other organisations working in the field of education should do content corporation and create a common digital platform to provide digital education for all the students of the country.
The Minister said education is incomplete without Physical Education. Students must do exercise, yoga, aerobics, running depending upon their choice to stay fit and healthy.
The Minister further said life skill education and value education is the need of the hour and one must inculcate these attributes in his behavior for the holistic development.
Speaking on the occasion MoS, HRD Shri Satyapal Singh said that the main aim of the education is to provide complete development of a person and to inculcate humanity in them.
He said complete development involves development of human body, mind, wisdom and soul.
He further said that human body can be developed by teaching physical education and wisdom can be gained by value education. We must teach our children the value of life and education.
He appreciated the efforts of the organizers and wished them all the success in future endeavors.
Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar also launched a Compendium on Innovations and Best Practices in School Education and a State-NGO-CSR Portal Shaala Sarathi on the occasion.
Srinagar, Nov 6 (IBNS): An Indian army personnel and three militants were killed in an encounter in Kandi Aglar village of Pulwama district on Kashmir, police said on Monday.
Speaking to India Blooms, a police officer said that three militants, who are believed to be associated with Jaish-e-Muhammad, have been killed in the fierce encounter that broke out on Monday evening at Kandi Aglar village in Pulwama of South Kashmir.
The bodies of all the three militants were recovered along with two AK-47 rifles and a pistol, he said.
Meanwhile Defence spokesperson said the identities of the militants are yet to be ascertained.
The encounter is over but searches are underway.
The spokesperson further said that soldier Sham Sundar of 44RR was killed in the gunfight.
During gunfight, a civilian has also been injured as a result of stone-throwing clashes near the encounter site.
(Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri)
Mumbai, Nov 6 (IBNS): Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has shot one of the most extravagant action sequences on a horseback in Morocco!
In YRFs mega action thriller Tiger Zinda Hai, Salman plays a super spy who is an Indian intelligence agent.
The Morocco schedule of the film features high octane action scenes that Salman had to pull off riding on a horse.
Salman Khan had spent just three days in preparation for this chapter of the action thriller.
To ensure brilliance in execution and assured safety, the team of Tiger Zinda Hai had hired expert horse trainers who have worked on huge Hollywood productions like Brad Pitts Troy and Alexander.
Director Ali Abbas Zafar explains, Salman is a trained rider. He returned from the IIFA awards and took just three days to get familiar with his horse, Wado. A prized Spanish stallion, with a gleaming black mane, the horse was trained to cross hurdles, jump over barricades and ride down hills. We have shot risky and edgy portions on horseback with Salman. Getting Wado to know Salman and vice versa therefore, was key to ensuring that this portion of the shoot goes off well. Weve shot for eight days and getting trained, skilled horses actually made this portion of the shoot fairly easy to execute.
The most awaited film of 2017, Tiger Zinda Hai is set to release on Dec 22.
Riyadh, Nov 6 (IBNS) : Saudi authorities have announced that they will be freezing the bank accounts of suspects detained in the kingdom on corruption charges.
Saudi Gazette quoted officials as saying that there is "no preferential treatment" in the handling of their cases.
The Saudi Center for International Communication, an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Information, said that sums of money that appear to be linked to corruption cases will be reimbursed to the Saudi states General Treasury.
The Saudi anti-corruption committee, which was set up on Saturday by King Salman's royal decree and chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had arrested a number of princes and ministers.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman has removed one of the royal family's most prominent princes from his ministerial role.
He has also arrested other royals and top officials in an anti-corruption drive.
Following the orders of newly established anti-corruption committee of the country, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, police arrested 11 princes, four ministers and dozens of former ministers, media reports said.
The move has now cleared obstacles to his son's potential ascension to the throne, reports said.
The EC constantly shifts positions and buckles under pressure
With the provincial assembly and federal parliament elections scheduled for November 26 and December 7, the Election Commission (EC) has had to scramble to re-print ballot papers according to the Supreme Courts (SC) mandate.
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Mosques in Britain refused to perform the last rites of Salman Abedi, who blew himself up at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester earlier on 22 May this year, killing 22 victims. His remains were flown to Tripoli in Libya, the country of his origin, where the burial was conducted, according to 'The Sun'. But he was still reportedly denied an Islamic burial ceremony.
"After Manchester mosques refused to bury the remains of terrorist Salman Abedi, British authorities allowed his family to move him to Libya, where he was buried in Tripoli," claims Noman Benotman, of anti-extremist think tank Quilliam. Abedi grew up in Britain and is thought to have visited the North African country from where his parents had emigrated regularly in the last six years. Libya is a hotspot for the Islamic State (ISIS) terror network and Abedi is believed to have been trained in bomb- making by an ISIS explosives expert, a former car mechanic from the West Midlands region of the UK.
Reuters
The news of his burial emerged as another media report claims the UK's intelligence officials missed key warnings that could have put the Manchester bomber under surveillance as a "high-priority" target. 'The Sunday Times' reports that the failure to act properly on the intelligence emerged in an MI5 internal review sent to UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd. "There were a few calls made regarding several bits of intelligence which, if judged differently at the time, would have turned Abedi into a high-priority case," an intelligence source is quoted by the newspaper as saying.
It had emerged last week that Libyan authorities are processing a request from Britain to extradite the younger brother of the bomber, Hashem Abedi, to question him about his role in aiding the attack at Manchester Arena. Salman Abedi blew himself up at the end of the Grande concert in one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in Britain. The 22 victims included seven children and more than 500 people were injured, with 112 people needing hospital treatment after the attack and 64 suffering "very serious" injuries.
China has objected to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharamans maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying her tour of the "disputed area" is not conducive to the peace and tranquillity in the region.
On November 5, Sitharaman visited forward army posts in remote Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh bordering China to take stock of the defence preparedness.
pti
"As to Indian Defence Minister visit to Arunachal Pradesh, you must be very clear about China's position," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing.
"There is a dispute on the eastern section of the China- India boundary. So this visit by the Indian side to the disputed area is not conducive to the peace and tranquillity of the relevant region," she said in a response to a question.
pti
The Indian side should work with the Chinese side to make a contribution to properly resolving the issue through dialogue and create enabling environment and conditions, she said.
India has slipped to 88th place in terms of money parked by the country's citizens with the Swiss Banks. UK remains at the top. Additionally, the money held by Indians in Swiss banks has shrunk and accounts for a meagre 0.04% of the total funds kept by all foreign clients in the Swiss banking system, as per an analysis of the latest figures compiled by the SNB (Swiss National Bank) as on 2016-end.
reuters/representational image
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared a few statistics about money of Indians stashed in Swiss banks in while addressing chartered accountants in Delhi.
Also Read: PM Modi's War On Black Money Is Showing Results, Indian Money In Swiss Bank At Record Low
In 2015, India was placed at 75th position and at 61st in the year before that, though it used to be among top-50 countries in terms of holdings in Swiss banks till 2007. The country was ranked highest at 37th place in the year 2004.
The latest data from Zurich-based SNB comes ahead of a new framework for automatic exchange of information between Switzerland and India to help check the black money menace.
reuters/representational image
The funds, described by SNB as 'liabilities' of Swiss banks or 'amounts due to' their clients, are the official figures disclosed by the Swiss authorities and do not indicate to the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians in the safe havens of Switzerland.
SNB's official figures also do not include the money that Indians, NRIs or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of entities from different countries.
There is a view that the Indians alleged to have parked their illicit money in Swiss banks in the past may have shifted the funds to other locations after a global clampdown began on the mighty banking secrecy practices in Switzerland.
bccl/representational image
Swiss banks have also said Indians have "few deposits" in Swiss banks compared to other global financial hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong amid stepped-up efforts to check the black money menace.
The total money held in Swiss banks by foreign clients from across the world, incidentally rose by a small margin from 1.41 trillion Swiss francs (CHF) to CHF 1.42 trillion during 2016.
In terms of individual countries, the UK accounted for the largest chunk at about CHF 359 (over 25 per cent) of the total foreign money with Swiss banks.
The US came second with nearly CHF 177 billion or about 14 per cent. No other country accounted for a double-digit percentage share, while others in the top-ten included West Indies, France, Bahamas, Germany, Guernsey, Jersey, Hong Kong and Luxembourg.
reuters/representational image
Indians' share not even one-hundredth of the total money.
India is now ranked 88th with 676 million Swiss francs (about Rs. 4,500 crore) -- a record low after falling for three consecutive years amid a continuing clampdown on the suspected black money stashed behind their famed secrecy walls. The share of Indians' money in the total foreign funds of Swiss banks also fell to 0.04 per cent (from 0.08 per cent in 2015).
Pakistan continued to remain placed higher than India at 71st place (although down from 69th in 2015) with about CHF 1.4 billion -- though down to below 0.1 per cent of total foreign money parked with Swiss banks.
BCCL/Representational Image
India was also the lowest ranked among the BRICS nations -- Russia was ranked 19th (CHF 15.6 billion), China 25th (CHF 9.6 billion), Brazil 52nd (CHF 2.7 billion) and South Africa 61st (CHF 2.2 billion).
Among these five, only China has moved up. Others ranked higher than India included Mauritius, Iran, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Angola, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada and Mexico.
A number of offshore financial centres are also ranked higher including Cayman Islands, Panama, Cyprus, Marshall Islands, Bermuda, Seychelles, Isle of Man and Gibraltar.
Among India's neighbouring countries, Bangladesh was ranked 89th (CHF 667.5 million), while Nepal was 150th (CHF 312 million), Sri Lanka was 151st (CHF 307 million) and Bhutan was way below at 282nd (about half a million Swiss francs).
reuters/representational image
The total money belonging to the developed countries fell to CHF 824 billion, while those from developing nations actually rose marginally to CHF 208 million.
The money from developing economies in Asia-Pacific region rose to CHF 50 billion.
The funds parked in Swiss banks from offshore financial centres rose to CHF 389 billion.
India was ranked in top-50 continuously between 1996 and 2007, but started declining after that -- 55th in 2008, 59th in 2009 and 2010 each, 55th again in 2011, 71st in 2012 and then to 58th in 2013.
AFP
The disclosure comes two days before the NDA government marks the first anniversary of the demonetisation drive on November 8, which the Centre will observe as Anti-Black Money Day. Read more
Here are more top news of the day:
1) Healthcare Measures To Come Later, Uttar Pradesh Will First Have Cow Shelters In Every District
afp/representational image
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has announced that the state will set up Gaushalas or cow shelters in all the districts for the protection of stray cows and the ones that are abandoned. Read more
2) While People Struggled During Demonetisation, Shell Companies Deposited, Withdrew Rs 17,000 Crore
Reuters/Representational Image
The government's crackdown on "shell companies" has shown that around 35,000 of the 2.24 lakh such companies, whose names have been struck off, deposited over Rs 17,000 crore post the demonetisation drive, which was later withdrawn. Read more
3) Defence Minister Meets Soldiers In Arunachal Pradesh, Leaves China Fuming
pti
China has objected to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharamans maiden visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying her tour of the "disputed area" is not conducive to the peace and tranquillity in the region. Read more
4) Pair Of Donkeys Named After Ram Rahim & Honeypreet Sold At Rs 11,000 In Madhya Pradesh Fair
PTI
A pair of donkeys named after rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and his close aide Honeypreet was sold for Rs 11,000, at the annual donkey fair held in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Read more
5) #SexistMinister From Maharashtra Wants To Name Booze After Women To Boost Liquor Sales
bccl/representational image
In what could breach all the limits of sexism by politicians, a BJP minister from Maharashtra believes that the sale of various liquors will increase if they are given women's names like 'Bobby' and 'Julie'. Read more
In one more move, which is likely to give the government some jolt, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has told a parliamentary panel that it has no information on how much black money has been extinguished due to demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1000 notes last year.
Stating that an estimated Rs 15,280 crore in junked notes has come back "subject to future corrections based on verification process", the Reserve Bank also said it has "no information" whether demonetisation is being planned to be implemented at regular intervals.
PTI
The RBI has been facing flak from the opposition parties for demonetisation and delay in disclosing figures on the junked notes, even as the government has maintained that the November 8, 2016 decision to ban Rs 500/1,000 notes in circulation at that time has helped in curbing black money, among other benefits. Last week in its annual report, the RBI finally made public the details of the junked notes that have come back into the system putting the figure at Rs 15,280 crore. The same figure has now been shared with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance.
Reuters
Replying to queries from the parliamentary panel, RBI said the verification for authenticity and numerical accuracy are still on, while some of the specified bank notes (old Rs 500/1,000 notes) which were accepted by banks and post offices are still lying in currency chests. The central bank also informed the panel that the completion of the process of verification will take time in view of the large volume involved. The process is "going on in full swing" with most RBI offices working in double shifts and with the help of high-end verification machines, the central bank said.
"Till such time, these notes are processed by the RBI, their numerical accuracy and authenticity, only in the estimation of SBNs received back is possible.
Subject to future correction, based on verification process when completed, the estimated value of SBNs received as on June 30 is Rs 15.28 trillion," the RBI said in its written reply to the panel. To a query on how much amount of black money has been extinguished as a result of demonetisation, the central bank said, "The RBI has no information in this regard." The RBI gave similar reply to another question on how much unaccounted money has been legitimised through exchange of junked currency.
The central bank did not give any direct reply on adverse impact on the informal and unorganised sector, as also about the GDP loss.
PTI
The RBI said the deceleration in overall economic growth figures for 2016-17 had begun "much before demonetisation" due to weakness in industrial and services sector. Last week, several members of the panel had sought to redraft of its draft report on demonetisation as the RBI at that time had not provided some crucial details including on the quantum of junked Rs 500/1,000 notes.
The acceptance of the report was deferred as member MPs across party lines including BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab, SP MP Naresh Agrawal and BJP MP Nishikant had said that the panel's report on demonetisation needed to be "redrafted" while some of them stated that it "lacks punch". In its annual report for 2016-17, the RBI had disclosed that all but about 1 per cent of the scrapped currency notes have come back into the system. The government had on November 8, banned old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes in an attempt to weed out black money in the country.
PTI
The old notes were allowed to be deposited in banks, with unusual deposits coming under income tax scrutiny. The government replaced old Rs 500 notes with new ones, but no replacement for Rs 1,000 notes have been made. Instead, a new Rs 2,000 note was introduced post note ban.
Apple's flagship smartphone for this year, the iPhone X became available for purchase over the weekend, including in India and around the world. The phone has generated a lot of buzz for being unlike any iPhone launched in the past four years.
The almighty notch of the iPhone X
Of course, arch nemesis Samsung wouldn't let Apple cash in on the iPhone X. Which is why they released this epic Galaxy Note 8 praising / iPhone trolling ad which tries to put Apple's iPhone innovations in perspective.
Even though Samsung supplied almost all the OLED screens used in the iPhone X, that hasn't stopped them from making fun of the device's "notch" in this hilarious new ad mocking not just the iPhone X but the entire decade of iPhone innovation.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8 vs Apple iPhone X / CNBC.com
Samsungs Galaxy Note 8 focused ad is titled Growing up details the story of a man (iPhone fan?) who has been diligently using an iPhone ever since it first released back in 2007. He seems happy and content, until his girlfriend starts flaunting her Galaxy Note prowess.
There's a lot of tension and one-upmanship in the couple's relationship, and the boyfriend fixated on the iPhone looks almost longingly at her girlfriend's Galaxy Note series phone, with each passing year, as it slowly but surely eclipses the iPhone's feature list.
Also, we see a glimpse of an iPhone fan, waiting in the line to get his iPhone X, sporting a notch-like hairdo -- seriously, if that bit doesn't make you laugh, something's very wrong with your sense of humour.
Obviously, this isn't the first time Samsung has taken a swing at Apple's iPhone. With their own innovations to tout, it's no wonder Samsung's getting bolder by the year. How will Apple respond, if at all?
Achyut Wagle holds PhD in economics and is currently a professor at the Kathmandu University School of Management. He is an econo-political analyst, writing for The Kathmandu Post for many years.
After a half-year in office, a coherent foreign policy strategy under Donald Trump is not in sight. The US and China have very different ideas about creating prosperity and security in Asia and globally. Approximately 600 million Chinese gained relative prosperity in the last 40 years. China is an
attractive model for many states of the global South.
US AND CHINA: INTERNATIONAL POLICY AS A ZERO-SUM GAMEBy Ilka A.[This article published in a Luxemburg special edition August 2017 is translated from the German on the Internet, http://www.linksnet.de/artikel/47240 .]After a half year in office, a coherent foreign policy strategy under Donald Trump is not in sight. This is true first of all for the China policy of the US. In the presidential election campaign, Trump criticized China for its economic policy. China destroys jobs in the US because it manipulates its currency, breaks trade rules, and circumvents labor- and environmental standards. In one of his speeches, he bellowed: We cannot let China rape our country because that is what it is doing (quoted according to Diamond 2016). In December 2016 after assuming office Trump said after a call of the Taiwanese president Cai Tingwen he considered the One-China-policy [1] as a negotiation chip for the renegotiation of economic relations with China (Gray/ Navarro 2016).The president has already moved away from this position. After generally demonizing China in the election campaign, he spoke of a tremendous meeting after his meeting with the Chinese president Xi Jinping.Since then, Trumps foreign policy has fluctuated between interventionism and isolationism. He irritates allies and rivals with erratic statements and ensures general uncertainty in the Asian Pacific region with his unpredictability. This could lead to dangerous escalation in several lines of conflict.Baselines of an America-first foreign policy include economic nationalism, the greatest possible security and screening of the US territory, military strength and an amoral transactionalism [2] in relations with other countries. How all this will translate concretely in US-China policy is completely open.Experts all over the world speculate whether and how far the US president will turn away from Barack Obamas Asia policy of the last years. Although Trumps awkward and provocative statements toward China and his simplistic zero-sum thinking in international relations are strikingly different from Obamas international appearances, the substance of his demands is far less outside the mainstream of US debates than many European observers think. Trumps geo-strategic orientation for the Asian Pacific region is a brash, exaggerated populist caricature of what was long discussed in US strategic security circles and conservative think tanks and was also in large part the foreign policy of the US under Obama and his secretary of state Hillary Clinton. The status quo continues.Contextualizing Trump and his foreign policy ideas seems necessary in a double sense to classify the China policy of the new administration. Firstly, his foreign policy positions must be seen in the context of the US geopolitical China discourse of the last years. Secondly, the Trump phenomenon itself and the fact that he could win the presidency as a populist outsider must be seen in the context of the crisis of the US political system.Different ideas about security policyThe US and China have very different ideas about creating prosperity and security both in the Asian Pacific area and globally. In the Asian Pacific region, the US has had a position of uncontested dominance for 70 years and considers this indispensable for its predominance in the region and world like its defensive alliances with Japan, South Korea, and Australia. US dominance means concretely the US can exercise its maritime power unrestrictedly up to the 12-nautical mile limit of every nation in the Asian Pacific region including China.China has never accepted this situation. The Chinese government is convinced there must be a power balance in the region that on one hand takes into account Chinese security needs and on the other hand promotes the economic development of China and the region altogether. From a Chinese perspective, the US cannot loudly guarantee security for its allies and not consider the legitimate security interests of countries outside its alliances. Seen this way, the US is not a neutral mediator, arbiter, or unbiased power as it often describes its role in the Pacific area. Actually, the US is an interest-guided party in Asia that produces even more tensions instead of contributing to stability. Since time immemorial, the Chinese demand was that Asia needs a comprehensive security architecture based on the security interests of all the countries.US dominance in the Asian-Pacific region and Chinese criticism are not new phenomena. In the past, the two countries have never fallen into a serious conflict with each other. This is not because China for a long time did not have either the political, economic and military capacities or motivation to seriously challenge the US predominance at its front door.However, the situation has fundamentally changed in the last years. China rose to the worlds largest political economy in a historically unparalleled short time. Embedded in and driven by neoliberal globalization, China today has more resources and more interests abroad and uses these resources very self-confidently to carry out its interests.China has relied entirely on a non-military foreign policy and a distinctive foreign trade diplomacy since the beginning of its world economic ascent. Chinas course appears in a blend of its own initiatives (building new international or regional institutions like the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank or the One Belt, One Road initiative) and greater rights in existing forums (like the G20). If the Chinese government was restrained in foreign policy in the past, it is now less and less willing to accept US predominance in the Asian Pacific region. It demands transforming the regional and global order led by the US since it is convinced US dominance cannot guarantee any security for China and the region in the long-term.Already in the 1990s, Chinas rise sparked a foreign policy discussion in the US that led to strategic security circles and think tanks and spilled over again and again in the wider public. That unavoidable conflict between the dominant and the up-and-coming power was uppermost. This debate is grounded on the argument that the US as the dominant power must resist Chinas ascent while China must assert itself. This debate is based on very spongy and historically dubious theoretical assumptions about what superpowers do and refrain from doing. There is no reason to assume superpowers up-and-coming and status quo powers must gain hard power dominance at any price. History provides no basis for this argument, especially for China. Nevertheless, this conception of rival powers is an essential basis for US foreign policy strategies.Over the years, the debate in the US about up-and-coming and dominant powers always had superimposed variants: a conservative-military variant that sought Chinas containment through a military presence and military alliances with old and new partners in the region, a liberal-economic variant to counter Chinas increasing influence through trade agreements and a populist variant.The populist variant that was advocated by conservative think tanks and media like Fox News and Breitbart News was a crude and often inconsistent mixture from the conservative-militarist and liberal-economic variants. Their representatives saw all of Chinas political, economic and other successes as signs of the US weakness and imminent decline. This variant was motivated by domestic politics and had no clear foreign policy strategy. The Obama administration was unable or unwilling to defend the vital interests of the US. China offered a welcome projections surface for polemical attacks against liberal America that became morally decadent, politically feeble, and economically over-regulated and therefore could not oppose Chinas ascent. This populist variant that always resonated in the strategic China-debates as an undertone has now rinsed to the surface with Trump. Its argumentative thrust is still oriented in domestic politics to an extremely polarized electorate.Pivot to AsiaAlthough much more differentiated and strategically developed, President Barack Obamas Asia policy was based on the concept of the up-and-coming and the dominant superpowers. In 2012. Obama labeled his foreign policy Pivot to Asia and later spoke of rebalancing. This foreign policy rebalancing had the goal of the US remaining the dominant power in Asia and Chinas political rise being defined by Washington, not Peking. At a state visit in Australia, Obama said: American leadership in the Asia Pacific area will always be a fundamental focus of my foreign policy.The new orientation integrated conservative-militarist and liberal-economic approaches and translated them into concrete measures of Chinas containment. The Presence of US Marines in the Pacific was strengthened. 2800 US Marines were stationed in Australian Darwin while alliances and several new military agreements were promoted. The United States had to develop the power politics abilities of its friends and allies at Chinas periphery. In addition, the US negotiated a Transpacific Partnership agreement (TPP) [3] to consistently block Chinas access to high technology (Blackwill/ Tellis 2015). Every internationalization of Chinese interests in the world must be immediately countered with concrete measures. That was the conclusion of a special 2015 report of the Council on Foreign Relations, the most important US think tank (ibid).In China, the whole strategic turn to Asia was understood as an attempt at Chinas containment and encirclement. On the signing of the TPP agreement, Obama said in 2016: TPP allows America and not countries like China to write the rules of the road in the 21st century.Chinese stubbornnessThe up-and-coming against the dominant power and the derived policy of Chinas containment are marked by the disappointment that this country persists on its own path of development. Even in the 1990s, the prevailing opinion was marked by the idea that Chinas embedding in a liberal world order would inevitably lead the land toward market capitalism and middle-class parliamentarianism. Economic reforms will make China more and more like the US and receptive for US positions of global governance and the geopolitical status quo. However, China is far more resistant than many believed or hoped.In the economy, China perseveres in a centralized political control and a mixed economic system. The commanding heights of the economy like the banking- and financial system or the energy- and infrastructure realm are led by the state enterprises even if the market mechanisms were continuously built in the course of reform policy. Chinas government has no intention of changing anything in this principle.Approximately 600 million Chinese gained relative prosperity in the last 40 years. Contrary to current opinions in the West, these new middle classes form the legitimating backbone of Chinas KP and strengthen their claim of leadership. The assumption that the new conceptual worlds, ambitions and hopes of the middle-class would inevitably de-legitimate the Chinese system was a western extension of its own agenda, priorities and problem analyses in a Chinese reality marked by very different hopes, expectations, and problems.Finally, Chinas reform policy and economic ascent of the last decades are marked by a pragmatic-realistic self-embedding in the international system of political and economic relations. Chinas network strategy of embedded rise (cf. Pang 2017) adjusts pro-actively to globalization and tries to gain the greatest possible advantage for its own development. Chinas leadership has demonstrated its readiness to accept the current world economic order. Still, this pragmatic acceptance does not mean it is convinced by this order. Although Chinas position in the global economic system increasingly moves to the position of developed industrial nations, it declares unperturbed its foreign policy is in alliance with other so-called developing countries. In the global arena, China keeps a cautious distance to the liberal world order led by the US and emphasizes that countries of the global South will play an ever-more important role and therefore the present order must be changed (ibid).Given the success of Chinas model, the Chinese stubbornness actually represents a serious challenge for the current liberal trade regime and the global governance norms preferred by the West. China (and others) will create better conditions and the worries in the US will increase that the institutions initiated by China could compete or even replace the western institutions. At the same time, the Chinese and German governments present themselves as guardians of free world trade against protectionist dangers as on the occasion of the G-20 meeting in Hamburg in July 2017.Stubbornness forms an ideal breeding ground for Trumps right-wing populist China discourse. First, a clear opponent can be identified: the other, the unknown who is described as a constant threat. Second, Chinas ascent is offered as a reason for the social and economic decline of the US. In Trumps discourse, Chinese stubbornness is exploited as not playing according to the rules. Third, Chinas rise on the global plane stands symbolically for a much far-reaching socio-economic change dynamic that can be opposed completely ahistorically by a romanticized and idealized world of the old US reality.The dilemma of Trumps China discourse is that translating moods, resentiments, and actionist symbolic policy into a coherent policy remains unclear. The US can offer little resistance to Chinas further economic rise in the Asian Pacific region. A trade war with China would hurt the US as much as its rivals. After Trumps withdrawal from the TPP agreement originally intended to keep China in check, Peking is anxious to get in and fill the arising gaps. It sends ideas all over the world and no longer only goods and capital. In Africa and South America, there are many admirers of the Chinese development path of state control in the market economy. Peking will not be able to really keep up militarily and politically with the US for a long time. The fact that China built an overseas military base for the first time in July 2017 in Dschibuti on the African continent where China is greatly engaged changes nothing because its economic upswing would have been impossible without the resource imports from African countries.Hegemony claimThe US represents a global hegemonial power and exercised this hegemony in the Asian Pacific area. Every super-power including China seeks a hegemonial position. However, the question whether an exclusive hegemony claim is sensible and brings more severity for a state or not is always raised in international relations. Enormous expenditures and considerable resources are needed to prevail against a dominant hegemonial power. Moreover, such replacement attempts are mostly condemned to fail. The US was successful because it inherited its predominance from a weak democratic power with which it has a certain political cultural affinity Britain and secondly could develop its hegemony claim in the long-term in a peaceful environment without any threat in the immediate environment. The agreement of subordinate states was rewarded with protection, economic aid, access to markets etc. The US model was economically successful and very attractive.China is also an attractive model for many states of the global South, at least in part. Nevertheless, the situation for China is basically different. Establishing a Chinese hegemony in Asia would be a very complex and challenging project producing addition al tension and would not bring China more security with Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam in the immediate neighborhood and with actors like the US, Russia, and India active in the region. Therefore, China has no ambition to dominate the region, at least for the foreseeable future.Hegemony in the international context is based on a transnational historical block whose power- and rule-structures are combined on the basis of relatively constant productive and political organizations of several national societies. These structures encourage more than only states like transnational corporations and capital elites. State resources above all military security, regulation mechanisms, legal systems, and institutions hold the block together. These resources were provided and controlled by the US in the last decades, even if the strength of the super-power of the 20th century has long been eroding.The fact that Donald Trump could win the presidency can be explained with a hegemony crisis resulting from the erosion of the capitalist class. Satisfying its needs is stylized as an essential prerequisite for the well-being of the whole country. The claim that the profits of the capital class are the well-being of all classes seems more than dubious after 2008. In the US, this hegemony crisis implies the political vehicles the Democratic and Republican parties are dissolving. In this context, the population may rally around a charismatic leader. However, the articulation of a coherent project is almost impossible.The central question is how the hegemony crisis in the global center will affect relations to China, the Asian Pacific region and the global periphery. US dominance is founded on the constitutive interlocking of power, ideology, and institutions. Through Trumps neo-isolationism, the US will probably withdraw more and more from international institutions, agreements, and obligations. This means the institutional mechanisms of this special structure of international hegemony will be weakened. Whether these mechanisms will really dissolve remains to be seen. The question is which international institutions, state forms and social forces could replace them. China will not fill these gaps. Even if alternative international institutions have been built for some years and changed existing institutions, China lacks the global civil society linkage to lead an international historical block that could bring about a transformation of the present structure.Global hegemony assumes leading politicians of a super-power present themselves as guarantors of the existing world order. The US claim to leadership in the last seven decades was based on their pretending to be worldwide guarantors of democracy, human rights, and the freedom of movement of capital and persons. The United States offered the world of universalistic ideology in which different interests could be harmonistically reunited. Concrete US interests were often veiled with this rhetoric. Hegemony is necessarily based on forms of balance, offer real development possibilities and mediate the feeling that the existing order is in the best interests of everyone.Trumps America-first policy that only emphasizes its own interests and absolute superiority throws general norms and principles over board and only sees US foreign relations from case to case in an actionist way destroys this ideological basis of western hegemony. This will undoubtedly get the Asian Pacific region moving and open some areas to Chinese leadership. Still, China will not be able to fill the ideological vacuum since it has no universalistic ideology to offer. Rather, the Chinese government stressed again and again in the last years its development model is uniquely tailored to the Chinese situation, history, and culture and cannot be exported to other world regions.If Trumps presidency rings in the end of the West, this is not yet the beginning of a Chinese century.NOTES[1] Die Ein-China-Politik ist die staatspolitische Vorgabe der Volksrepublik, dass Taiwan kein eigenstandiger Staat ist, sondern zu China gehort. Folglich will sie keine diplomatischen Beziehungen zu Staaten, die Taiwan anerkennen.[2] Mit diesem Begriff wird Trump ein diplomatischer Nullsummenspiel-Ansatz unterstellt, den Trump aus seiner Tatigkeit als Kapitalunternehmer entlehnt und in die Sprache der good oder bad deals gekleidet habe. In diesem Verstandnis von internationaler Politik seien die Gewinne des einen die Verluste des anderen (vgl. Kahl/Brands 2017).[3] Anfang 2016 wurde das Handelsabkommen Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) zwischen Australien, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Kanada, Malaysia, Mexiko, Neuseeland, Peru, Singapur, Vietnam und den USA unterzeichnet. Es galt als Kernstuck Prasident Obamas auenpolitische Neuausrichtung nach Asien-Pazifik-Raum und sollte uber den Abbau von Handelshemmnissen die Staaten enger aneinander binden und gleichzeitig Chinas wachsenden Einfluss in der Region zuruckdrangen. Am 21. November 2016 gab Prasident Trump jedoch bekannt, dass er TPP kundigen werde.
Gold (GC) Weekly Doji Near Key 1800 Level Tradable Patterns - Tue Nov 15, 11:21PM CST Gold (GCZ22) is consolidating a second straight day just below the psychologically key 1800 whole figure level and the 38.2% Fib retrace of the March to October slide. GC is at risk ahead of the weekend... GCZ22 : 1,786.2 (+0.53%) GLD : 165.50 (+0.35%)
The Ongoing Coffee Plunge Best Weather Inc. - Tue Nov 15, 6:08PM CST Jim Roemer's video tells about the recent hail damage in Brazil and how he called the major down-move in coffee prices during the last two months. KCH23 : 161.60 (+1.32%) JO : 46.00 (-3.05%)
Cotton Rallies on Tuesday Barchart - Tue Nov 15, 4:22PM CST Tuesdays cotton trade bounced back with 285 to 346 point gains. New crop Dec rallied 184 points on the day, which discounted it to now 984 points under the spot Dec contract. The 11/14 Cotlook A Index... CTZ22 : 91.11 (+2.67%) CTH23 : 88.96 (+2.29%) CTK23 : 88.01 (+2.53%)
Wheats Gain on Tuesday Barchart - Tue Nov 15, 4:22PM CST Wheat markets ended the day with gains. At the high, Dec SRW was up to $8.43 for a 24 cent gain, but closed 9 3/4 cents higher. The other front months were 7 3/4 to 9 3/4 cents higher. KC wheats ended... ZWZ22 : 810-4 (-2.14%) ZWH23 : 830-6 (-2.03%) ZWPAES.CM : 7.6241 (+1.42%) KEZ22 : 949-6 (-1.38%) KEPAWS.CM : 9.2132 (+0.74%) MWZ22 : 963-2 (-1.10%)
The end of Prohibition in 1933 was greeted with celebrations, as newspapers slapped large-type headlines on their front pages declaring, for instance, that Prohibition Ends At Last. President Franklin Delano Roosevelts reputed words have made it into the quotation books: What America needs now is a drink. He may have been drinking a dirty martini when he said it.
By contrast, the end of marijuana prohibition in California has come about slowly and with a lot less fanfare. In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 215, which legalized marijuana use for medicinal purposes. The California Legislature finally approved state-based rules overseeing that 20-year old proposition, which had been plagued by inconsistent local enforcement.
Last November, the states voters approved a measure that also legalizes recreational uses of marijuana under state law. State officials now are starting up a new marijuana-control agency and are busy creating a legal framework that could allow the new industry to flourish. Few people are publicly celebrating, including some marijuana activists who wonder whether the new regime will be too heavy-handed.
Its a complicated, albeit fascinating, process to watch an outlawed product become legally available. These days, though, this means dealing with a regulatory miasma at various levels of governments. Its further complicated by federal officials who dispute the right of several states to embrace a legalization rather than Drug War approach.
Actually, the real action on the marijuana front isnt coming from pot activists or drug warriors, but from financial interests that are unceremoniously trying to solve the kinds of basic problems that emerge when any industry comes out from the shadows. For instance, Californias Board of Equalization has been looking at how to boost marijuana tax collections by figuring out ways around federal rules that bar these firms from having bank accounts.
And now we see that California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones this week approved the filing of the first admitted commercial insurance company to file cannabis business insurance, so that the insurer can begin writing policies and offering coverage for cannabis business owners, according to a statement from his office.
Consumers who visit cannabis businesses, workers who work there, businesses who sell products to or rent property to cannabis businesses, and the investors, owners and operators of cannabis businesses all should have insurance coverage available to help them recover when something goes wrong just as any other legalized business does, Jones said in the statement.
Its not often that I agree with Jones, but kudos to him on this front.
The statement added that Jones convened the nations first public hearing to identify insurance gaps in the cannabis industry, and brought together insurance companies and people from the cannabis industry. The hearing revealed that while there is insurance available from surplus lines insurers, insurance coverage is limited in scope and, until the approval being announced today, commercial carriers were not yet writing insurance, the statement added.
As usual, insurance companies have a remarkable way of solving complicated problems through actuarial tables and risk assessments. This is an interesting and potentially important step toward regularizing the marijuana business by having state financial services regulators provide guidance, given how difficult it has been for companies to secure financial and insurance services.
The feds still need to provide further clarity, but having the insurance regulator of the largest state sign off on an admitted market insurance product could be looked back on as groundbreaking. Maybe not as much as the ballyhooed end of Prohibition, but groundbreaking nonetheless.
Topics California Trends Cannabis
A family-owned insurance agency doesnt make it to 100 years and counting without doing a lot of things right, and the fact that Garrett Insurance Agency (GIA) in Kerrville, Texas, celebrates a century of service next year has not gone unnoticed by the agencys employees who nominated it as an Insurance Journal Best Agency to Work For in 2017.
GIA, the Bronze winner of the Best Agency to Work For South Central region, may be hitting the century mark in 2018, but that in no way means it is stodgy or stuck in its ways. Employees responding to IJs Best Agency survey noted that GIA provides staff not only with state-of-the-art equipment, software and phone systems, but with endless opportunities to succeed as well.
One employee put it this way: Next year is the agencys 100th year anniversary in the small town of Kerrville, Texas. Being around that long you know the agency has had a presence in the community and strives to gain, keep, and build customer relationships. All of our employees have a chance to push themselves and work their way up.
Another wrote: If a person is wanting to grow this would be the place to make dreams happen, if a person is willing to work!
With 35 employees and additional locations in Federicksburg and Conroe, Texas, GIA had an annual revenue last year of more than $3.7 million, according to agency President Stephen R. Schmerbeck.
A fourth-generation leader of the agency, Schmerbeck said in an email to Insurance Journal that it is humbling and gratifying that the people primarily responsible for our success, our staff, would take the time to tell others about their experience in our office.
The agencys leadership has worked very hard to match our staff with their individual gifts, talents and interests, Schmerbeck said. While that process has included some trial and error, the net result has created a cohesive and pleasant environment for all.
The importance of an agencys staff cant be overstated, according to Schmerbeck, because without them, you are nothing. Theirs is the voice on the phone, face at the reception desk, the first point of contact for our clients and prospects, so hire the best as the investment will pay dividends going forward.
That staff-centric attitude is obviously appreciated by the agencys employees. Said one: I have worked for only one other insurance agency and there is no comparison. The way the employees are treated as family makes me want to work extra hard to make this agency even more successful.
Another said: I have been given opportunities from the day I started working. I have always been offered ways to advance in what I am doing, as well as change what I am doing if I do not feel comfortable doing it. Management has always treated me with respect and kindness in all aspects of our work environment.
Several employees praised the fact that GIA has been recognized in its community for its excellence. GIA was honored with Readers Choice awards from the local newspaper, the Kerrville Daily Times, for the best insurance agency, best boss and best insurance agent in 2017.
It was also the first business to be inducted in the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, said one staff member.
Both the employees and managers can take credit for the agencys successes, one employee wrote, stating: Everyone that is involved with our business is the face of the company. Garrett would not be where it is today without the hard work and relationships our staff and managers make every day.
Another put it simply: Garrett Insurance is just a terrific place to work!!!!!!!!!!
Topics Texas
Six years after Britains first fracking operation was stymied by earth tremors, its shale gas industry is poised to try again with a technology that could transform the UK gas market and drastically reduce its reliance on imports.
While environmental and community concerns about fracking have not gone away, changes to the energy landscape since 2011 have added even more complexity to the effort to exploit Britains shale gas.
On the one hand, imports are cheaper, at least for now. Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices have more than halved from 2014 peaks as new supply from Australia and the United States saturated key Asian markets.
At the same time, last years vote to leave the European Union has stoked fears about the security of Britains energy supplies. Britains main gas storage site is also due to close, which means the market may be vulnerable to price shocks over the winter months.
Not a lot of people think about where gas comes from and what happens if (Russian president Vladimir) Putin or others fall out with us, said Francis Egan, the CEO of shale gas developer Cuadrilla, the first company to attempt fracking in the UK, near Blackpool in the northwest of England.
They only begin to think about that when the prices are going up, he said.
Natural gas is used to heat as much as 80 percent of British homes, which make up 35 percent of demand, closely followed by electricity generation at 33 percent and 17 percent by industry, according to data from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), which formulates energy policy.
Around 60 percent of that gas is currently imported, up from 40 percent less than 10 years ago. The figure is tipped to reach almost 95 percent by 2040 as known reserves in the North Sea run out.
Pipelines with Norway and continental Europe, which can include gas from Russia, supply around 70 percent of imports, with the remainder delivered via LNG tankers, mostly from Qatar.
Britain received its first U.S. LNG shipment in July.
Weaning Britain off imports is one of the driving forces behind government support for hydraulic fracturing, which involves extracting gas obtained from rocks broken up or fractured at high pressure with water and chemicals.
Its impossible to know exactly how much shale gas might be underground and more importantly, how much can be extracted until fracking has started in earnest.
The British Geological Survey estimates shale gas resources in northern England alone could contain 1,300 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas, 10 percent of which could meet the countrys demand for almost 40 years.
The government is not banking on a fracking bonanza, however, partly because theres no urgency given that global gas prices so low. A BEIS study on gas supplies published in October concluded that Britain would have secure supplies of gas up until 2037 even if no shale reserves can be exploited.
Woken From Their Beds
Shortly after fracking started in Blackpool in April 2011, a tremor registering 2.3 on the Richter scale woke residents from their beds in the middle of the night. Their homes shook, and they reported cracks in ceilings and a cracked toilet basin. It was followed by another 1.4 magnitude earthquake a month later.
Cuadrilla said the quakes were caused by an unusual combination of geological features at the site, but they led to an 18-month ban on the use of fracking nationwide while further research was carried out.
The government has since introduced a traffic-light system which immediately suspends work if any seismic activity of 0.5 or above on the Richter scale is detected, and has increased monitoring standards such as ground water checks.
Cuadrilla expects to begin fracking at its Preston New Road site in Lancashire in the north west of Britain at the end of December or early next year.
Third Energy, which is 95-percent-owned by Barclays , also said it expects to begin fracking before the end of the year at its Kirby Misperton site in Ryedale, Yorkshire, the north of England, once it gets the governments sign-off.
Exploration companies are anxious to see how the estimates match up to reality.
This will give us a better idea of what can potentially be recovered, Third Energy CEO Rasik Valand told Reuters in September.
Professor John Underhill, chief scientist at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, said recoverable reserves are likely to be much lower than estimated because the gas may be much harder to get out of the ground than in places like the United States.
The inherent geological complexity of UK geology is a major issue, he said.
Environmental Unknowns
Environmental groups continue to be strongly opposed to fracking, concerned about the potential seismic activity, water contamination and other unknowables. Scotland recently extended a moratorium on the process and it is banned in several European countries.
The groups argue that extracting more fossil fuels is incompatible with global targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) to help fight climate change.
Fundamentally we are opposed to exploiting new fossil fuel reserves at a time when we are being told around 80 percent of global reserves need to be kept in the ground if global climate goals are to be met, Guy Shrubsole, climate campaigner at Friends of the Earth, told Reuters.
Britain has a legally binding target to cut its GHG emissions by 2050 to 80 percent below 1990 levels and has, along with 194 other nations, pledged to try to keep global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times as a part of the Paris Agreement.
A U.N. report published this week said some 80-90 percent of global coal reserves and 50 percent of gas reserves would need to remain in the ground unused to meet the Paris target.
Fracking firms argue that gas is a bridging fuel while renewable energy and battery storage costs come down because it emits half the amount of carbon dioxide as coal when burnt.
They say the only way to prove it is safe is to start work.
There is a lot of myth-busting we have to do to really explain to people what we are trying to achieve, said Stephen Bolwer, CEO of onshore oil and gas firm IGAS, which hopes to develop shale gas wells in the East Midlands.
People in the UK communities affected remain worried about the impact on the landscape and on tourism and agriculture.
Ryedale is a beautiful part of the country that attracts many visitors. The idea fracking is in anyway compatible with that is nonsense, said Leigh Coghill, campaigner with protest group Frack Free Ryedale.
There has been a shift in public perceptions since the Brexit vote, however, said Tom Pickering, operation director at INEOS shale, part of the British petrochemicals group INEOS which has committed to spend 1 billion euros ($1.17 billion) on British shale projects.
There still remains a very strong, anti-fossil fuel lobby, but Brexit has focused peoples minds on the ideas that if we are really going to stand on our own two feet then we are going to need domestic supplies of gas, he said. ($1 = 0.8547 euros)
(Reporting By Susanna Twidale; editing by Sonya Hepinstall)
Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Europe Energy Oil Gas Pollution Earthquake
U.S. pharmacy operator CVS Health Corp. and health insurer Aetna Inc. are working toward finalizing merger terms and announcing a deal for more than $70 billion as early as December, according to people familiar with the matter.
The deal would combine CVS, one of the largest U.S. pharmacy benefits managers and drugstore chains, with Aetna, one of the oldest health insurers, whose far-reaching business ranges from employer healthcare to government plans nationwide.
The companies have agreed that CVS will split its consideration for the deal between cash and CVS stock, a deal structure that would minimize tax liabilities for Aetna shareholders, the sources said.
A deal will probably value Aetna at significantly more than $200 per share, the sources said, adding that the companies will agree to an exact price closer to signing the deal in December.
The sources asked not to be identified because the negotiations are confidential. Aetna declined to comment, while CVS did not respond to a request for comment.
Aetna shares rose as much as 6 percent on the news and ended trading up 2.7 percent on Friday at $176.99. They have risen over 10 percent since Oct. 26, when the Wall Street Journal first reported that CVS and Aetna were in merger talks.
CVS shares ended trading down 0.2 percent at $69.25, giving the company a market capitalization of $70 billion.
Healthcare consolidation has been a popular route for insurers and pharmacies, under pressure from the government and large corporations to lower soaring medical costs.
Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) such as CVS negotiate drug benefits for health insurance plans and employers, and have in recent years taken an increasingly aggressive stance in price negotiations with drugmakers.
They often extract discounts and after-market rebates from drugmakers in exchange for including their medicines in PBM formularies with low co-payments.
A tie-up with Aetna could give CVS more leverage in its price negotiations with drug makers.
The deal would follow years of major changes to the U.S. health insurance industry under former President Barack Obama, whose 2010 Affordable Care Act created new ground rules for how insurers operate and expanded insurance to 20 million more Americans.
Republican President Donald Trump has promised to turn back many of the Affordable Care Acts facets, but Congress has not been able to agree on a repeal or a replacement. The lack of progress, along with Trumps executive order to bring down healthcare costs, has created uncertainty for insurers as they head into 2018.
(Additional reporting by Caroline Humer in New York; Editing by David Gregorio and Rosalba OBrien)
Topics Mergers & Acquisitions USA
Property underwriters are feeling the pressure as cyber has become an increasing source of risk within the property insurance industry, according to panelists at Advisens 2017 Cyber Risk Insights Conference, held last week in New York City.
I think under pressure is a great way to describe what property underwriters are feeling today, said John Coletti, senior vice president and chief underwriting officer at XL Catlin. Property insurers have a lot to worry about right now, and foremost is how to deal with hurricanes and wildfires and that line of business, but I think just as important is how to deal with cyber exposure.
To this day, its really been an issue thats been the proverbial can being kicked down the road when it comes to cyber exposure in the property market, he said. Theres never been any affirmative assertion on cyber coverage just a little discussion here and there.
With recent events curtailing business operations, such as the WannaCry attack, Coletti said he hopes for a turning point in which many property insurers are compelled to take a position on what to do about cyber, he explained.
I think were at that moment, he said.
He explained that with hundreds of millions of dollars in third-party losses on the business interruption side that need to be paid for as a result of attacks like this, it seems likely property insurance policies may be implicated as reimbursement is sought under those policies.
I think that will lead the property insurance market to say, We have to do something because these arent exposures weve ever underwritten or that were equipped to handle,' Coletti said. That leads you to the question, Whats going to happen next?'
He explained that as more cyber events trigger action, cyber policies are expected to emerge that arent just financial loss policies, but contain elements of all-peril and all-risks policies.
Its going to be revolutionary for insurers, Coletti said.
Property Not Alone
Beyond the property insurance market, other areas of insurance are feeling the impact of cyber exposure as well, he added.
A good example is K&R, Coletti said, referring to the kidnap and ransom insurance market. It has had an influx of ransomware claims recentlynow were getting ransomware claims paid under K&R policies.
Tim Francis, enterprise cyber lead at Travelers, added that having K&R coverage and extortion coverage was fine before anybody ever knew about the word ransomware but now since its development, people are standing up, taking notice.
As a result, gaps in cyber coverage as well as overlaps in coverage have become prevalent, at least for the short term.
I think this is one of those areas where we have gaps and we have overlaps, and inevitably, were going to live in that environment for a little bit, Francis said. As a carrier, understanding where potential aggregation points are is important, and for a short amount of time, you probably will have opportunities to purchase coverage in multiple different ways. I think thats ultimately a good thing, and over time, well see that shift.
This is because many cyber schemes dont always look like cyber events at first, making the right coverage difficult to pinpoint, he explained.
A scheme that involves somebody fooling our insureds into doing something they later regret, which is a very broad and encompassing concept, at first blush doesnt sound like it would be a cyber event, he said.
Oftentimes, the way somebody is being defrauded doesnt necessarily have to do with computer systems, or using data, or the kind of things we tend to think about with cyber. Its easy to say that theres really no place for that in a cyber policy, but over time as these schemes become much more sophisticated and often linked to some data compromise, it starts to sound more like cyber.
He offered one example of money being stolen from customers with the growing popularity of W-2 schemes, in which cyber criminals target human resources departments and payroll systems.
That still sounds to me largely like a crime coverage, but with these W-2 schemes, people start to say, Well, it does sound kind of similar to cyber, especially if it was perpetrated because someone hacked into the system and knows the CIOs account information,' he said. So it starts to sound reasonable to have some element of cyber coverage.
Ultimately, the insurance industry as a whole will need to learn not only how to better manage cyber risk, but also to carve out separate policies for true cyber exposure and other new exposures, Coletti said. He warned against lumping them together under one policy.
These type of schemes arent schemes weve witnessed before, he said. Because its new, what were trying to do is apply this exposure to some old tried and tested insurance policies, and it just doesnt work. Crime underwriters are saying, We werent ready for this, so what happens is the exposure just gets thrown in with cyber.
Its OK for now, but I think ultimately, a lot of these exposures will be better suited under a separate policy. You cant just dilute cyber policies with anything that is new and different and has some sort of cyber element to it. It dilutes the value of what a true cyber policy is for, which is cyber attacks.
Topics Cyber Underwriting Property Market
Commercial insurance buyers should brace for rate increases for 2018 insurance as the industry continues to tally losses following one of the most financially disruptive hurricane seasons in history, according to global insurance advisor Willis Towers Watson.
According to WTWs 2018 Marketplace Realities report, underwriters will be pushing for rate increases as they reconcile what is expected to be a significant earnings hit for many, and a potentially material capital hit for some. For underwriters needing to dip into capital to fund their losses, the pressure to raise rates to replenish that capital could be unyielding. For buyers, this may mean the long soft market for commercial property insurance could be over, at least temporarily, and there may be upward pressure on rates in other lines of insurance, according to the report.
Joseph C. Peiser, head of Broking for Willis Towers Watson North America, urged organizations to begin preparing now for changing market conditions.
Now is the time for organizations to catalog the positive differentiators in their risk profile to set themselves apart from the pack at renewal time, he said. He also recommends that insureds define their risk tolerances so they know where their ceiling is if rates and retentions spike.
In the property market, where insured losses from recent catastrophes are expected to exceed $100 billion, Willis Towers Watson experts expect some type of market correction after insurers have a chance to estimate their ultimate losses. However, the pricing impact to buyers will likely not be manifest until the first or second quarter of next year. While there is still a high degree of uncertainty, rates are forecast to potentially rise 10 percent to 20 percent for catastrophe-exposed risks and 20 percent to 25 percent for catastrophe-exposed risks with recent losses. Other property insurance buyers can expect flat rates or low single-digit increases.
Meanwhile, according to the report, several factors could dampen the upward pressure on rates, including still-abundant capacity and what experts view as still eager alternative capital providers.
Casualty rates, which had begun to drift downward for many organizations, are predicted to be flat or increase by small amounts as pressure from the catastrophe losses spills over into other lines. Auto rates for businesses will maintain their single-digit increases, while workers compensation rates are expected to be stable. For product recall, Willis Towers Watson experts predict rates to range from 5 percent to +5 percent.
The report anticipates many specialty insurance lines of business will follow their own supply and demand curve. For example, the directors and officers (D&O) liability marketplace outlook is not as soft, as underwriters are mindful of potentially adverse D&O claims activity and looking for ways to avoid compounding the year-over-year impact of declining rate. For terrorism insurance, buyers should expect flat renewals rather than the decreases they have seen in recent renewals. Meanwhile, in the environmental insurance market, the high double-digit increases for combined environmental-casualty programs have begun to ease.
In the the cyber liability insurance market, demand continues to rise and supply of capacity is more than keeping up, according to the report. Despite a string of high-profile breaches, cyber insurance program renewals for both primary and excess cover are averaging only single-digit rate increases. Underwriters have offered premium decreases to organizations that are able to demonstrate increased levels of security and internal policy controls. The report forecasts rate increases of up to 5 percent for 2018.
Key Price Predictions for 2018
Property Non-cat risks: Flat to +5% Cat-exposed risks: +10% to +20% Cat-exposed with losses: +20% to +25% Casualty General liability: Flat to +3% Umbrella: Flat to +3% Excess: Flat Workers comp: 2% to +2% Auto: +3% to +8% International: 10% to 5%; 5% to flat for Defense Base Act coverage Executive Risks Directors and officers: 7% to flat Errors and omissions: Flat to +5% (good loss experience) Employment practices liability: Flat to +5%; +5% to +15% in California Fiduciary: 5% to +5% (flat to +12% for large concentrations of stock in benefit plans Cyber 3% to +5% (non-POS retailers and non-large health care); competitive for first-time buyers Political Risk Most risks: 2% to flat Active hot spots: Capacity limited Terrorism Non-tier 1: 5% to flat Tier 1: Flat Marine Cargo, Hull: Flat to +10% Liability: 5% to +10%
Source: Willis Towers Watson, The Marketplace Realities
Topics Catastrophe Commercial Lines Business Insurance Willis Towers Watson Market
A New Orleans-based company that has failed to stop a 13-year-old oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico is asking for more time to negotiate a settlement that could allow it to recover millions of dollars it set aside for work to end the leak.
A court filing says Taylor Energy Co. representatives and U.S. officials have met four times in the past year to discuss possible terms of a settlement that would resolve the companys lawsuit against the federal government.
The results of recent surveys and scientific studies at the leak site could have an impact on settlement talks, the filing says.
U.S. Court of Federal Claims Judge Nancy Firestone agreed in May to temporarily suspend the lawsuit so talks could continue. She ordered the parties to provide an update this week. On Nov. 2, Justice Department attorneys joined the company in asking the judge for more time to negotiate.
New Orleans-based Taylor Energy sued in January 2016, claiming regulators violated a 2008 agreement requiring the company to deposit approximately $666 million in a trust to pay for leak response work. The company argued the government must return the remaining $432 million.
In its lawsuit, the company argued the 2008 trust agreement should be dissolved and the funds returned because it is impossible to meet its obligations under the agreement.
The leak began off Louisianas coast after a Taylor Energy-owned oil platform toppled during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Waves whipped up by Ivan triggered an underwater mudslide that buried a cluster of oil wells under treacherous mounds of sediment, preventing the company from using conventional techniques to plug its wells.
Taylor Energy has claimed nothing can be done to completely eliminate chronic sheens at the site. Regulators have warned that the leak could last a century or more if left unchecked.
The company has lobbied for years to recover at least a portion of the money remaining in its trust. But federal authorities rebuffed the companys settlement overtures in 2015 and ordered it to perform more work at the site.
Taylor Energy said in its lawsuit that it had spent more than $480 million on its efforts to stop the leak, with $234 million of that money coming from the trust.
Thursdays court filing says company and government officials met in December 2016, April, June and September to negotiate a settlement. Scott Angelle, director of the Interior Departments Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, attended the Sept. 26 meeting. Angelle served as an elected member of Louisianas public utility regulatory board before joining the federal agency in May.
The parties represent that they have had good faith substantive discussions so far, particularly with the personal involvement of (Angelle), but, at the same time, recognize that such discussions cannot continue indefinitely, the filing says.
Government scientists conducted a series of studies at the leak site early this year, and a report on those studies is nearing completion, according to the filing.
Regulators also used a remotely operated vehicle to conduct an underwater survey of the leak site in September. The government believes those survey results will be useful in working towards an amicable solution, the filing says. Taylor has asked for another settlement meeting in early December, it adds.
A 2015 investigation by The Associated Press revealed evidence that the leak is worse than the company, or government, have publicly reported during their secretive response. Presented with APs findings that year, the Coast Guard provided a new leak estimate that was about 20 times larger than one cited by the company in a 2014 court filing.
Using satellite images and Coast Guard pollution reports, West Virginia-based watchdog group SkyTruth estimated in 2015 that between 300,000 gallons and 1.4 million gallons of oil had spilled from the site since 2004.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Lawsuits Energy Oil Gas
(Un)easy alliances
Both of the countrys two largest partiesthe Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UMLhave formed alliances for the upcoming elections.
A spokeswoman for Louisiana State University says three workers were injured when an electrical issue sparked a fire that prompted the evacuation of the universitys law school.
LSU spokeswoman Alison Satake says an LSU maintenance worker and two subcontractors were taken to a Baton Rouge hospital Friday morning for treatment of burns. The Baton Rouge Fire Department said in statement that two of the workers were released from the hospital, while the other remained under observation on Friday afternoon.
Satake says no students were injured, but the Paul M. Hebert Law Center was evacuated and a road outside the building was closed.
The fire department says the fire was contained to an electrical box.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Workers' Compensation Louisiana Education Universities
For the past 10 years the Gen Re office in Dallas has been hosting a successful fundraising event in San Antonio for the Wounded Warriors organization.
Soldiers who have been seriously wounded while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan have had the opportunity to take a break from their rehabilitation and participate in shooting sporting clays at one of the finest training facilities in the country.
San Antonios National Shooting Complex has hosted Gen Res Wounded Warriors Annual Sporting Clay Shoot since 2008. The soldiers have been coming from the citys Brooke Army Medical Center which houses the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC). The event has raised more than $40,000 which has gone toward providing Christmas gifts, additions and improvements to the centers activities, and helping with holiday travel costs for injured soldiers and/or their families.
The WFSC operates mostly from private funding and provides an outlet for soldiers to take breaks from their medical surroundings and provide some normalcy for the young veterans. Over a hundred soldiers have had the opportunity to participate in the Sporting Clay Shoot.
Chief Warrant Officer Dave Ware of Lavista, Nebraska, was one of 10 Army soldiers who got the chance to participate in the event. Ware had served seven combat duties before becoming injured in Afghanistan. He was needing three more surgeries before being discharged after 29 years of service.
This is an awesome experience because it has allowed us to get away from all of the medical appointments, the stress and conflict, said Ware. This has given us a chance to meet and mingle with good civilians, relax, relate and power down away from the hustle and bustle of combat environment.
Each soldier joined four of Gen Res clients and their company representatives and each group traveled to the Shooting Complexs different sites that offered a new and challenging clay to shoot. The Complex provided volunteer shooting instructors who offered shooting tips and encouragement.
Gen Res Vice President Lonnie Van Houten said a lot of people help make this a great event. We owe the folks at the National Shooting Complex, Royce Graff and his staff, a debt of gratitude for allowing us to use their first-class facilities, for arranging the professional instructors who donate their time and share their expertise and helping make this a great event, Van Houten said.
Gen Re, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is one of the largest reinsurance companies in the world with $13 billion in capital assets and $6 billion in premium.
Topics Trends
Hani Abujudeh, 55, of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., the reputed leader of an auto insurance fraud scheme, was sentenced to six years in state prison.
Abujudeh was sentenced for his involvement with a scheme in which he filed more than 35 fraudulent claims, manipulated used car odometers and vehicle titles to make the vehicles appear more valuable and then used false identities of other victims to sell those cars on Craigslist and Auto Trader to unsuspecting customers.
Abujudeh pleaded guilty to seven felony counts including auto insurance fraud, money laundering, perjury, false impersonation and grand theft.
Abujudeh was required to make victim restitution in the full amount of $183,475.22. The victims included 15 individuals and four insurance carriers.
California is ground zero for auto insurance fraud, which is paid for by consumers when insurers pass along their fraud losses through higher premiums, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones said in a statement.
An investigation by the Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force, led by the California Department of Insurance, revealed Abujudeh, owner and operator of Perfect Auto Detailers, filed more than 35 claims on his company insurance policy claiming various fictitious employees crashed customer vehicles as they were being moved. Abujudeh claimed the vehicles were taken to his shop for auto detailing when the collisions occurred.
During a search conducted at Abujudehs residence, 25 fraudulent California drivers licenses were recovered with Abujudehs picture on them as well as evidence of the various fraudulent insurance claims and vehicle sales. By following the title transfers on each of these vehicles, the team began to unravel the complex web of fraud involving Abujudeh and his co-defendants. Investigators revealed the licenses were used by Abujudeh in various curbstoning and grand theft schemes.
Task force investigators found Abujudeh conspired with additional suspects Eduardo Hernandez, 27, of Rancho Cucamonga, Francisco Aguilera, 26, of Santa Paula, and Dane Santibanez, 29, of Rancho Cucamonga, to damage their vehicles in order to use the insurance proceeds to get their vehicles painted for free by Abujudeh.
Topics California Auto Fraud
Arts Documentary About Forgotten Myanmar Royalty Premieres in Mandalay
We Were Kings had its national premiere in Mandalay over the weekend.
MANDALAY The national premiere of We Were Kings a documentary about the forgotten royal descendants of King Thibaw, the last king of Burma kicked off a nostalgic atmosphere at the Irrawaddy Literary Festival in Mandalay over the weekend.
The 58-minute film features interviews with the grandchildren and great grandchildren of King Thibaw. Author of The King in Exile, Sudha Shah, was joined by the only two living grandchildren of King Thibaw, their descendants and royal descendants of the penultimate King Mindon.
We Were Kings, directed and produced by Alex Bescoby and Max Jones of Grammar Productions, has won the Whickers World Foundation Award 2016.
The film brings the lost descendants of King Thibaw into the spotlight by focusing on the struggle of U Soe Win, the great grandson of King Thibaw, as he tried to bring the remains of the exiled king back to Myanmar. King Thibaw was sent to India by the British in 1885 and died in exile in 1916. Some of the last kings descendants had hoped and planned for years to return the remains.
There are many different views, even in our family, about bringing back the remains, as were featured in the film, U Soe Win told The Irrawaddy, after the premiere.
My uncle Taw Phaya said let it be and my cousin Devi said it was not yet time. But I still wanted to keep trying simply because I do not want him to rest in exile, not because I want to reestablish the monarchy.
U Soe Win led his family to restore the abandoned tomb of King Thibaw and the first princess in Ratnagiri, India. Since King Thibaw did not receive a proper royal ceremony or religious rituals at his funeral, U Soe Win struggled to perform these rituals by seeking support from the governments of Myanmar and India.
But bringing back the remains was another story. It was not only up to the royal descendants. It became the affair of the entire country and the decision rests in the hands of the people, said U Soe Win. We also need to think about the descendants of the first princess, who are living in India. Maybe, the time hasnt come yet for that [to move her remains].
Prince Taw Phaya the third son of the fourth daughter of King Thibaw, Princess Hteik Su Myat Phaya Galae said the remains should be left where they are as the country and the world have changed greatly.
May he rest in peace. Lets not dig this up again, he added.
On the other hand, for the royal descendants of King Thibaw and King Mindon, We Were Kings revisits their lives in Mandalay, the last royal capital where King Thibaw spent his final days as monarch.
I do not want to recall the bitter past. When I watched this film with my brother, family and other royal family members, I was sad remembering that my mother had to struggle a lot, said Princess Hteik Su Phaya Gyi, the only living granddaughter of King Thibaw, who presented at the premiere.
Princess Hteik Su Phaya Gyi, 95, widely called Phwar May or Aunty Su among the royal descendants, is the second daughter of the fourth daughter of King Thibaw, Princess Hteik Su Myat Phaya Galae.
Since stories of us have been wiped from the pages of history for a long time, youth today have no idea what is happening with King Thibaws descendants. I thank Alex, Max and Sudha Shah, she said.
However, I no longer want to live as royals after all the time and troubles. Things have changed. I am now at peace living as an ordinary person. Do not call me princess or a royal, for I am not anymore. It was history and let it stay history, she said.
The film will be screened in Yangon in the coming weeks.
Treasure Hunt
Together with the films Myanmar premiere, one mystery has entered the spotlight againthe disappearance of an enormous ruby of the royal family.
According to an article by Bescoby that appeared in BBC last week, U Soe Win travelled to London for the first time and visited the Victoria & Albert Museum to see valuable artifacts that once belonged to his family.
Accompanied by Bescoby, U Soe Wins visit had another purposea treasure hunt for an enormous ruby, also known as The Nga Mauk of the then-royal family that was said to be worth a kingdom, the piece said.
Hundreds of gold and gem-studded items were seized from King Thibaw by the British and the then British colonel Edward Sladen, who was the chief political officer of the invasion force and has been the main suspect in the disappearance of the ruby, Bescobys piece stated.
There are rumors within the royal descendants family that the ruby was given to Queen Victoria as a gift by the colonel and might have been kept as part of the Royal Collection since then.
From the Archive 2015 Election: The Countdown Begins
The Irrawaddy revisits this cover story from August 2015 about Myanmar peoples hopes during the election and post-election periods.
Two years ago, the countrys much-anticipated general election was held on Nov. 8. The Irrawaddy revisits this cover story from August 2015 about Myanmar peoples hopes during the election and post-election periods.
YANGON In recent times, general elections in Myanmar have been cursed. The results of the 1990 election were annulled by the previous military regime after the main opposition party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), won in a landslide.
The following national election held in 2010 was rigged to favor the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP), with reports of widespread voting irregularities.
Both elections failed to usher in the much-needed democratic reforms yearned for by the vast majority of Myanmar citizens.
Whether or not the upcoming national election on November 8 will be similarly blighted is still a burning question among Myanmar voters amid their collective electoral trauma.
But major impediments to holding a free, fair and credible vote remain, not least of which is the countrys military-drafted 2008 Constitution.
Article 59(f) of the Constitution bars popular opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi from becoming president, regardless of the electoral outcome in November. The charter also reserves 25 percent of parliamentary seats for military appointees, effectively providing them with a veto over major amendments to the Constitutionwhich require a 75 percent majority of parliamentary votes.
The militarys political role is further cemented by a constitutional provision mandating that the ministers of Defense, Home Affairs and Border Affairs, be army appointees.
Furthermore, the Union Election Commission (UEC), tasked with organizing and overseeing the nationwide poll, is chaired by a former military general who is also a former lawmaker with the ruling USDP.
But despite these undemocratic restrictions, the expectation of a transparent electoral process lingers on for Myanmar people.
One positive of recent times was the handling of the 2012 by-election, broadly considered to be a credible poll, in which the NLD won 43 of the 44 constituencies it contested. The ruling USDP claimed a solitary seat of the 45 constituencies on offer.
However critics contended that President U Thein Seins government had needed to hold a fair poll, which saw Daw Aung San Suu Kyi win a seat in the legislature, in order to convince skeptics, at home and abroad, that the reform process was genuine.
Nevertheless, the by-election was one small but encouraging step in the countrys slow-burning transition to democracy and likely encouraged many political parties to contest the 2015 national election.
The 2012 result was also clear proof of the wide support for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and the NLDa serious concern for the ruling party. If this years election is similarly credible, the NLD and other pro-democracy parties are likely to perform strongly.
With greater numbers in Parliament, the NLD and other ethnic political parties will be able to push for legislative changes that benefit Myanmars citizens.
It remains difficult, however, to foresee radical changes, particularly to the Constitution, considering the ongoing presence of a military bloc in Parliament. The main, self-ascribed duty of these unelected MPs is to defend the 2008 charter recently described by The Economist as an army-drafted monstrosity.
With a more diverse Union Parliament expected following the election, the military is perhaps even more unlikely to relinquish its political foothold. Any return to the barracks would take time.
Thus, the post-election period will be as delicate as it will be crucial. If the democratic opposition and ethnic parties win a parliamentary majority, all eyes will turn to the USDP and the military as to whether they accept the result.
Myanmar people dont want to relive the bitter experience of the 1990 election.
Even with a new government formed in 2016, a genuine dialogue between key political and military leaders will be necessary to address the countrys myriad challenges.
Until now, the incumbent president U Thein Sein has shown little interest in such a dialogue. Talks held in recent months between the president, the army chief, parliamentary speakers, an ethnic representative and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, were merely superficial.
Like it or not, the result of the upcoming election will have a direct impact on every individual in Myanmar and on the countrys foreign relations.
The result will shape Myanmars future, though it may not herald the radical political shift that many have foughtand diedfor.
Burma Myanmar Academics Urge Continued University Collaboration
Myanmars State Counselor attended a meeting on renovating and upgrading the facilities of Yangon University on Dec. 23, 2016. / The Irrawaddy
Myanmar academics urged international universities to continue collaborating with local universities in order to strengthen educational development.
Since 2013, universities in the UK, United States, Australia and elsewhere have established partnerships with once prominent universities in Yangon and Mandalay to help improve Myanmars education system.
Last week, the London-based Times Higher Education reported that international universities were being pressured to cut ties with Myanmar universities due to the recent crisis in Rakhine State in which a militant attack and subsequent military clearance operations led to the displacement of some 600,000 Rohingya Muslims to neighboring Bangladesh.
U Thein Naing, an ethnic language curriculum consultant and curriculum expert, said: No sanctions on educational institutions should be imposed. We need assistance for the development of education in this young democracy.
He said that he had seen talks of sanctioning the universities online but that Myanmar scholars and university communities were opposed.
Yangon University was closed for 26 years and reopened four years ago when then US President Barack Obama requested delivering a talk there in November 2012.
We have many challenges facing Myanmars educational development; in terms of both quality and quantity, as it has to redevelop from the beginning, U Thein Naing said, adding, These educational challenges are the same for the development of peace and human resources.
The sanctions, if imposed, would impact public education [at the university level], which is under the control of the Ministry of Education, said U Kyaw Moe Tun, the founder of the Parami Institute of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
If universities from around the world pull out for their reputations due to the political pressures, our public universities will face difficulties, he said, but bigotry and prejudice will not go away with sanctions.
Six decades of military rule has had a negative impact and awareness through education could help combat issues the country faces currently, advocates say.
Myanmar academics question why those who advocate cutting ties want to deny a quality education to young people, just as they were denied under military rule.
We have no right to deny young people the opportunity to liberate themselves from the mentality and the mindset of the oppressed, said Dr. Khin Mar Mar Kyi, the inaugural Daw Aung San Suu Kyi gender research fellow at the University of Oxford and the first senior Burmese female academic at the institution.
Denying education for our youth, you join the military, she wrote on her Facebook page, criticizing those who advocated for cutting ties.
She said the expert academics who recommend denying the right to a quality education are like the military who denied young people education for decades.
The recent history of Burma has already proven that sanctions against the military did not work. Now they think collective sanctions for education institutions will work. How so? she asked.
Burma Shooting on Myanmar-Bangladesh Border Prompts Police Complaint
Border guard police station at a border fence on Myanmar side in northern Rakhine State. / The Irrawaddy
SITTWE, Rakhine State Myanmar Border Guard Police have filed a complaint with Border Guard Bangladesh after a shooting between milepost No. 45 and No. 46 on the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.
Four Myanmar border police were shot by a group of armed men from the Bangladesh side around 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, said director-general of Myanmars State Counselor Office U Zaw Htay.
The shooting came from inside Bangladesh. So, weve complained to the Bangladeshi border guards. They must investigate it, said U Zaw Htay, adding that Myanmar border police provided their Bangladeshi counterparts with the exact location of the attack.
Nobody was injured and no ammunition was stolen in the shooting, said U Zaw Htay.
So were Bangladeshi border police there at that time or if not who were the shooters? Who does [the Bangladeshi government] allow to operate at the border? Bangladesh must investigate this and give us an explanation, he added.
The four Myanmar policemen based at milepost No. 45 in northern Maungdaw Township, Rakhine State, were returning from Aung Thabyay Police Station where they had received their salaries when they came under attack near Sali Taung village at milepost No. 46, according to U Zaw Htay.
A group of armed men fired over 30 shots at them from a hill in Bangladesh some 100 yards from the border fence, said U Zaw Htay.
It was followed by an exchange of fire, and then one of the four policemen rode a motorbike to Aung Thabyay Police Station and requested reinforcements. More than 20 police including the stations chief went to the scene and rescued the other three policemen.
U Thein Shwe Oo, the administrator of Aung Thabyay village, reported hearing gunshots. It is a worrying sign. So, Ive told the villagers not to go outside the village alone, and not to go too far even when they are short on food and have to go fishing, he told The Irrawaddy.
On Oct. 22, four Daingnet villagers of Aung Thabyay villages were attacked allegedly by Muslim militants while they were hunting boar between border mileposts post No. 46 and 47. Two were killed and two injured in the attack.
Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma Youth Volunteers to Deliver Aid in Rakhine
Ethnic Mro and Hindus living in villages nearby Maungdaw town in Rakhine State sheltered at a government school in downtown Maungdaw and a relief camp in the township amid reports the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) were attacking civilians in August / Moe Myint / The Irrawaddy
YANGON About 60 youth volunteers will go to Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships this week to deliver humanitarian assistance to people affected by the latest conflict in northern Rakhine State.
Young people from philanthropic groups and individuals across Myanmar will join the Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development (UEHRD) in the region after State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi called for public participation to alleviate the crisis.
The group will head from Yangon to Sittwe on Thursday and continue traveling to the two townships.
The volunteers and staff from the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement will receive humanitarian assistance training in Yangon for the first three days of the 20-day program, said Dr. Aung Thu Rein, deputy director from the ministrys Relief and Resettlement Department. The training began on Monday.
The volunteers will also collect data of households and counsel the affected families as well as deliver aid, he said, adding the team would distribute food, clothes, medicine, and nutrients for babies.
The ministry has invited youths between aged from 18-35 years old to participate in second and third visits after the first group completes the program. Dr. Aung Thu Rein said they received 25 applicants within a day.
Ko Htet Paing Soe from the Humanitarian Coordination Youth Team who is included in the first group met the State Counselor during her one-day visit to the state last Thursday. He will participate in the training in Yangon before returning to Rakhine with his fellow volunteers.
He told The Irrawaddy that the State Counselor advised them to provide aid effectively and systematically.
The State Counselor has also guided us to consider how to prevent conflict in the region, bring peace and also to heal the trauma of the victims when delivering aid, he said.
Editorial Collaboration is Key to Solving Rakhine Crisis
Overview of the Pledging Conference for Rohingya Refugee Crisis in Bangladesh at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland October 23, 2017. / Reuters
Conflict in Rakhine State escalated dramatically in late August and has since mushroomed into an enormous crisis comprising countless tragedies. It has forced more than 600,000 Rohingya to flee their homes, cost at least hundreds of civilians their lives, and destroyed nearly 300 villages.
More than two months since militant attacks sparked this severe period of violence, the urgent question is how to end the rooted conflict so that some form of normalcy can be reestablished in the region. The answer depends on all the key playersthe government, Tatmadaw (the military), Arakanese and Rohingya people, and the international communityto form a common understanding.
Muslim militant group the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) clearly planned its violently orchestrated attacks before Kofi Annan, chairman of the Advisory Commission on Rakhine State, released recommendations on improving the situation in Rakhine, which the government vowed to implement. ARSA launched the attacks on Aug, 25, hours after the recommendations were published.
The military then executed its notorious clearance operations, which caused a mass exodus of people to flee to Bangladesh where they languish in squalid camps. The military should have been restrained, but little else was expected, considering the some 500,000 ethnic refugees and internally displaced people driven from their homes in Myanmars north and northeast because of clashes between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed groups. ARSA knew the nature of Myanmars military and should not have provoked it.
In dealing with the latest round of violence in Rakhine, the military should have fully collaborated with the incumbent administration led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who said in her diplomatic briefing on Rakhine on Sept. 19: The security forces have been instructed to adhere strictly to the Code of Conduct in carrying out security operations, to exercise all due restraint, and to take full measures to avoid collateral damage and the harming of innocent civilians. Human rights violations and all other acts that impair stability and harmony and undermine the rule of law will be addressed in accordance with strict norms of justice.
But the magnitude of the exodus has not indicated the presence of such restraint.
Albeit with limited control on security matters, the civilian government failed to facilitate access to the crisis area for media and international organizations. It failed to provide enough information on the crisis, and now must keep both its people and international community regularly updated on the situation.
In this sense, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi must make regular public speeches and appoint capable and articulate spokespeople who are immediately available for local and international press. Whenever needed, press conferences must also be held.
The governments duty is to accelerate the repatriation process, as it has promised. It must ensure the safety of all returnees and their households. Equally important is the need for the government to rightly grant citizenship for the Rohingya under the under the National Verification Card process, which was resumed in October in conflict-torn parts of Rakhine.
Arakanese people cannot deny co-existence with Rohingya people who have lived and were born here. Meanwhile, Rohingya should not have a separatist agendaas many Arakanese perceivebeyond citizenship and their basic rights.
Western countries, the United Nations, and international organizations must understand the Rakhine issue is much more complicated and sensitive than most of them know. They must be aware that such instability poses a potential threat to the fragile state of Myanmars democratic transition.
They cannot rule out a possibility of a return to military rule if the military leadership feels the Rakhine conflict is endangering the countrys stability. Moreover, there are political opportunist and ultranationalist groups quick to undermine the countrys first elected government since 1960.
Grasping that the government is still in the early stages of dealing with issues spawned under the decades-long military rule is also crucial. The government can not rid itself of many ex-military senior officials in its ministries and main mechanisms such as the General Administration Department. Analysts see these officials as capable of hindering the governments efforts.
Last but not least, the international community must know that relations between the government and the militarythe most powerful and established institution in Myanmarare not stable. When asked in an interview with Radio Free Asia, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi described relations as normal. But other signs suggest relations are not good, meaning this transition is still at stake.
As it would be in other countries facing a similar crisis, the government and military are the most important actors and must work together. The crisis calls for international help, so the international community, particularly the West, needs clever diplomacy, a deep understanding of the countrys history and a vision of the bigger picture in order to approach these two key actors and allow all stakeholders to collaborate.
Monday, Nov 6th, 2017 (12:22 pm) - Score 1,004
Mobile operator Vodafone has claimed that a major upgrade of their fibre optic and mobile infrastructure means that Gatwick Airport now has the most reliable and fastest 4G based Mobile Broadband speeds of any UK airport within their coverage. Speeds of up to 200Mbps are said to be possible.
The operator said that a major in-building modernisation programme across Gatwick Airports North and South terminals, which saw 300 new mobile antennas and 46kms of fibre optic cabling being installed, has resulted in the claimed service improvement.
Some 45 million passengers use Gatwick each year and that number is set to increase. Anybody familiar with the often sorry state of public WiFi in the airport (here) will no doubt be pleased at news of the enhancement, although its only of benefit to Vodafones customers.
Jorge Fernandes, Vodafone UKs CTO, said: Gatwick Airport had the foresight to invite us in at an early stage of their major development work so that we could install an integrated mobile network to match its world-class facilities whilst minimising any disruption to passengers and employees. Our latest improvements will ensure all our customers using Gatwick can rely on us to stay connected from the minute they can switch on their mobile devices.
The surrounding network outside the terminals has also been upgraded to provide better coverage across all aircraft hangers, runways, car parks and other transport links. The improvements will support more than 250 companies situated on the airport campus, whose 24,000 employees depend on mobile communications to do their jobs.
However other operators have also been making upgrades to airports around the country and we dont yet know if Vodafones upgrade is enough to beat EE, which according to one study from last year appeared to have a commanding performance lead (here).
SC calls amicus curiae
The Supreme Court has called an amicus curiae on the writ demanding voting rights for civil servants and security forces on election duty.
Australian businesses are failing to meet consumer expectations of protecting their personal information, with 45% of Australian consumers reportedly having been notified by a company or government agency that their personal information was lost or stolen because of data breaches.
According to the latest findings from a study by Ponemon commissioned by Australian security company Centrify, of these consumers suffering data breaches, 54% experienced two or more separate incidents, causing one third of them to sever their relationship with the organisation experiencing the data breach.
And 80% of consumers say a companys privacy and security practices are very important to preserving their trust.
The latest figures come just after last weeks massive data breach which exposed personal details of nearly 50,000 Australian employees of several government agencies, banks and a utility.
Yet, last weeks Australian data breach coming after a record 40% increase in data breaches during 2016 indicates that todays security is neither secure nor providing consumers with a reason for confidence, says Centrify.
According to Centrify, the Ponemon study reveals an alarming trust gap, with 70% of consumers believing companies have an obligation to take reasonable steps to secure their personal information a view shared by only 46% of CMOs and 44% IT professionals in Australia.
Centrify chief product officer Bill Mann said these survey findings were a wake-up call for the C-suite. Data breaches continue to cost them customers and affect the bottom line but dont have to, he said.
According to Forrester, 80% of breaches involve privileged credentials misuse, which is a vulnerability with a clear solution. Companies can effectively stop breaches through a trifecta of Identity Services for applications, endpoints and infrastructure. By going a long way to ensuring company security, these steps ultimately help garner customer loyalty.
And he says that when it comes to personal information security, the gap between consumer expectations and corporate reality is significant, and can have a detrimental effect as organisations work to establish deeper connections with customers.
Mann says this is especially true with the increased adoption of Internet of Things devices, such as fitness trackers, smart watches and connected cars, and that organisations can recognise and respect consumers desire for better security by adopting a high security profile that will instill confidence both internally and externally.
Australian battery company Redflow has set a target of 3000 batteries a year to be produced by its new Thai factory, which it is currently fitting out.
Redflow chairman Brett Johnson said on Monday the ASX-listed company aimed to produce as many as 3000 batteries a year, and once the Thai facility was fully operational, it would have the capacity to manufacture as many as 250 batteries a month.
I am confident that once our new factory is producing quality batteries, Redflow will be able to demonstrate that it has a unique and viable product with real benefits for many energy storage applications, he said.
Johnson says Redflow (ASX:RFX) a Brisbane-based company which has serial entrepreneur Simon Hackett as its largest shareholder said the initial sales focus would be on market sectors with established battery demand where its technology has a clear competitive advantage over conventional batteries, notably lead-acid.
These markets include telecommunications and network power and applications where there is either no or limited grid power available, Johnson said.
Redflow announced last month that it had started installing battery production equipment at its new factory in Thailand, putting it on track to commence initial operation by the end of this year.
Through its Thai subsidiary, Redflow has signed a three-year lease on a 1500-square-metre building at the Hemaraj Chonburi Industrial Estate, part of the IEAT free trade zone, 110km southeast of Bangkok and 25km from the Laem Chabang deep sea container port.
Johnson, who became Redflows independent non-executive chairman in September, has more than 10 years experience as a director of listed companies, including at Scott Corporation Limited and Helloworld Limited. He also worked for more than 25 years as a senior executive of listed Australian companies, including Memtec Limited and Qantas Airways Limited.
Johnson said Redflow chief executive Richard Aird and his team were working tirelessly to establish the companys new manufacturing facility near Bangkok.
While fully supporting the work in Thailand, the Redflow team in Brisbane continues to enhance our battery technology, support our customer base and manufacture a limited number of batteries to ensure supply for our customers.
Redflow is at an exciting point in its history, after developing the worlds smallest zinc-bromine flow batteries with unique energy storage benefits; having established demand for its batteries from telecommunications, commercial and residential customers; and recently starting the installation of its production line equipment at a new factory in Thailand.
The Melbourne Cup to be run tomorrow is likely to have a negative impact on Australias small businesses, with SMEs taking a hit to their profits as punters spend money on race events and celebrations, according to accounting software company Xero.
According to Xero, the number of small businesses with positive cash flow an indication of profitability on Melbourne Cup Day has been on the decline since 2014.
Thirty-nine percent of small businesses were cashflow positive on Melbourne Cup Day in 2014, dropping to 38% in 2015 and 32% in 2016.
Xero says another indicator of this trend is the year-on-year decline in average cash intake on Melbourne Cup between 2014 and 2016.
Xero bases its stats on transaction data (2014 to 2016) from businesses that run on its accounting software platform and which it says show that "the race that stops the nation is indeed doing that.
According to Xero, celebrations across the country were getting larger each year, affecting small business profits as people spend more time celebrating at race events and less time spending money in small businesses.
And figures compiled by Xero reveal that nationally in 2014, the average amount of cash intake by small businesses on Cup Day was 34% less than on the day before the big race.
Whats more, Xero says this gap increased to 43% in 2015 and 45% in 2016.
Meanwhile in NSW in 2014, the average amount of cash intake by small businesses on Cup Day was 25% lower than in the day prior, but the drop in cash intake increased significantly to 40% on Cup Day in 2016.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that Channel Seven Adelaide made inaccurate and unfair claims about an online flower delivery business, Bloomex, and ordered the network to take corrective steps.
In a statement, the ACMA said it had found that the channel's Today Tonight programme had misrepresented comments made by the NSW Fair Trading Commissioners in March.
The programme incorrectly reported that the Commissioner had issued a public warning about Bloomex, when he had instead only spoken about online flower sellers in general and mentioned that there were complaints about Bloomex.
The investigation found the report failed to present factual material accurately, breaching clause 3.3.1 of the Commercial Television Industry Code of Practice.
"The Code requires that licensees present factual material accurately in broadcasting news and current affairs programmes. They must also ensure viewpoints included in the programme are not misrepresented," said ACMA chair Nerida OLoughlin.
"This breach is an important reminder to broadcasters of their responsibilities to not distort statements made by third parties."
There were several other allegations of inaccuracy but these were found not to breach the Code.
The statement said the ACMA and Seven Adelaide had agreed on actions to avoid future breaches, including using the decision in future Code training for staff. Seven Adelaide has also corrected the material on its Today Tonight website.
Public cloud attention has been so focused on Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure for so long that it has been hard for would-be contenders to break into the two-horse cloud race narrative. Google Cloud Platform has been a distant third in terms of revenue, so some people refer to the Big 3 cloud providers. Yet theres another public cloud provider with even more momentum and more revenuedespite the fact that most cloud watchers barely know it exists.
Im talking about Alibaba.
Alibaba, which earned almost as much in cloud revenue in the last quarter as Google Cloud Platform earned in all of 2016, may be anonymous in the United States, but is taking China by storm. Are Western cloud workloads far behind?
Alibabas cloud revenue hit $675 million for 2016, ahead of Google Cloud Platforms $500 million, but its really what Alibaba has done in 2017 that should be ringing the alarm bells at Amazon and Microsoft. In Alibabas first quarter, the companys cloud revenue leaped to $359 million. In its second quarter, that number jumped again to $447 million, putting the companys run rate at nearly $2 billion. Thats an impressive number, but its growth ratenearly 100 percent every quarteris the real story.
Indeed, Alibaba is growing so fast that Simon Hu, president of Alibaba Cloud, has insisted that Alibaba Cloud is on track to push AWS aside as the global cloud market share leader by 2019. If youre wondering how this could happen when youve barely heard mention of Alibaba in the US and Europe, the short answer is China. As the Chinese economy continues to heat up, Alibaba could never leave its shores and still dominate cloud revenues.
In part this comes down to the size of the Chinese economy. Even with a market late to modernize through the internet, the sheer scale of Chinas economy affords lots of room for Alibabas cloud growth. This private sector boom is complemented by the Chinese governments own aggressive digitization efforts to bring its agencies online and into the cloud, which mainly means Alibabas cloud. Although Alibaba has some internal competition from Dalian (paired with IBM) and Huawei, Alibaba is the vendor that predominantly benefits from government initiatives to go digital and private sector growth built on the web.
And yet it hardly feels like winning if Alibabas only impact is in China, regardless of the revenue that drives.
After all, Alibaba has 15 datacenters globally, nine of which are outside China. Yet, despite a concerted effort to break into Western markets, there is little to show for these efforts. I asked Alibaba for examples of U.S. or European customers using Alibaba Cloud and received no response. Digging through the companys website, I found a few scattered examples, but nearly all of them involves a Western company choosing Alibaba to use its cloud in China.
But one exception, and a clue as to how Alibaba can successfully attract Western companies, is revealed in a case study for Schneider Electric. Schneider Electric wanted a truly global cloud network to power its application, including access to the China market with its very high barriers to entry, the case study reads. To ensure a truly global footprint it has built on Alibabas Cloud for the Chinese market, plus some services running outside China. In this same way, Alibaba could entice Western companies hoping to do business in China to start using its cloud there, and then add more workloads outside China.
Alibaba has shown that it can win on its own turf, but there it is largely protected from real competition by the Chinese government. To be a true global competitor, and not just a tiger confined to China, Alibaba needs to significantly upgrade its cloud services and attack AWS in Western markets. Outside of China, Alibaba wont have any government protectors as it competes against AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, IBM, Oracle, and others.
Getting Western companies to use Alibabas cloud in China could be the way to introduce itself as an option outside China, too. After all, Alibaba offers the same large-scale operational experience as AWS. The trick will be for Alibaba to put this expertise to use for Western companies that feel threatened by AWSs dominance but arent scared off by Alibabas connections to the Chinese government.
Its very much worth keeping an eye on Alibaba and perhaps testing its cloud services both in China and outside China. Still, based on current market trends, Alibaba doesnt look like it will reach its goal of supplanting AWS goal anytime soon, if ever.
Yadav calls for Madhesi solidarity
President of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal Upendra Yadav has said that the Madhesi alliance candidates should be made victorious in the coming elections for ensuring the rights of Madhesi people.
By Benjamin Jumbe
The government is committed to fully implementing the ban on polythene packaging material commonly known as Kavera.
The assurance is given by the state minister for environment Dr Mary Goretti Kitutu at a time government is accused of dragging its feet on implementation of the ban unlike Kenya which has fully implemented it.
Kitutu says the ban is still on but quickly adds that some final consultations are being worked on with the ministry of trade before full implementation is rolled out.
Implementation of the ban has been dodged with fights between manufacturers, traders, various government ministries and agencies.
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By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) |
The Secretary-General of Hizbullah, the Lebanese party-militia, Hassan Nasrullah, gave a major speech Sunday in the wake of the resignation of prime minister Saad Hariri. Nasrullah characterized this step as a Saudi move dictated to Hariri by Riyadh.
Lebanons three big religio-ethnic groups are Sunnis, Shiites and Christians. By gentlemans agreement dating from the 1940s, the president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni, and the speaker of parliament is a Shiite.
The Christians are the wealthiest group and the Shiites the poorest, on the whole.
So Saad Hariri is a Sunni. His father, Rafiq, went off to Saudi Arabia in his youth and became a billionaire. Then during the Civil War in Lebanon, in the 1980s, the Saudis sent Hariri back to Beirut as their representative. He helped negotiate an end to the war and became a long-serving prime minister himself before being assassinated in 2005.
Saad is as connected to the Saudis as his father was, though reportedly he has run through much of his inherited fortune and does not have nearly the resources that his father had.
Saad Hariri became prime minister in 2016 as part of a national unity government. Lebanon has experienced renewed social friction because of the neighboring Syrian Civil War. Lebanese Shiites and Christians have largely sided with Bashar al-Assad as a secular ruler, while Lebanese Sunnis for the most part supported the revolutionaries. When in 2013 Hizbullah went over the border and directly intervened in Syria militarily, it caused a shock wave through Lebanese society. Some militant fundamentalist Sunnis, called Salafis, based in Sidon, actually went over the border to fight on the rebel side.
So the national unity government of the last year and more was intended to tamp down those severe tensions, since older Lebanese remember the civil war and dont want another one.
But the great Middle East Cold War between Saudi Arabia and Iran has pitched the question for Lebanon. Saudi Arabia and Hariri see Hizbullah as an Iranian cats paw, and Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has been confronting Iran as directly as he can without starting a war. So if he did tell Hariri to resign, it was in order to deprive the pro-Iranian Lebanese government of legitimacy.
Israel is also unhappy with the new prominence of Hizbullah, given that it more or less won the Syrian civil war by intervening. Israel wants it cut down to size, and it is not impossible that they are coordinating with the Saudis to set Lebanon up for an intervention of some sort.
Nasrullah said he was surprised by Hariris sudden move. He maintained that until recently, Hariri had reported at cabinet meetings that Saudi Arabia wants a stable Lebanon and backed the national unity government, and was pledging aid money for Lebanon.
Then Hariri recently went back to Riyadh, Nasrullah said, and this time he did not come back. His resignation was dictated to him by the Saudis and prerecorded so as to play on the Saudi-owned Alarabiya network, based in Dubai. It was not in his personal style. It wasnt put out first on Hariris own network, Future TV (al-Mustaqbal). Nasrullah maintains that Hariri phoned his resignation in to President Michel Aoun from Saudi Arabia. So the Hizbullah leader is implying that something changed in the politics of the royal family all of a sudden, and they imposed this resignation on Lebanon through their proxy.
Nasrullah insists that Hizbullah did not desire this resignation. He said cabinet members from his party met regularly with Hariri and sought compromise on major issues.
He said that the way the resignation was carried out reflected the methods and style of intervention in Lebanese affairs practiced by the Saudi leadership, which is ironic, he said, since they are always accusing others (i.e. Iran) of such intervention.
He blamed Hariris move on a fierce struggle for power within the Saudi royal family.
He called for calm and an avoidance of recriminations inside Lebanon.
Lebanon is a country of 4.5 million citizens and another 1.5 million Syrian refugees. Some of the refugees are Christians and Shiites, but most are Sunni Arab and if they stayed they would alter the balance of demographic power among Lebanons competing confessions (religions and sects). As the Syrian war winds down, though I suspect the refugees will mostly go back home.
The US State Department quotes the independent research organization, Statistics Lebanon,to the effect that
28% of Lebanese citizens are Sunnis
28% are Shiites of various sorts
35.5% are Christian
5.2% are Druze (an esoteric offshoot of Shiite Islam that is independent)
I dont know if these percentages are correct and it isnt clear whether they are global projections or just adults of voting age. My guess is that at the level of five-year-olds the percentages would look very different, with Christians more like 25% and Shiites more like a third.
In any case, Hariris resignation has caused a crisis in Lebanon. The Sunni mufti or jurisconsult says that no other Sunnis will be willing to serve as prime minister, in solidarity with Hariri. This is too sweeping a conclusion since Hariri has enemies and some of them would love to succeed him.
Related video added by Juan Cole
Al Jazeera English: Inside Story Is Lebanon on the brink of turmoil?
By Moses Ndhaye
The National Organization of Trade Unions has asked the president to meet the Medical workers Union over a looming medical workers strike instead of dealing with just a few individuals.
The Chairman General of Union Usher Wilson Owere says president Museveni must meet the workers union to resolve their grievances without politicizing the matter.
Earlier, the Medical workers Union said it was not party to the looming strike which the Uganda Medical Association is spear heading saying it is illegal.
Meanwhile, doctors under the Uganda Medical Association are set to meet this morning to take a unified decision on their planned industrial action meant to commence today.
On October 9th the doctors had resolved to lay down their tools following governments alleged failure to respond to their call for salary and allowance review, improved working condition among other issues.
Now according to Dr. Brian Kasagga the association spokesperson they have met several government officials including the president and todays meeting is meant to brief all members about the developments and agree on the way forward.
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TeleSur |
The revelation comes after Trump warned that Asia should fear a robust military stance by Japan, a warrior nation.
A perplexed President Donald Trump once noted that he couldnt understand why Japan, a country of samurai warriors did not shoot down North Korean missiles, according to reports.
The U.S. leaders opinion has been lambasted as ignoring the technical difficulties and potential ramifications of shooting the missiles down, or of making such an attempt.
The former reality television host pontificated about Japans decision not to down the missiles, which were test-launched on Aug. 29 and Sept. 15, during meetings and phone calls with leaders from Southeast Asia over recent months, according to unnamed sources cited by Japans Kyodo News Agency.
Japans military didnt try to intercept the missiles due to their judgment based on a monitoring of the missiles trajectory that the projectiles wouldnt land on Japanese territory, as well as an observation that the speed and altitude of the missiles would make such an interception extremely difficult.
The revelation came ahead of Trumps arrival in Japan on Sunday at the start of his five-nation trip to Asia. Threats from North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile development programs were set to be high on the agenda in his talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday.
The U.S. leader has rattled some allies with his vow to totally destroy North Korea if it threatens the United States and with his dismissal of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a rocket man on a suicide mission. Kim has refused to back down, calling Trump the mentally deranged U.S. dotard.
In a speech before U.S. troops based in Japan, Trump struck a menacing tone, noting that no dictator, no regime, and no nation, should underestimate, ever, American resolve.
Every once in a while, in the past, they underestimated us. It was not pleasant for them, was it? It was not pleasant. We will never yield, never waver, and never falter in defense of our people, our freedom, and our great American flag, Trump said.
We dominate the sky, we dominate the sea, we dominate the land and space, he added.
Abe has staunchly backed Trumps stance that all options are on the table including military action, and repeatedly said that now was the time for added pressure, not dialogue for the sake of dialogue.
Abe, along with a large portion of lawmakers from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition, adheres to the ideology of Nippon Kaigi, a group that openly extols the bloody policies of World War II-era Imperial Japan. The group counts in its ranks prominent businessmen, bureaucrats, academics and politicians.
In an interview broadcast Thursday on Fox News, Trump declared that Japan is a warrior nation, and I tell China and I tell everyone else that listens, I mean, youre gonna have yourself a big problem with Japan pretty soon if you allow this to continue with North Korea.
Throughout the 1930s and 40s, the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy waged aggressive wars across Asia that claimed tens of millions of civilian lives in pursuit of expansionist attempts to conquer the region.
The U.S. has supported successive Japanese governments with arms sales and political support, a policy reaffirmed by a hawkish Trump administration intent on enhancing the U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific region alongside a strong ally such as Japan.
Via TeleSur
Related video added by Juan Cole:
Al Jazeera English: Trump kicks off Asia tour in Japan
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lumina Gold Corp. (TSX-V:LUM) (the Company or Lumina) is pleased to announce an updated mineral resource estimate for the Companys 100% owned Cangrejos Gold-Copper project, located in El Oro Province of southern Ecuador.
Inferred Resource Highlights
Contained gold increases from 4.0 to 8.8 million ounces at a grade of 0.65 grams per tonne
Resource tonnage increases from 192 to 423 million tonnes
Resource includes 1.1 billion pounds of copper, 8.2 million ounces of silver and 23 million pounds of molybdenum
All highlights above are calculated using the base case cut-off grade of 0.35 grams per tonne gold equivalent (AuEq) as summarized in the table below. This significant increase in the mineral resource size compared to the maiden resource announced in January 2017 is primarily due to new drilling completed in 2017 that encountered additional high-grade gold and copper mineralization at depth. As a result, the resource limiting pit shell now extends to depths exceeding 600 metres below surface, approximately 300 metres deeper than the previous resource limiting pit shell. There have also been changes to the interpretation of the mineralized domains used to control the distribution of gold and copper grades in the model, resulting in a reduction in the size of the low-grade central core of the deposit. The Cangrejos deposit remains open to further drilling to the north, south, west and at depth.
Marshall Koval, President and CEO commented, We are extremely pleased to see a significant increase in the scale of the deposit and an increase in the grade. Both of these factors will contribute positively to the Preliminary Economic Assessment planned for completion mid-next year. This resource estimate will serve as the basis for the assessment. Drilling in early 2018 will further delineate priority open areas of the Cangrejos deposit.
Sensitivity of Inferred Mineral Resources to Cut-off Grade
Cut-Off AuEq (g/t) Million Tonnes Average Grade Contained Metals AuEq(g/t) Au(g/t) Cu
(%) Ag
(g/t) Mo
(ppm) Au
(Moz) Cu
(Mlbs) Ag
(Moz) Mo
(Mlb) 0.25 459 0.81 0.62 0.11 0.6 23.7 9.1 1,082 8.8 24 0.30 441 0.83 0.63 0.11 0.6 24.3 9.0 1,069 8.5 24 0.35
(Base Case) 423 0.85 0.65 0.11 0.6 24.8 8.8 1,053 8.2 23 0.40 404 0.87 0.67 0.12 0.6 25.2 8.7 1,042 7.9 22 0.45 382 0.90 0.69 0.12 0.6 25.6 8.4 1,010 7.5 22 0.50 357 0.93 0.71 0.12 0.6 26.1 8.1 976 7.1 21 0.55 330 0.96 0.73 0.13 0.6 26.6 7.8 939 6.8 19 0.60 302 0.99 0.76 0.13 0.7 27.2 7.4 891 6.3 18
Notes:
(1) The mineral resource estimate has an effective date of October 30, 2017. (2) Mineral resources 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 mineral resources in this estimation are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred mineral resources as an Indicated or Measured mineral resource. It is reasonable to expect that the majority of Inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to Indicated or Measured mineral resources with continued exploration. (4) The mineral resources in this estimate were calculated with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), CIM Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves, Definitions and Guidelines prepared by the CIM Standing Committee on Reserve Definitions. (5) Gold equivalent values were calculated using the following prices: for gold a price of US$1,300 per ounce, for copper a price of US$3.00 per pound, for molybdenum a price of US$8.00 per pound and for silver a price of US$18 per ounce. Gold equivalent values can be calculated using the following formula: AuEq = Au g/t + (Ag g/t x 0.0138) + (Cu % x 1.580) + (Mo ppm / 10,000 x 4.219). (6) The base case cut-off grade for the estimate of mineral resources is 0.35g/t AuEq. (7) The Inferred mineral resources are contained within a limiting pit shell and comprise a coherent body.
This mineral resource estimate was prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and was based on a total of 18,015 metres of diamond drilling in 50 holes. Of these, 10,376 metres in 23 holes were drilled by Lumina, 6,237 metres in 23 holes were drilled by the projects previous operator, Newmont Mining Corporation (Newmont), in joint venture with Luminas predecessor company, Odin Mining and Exploration Ltd (Odin) and 1,402 metres in 4 holes were drilled by Odin after the joint venture was dissolved. Inferred mineral resources are estimated using a three-dimensional block model with a nominal block size of 10 x 10 x 10 metres. Drill holes penetrate the Cangrejos deposit at a variety of orientations to depths approaching 700 metres below surface. The resource estimate was generated using drill hole sample assay results and the interpretation of a geological model which relates to the spatial distribution of gold, copper, silver and molybdenum. Interpolation characteristics were defined based on the geology, drill hole spacing, and geostatistical analysis of the data. The effects of potentially anomalous high-grade sample data, composited to 2 metre intervals, are controlled using both traditional top-cutting as well as limiting the distance of influence during block grade interpolation. Block grades are estimated using ordinary kriging and have been validated using a combination of visual and statistical methods. Blocks in the model within a maximum distance of 150 metres from a drill hole are included in the Inferred category. The estimate of the Inferred mineral resource is within a limiting pit shell derived using projected technical and economic parameters.
A NI 43-101 technical report detailing the mineral resource estimate for the Cangrejos Project will be completed and filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and Lumina's website (www.luminagold.com) within 45 days.
Quality Assurance
All Lumina sample assay results have been independently monitored through a quality control / quality assurance ("QA/QC") program including the insertion of blind standards, blanks and the reanalysis of duplicate samples at a second umpire laboratory. In addition, Lumina conducted a comprehensive core duplicate sampling program on the historic Newmont drill core. The results of the QA/QC program and the resampling program indicate that the sample database is of sufficient accuracy and precision to be used for the generation of mineral resource estimates.
Qualified Persons
Robert Sim, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, is responsible for the estimate of mineral resources presented in this news release and has reviewed, verified and approved the contents of this news release as they relate to the mineral resource estimate. Leo Hathaway, P.Geo, Senior Vice President and the Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 for the Cangrejos project has reviewed, verified and approved the contents of this news release as they relate to the ongoing exploration and development program at the Cangrejos project.
About Lumina Gold
Lumina Gold Corp. (TSX-V:LUM) is a Vancouver, Canada based precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on gold and copper projects in Ecuador. The Companys Cangrejos Gold-Copper project is located in El Oro Province, southwest Ecuador, and its Condor Gold-Copper project is located in Zamora-Chinchipe Province, southeast Ecuador. The Company also holds a large and highly prospective land package in Ecuador consisting of 135 thousand hectares. The Company has an experienced management team with a successful track record of advancing and monetizing exploration projects. The Company intends to continue to identify, acquire and advance mineral exploration properties that have large scale potential.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 6, 2017) - White Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:WGO) (the "Company") is pleased to announce additional results from reverse circulation ("RC") and diamond drill ("DD") holes completed on the historical Golden Saddle deposit (the "Golden Saddle deposit", "deposit" or "resource")(5) located on the White Gold Property, Yukon. The results reported herein further define the extension of the Golden Saddle Main Zone ("GS Main") towards surface and the significant extension of mineralization associated with the Footwall Zone to the west and down-dip in undrilled and coarsely drilled portions of the deposit. Additional drill results are pending from the Golden Saddle deposit and historical Arc deposit (the "Arc deposit")(5) as well as the newly defined Golden Saddle East and Ulli's targets and will be released in due course. Detailed maps related to the drilling and additional information can be found at http://whitegoldcorp.ca/investors/exploration-highlights/.
Highlights include:
WHTGS17RC-012 intercepted 5.24 g/t Au over 6.10m and 6.10 g/t Au over 4.57m within a broader intercept of 1.33 g/t Au over 109.73m from 39.62m depth, successfully extending the continuity and near surface projection of the GS Main Zone
WHTGS17DD-171 extended Footwall Zone mineralization by 50m to the west; intercepting 7.61 g/t Au over 2.0m from 222m depth and 3.45 g/t Au over 9.0m from 219m within a broader intercept of 1.19 g/t Au over 34m from 215m depth
WHTGS17DD-172 extended Footwall Zone mineralization by 125m to the west; intercepting 5.66 g/t Au over 1.0m within a broader intercept of 1.8 g/t Au over 7.0m from 205m depth
WHTGS17RC-016 extended Footwall Zone mineralization by 125m to the west and 75m up-dip; intercepting 1.44 g/t Au over 16.76m within a broader mineralized intercept from 134.11m depth
WHTGS17RC-011 intercepted 4.06 g/t Au over 65.53m from 48.768m depth within a broader intercept of 2.61 g/t Au over 111.25m from 47.24m depth
WHTGS17RC-009 extended Footwall Zone down-dip continuity 125m intercepting 5.37 g/t Au over 6.10m within a broader intercept of 1.31 g/t Au over 27.43m from 149.35m; and also extended GS Main Zone continuity 50m up-dip
Overall significant extension of the subparallel Footwall Zone beneath the GS Main Zone to the west, towards surface and down-dip; demonstrating the potential for additional near surface mineralization in undrilled and coarsely drilled portions of the deposit, as well as increased continuity of the GS Main Zone and extension toward surface
Golden Saddle Exploration Update
Diamond Drill Results
WHTGS17DD-171 ("DD-171") was drilled on a 160 azimuth and a -75 dip to a total depth of 393m. It is located at the same site as historic diamond hole WGGS10D0136(1); approximately 50m outside of the historic resource area. The purpose of this hole was to step out 50m to the west from the historic resource area and infill a 150m gap between significant Footwall Zone intercepts in historic holes WGGS10D0121(1) (2.10 g/t Au over 36m from 173m depth) and WGGS10D0136(1) (2.00 g/t Au over 29.8m from 274.16m depth; including 4.88 g/t Au over 6m from 284m depth). Results include 1.19 g/t Au over 34m from 215m depth; including 3.45 g/t Au over 9.0m from 219m depth and 7.61 g/t Au over 2.0m from 222m depth. The results confirm continuity of Footwall Zone mineralization between the historic holes and add 50m of strike length to near surface mineralization within the Footwall Zone beyond the limits of the historic resource calculations(5).
(1)Reported in an Independent technical report for the White Gold Project, Dawson Range, Yukon, Canada by Gilles Arseneau, P.Geo. dated Sept. 15, 2017 and available on SEDAR
WHTGS17DD-172 ("DD-172") was drilled on a 160 azimuth and a -45 dip to a total depth of 258m. It is located at the same site as historic diamond hole WGGS10D0153(1), approximately 110m to the NW of DD-171. The hole returned 1.8 g/t Au over 7.0m from 205m depth, including 5.66 g/t Au over 1.0m from 208m depth. On section, the intercept is a 75m extension of the mineralized Footwall Zone intercepted in DD-171 above; and extends mineralization 125m to the west of the historic resource area(5). Only results from the bottom of the hole have been received to date and results from the upper 184m of the hole are pending and will be reported in due course.
David D'Onofrio, Chief Executive Officer, commented: "We are very pleased to see that the results to date have successfully extended mineralization at the Golden Saddle and validate the Company's belief that the deposit remains open in multiple directions."
Significant results from the Golden Saddle 2017 drill program are detailed in the tables below.
Golden Saddle - 2017 Diamond Drill Holes Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) WHTGS17DD-171 215 249 34 1.19 Including 219 228 9 3.45 Including 222 224 2 7.61 WHTGS17DD-172 Results Pending 0 - 184m And 205 212 7 1.8 Including 208 209 1 5.66 True thickness is estimated to be between 65 - 95% of the reported intercepts
RC Drill Results
WHTGS17RC-009 was drilled on a 160 azimuth and -55 dip to a total depth of 179.83m. The collar is located between historic diamond holes WD-020(2) & WD-092(3) and infills a 75m gap along the surface trace of the Golden Saddle Main zone between the historic holes and was extended to depth to test for continuity of the Footwall Zone to the east in an undrilled portion of the deposit. Three intercepts are noted in the hole and include 0.99 g/t Au over 7.62m from 12.192m depth and 1.12 g/t Au over 10.67m from 38.10m depth. Both intercepts are from the Golden Saddle Main Zone and add 50m of up-dip continuity from historic diamond hole WD-046(4). The third intercept consisted of a broader zone of alteration returning 1.31 g/t Au over 27.43m from 149.35m depth; including 5.37 g/t Au over 6.10m from 150.88m depth. The intercept was within and infilled a gap in the Footwall Zone, adding approximately 125m of down-dip continuity from surface, and demonstrates the potential for high grade (>5 g/t Au) mineralization within the Footwall Zone.
(2)Reported in Underworld Resources Inc. ("UW") news release UW2008 - NR#11 dated Oct. 15, 2008 and available on SEDAR. (3)Reported in Underworld Resources Inc. ("UW") news release UW2009 - NR#13 dated July 14, 2009 and available on SEDAR. (4)Reported in Underworld Resources Inc. ("UW") news release UW2009 - NR#14 dated August 6, 2009 and available on SEDAR.
WHTGS17RC-011 was drilled on a 160 azimuth and -72 dip to a total depth of 163.07m. The hole was drilled adjacent to historic diamond hole WD-043(4) for QAQC purposes related to future resource modelling. The drilling returned 2.61 g/t Au over 111.25m from 47.24m depth; including 4.06 g/t Au over 65.53m from 48.768m depth. The results compared favorably with the historic diamond hole which returned 2.29 g/t Au over 106m from 45m depth.
WHTGS17RC-012 was drilled on a 160 azimuth and -55 dip to a total depth of 169.21m. It was drilled from the same site as WHTGS17RC-011, and was designed to infill an approximately 65m gap between WD-043(4) and the surface projection of the GS Main. Results indicate a broad intercept of 1.33 g/t Au over 109.73 from 39.62m depth; including 5.24 g/t Au over 6.10m from 39.62m depth and 6.10 g/t Au over 4.57m from 74.68m depth.
WHTGS17RC-016 was drilled on a 160 azimuth and -75 dip to a total depth of 178.35m, and is located 155m to the SE of DD-172. Results include an intercept of 1.44 g/t Au over 16.76m from 134.11m within a broader intercept of 0.72 g/t Au over 38.1m from 134.11m depth. The intercept extends Footwall Zone mineralization approximately 75m up-dip from DD-172 reported above, and together extend mineralization 125m to the west of the historic resource area(5).
Golden Saddle - 2017 RC Drill Holes Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) WHTGS17RC-007 Results Pending WHTGS17RC-008 Results Pending WHTGS17RC-009 12.192 19.812 7.62 0.99 And 32.004 48.768 16.764 0.82 Including 38.10 48.768 10.668 1.12 And 149.352 176.784 27.432 1.31 Including 150.876 156.972 6.096 5.37 WHTGS17RC-010 Results Pending WHTGS17RC-011 47.244 158.496 111.252 2.61 Including 48.768 114.3 65.532 4.06 Including 73.152 88.868 13.716 6.07 Including 94.488 114.3 19.812 5.47 Including 99.06 106.68 7.62 9.65 WHTGS17RC-012 39.624 149.352 109.728 1.33 Including 39.624 79.248 39.624 2.12 Including 39.624 45.72 6.096 5.24 Including 74.676 79.248 4.572 6.10 WHTGS17RC-013 Results Pending WHTGS17RC-014 Results Pending WHTGS17RC-015 Results Pending WHTGS17RC-016 134.112 172.212 38.1 0.72 Including 134.112 150.846 16.764 1.44
True thickness is estimated to be between 65 - 95% of the reported intercepts.
The 2017 drilling campaign on the White Gold Property represents the first drilling program on the property since the previous operator Kinross Gold Corp. A total of 4,432m over 31 RC holes and 1,295m over 4 diamond holes have been completed by the Company in 2017 on the White Gold property to date. This includes 4,151m of drilling on the Golden Saddle deposit with additional drilling on the Arc deposit and newly identified Golden Saddle East and Ulli's target areas. Complete results have been reported for 10 of the RC holes and 2 diamond drill holes to date. Assays for the additional holes will be reported in due course.
The Company encourages individuals interested in the Company to visit its website (www.whitegoldcorp.ca) to further understand the size and scope of the Company's projects in the White Gold District.
The analytical work for the 2017 program has been performed by Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd., an internationally recognized analytical services provider, at its Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory. Sample preparation was carried out at its Whitehorse, Yukon facility. All soil samples were using procedure SS80 (dry at 60 C and sieve 100g at -80 mesh) and analyzed by method AQ201 (aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis). All rock, GT Probe, RAB, RC, and diamond core samples were prepared using procedure PRP70-250 (crush, split and pulverize 250 g to 200 mesh) and analyzed by method FA430 (30g fire assay with AAS finish) and AQ200 (0.5g, aqua regia digestion and ICP-MS analysis). Samples containing >10g/t Au were reanalyzed using method FA530 (30g Fire Assay with gravimetric finish). Metallic-screen analysis may also be utilized if coarse gold mineralization is encounter (FS600).
Qualified Person
Jodie Gibson, PGeo, VP, Exploration of the Company is a "qualified person" as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. Potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource on any of the Company's properties to date, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in any such target being delineated as a mineral resource.
The reported work was completed using industry standard procedures, including a quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program consisting of the insertion of certified standards, blanks, and field duplicates into the sample stream. The qualified person detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data.
(5)Information Regarding Historical Resources/Deposits
All historical scientific and technical information relating to the White Gold Properties is based on and derived from the 43-101 report titled "White Gold Property Dawson Range Yukon, Canada" dated March 3, 2010, prepared by Lars Weiershauser, P.Geo, Marek Nowak, P.Eng and Wayne Barnett, Pr.Sci.Nat. of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc.) (the "Technical Report") available on Sedar and other information available to the Company as referenced herein. The property was historically explored by Underworld Resources from 2007 - 2009 and included the discovery of the Golden Saddle and Arc deposits. In 2010, Underworld reported a resource estimate of 1,004,570 ounces contained in 9.80 Mt at a grade of 3.19 g/t Au in an Indicated category, with an additional 407,410 ounces contained in 5.02 Mt at a grade of 2.5 g/t Au in an Inferred category for the Golden Saddle deposit. At the Arc deposit, the initial resource included 170,470 ounces contained within 4.37 Mt at a grade of 1.21 g/t Au in the inferred category (reported in Underworld Resources New Release UW2010-NR#2 dated January 19, 2010 and the Technical Report. Kinross purchased Underworld shortly after the initial resource was released in 2010 and explored the property from 2010 - 2012. In 2013, Kinross released the results of a resource estimate for the Golden Saddle deposit and reported a resource of 840,000 ounces within 9.79 Mt at a grade of 2.67 g/t Au in an Indicated category, with an additional 125,000 ounces within 2.17 Mt at a grade of 1.8 g/t Au in an Inferred category (reported in Kinross Gold Corp.'s 2016 Mineral Reserves and Resource Statement).
Both Underworld's and Kinross' resource estimates are considered historical estimates and the Company is not treating them as current mineral resources. Although the Company believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information is subject to interpretation and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other inherent limitations and uncertainties. In addition to the Golden Saddle and Arc deposits, there are numerous other targets known on the property that warrant follow-up work (for more information see Yukon Assessment Report #'s 095338, 096206, & 096207). The information contained herein is subject to all of the assumptions, qualifications and procedures set out in the Technical Report and reference should be made to the full details of the Technical Report which may be obtained from the Company by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Disclosure of the historical estimates in this news release is derived from the Technical Report and other information as set forth above previous press releases of the company as available on Sedar and has been judged to be relevant and therefore suitable for disclosure, however should not be relied upon. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in the historical estimates, which are subject to all of the assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare such historical estimates and reference is made to the full text of the Technical Report with respect thereto. The historic estimates of mineral resources were estimated in conformity with generally accepted CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve Best Practices" Guidelines. Mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There are no other recent estimates or data are available to the Company as at the date of this news release and a detailed exploration program is required to be conducted by the Company in order to verify or treat the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources or mineral reserves and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources.
About White Gold Corp.
The Company owns a portfolio of 19,438 quartz claims across 30 properties covering over 390,000 hectares representing approximately 40% of the Yukon's White Gold district. Preliminary exploration work has produced several prospective targets. The claim packages are bordered by sizable gold discoveries including the Coffee project owned by Goldcorp Inc., Western Copper and Gold Corporation's Casino project, and the Golden Saddle and Arc deposits acquired by the Company in June 2017 from Kinross Gold Corp. The Company has outlined an aggressive exploration plan to further explore its properties. For more information visit www.whitegoldcorp.ca.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 06, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGX Minerals Inc. (MGX or the Company) (CSE:XMG) (FKT:1MG) (OTCQB:MGXMF) is pleased to report that engineering partner PurLucid Treatment Solutions (PurLucid) has been awarded a non-repayable contribution totaling up to C$8.2 million in government funding to support the commercialization of a low energy water treatment system for the oil and gas industry. Specifically, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) have agreed to fund up to $3.2 million and $5 million, respectively. MGX currently owns a 34% interest in Purlucid and has the right to acquire 100% through successive future investments. Working with MGX, Purlucid invented and filed patent applications for apparatus and methods for brine treatment and selective lithium recovery that integrates with the MGX Petrolithium Recovery Process, greatly reducing the cost of recovery and enhancing the quality across the complex range of brines received from oil and gas wells.
Utilizing its exclusively licensed pretreatment technology, Purlucid will fabricate and deploy a commercial-scale unit within an operating steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) facility in Alberta. The project includes participants from oil production companies, a University and a global information technology company. The treatment system, proven in other applications, will be capable of operating at high temperatures and pressures to reduce energy loss while removing oil and mineral contaminants from oilfield wastewater. Several process units in existing boiler feed water treatment plants can be replaced with this single unit, not just in oil production but across thermal industries. Utilizing MGX resources, Purlucid will implement the lithium recovery process as a separate but associated project as early as January 2018.
Treatment of wastewater has always been a challenge and significant cost to oil and gas producers; it is also essential to implement petrolithium recovery. said Dr. Preston McEachern, CEO and Founder of PurLucid. Were grateful to receive support from SDTC and ERA in the form of development contributions, to build the first commercial system at an operating oil production facility in Alberta and to demonstrate the large cost and energy savings that can be achieved with these systems. It is exciting, as this opens the door to further processing of the treated water for petrolithium recovery.
The system will utilize a highly charged Replaceable Skin Layer (RSL) membrane and High Intensity Froth Flotation (HiFF) system, known as Nanoflotation, which collectively have demonstrated performance superiority over other processes typically used to remove contaminants. The technology allows high temperature water treatment at 10-30 times the efficiency of existing ultrafiltration systems and offers numerous environmental benefits, including contaminant removal, mineral recovery, reduced energy demand, smaller footprints and lower capital costs. The system is integral to the highly efficient processing of petrolithium brines for lithium recovery. The technology was a 2017 finalist for the Most Disruptive Technology in the World award by Katerva.
Extending from success achieved with the Purlucid pilot petrolithium recovery system deployed in August 2017, fabrication of the first small commercial Purlucid lithium recovery system will be completed in December 2017 and ready for use in 2018 on the treated brines from the grant supported project and other MGX brines successfully trialed with the bench-scale and pilot systems.
About PurLucid
Purlucid is a water and wastewater treatment services company comprised of seasoned professional staff from existing large oil and gas service companies. Purlucid's distinct advantage over its competitors is its expertise in the industry and its knowledge of the changing market demand towards water reuse in addition to its technology portfolio that reduces costs and energy consumption while delivering high quality treated water. Purlucid has an active research and development program and its CEO holds academic positions at multiple Canadian universities where he promotes advanced research in water treatment and environmental engineering. Purlucids technology development is supported by contract CTO David Bromley, globally renowned for his expertise in water treatment and contributor to several books on the topic. The strong research-driven team at Purlucid developed a low energy lithium recovery process and continues its innovation platform to further advance mineral recovery as part of a water treatment approach.
About MGX Minerals
MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource company with interests in lithium, magnesium and silicon assets throughout North America. Learn more at www.mgxminerals.com.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Nov. 6, 2017) - Trevali Mining Corporation ("Trevali" or the "Company") (TSX:TV) (OTCQX:TREVF) (LMA:TV) (FRANKFURT:4TI) announces results of a jointly prepared Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") led by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. ("SRK") for its wholly-owned Halfmile-Stratmat massive sulphide zinc-lead-silver deposits in the Bathurst Mining Camp of New Brunswick, Canada.
Under the base case PEA both the Halfmile and Stratmat deposits are fed to a new 3,000 tonne-per-day Concentrator plant located at the Stratmat site. Results indicate positive economics with a pre-production capital expenditure of Cdn$231 million, a post-tax Internal Rate of Return ("IRR") of 19%, post-tax Net Present Value ("NPV") of Cdn$99 million at an 8% discount rate, a mine life of 13 years with peak annual payable production of approximately 117 million lbs. zinc, 35 million lbs. lead, 2 million lbs. copper and 766,000 oz. silver (Table 1). The alternative case PEA examined the feasibility of transporting pre-concentrated dense media feed ("DMS") to the Company's Caribou concentrator plant. This study indicates economic results with an estimated pre-production capital expenditure of Cdn$156 million, a post-tax IRR of 25%, post-tax NPV of Cdn$116 million at an 8% discount rate (Table 1).
Table 1: Halfmile-Stratmat Project Preliminary Economic Assessment Highlights:
(based on US$1.15/lb Zn, US$0.95/lb Pb, US$2.72/lb Cu, US$19/oz Ag, US$1283.90/oz Au and Canadian dollar exchange rate of US$0.79) (no credits for Au, all values in Canadian $'s unless noted otherwise) Base Case: New Concentrator at Stratmat Site Alternate Case: DMS feed transported and processed in the Caribou Concentrator IRR Pre-tax IRR of 23% with a 3.4-year payback
Post-tax IRR of 19% with a 3.6-year payback Pre-tax IRR of 34% with a 2.9-year payback
Post-tax IRR of 25% with a 2.6-year payback NPV Pre-tax NPV(8%) of $166 million
Post-tax NPV(8%) of $99 million Pre-tax NPV(8%) of $222 million
Post-tax NPV(8%) of $116 million Production Costs Life of mine ("LOM") Opex Costs of US$0.72/lb zinc equivalent
Total Site Operating Cost of $71.88/tonne mined (includes mining, milling, G&A and Environmental) LOM Opex Costs of US$0.73/lb zinc equivalent
Total Site Operating Cost of $73.46/tonne milled (includes mining, transport, milling, G&A and Environmental) Capex Pre-production capital of $230.5 million
Life of integrated project total capital cost of $418.0 million Pre-production capital of $155.6 million
Life of integrated project total capital cost of $332 million Production (Payable) Average peak annual payable production (years 4 - 10) of 117 million lbs. Zn, 35 million lbs. Pb, 2 million lbs. Cu, 766,000 oz. Ag Average peak annual payable production (years 4 - 10) of 117 million lbs. Zn, 35 million lbs. Pb, 2 million lbs. Cu, 766,000 oz. Ag Mine Life Planned mine life of 13 years Planned mine life of 13 years LOM Mill Feed Estimated DMS Plant Feed* of 13,011,000 tonnes, after dense media separation 10,219,000 tonnes grading 6.99% Zn, 2.39% Pb, 0.25% Cu, 40.7 g/t Ag and 0.36 g/t Au over LOM Estimated DMS Plant Feed* of 13,011,000 tonnes, after dense media separation 10,219,000 tonnes grading 6.99% Zn, 2.39% Pb, 0.25% Cu, 40.7 g/t Ag and 0.36 g/t Au over LOM Recoveries Average LOM recoveries of 85.2% for Zn, 64.7% for Pb, 40% for Cu, 81.1% for Ag reporting to Zn/Pb/Cu concentrates Average LOM recoveries of 85.2% for Zn, 64.7% for Pb, 40% for Cu, 81.1% for Ag reporting to Zn/Pb/Cu concentrates Local/Regional Benefits Approx. $184 million in direct royalties and tax payments Approx. $252 million in direct royalties and tax payments
The economic analysis and estimated plant feed is preliminary in nature and is partly based on 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 preliminary economic assessment based on these Mineral Resources will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. All monetary amounts are presented in 2017 Canadian dollars (CAD), except as otherwise stated (below and Table 1).
Commodity price assumptions: Zinc price of US$1.15/lb, lead price of US$0.95/lb, copper price of US$2.72/lb, silver price of US$19.00/oz, gold price of US$1,283.90/oz but no credit, and a Canadian dollar exchange rate of US$0.79. Many costs within the models are based on Caribou Mine 2016 actual cost data and supplier/contractor quotations.
OPPORTUNITIES
The following opportunities are identified within the Preliminary Economic Assessment:
Exploration potential to increase the Mineral Resources of both the Halfmile and Stratmat deposits at depth, and the Stratmat S1 Shallow Zone that is not currently included in the mine plan.
Further stope design optimization is expected to lead to reduced internal dilution and increased plant feed head grades.
Further detailed mine planning work could possibly bring more mineralized material into the mine plan.
There is a potential to improve the predicted metallurgical forecast for the project plant feed, in particular lead, through additional metallurgy test work and optimization of the plant flow sheet.
There is a potential using different technology to construct a precondition plant to reject more percentage of waste with lower metal losses to increase mill feed head grade and improve project economics. Trevali scheduled additional test work using "Sorting" technology that is currently on-going.
Further definition drilling may convert some of the existing Inferred Mineral Resources to higher-confidence categories. This will be a benefit for future higher-level technical studies.
There is a potential to bring Halfmile North Zone mineralization into future mine plan studies (61.5% Trevali ownership). It was excluded from the current study.
RISKS
The following risks are identified within the Preliminary Economic Assessment:
Approximately 32% by NSR value of the plant feed is from 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.
There is a risk of increased external dilution beyond the planned amount.
There is a risk that the predictive metallurgy associated with DMS and/or mill will not be consistently achieved.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Additional diamond drilling, specifically: Carry out additional metallurgical testing of mineralized zones to determine recoverability. Target approx. 10 holes on the S1 Shallow Zone at Stratmat to better define the geological continuity of this narrow, higher-grade mineralization. Drill approx. 8-10 holes on the S1 Deep Zone at Stratmat to better identify mineralization in the north limb. Target an additional approx. 10 holes on Halfmile Lower Zone to better define the geological control of the mineralization.
The cost of the combined phases of work is expected to cost approx. $1.2 million.
Perform prefeasibility-level geotechnical studies of Halfmile and Stratmat to support the next stage of mine design (estimated $160,000 cost).
Perform prefeasibility-level mine hydrogeological studies of Stratmat and Halfmile to support next stage of mine dewatering system design (estimated $110,000 cost).
Evaluate Halfmile mine primary access options between ramp and shaft for the extraction of Lower Zone and Deep Zone mineralization. A more comprehensive trade-off study is needed.
Undertake prefeasibility-level DMS/optical test work studies, mill metallurgy testing and possible pilot plant testing (estimated $100,000 cost).
Continue discussion with New Brunswick Provincial departments on additional permit requirements.
Engineering and planning studies should commence as early as possible for the environmental infrastructure and design: Site geotechnical investigation to assess infrastructure foundations and borrow sources. Hydrogeological studies including water balance, surface and groundwater models. Environmental impact assessment.
"This PEA study on Halfmile-Stratmat provides a strong, initial foundation for Trevali's future plans in the Bathurst Mining Camp," stated Dr. Mark Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO. "The study contributes significantly to the Company's continued interest in the region and along with the resource expansion potential at Caribou, additional material at the past producing Restigouche mine and the exploration potential at the past producing Heath Steele mine, demonstrates the optionality for future planned production on either a stand-alone basis or by leveraging our current Caribou operational team and infrastructure."
SUMMARY OF KEY INPUTS AND ASSUMPTIONS:
SRK was retained by Trevali to prepare a technical report on its Halfmile-Stratmat massive sulphide integrated project located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). SRK was the lead independent consultant for the PEA with contributions from Stantec Inc. (environmental) and Trevali personnel.
The project has been valued using a discounted cash flow (DCF) approach. This method of valuation requires projecting yearly cash inflows, or revenues, and subtracting yearly cash outflows such as operating costs, capital costs, royalties, and provincial and federal taxes. Cash flows are taken to occur at the middle of each period. The resulting net annual cash flows are discounted back to the date of valuation, mid-2019, and totaled to determine net present values (NPVs) at the selected 8 percent discount rates. The internal rate of return (IRR) is calculated as the discount rate that yields a zero NPV. The payback period is calculated as the time needed to recover the initial capital spent.
The PEA includes two options: a new concentrator complex at the Stratmat site to treat product from both mining operations; and development of the mining complexes to support feed to the Caribou Mining complex at the exhaustion of the Caribou underground resource. Both options consider Dense Media Separation, based on preliminary test work conducted on Halfmile mineral in 2012. The majority of costs are supported by Caribou actual cost data and supplier contractor quotations.
The Halfmile property Mineral Resource Estimate was updated as part of the PEA study, and the Stratmat property Mineral Resource Estimate that supports the PEA was previously updated by SRK in 2015 in the prior technical report titled "Independent Technical Report for the Stratmat Lead-Zinc Project, Bathurst, New Brunswick Canada", dated July 6, 2015. The Mineral Resource Estimates conform to the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves.
SRK cautions that the PEA is preliminary in nature and are partly based on 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 preliminary economic assessment based on these Mineral Resources will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The results of the economic analyses represent forward-looking information, as defined under Canadian securities law, that is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those presented in the PEA. The results depend on inputs that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those presented here. SRK is of the opinion that the accuracy of the results is in the range of industry wide commonly accepted scoping study level of accuracy.
Mineral Resources, Run-of-Mine Materials for Mine Plan, and PEA Plant Feed
The Halfmile-Stratmat integrated project Mineral Resource statements utilized are summarized below (Table 2 and 3).
Table 2: Mineral Resource Statement*, Halfmile Deposit, New Brunswick (effective date of October 26, 2017) Category
Underground** Quantity
(Mt) Grade Metal Au Ag Pb Zn Cu Au Ag Pb Zn Cu g/t g/t % % % M oz M oz M lbs M lbs M lbs Measured 0.4 0.60 40 1.99 5.92 0.46 0.01 0.52 18 54 4 Indicated 7.4 0.29 35 2.37 7.00 0.16 0.07 8.45 389 1,146 26 Measured & Indicated 7.8 0.30 36 2.35 6.94 0.18 0.08 8.98 407 1,199 31 Inferred 6.5 0.10 23 1.51 5.62 0.15 0.02 4.72 216 806 21 * 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. All composites have been capped where appropriate. ** Underground Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 5% zinc equivalent. Cut-off grades are based on price for gold of US$1,250 per ounce, silver is US$20.00 per ounce, copper is US$3.00 per pound, lead is US$0.95 per pound, and zinc is US$1.05 per pound, and exchange rate US$0.80 per Canadian dollar. A recovery of 88% was applied to zinc, 72% was applied to lead, 50% was applied to copper, 45% was applied to silver, and 0% was applied to gold. The North Zone is reported at 100% although only 61.5% of interest owned by Trevali.
Table 3: Mineral Resource Statement*, Stratmat Deposit, New Brunswick (effective date of July 6, 2015) Category
Underground** Quantity
(Mt) Grade Metal Au Ag Pb Zn Cu Au Ag Pb Zn Cu g/t g/t % % % M oz M oz M lbs M lbs M lbs Indicated 4.7 0.6 49 2.1 5.3 0.4 0.09 7.3 214 550 43 Inferred 2.4 0.4 39 2.1 4.8 0.7 0.03 3.0 110 252 37 * 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. All composites have been capped where appropriate. ** Underground Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 5% zinc equivalent. Cut-off grades are based on price for gold of US$1,300 per ounce, silver is US$21.15 per ounce, copper is US$3.00 per pound, lead is US$1.00 per pound, and zinc is US$1.00 per pound, and exchange rate US$0.85 per Canadian dollar. A recovery of 88% was applied to zinc, 72% was applied to lead, 50% was applied to copper, 45% was applied to silver, and 0% was applied to gold.
It should be noted that there are currently no Mineral Reserves for the Halfmile-Stratmat integrated project.
In the PEA, SRK used a net smelter return (NSR $/tonne) value as an indicator to determine if a mining shape/stope met the economic cut-off criteria for inclusion into the mining plan. The assumptions and parameters used are tabulated below (Table 4). The off-site cost ($34.63/tonne-mined) is a constant subtracted in the NSR calculation.
Table 4: Parameters Used in NSR Calculation Item NSR Metal Price Process Payable Unit US$ C$ Recovery Accountability Zinc $/lb 1.01 1.20 85% 85% Lead $/lb 0.91 1.08 65% 95% Copper $/lb 2.86 3.40 60% 95% Silver $/oz 17.33 20.62 45% 95% Gold $/oz 1,201 1,429 - - Exchange rate US$/C$ 0.84 Off-site cost $/t RoM 34.63
Tables 5 and 6 show the initial estimates of the underground NSR cut-off values (CoV) supporting the selection of appropriate NSRs as the run-of-mine (RoM) CoVs. After applying allowances for internal and external dilution, in-situ CoV of appropriate NSR was estimated as the cut-off criteria for targeting blocks in the mineral resource block model when designing mining shapes for the underground mines.
Table 5: Halfmile Initial NSR Cut-off Value Estimation Item Unit Cut & Fill Longhole U/G Production Rate Estimate tpd 1,200 2,600 Mining Operating Cost C$/t 57.99 46.53 Milling Operating Cost C$/t 20.57 20.57 G&A Cost C$/t 7.02 7.02 Environmental Cost C$/t 1.54 1.54 Site Total Operating Cost/Tonne RoM C$/t 87.32 75.66 Royalty C$/t 2.8 2.43 RoM NSR CoV C$/t 90.12 78.09 External Dilution 15% 12% Inside Mining Shape C$/t 100 85 Internal dilution Included in Stope Shapes Block Model In Situ CoV (Target) C$/t 100 85
Table 6: Stratmat Initial NSR Cut-off Value Estimation Item Unit Longhole U/G Production Rate Estimate t/d 1,400 Mining Operating Cost C$/t 39.51 Milling Operating Cost C$/t 20.57 G&A Cost C$/t 7.02 Environmental Cost C$/t 1.54 Site Total Operating Cost/Tonne RoM C$/t 68.64 Royalty C$/t 4.55 Plant Feed NSR CoV C$/t 73.19 External Dilution $25/t at 12% Inside Mining Shape C$/t 79.0 Internal dilution Included in Mining Shapes Block Model In Situ CoV (Target) C$/t 85
In the PEA, all Mineral Resources categories, including Measured, Indicated, and Inferred Mineral Resources, were considered for inclusion into the mine plan (Tables 7 and 8).
Table 7: Estimation of Underground Mining Resource for Halfmile Mine Plan (effective date of October 26, 2017) Category Mining Resources for Mine Plan Tonnes
(kt) Zn
(%) Pb
(%) Cu
(%) Ag
(g/t) Au
(g/t) NSR
($/t) Measured 155 6.06 2.12 0.44 39.46 0.63 143 Indicated 5,592 6.22 2.18 0.11 32.27 0.25 136 Subtotal of Measured and Indicated 5,747 6.21 2.18 0.12 32.46 0.26 136 Inferred 3,629 5.33 1.49 0.12 21.80 0.09 105 Subtotal of Inferred 3,629 5.33 1.49 0.12 21.80 0.09 105 Figures have been rounded. The estimated RoM is partly based on 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 preliminary economic assessment based on these Mineral Resources will be realized. The reader is cautioned that the mineralized material should not be misconstrued as a Mineral Resource or a Mineral Reserve. The quantities and grade estimates are derived from the block model and include mining dilution and losses.
Table 8: Estimation of Mining Resource for Stratmat Mine Plan (effective date of October 26, 2017) Category Tonnes
(kt) Zn
(%) Pb
(%) Cu
(%) Ag
(g/t) Au
(g/t) NSR
($/t) Indicated 2,978 4.88 1.88 0.36 45.44 0.58 119 Total of Indicated 2,978 4.88 1.88 0.36 45.44 0.58 119 Inferred 657 4.92 2.07 0.65 35.76 0.38 133 Total of Inferred 657 4.92 2.07 0.65 35.76 0.38 133 Figures have been rounded. The estimated RoM is partly based on 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 preliminary economic assessment based on these mineral resources will be realized. The reader is cautioned that the mineralized material should not be misconstrued as a Mineral Resource or a Mineral Reserve. The quantities and grade estimates are derived from the block model and include mining dilution and losses.
A dense media separation (DMS) system is used to pre-condition the RoM material in order to pre-separate partial barren or low-grade waste material which then is used as underground backfill material. The DMS product tonnes and grades are estimated using a 22% reject rate, 1.5% metal loss for Halfmile RoM and a 3.0% metal loss for Stratmat RoM materials.
Table 9 shows the combined life of project mill plant feed.
Table 9: Combined Life of Project Mill Plant Feed Name Unit Total Total Mill Feed kt 10,219 Halfmile kt 7,383 Stratmat kt 2,836 NSR (not counting Au) $/t 154 Zn % 6.99 Pb % 2.39 Cu % 0.25 Ag g/t 40.70 Au g/t 0.36 Numbers are rounded.
Underground Mining Study
Key findings of the underground mining study are as follows:
Halfmile:
Mineralized material available for mine planning at $100/t NSR for post pillar cut and fill mining and $85/t NSR for longhole mining target mineralization CoV of 9.38 million tonnes (Mt) at $124/t NSR value (refer to table 7).
Life of mine with DMS mill feed of 7.38 Mt at $155/t NSR value.
Stratmat:
Mineralized material available for mine planning at $85/t NSR for longhole mining target mineralization CoV of 3.63 million tonnes (Mt) at $122/t NSR value (refer to Table 8).
Life of mine with DMS mill feed of 2.84 Mt at $152/t NSR value.
Key features of the planned underground mines are as follows:
Halfmile (Figure 1):
Takes advantage of extensive existing historical underground development and surface and underground infrastructure.
Centralized ramp-trucking system as main access for the Halfmile underground mine.
The deepest mine level planned is approximately 1,150 metres below the main portal, manageable to a ramp-trucking system for materials handlings.
Post pillar cut and fill and longhole open stope with (cemented) waste rock backfill are the major mining methods.
13 years of underground mine production life.
A steady production profile of above 910 kt per year (2,600 tonnes per day) for 8 years, in addition of approximately 3.5 years ramp up period and 1.5 years ramp down period.
North Zone is excluded from the mine plan as guided by Trevali. This zone can be treated as opportunity for future mine plan.
(Halfmile 3D Mine Model Isometric View Looking Southwest)
Stratmat (Figure 2):
Main Zone and S1 Zones are approximately 750 metres apart on surface.
Double ramp-trucking systems as main accesses for the Stratmat underground mine.
The deepest mine level planned is approximately 700 metres below the main portal, amenable to a ramp-trucking system for materials handlings.
Longhole open stope with (cemented) waste rock backfill is the major mining method.
New Zone is excluded from the mine plan. This zone can be treated as opportunity for future mine plan.
10 years of underground project life.
A steady production profile of 490 kt per year (1,400 tonnes per day) for 6 years, in addition of approximately 2.5 years ramp up period and 1.5 years ramp down period.
(Stratmat 3D Mine Model Isometric View Looking Northeast)
Metallurgy and Mineral Processing
The basis of generating both the metallurgical performance and the operating costs of a new concentrator, reference has been made to the current operations of Trevali at the nearby Caribou Mine. The design of the Stratmat-Halfmile flow sheet is based on metallurgical test work which was completed initially by Noranda and includes test milling of the Halfmile deposit in 2012 at the Brunswick-12 mill. In 2015 and 2016 through to 2017, bench scale metallurgical work was completed on a combined sample of Stratmat and Halfmile to establish the main processing parameters of the mineralization. Preliminary test work was also carried out on a mining sample of Halfmile to investigate the potential benefits of applying dense media separation on the RoM materials to reject barren materials before the concentrator (Table 10).
Table 10: Predictive Metallurgy
Grades Zn (%) Cu (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t) Plant Feed 6.99 0.25 2.39 40.7 Recovery Zn to Zn Conc 85.2% Pb to Pb Conc 64.7% Cu to Cu Conc 40.0% Ag to Pb Conc 58.5% Ag to Zn Conc 20.5% Ag to Cu Conc 1.8%
Capital and Operating Costs
Tables 11, 12 and 13 show summaries of LOM estimated project capital costs and operating cost summary for the base case scenario.
Table 11: Pre-Production Capital Expenditure Description Units Halfmile Stratmat Combined Mobile Equipment C$M 17.8 1.1 18.9 Capital Development C$M 31.5 25.1 56.6 Infrastructure C$M 24.5 130.5 155.0 Mine Closure C$M Total C$M 73.9 156.7 230.5
Table 12: Sustaining Capital Expenditure Description Units Halfmile Stratmat Combined Mobile Equipment C$M 21.7 19.7 41.5 Capital Development C$M 76.4 33.2 109.6 Infrastructure C$M 5.8 12.9 18.6 Mine Closure C$M - 17.6 17.6 Total C$M 103.9 83.4 187.3
Table 13: Halfmile and Stratmat Mine and Mill Complex Operating Cost Summary Area Unit Cost $/t mined at site $/t mined (average) Stratmat Underground Mine 33.44 36.90 Halfmile - Underground Mine 38.24 Stratmat/Halfmile - G & A 13.94 Stratmat/Halfmile - Processing Cost 21.04 Total 71.88
Project Economics and Sensitivity
The results of the economic analysis represent forward-looking information that is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those presented here.
Assumptions
Table 14: Assumptions Used in Economic Analysis Item Metal Price Mill Recovery Payable Off-site Costs Unit In USD In CAD Zn $/lb 1.15 1.46 85.2% 85% TC/RC, Deductibles Vary with Smelter Locations, Smelter Terms and Conditions Pb $/lb 0.95 1.20 64.7% 95% Cu $/lb 2.72 3.45 40.0% 95% Ag in Pb Conc $/oz 19.00 24.08 58.8% 95% Ag in Zn Conc $/oz 19.00 24.08 20.5% 95% Ag in Cu Conc $/oz 19.00 24.08 1.8% 95% Au $/oz 1283.90 1626.88 0% 0% Base Case Discount Rate 8% Exchange Rate (US$/C$) 0.79 Glencore's Royalty on Halfmile Property 2% Teck's Royalty on Stratmat Property 2.5% Glencore's Royalty on Stratmat Property 2% Schedule 1 - NB 2% Royalty 2% Schedule 2 - NB 16% Royalty 16% Pre-production Investment Credit 10% Provincial Income Tax 12% Federal Income Tax 15%
Royalties and Taxes Calculation
Royalty and tax payments are calculated according to Canadian Mining Taxation applicable to the province of New Brunswick and specific agreements. For provincial royalties and tax calculations, SRK has relied on the expertise of Ms. Anna Ladd, CFO of Trevali Mining Corporation. The current financial model estimates the life of project total value of royalty and tax payments to be $184 million for the base case.
Offsite Costs
The base case incorporates the transport charges of US$45-to-US$60 per dry tonne of concentrate dependent on concentrate shipping to the assumed smelter destinations. Other offsite costs include concentrate treatment charges, penalty charges, handling and losses, etc.
Sensitivity Analysis
The sensitivity analysis was performed on the base case taking into account variations in metal prices, capital costs operating cost, and exchange rate. As usual with projects of this type, analysis shows that the Halfmile-Stratmat integrated project results are most sensitive to changes in metal prices and then exchange rate because they directly affect the entire revenue stream. The sensitivity analysis shows that the project is less sensitive to operating cost and capital expenditure (Figure 3 and 4).
(Sensitivity of Base Case Post-tax NPV at 8% Discount Rate)
(Sensitivity of Base Case Post-tax IRR)
For readers to fully understand the information in this news release, they should read the technical report supporting the PEA in its entirety, including all qualifications, assumptions and exclusions that relate to the PEA, which will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Trevali Mining website at www.trevali.com within 45 days of the date of this news release. The technical report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.
The PEA is considered preliminary in nature and includes economic analysis that is based, in part, on Inferred Mineral Resources. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would allow them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the results will be realized. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves because they do not have demonstrated economic viability.
Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance
The PEA information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by the following Qualified Persons pursuant to the National Instrument 43-101: Benny Zhang, PEng, Meng, and Gary Poxleitner, PEng, PMP, both are Principal Mining Engineers of SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., and are both independent of the Company.
Additionally, both EurGeol Dr. Mark D. Cruise, Trevali's President and CEO, and Paul Keller, P.Eng, Trevali's COO, are qualified persons as defined by NI 43-101, have supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. They have also verified the sampling, analytical, and test data underlying the information or opinions contained herein by reviewing original data certificates and monitoring all of the data collection protocols. Dr. Cruise is not independent of the Company as he is an officer, director and shareholder. Mr. Keller is not independent of the Company as he is an officer and shareholder.
Q3-2017 Financial Results and Conference Call
Trevali will release financial results for its third quarter period ending September 30, 2017, on November 14, 2017 after the close of the trading day in Toronto. The Company will host a conference call and audio webcast at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 to review the financial results. Participants are advised to dial in 5-to-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the call.
Conference call dial-in details: Toll-free (North America): 1-877-291-4570 Toronto and international: 1-647-788-4919 Audio Webcast: http://www.gowebcasting.com/9028
ABOUT TREVALI MINING CORPORATION
Trevali is a zinc-focused, base metals mining company with four commercially producing operations.
The Company is actively producing zinc concentrates from its wholly-owned Santander mine in Peru, the wholly-owned Caribou mine in the Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick, its 80% owned Rosh Pinah mine in Namibia and its 90% owned Perkoa mine in Burkina Faso.
The common shares of Trevali are listed on the TSX (symbol TV), the OTCQX (symbol TREVF), the Lima Stock Exchange (symbol TV), and the Frankfurt Exchange (symbol 4TI). For further details on Trevali, readers are referred to the Company's website (www.trevali.com) and to Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
VANCOUVER, Nov. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Euromax Resources Ltd., (TSX: EOX; OTCQB: EOXFF): ("Euromax" or the "Company"), announces that it has appointed Varshan Gokool as President and Chief Executive Officer and Nikola Gulev as Chief Financial Officer of the Company with immediate effect. Varshan was previously the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Nikola was the Company's Group Accountant. Steve Sharpe, the former President & CEO, will continue to serve as a Director of Euromax in a non-executive capacity.
In his new role Varshan, together with Pat Forward, the Company's Chief Operating Officer, will represent the key leadership of the Company, reporting to the Board and more regularly to the Executive Chairman Martyn Konig. Varshan's key responsibilities over the next year will be the delivery of value engineering work for the Ilovica-Stuka copper-gold project in Macedonia (the "Project"), finalisation of permitting and the completion of the finance plan to construct the Project, utilising the network he has developed in Macedonia over the past five years and his fifteen years of mining finance experience.
Commenting on the announcement, Varshan Gokool, President & CEO, noted:
"I am very excited to pick up the reins from Steve and drive the Company forward through the successful development of the Ilovica-Stuka Project. I am also pleased that we have appointed our second company officer from Macedonia, Nikola, in a key executive role. Nikola has already been with us two years and I am already familiar with his excellent work. Ausenco are up and running on the value engineering work, working towards the delivery of a Guaranteed Maximum Price and EPC contract. With the stabilised political situation in Macedonia we can focus on building our relationships with the new government to complete the Project permitting. I wish Steve well as he takes time out to pursue his other interests and appreciate him being available for us to benefit from his network in Macedonia. "
Nikola Gulev Biography
Nikola Gulev joined Euromax as Group Accountant in July 2015. Before joining Euromax, Mr. Gulev worked for two years at KPMG in its bookkeeping practice in Skopje, Macedonia. Prior to this, Nikola had roles in internal audit at a Macedonian bank and at PwC in Skopje. Mr. Gulev holds a Master's degree from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje for Audit and Accounting, and has been a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants in UK since 2014.
About Euromax Resources Ltd.
Euromax has a major development project in Macedonia were we are focused on building and operating the Ilovica-Shtuka copper-gold project.
LONDON / November 6, 2017 / JMN Wire / Condor Gold (AIM: CNR; OTCQX: CNDGF) is pleased to announce, further to its 30 August 2017 announcement, the final six drill hole results from a 43 drill hole programme on the Mestiza Vein Set (Mestiza) at the La India Project, Nicaragua.
A drill programme of 5,922 metres was completed in August with the initial focus on the Tatiana Vein, one of the four constituent veins at Mestiza, along with the nearby Buenos Aires and Jicaro veins. The objective was to convert the upper part of a historic Soviet mineral resource (2,392,000 tonnes at 10.2 grams per tonne (g/t) gold for 785,694 ounces of gold) to Canadian NI 43-101 standard however this has now also developed into allowing Condor to better understand the extent of the mineralisation and further resource potential at Mestiza, which is open along strike beyond the Soviet resource. It is now considered that drilling below 200m, as further detailed below, is required to determine the volume of the historic Soviet resource that can be converted to NI 43-101 standard.
Highlights:
5,922 metres completed, with drilling restricted to the top 200 metres (below ground surface), which demonstrates excellent continuity of the structures, high-grade ore from surface, and open pit potential
A high-grade oreshoot (Big Bend) on the Tatiana vein is defined over a strike length of 450 metres and depth of 200 metres. It has mineralised true widths up to 4.6 metres (averaging 2.2 metres over the main mineralised section), in addition to a hanging wall vein up to 6.1 metres true width (averaging 1.0 metre)
Best results received from the final six drill holes (totalling 850 metres) include: LIDC378 drill width 0.50 metres (true width 0.4 metres) at 17.4 g/t gold and 3.0 g/t silver from 77.30 metres downhole depth. LIDC383 drill width 1.40 metres (true width 1.1 metres) at 18.50 g/t gold and 22.1 g/t silver from 19.60 metre.
Mapping and trenching continues on the extensions along strike of the constituent veins on Mestiza
Mark Child, Chairman and CEO comments:
The final six drill holes of a 43 drill hole programme, totalling about 6,000 metres, at Mestiza demonstrate high grade gold mineralisation from surface to a depth of up to 200 m beneath surface.
The discovery of a high-grade oreshoot (Big Bend) on the Tatiana vein, which has a strike length of 450 metres, an estimated average true width of 2.2 metres and a depth of at least 200 metres, is material to the Project. Additionally, there is potential for a small open pit on the Tatiana vein that can add high grade gold to the mine plan, reduce the payback period and enhance the project economics.
On one section line in Big Bend, LIDC383 intersects the vein 20 metres beneath surface and has a drill width of 1.40 metres at 18.50 g/t gold. From previously reported drilling on the same section: LIDC 344 (80 metres beneath surface) has a drill width of 3.30 metres at 28.3 g/t gold; LIDC 358 (160 metres beneath surface) has a drill width of 3.55 metres at 23.3 g/t gold.
Finally, as Condor has only drilled to a depth of up to 200 metres beneath surface, there is further potential in the lower half of the historic Russian resource, which was up to a depth of approximately 500 metres and remains untested.
Background
The La India Projects existing NI 43-101-compliant mineral resource includes 9.6 Mt at 3.5 g/t gold for 1,083,000 oz gold in the Indicated mineral resource category and 8.5 Mt at 4.5 g/t gold for 1,231,000 oz gold in the Inferred mineral resource category. This consists of seven separate resources, most of them open along strike and at depth. It includes Mestiza, which hosts a NI 43-101-compliant Inferred mineral resource of 1,490 kt at 7.47 g/t for 333,000 oz gold. Here, Soviet-backed drilling in 1991 led to a Soviet-style mineral resource estimate of 2,392 kt at 10.2 g/t gold for 785,694 oz gold (see RNS dated 22nd May 2017). The bulk of the resources are contained within the Tatiana vein, the largest of the four main veins at Mestiza, which also includes the Buenos Aires and Jicaro veins to the north, and Espinito vein set to the west, of Tatiana.
Mestiza Drill Plan
Condor commenced drilling with one rig on the 23rd March 2017, to test the Soviet drilling and convert the top half of the Soviet mineral resource to Canadian NI 43-101 standard (see RNS dated 31st March 2017). The first batch of assays was reported on the 22nd May 2017. A second rig was introduced and the second batch of assays was reported on the 29th June 2017.
This initial programme finished in August 2017, with the completion of 43 drill holes for 5,922 m in total (see RNS dated 30th August 2017). Table 1 lists the best intercepts above 20 g/t*m (grade x thickness) gold (Au) for the entire drill programme. Results for last six drill holes from LIDC378 to 383 are presented in Table 2. The drill plan (Figure 1) shows the distribution of these holes.
Table 1: Best Drill Results from the Tatiana vein
Prospect Drill hole ID From** To** Drill Width
(m) True Width
(m)* Au
(g/t) Ag
(g/t) Grade Thick
(m x g/t) Tatiana LIDC344 76.70 80.00 3.30 2.20 28.3 38.9 93.4 Tatiana LIDC358 160.50 164.05 3.55 2.30 23.3 66.6 82.7 Tatiana LIDC365 142.60 146.20 3.60 3.12 13.7 13.9 49.3 Tatiana LIDC360 40.30 43.40 3.10 2.70 14.4 29.2 44.6 Tatiana LIDC348 91.00 93.65 2.65 1.70 12.6 21.8 33.4 Tatiana LIDC346 83.80 86.85 3.05 2.30 6.79 14.1 20.7 Tatiana LIDC383 18.20 19.60 1.40 1.10 18.5 22.1 25.9 Tatiana LIDC345 129.60 133.00 3.40 2.20 6.06 21.4 20.6 Tatiana LIDC363 145.50 152.50 7.00 6.10 2.90 0.4 20.3
* Intercepts calculated above a 0.5 g/t Au cut off. True width is an interpretation based on the current understanding of the veins and may be revised in the future.
** Depth down hole from surface
Drilling with large diameter (PQ) core was a priority because it provided high recoveries and larger sample sizes (see Discussion of Drill Results below). The drill rigs have achieved this, but have only been able to test the top 200 m. It is now considered that deeper holes are required to fully test the volume of the historic Soviet resource, which extends to approximately 500 m beneath surface. This will require more powerful rigs.
Drill results for last six drill holes
New drill results (from holes LIDC378 to 383) are shown in Table 2. The drill plan (Figure 1) shows the distribution of these holes.
Table 2: Final 850 m Drill Results from Mestiza Vein Set
Prospect Drill hole ID From** To** Drill Width
(m) True Width
(m)* Au
(g/t) Ag
(g/t) Comment Buenos Aires LIDC378 77.30 77.80 0.50 0.40 17.4 3.00 Buenos Aires LIDC379 114.95 115.20 0.25 0.20 1.62 4.00 Tatiana LIDC380 146.55 151.40 4.85 3.80 1.25 11.32 Tatiana LIDC381B 29.40 30.50 1.10 1.00 6.84 15.77 Tatiana LIDC382 132.40 133.50 1.10 0.60 1.17 7.45 Hanging wall vein 228.80 232.50 3.70 1.90 0.16 <2.00 Main vein Tatiana LIDC383 18.20 19.60 1.40 1.10 18.5 22.14
* Intercepts calculated above a 0.5 g/t Au cut off. True width is an interpretation based on the current understanding of the veins and may be revised in the future
** Depth down hole from surface
Figure 1 Map of Mestiza Vein Set Showing Four Main Veins
Green line in Figure 1 above is the section shown in Figure 2
Figure 2 Cross section 2050 of Tatiana Vein
Note: The pink line in Figure 2 above represents the Tatiana Vein at Cross Section 2050
Discussion of Drill Results
Mineralisation occurs within a 4.0 to 6.0 m-wide mineralised structure cutting a major unit of welded tuff with conspicuous fiamme. The structure consists of:
An early-stage broad zone of jigsaw and crackle hydrothermal breccia with drusy and comb vein quartz in the matrix. These support angular clasts of weakly silicified wall rock. This phase normally has low gold grade.
A central high-grade quartz vein, typically 0.5-1.0 m wide, with comb and drusy quartz and minor chalcedony. Textures vary between holes, from massive silica to local colloform, pale green chalcedony with fine streaks of sulphides and leaching textures (moulds after calcite).
Late fault breccias with vein clasts and hydrothermal breccia in a sooty, black, manganiferous gouge and brick red smectite. These frequently contain high grade gold.
Gold mineralisation is associated with the quartz vein and fault breccia over true widths of up to 3.0 m. The nature of the fault breccia, with variable amounts of gold-mineralised vein clasts in clay gouge, leads to high gold grade variability. Drilling with PQ core is preferred to maximise the sample size.
There is also a possible supergene enrichment effect, suggested by increased silver in some deeper holes (e.g. 0.7 m at 356 g/t Ag from 198.1 m in LIDC030B).
A long section of the Tatiana vein (Figure 3) plots the drill hole intercepts where they and intersect the vein. It shows all historic and new drilling. Each point is coloured according to average grade and sized according to the grade x thickness factor, which is the downhole intercept length multiplied by the gold grade. At the local scale, this shows the highly variable nature of mineralisation, with narrow low-grade intersections only metres away from wide high-grade intersections. At the larger scale, the long section shows that the vein is broadly well mineralised and forms high grade shoots separated by intervening areas of low grade where the mineralised zone is thinner.
A geological model has been developed which correlates high grade gold mineralisation with bends in the vein (see Big Bend in Figure 1). These bends created more open space, allowing more hydrothermal fluid circulation, resulting in higher grade. Big Bend, which appears to pitch steeply west, has a strike of approximately 450 m.
The deepest drill holes, about 200 m below surface, intersected lower grades and/or narrower veins. This may reflect pinching of the vein or the base of the oxide zone and supergene enrichment. However, this has only been tested in two holes at the western end of Big Bend: LIDC361, which returned a disappointing 0.25 m at 1.05 g/t Au, intersected a 3.35 m-wide (downhole) vein and fault breccia zone in HQ core. Deeper drilling is needed to test the extension of the high-grade zone.
Figure 3 Long Section of Tatiana Indicating a High Grade Ore Shoot
Mapping at Mestiza
Detailed mapping was initiated at Mestiza to better understand the geometry of the veins and identify new bends that may merit drill testing. Mapping has traced epithermal quartz veins over a strike length of at least 3.5 km at Mestiza. The Tatiana, Jicaro and Buenos Aires veins coalesce in the northwest and seem to combine into a northwest-striking vein. There is also a newly discovered, parallel vein, the Tortuga Vein, which assayed up to 6.1 g/t Au in a mullock sample. Historic sampling of the northwestern extension of all these veins includes 47.7 g/t Au over 0.2 m, at 450 m along strike from the westernmost Tatiana vein exposures.
Rock chip sampling and trenching has commenced on the northwest extensions of veins within the enlarged Mestiza vein set, to generate drill targets.
Mestiza in the context of La India
Mestiza is significant for five reasons:
It already hosts a NI 43-101-compliant Inferred mineral resource of 1,490 kt at 7.47 g/t; 333,000 oz gold. However, a Soviet mineral resource of 2,392 kt at 10.2 g/t gold for 785,694 oz gold was previously defined and an opportunity exists to upgrade the former. This is excluded from the current Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) at La India. The PEA (December 2014) has an open pit and underground mining scenario using a 1.6 Mtpa processing plant recovering 1,203 koz gold over the life of mine, with the first five years production averaging 138,000 oz gold pa. The January 2016 Whittle Enterprise Optimisation to NPV of the above PEA materially increased the recovered gold and project economics. Using the same 1.6 Mtpa processing plant, recovered gold increased to 1,437 koz gold over the life of mine, with the first five years of production averaging 165,000 oz gold pa. All production scenarios exclude Mestiza, which is in close proximity to La India (See Figure 4). There is excellent potential to bring high grade gold from Mestiza into a future mine plan, feeding a centralised processing plant. Importantly, Mestiza hosts a shallow, high-grade, oxidised resource. This is currently viewed as a combined open pit-underground mining target. The average drill depth is 112 m for the 6,000 m resource conversion drilling programme. The existing resource is open along strike in both directions and at depth. Its shallow, high grade nature suggests it could be added early on to the mine plan, enhancing the production profile and economics of the project.
Figure 4 Location of the seven resources that comprise the La India Project
Competent Persons Declaration
The information in this announcement that relates to the mineral potential, geology, exploration results and database is based on information compiled, and reviewed, by Mr Peter Flindell, Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Member of the Society of Economic Geologists. Mr Flindell is a geologist with over thirty years of experience in the exploration of precious metal mineral resources. Mr Flindell is a non-executive director on the Board of Condor Gold plc who also provides technical leadership to the technical team in Nicaragua and has considerable experience in epithermal mineralisation, the type of deposit under consideration, and sufficient experience in the type of activity that he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the June 2009 Edition of the AIM Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies. Mr Flindell consents to the inclusion in the announcement of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears and confirms that this information is accurate and not false or misleading.
TVNZ reports:
After nine years in the role, Mr Finlayson is handing over his Treaty Negotiations portfolio to former Labour leader Andrew Little.
The new Minister for Maori Development, Nanaia Mahuta, said Mr Finlayson absolutely understood the complexities of New Zealand history.
And how he applied that knowledge to his portfolio, and his way of managing a number of challenging issues, was exceptional.
Tuhoe negotiator Tamati Kruger said Mr Finlayson has an ability to connect emotionally as well as intellectually with whats going on and he has a very fair assessment of how things can proceed towards a settlement.
Easily we call him our friend.
For his part, Mr Finlayson, said the role has been an education for him.
I call it the education of a public man because Ive learned so much about my country, about its history and about some of the challenges it faces, he said.
Nursing Sea Turtles Back to Health in North Carolina
By Tom Adkinson
SURF CITY, N.C. Family legacies normally are passed down, but in this coastal North Carolina community just up from Wilmington, one was passed up. Its the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, known to many simply as the Turtle Hospital.
Here you can visit loggerhead, green and Kemps ridley sea turtles being nursed back to health for eventual return to their wandering ocean ways. They checked in at the Turtle Hospital after encounters with boat propellers, fishing nets, oil spills, plastic shopping bags, and other manmade hazards.
Jean Beasley looks admiringly at the main room of the Turtle Hospital and its array of rehabilitation tanks. Image by Tom Adkinson.
Over the past 20 years, the hospital staff has cared for and released approximately 700 sea turtles, all because a grade school girl witnessed the wonder of a mama turtles laying her eggs on the beach. The little girl, Karen Beasley, became fascinated with protecting and preserving sea turtles.
Before leukemia took Karens life in 1991 at age 29, she told her mother, Jean, to use her life insurance proceeds to do something good for sea turtles.
Karen passed her legacy up, and Jean still is hands-on and active in a totally volunteer operation that has 70 hospital workers, 150 beach walkers to protect turtle nests and legions of fans from near and far.
Jean loves explaining that donations and other support, not tax dollars, built and run the center, noting that tax dollars should go to education, veterans and other needs.
I like it when a child who raised money with a lemonade stand arrives with a baggie containing $1.27. That child will love animals forever, Jean said.
There are 70 volunteers who care for injured sea turtles. Up to a dozen vulunteers are at the hospital daily. Image by Tom Adkinson.
The hospital started near the beach, but it now has a custom-built 13,750-square-foot home inland. Its not flashy, but the distressed turtles dont care a bit, especially considering the hospital offers surgery, radiology, physical therapy and good food.
The pantry includes capelin (a forage fish in the smelt family), squid, conch, shrimp and crab. The servings dont look appetizing to humans, but the turtles are happy with the fare.
If we have a really sick turtle, hell get soft-shell crab at $2.70 a pound. Sometimes, the turtles eat better than we do, Jean said with a laugh.
Plant eaters get romaine lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, kale, bell peppers and jalapeno peppers.
In the wild, they will eat a man-of-war, so jalapenos are fine, Jean said when asked whether hot peppers were a good idea.
This whimsical sea turtle sculpture actually tells a story because it is made with harmful plastic trash left on the beach. Image by Tom Adkinson.
The hospitals biggest room is filled with huge blue plastic tubs, each with a recovering turtle, maybe more. Natural light filters in so the turtles experience the day/night rhythm they would if they werent patients. Rehabilitation could be a matter of days or up to three years. Jean and the volunteers have all the time in the world.
Each sea turtle patient gets a name, and they are recorded on a wall. Theres a story behind most of them, including Banzai, Yogi and Wiggles. Image by Tom Adkinson.
The Coast Guard helps with releases out in the Gulf Stream, but most recovered patients are released on the beach at Topsail, often with media coverage, which could be a bonus to your vacation memories. Four were released the day before I visited a green, a loggerhead, and two Kemps ridleys.
In addition to seeing turtles, a hospital visit includes displays about nesting, the various sea turtle species, surgery procedures and the danger beach trash represents to turtles. A turtle sculpture tells the trash story well its attractive until you realize it is made of bubble wrap, sand pails, goggles, bottle caps, fishing line and other items carelessly abandoned on the beach.
The turtle trivia you learn is fun, too. For instance:
Kemps ridley turtles mature (meaning they can reproduce) at age 10 and can live to be 125.
Loggerhead and green turtles dont mature until their late 30s and can live more than a century.
Sea turtles are an illustration of TSD, temperature sex determination. Warmer eggs produce females, while cooler eggs produce males.
Sea turtles are such graceful, beautiful creatures. As species, they have survived since before dinosaurs. What they cant adapt to is humans effects on their habitat, Jean said.
Surf City is just up the coast from Wilmington, and it proudly proclaims its status as a sea turtle sanctuary. Image by Tom Adkinson.
This article appears in the November 3, 2017 issue of Executive Intelligence Review.
The Fight Is On for
South American Bioceanic Railway
by Gretchen Small
[Print version of this article]
Oct. 30China is inviting Ibero-America and the Caribbean to get aboard Chinas high-speed development train, Zhang Run, Deputy Director General of the Latin American and Caribbean Affairs Department at the Chinese Foreign Ministry, announced in a press briefing in Beijing on Oct. 20. He added that the Latin American and the Caribbean region is like an extension of Chinas Silk Road project, and we are ready to get more deeply involved.
Discussions are underway across the region on all kinds of individual projects as part of that offer, but none is more important than the construction of a bioceanic railway across the heart of the South American continent, connecting its Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Alternative Routes for South American
Transcontinental Railroad View full size
Since the first detailed discussion of such a rail line in the 1880s and 1890s under the impetus of the great development advocate U.S. Secretary of State James Blaine, this transcontinental railway has been recognized as the necessary platform for opening up the still-underpopulated, undeveloped interior of South America, transforming the entire continent into a modern economic powerhouse.
The Schiller Institute argued the urgency of building two bioceanic rail lines across the heart of South Americaas well as critical North-South routes to link South America to North America, through the Darien Gapin its 1986 book, Ibero-American Integration: One Hundred Million New Jobs by 2000! (serialized in English in EIR at the time). That study, applying Lyndon LaRouches method of physical economy, elaborated how the region can form an Ibero-American Common Market to counter the onslaught of neoliberal usury and new Opium Wars from which the Ibero-American and Caribbean nations have yet to be freed. The study outlined the integrated continental rail and water transport network capable of sustaining the great industrial and agricultural projects required to lift all the people of the region out of povertywhich today can be realized.
The decision to actually build the bioceanic rail lines is yet to be taken. Which route across the central heart of the continent should be built first, is still under discussion, while the governments of the two necessary bookends of such a railroad, Peru and Brazil, are (at best) dragging their feet, saying yes, but looking to Wall Street for favors, unwilling to move.
Chinas offer to Ibero-America to join in sharing in its own stunning development through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), however, has stirred up a thirst for development, and an optimism that the region can finally take off. The power of this optimism is growing, overcoming the fear of bankrupt Wall Street thuggery.
The Bolivian government is playing a particularly important role in pushing this process forward, which, with the momentum provided by China, is leading to serious discussion of this great project, which is taking on a life of its own in South America, as never before. In the new era of development exploding around the world triggered by the Belt and Road, EIR is confident the obstacles can be overcome.
In fact, with even West Europeans joining China by bidding to play a part in this great project, it is beginning to look like the only nation not jumping at the chance to participate in making it a reality is the United States, whose policy for the region is still shaped too much by Londons Wall Street. Abraham Lincoln, Blaine, William McKinley, and JFK would be as disgusted at todays short-sighted U.S. politicians and businessmen, as Lyndon LaRouches magazine is!
If China Can End Poverty. . .
Chinas economic relations with Ibero-America have taken off. In his briefing to the press, Zhang Run reported that Ibero-America and the Caribbean are now the second-biggest regional destination for Chinese overseas investment, at 15% of all investment abroad, second only to its investments in Asia. Other Chinese officials have recently stated that China is involved in more than 179 specific projects in the region already, as Mexicos official news agency, Notimex, reported on Oct. 27.
Since 2015, Chinese investments in Brazil have increased by $19 billion, so that China is now Brazils number one source of foreign investment, desperately needed when Brazils national industrial and logistics capabilities are otherwise being dismantled by Wall Streets anti-corruption hit-squad known as Lava Jato.
Trade relations have grown to such an extent that now Argentina, Brazil, and Chile, together, provide 20-25% of all food imported by China, as Chiles Ambassador to China, Jorge Heine, reported in an Oct. 23 op-ed in Chinas Global Times. He called it amazing that Chile is now the No. 1 exporter of fruit to China, with $1.2 billion [per year], meaning that one out of every four pieces of fruit imported by China by value ($5 billion) came from Chile, the farthest country from China.
Chinas development model is becoming as important as its resources in the region.
According to the World Bank, in 2015, one out of every five of the almost 648 million people living in Ibero-America and the Caribbean lived in chronic poverty (never escaping from it); that is 130 million people. Adding in the transitory poor (those driven into poverty supposedly temporarily), the number of poor is over 160 million, one in four. If anything, that number has grown since 2015, with the number of poor in Brazil alone rising by over one million since 2016, under Wall Streets grip, while the same policies are also increasing poverty rapidly in Argentina.
Thus, there is intense interest in Chinas success in lifting more people out of poverty over the last 30 years700 millionthan the entire population of Ibero-America and the Caribbean, and doing so by focusing on infrastructure, and technological and scientific advance.
The Executive Secretary of the UNs Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Alicia Barcenas, was interviewed by Xinhua on Oct. 18 after President Xi Jinpings opening report to the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. She noted how impressed she is at what China has accomplished in the five years of Xi Jinpings presidency, by improving the quality of life of its people, including pulling nearly 60 million out of poverty. Chinas world leadership has been achieved by innovation, the platform which has brought about the great modernization of China, and provided the Chinese people greater opportunities, intellectually and even in questions of jobs, she said.
Barcenas called for the region to put aside internal conflicts, and get to work on drafting a unified proposal for the infrastructure, science, technology, and innovation projects which should be incorporated in the 2019-2021 China-Latin America Caribbean Action Plan. Relations with China would be facilitated if it dealt with a regional bloc, rather than 33 different nations, she argued.
The Belt and Road Factor
The sheer scope of the Belt and Road Initative (BRI) is encouraging more audacious regional thinking throughout Ibero-America.
Uruguay is one country enthusiastically urging others to join it in jumping onboard the BRI. Antonio Carambula, Executive Director of Uruguays trade and investment promotion agency, Uruguay XXI, has been traveling throughout the region, promoting participation in this years Nov. 30-Dec. 2 meeting of the China-Latin America & Caribbean (China-LAC) business summit in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Its two main panels will be on the BRI, and on cooperation on development and infrastructure. The BRI is shaking the world, he said in a visit to Panama last week. (This forum meets annually, sponsored by the Chinese Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Inter-American Development Bank.)
Chiles former President Eduardo Frei, now Minister Plenipotentiary for Asia-Pacific Affairs in the Bachelet government, told an Aug. 30 seminar in Beijing on Chile and the Belt and Road Initiative, that his government seeks to fully participate in the BRI, and especially to form joint ventures with Chinese companies to build infrastructure in Chile. Chile wants to access new technologies offered by China in order to industrialize; we dont just want to be permanent raw materials exporters, Frei told EFE news service while in Beijing.
In an Oct. 9 interview with China Hoy, Chiles Undersecretary of Public Works, Sergio Galilea, specified two southern bioceanic corridors between Chile and Argentina that Chile wants China to help build. The more difficult is the two-way tunnel beneath the snowy Agua Negra pass, high in the Andes. Its not just anyone who can build tunnels at 4,500 meters of altitude, Galilea noted.
Enter Bolivia
The Latin American nations, Bolivia among them, are today a natural extension of what is called the 21st Century New Silk Road, Bolivias official ABI news agency wrote on Oct. 24, in reporting about the upcoming Nov. 9-11 International China-LAC Expo in Guangdong, China.
Since it nationalized the oil and gas industry in 2006, when Bolivia was one of the three poorest nations in the Americas, President Evo Moraless government has set out to create the industrial base and infrastructure required for Bolivia to become a modern nation employing 21st Century technology. This includes arranging training for a small cadre force of nuclear and aerospace engineers and technicians.
Receiving only hostility from the still British/Wall Street-dominated United States, Bolivia found allies in Russia, China, and some other Asian nations for its development.
View full size
China Daily
Chinas Ambassador to Bolivia, Liang Yu, was emphatic in an Oct. 2 interview with the Bolivian daily El Deber, that China intends to energetically help Bolivia, in any way Bolivia wishes, to develop into a prosperous, industrial nation at the center of a prosperous and developing South America.
Expanding cooperation on such areas as productive capacity, mining and energy, infrastructure, the development of highways, airports, railroads and hydroelectric plants, and collaboration and exchanges in such areas as aerospace, telecommunications, science and technology, and protection of the environment, will drive the development of Bolivian industrialization; the value-added of Bolivian products will increase, and its capacity for autonomous development will advance, Ambassador Liang told the daily.
He cited in particular, the contract signed for Chinas Sinosteel Equipment and Engineeering Co. to build a steel complex near Bolivias huge Mutun iron ore deposits, which when completedprojected now for 2020will turn Bolivia into a significant steel producer in Ibero-America. Today it produces no steel to speak of.
View full size
Bolivia Communications Ministry
Ambassador Liang rightly called the Mutun steel complex a gigantic step for the industrialization of Bolivia. Mutun has some of the largest and purest iron ore (and manganese) deposits in the world, and the government has long sought to create a pole of development based on processing that ore. Sinosteels contract is to build an iron ore concentration plant, a pelletizing plant, a direct reduction plant, and a steelworks with a continuous caster and a rolling mill, such that Bolivia can become largely self-sufficient in sponge iron, structural steel and long products (bars, rods, beams and rails).
Eventually, Bolivia will become a steel exporter, after the second phase of the project is completed, including construction of the necessary logistical capabilities for export (roads, bridges, railways, and port infrastructure).
And the Bioceanic Railway
Bolivias idea is to turn its geographic position at the center of the South American continent into an asset, transforming itself into an energy and transport hub for the continent, making this the key to its entire industrial development project.
In 2010, Bolivian President Evo Morales proposed a bioceanic railway to Perus then-President Alan Garcia.
But what turned the bioceanic railway into an actual possibility was Chinas commitment to see one built. In meetings on the sidelines of the 2014 BRICS summit in Fortaleza, Brazil, President Xi reached agreements with the then-Presidents of Brazil and Peru to cooperate on building a bioceanic railway. Bolivia immediately began organizing for the bioceanic rail line to pass through its territory as well.
Since then, two primary routes have been contending for the project. Few are bold enough to recognize that the Schiller Institute is right, that if the trans-Atlantic sectorincluding South Americajoins the physical economic cooperation proposed in the Belt and Road, and, like China, commits to eradicating all poverty within their nations, then both routes, and more, will be needed to support the explosion of city-building and productive activity that will result.
The route recommended by China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group Co. (CREEC), in its feasibility study presented to the governments of Brazil and Peru in October 2016, would run from Brazils Atlantic port of Santos into Peru, where it would cross the Andes at their lowest point in the north at Saramirisa, and end in one of Perus Pacific ports, such as Paita. This northern route avoids the greater geological difficulties of the higher portions of the Andes mountains to the south.
At the initiative of the Economists Association of Perus Ucayali region, a movement of business, labor, indigenous, and civic representatives from the northwest of Peru is determined that this northern route be built, as it passes through their region. In November 2016, the Ucayali group made the Brazil-Peru bioceanic railway development corridor the central topic of the national Economists Association annual convention, and invited German Schiller Institute president Helga Zepp-LaRouche to give the keynote speech. The movement has drafted proposals for bringing supporting infrastructure, science cities, industry, and development into the largely undeveloped Amazon region, and has not stopped holding meetings and organizing since.
The other proposed route is the Central Bioceanic Railway Corridor championed by the Bolivian government. This would run from the port of Santos, through Bolivia, into southern Peru, where it would terminate at the Pacific port of Ilo. Bolivia proposes that six of South Americas 12 nations would benefit, if the Brazil-
Bolivia-Peru bioceanic rail corridor were connected to the Parana-Paraguay waterway, which would incorporate Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. That can easily be accomplished by running a rail line down from the Bolivian portion of the bioceanic line, to a Paraguayan port on the waterway.
Bolivia is lining up interested nations to sign memoranda of understanding on the project, and has set up a technical working group. Bolivian Foreign Minister Fernando Huanacuni has stated several times that ideological differences among governments in South America cannot be allowed to get in the way of getting this project built.
German, Swiss, Austrian, Italian, and Spanish companies, some with the active backing of their governments, are also making offers for how they could participate.
For its part, the Bolivian Ministry of Public Works signed an agreement with the Military Engineering School earlier this month to begin training rail experts. And, as occurred along the northern route, cities through which the railroad would pass (e.g. Bolivias Cochabamba and Oruro, and Perus Arequipa and Ilo) are already discussing preparations for the changes it could bring.
In this hot debate over routes, China has made clear it is open to both, but is waiting for the countries in the region to make their decision. Chinas Ambassador Liang told El Deber:
China is paying attention to the construction of the bioceanic railway. It is said that the total amount of investment for this megaproject is enormous, and concerns numerous countries. When the work is completed, it will facilitate the exchange of the regions goods and people, and efficiently promote the ecnomic development of all the countries through which it passes. China is waiting for the interested countries to carry out a feasibility study of the project, laying a solid basis for the later execution of the project.
Political Will Accomplishes Dreams
What has seriously set back the great project, is Wall Streets two de facto coups in 2016 in two key countries: in Brazil (with the ouster of President Dilma Rousseff, placing subservient Michel Temer in office) and in Peru (placing Boston banker Pedro Pablo Kuczynski in the presidency).
PPK (as Kuczynski is known) rejected the northern route flat-out on monetarist grounds (too expensive!) and environmentalist excuses (cant touch the Amazon!). The seriousness of his current stated support for the central route, remains to be tested. Brazils actual position is also unclear. Although the government is said to be about to give a formal yes to proceeding on feasibility studies for the central route, Temer (who has a 3% popularity rating) has been abjectly loyal to Wall Streets hatred of such projects, and is likely to remain so.
But because neither China, nor Bolivia, nor many in Peru accept no for an answer, organizing for the project has never stopped.
Bolivian Deputy Minister of Planning and Strategy, Hianny Ruben Romero, hit the nail on the head when he told a Paraguay seminar on South American infrastructure for regional integration on Oct. 24, that political will is often a factor which can determine whether any such project is done or not done.
Bolivia wants to dream big about functioning as the heart of South America with the railway uniting the continents two coasts. Many dreams which were seen as impossibleS have been realized, he said. Sometimes one may think that a project is very ambitious, and it can be ruled out as not feasible, but when there is will, enthusiasm, and technical competence by the different countries, it is simply a matter of putting it on the agenda, and aligning interests.
Nov 6, 2017, 4 AM
The 2018 Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 is now available.
From the Scott Editors By Donna Houseman
Now in its 24th year, the Scott Classic Specialized Catalogue of Stamps and Covers 1840-1940 is widely recognized as the best single-volume catalog for classic-era stamps of the world.
Almost 6,800 value changes were made to the recently published 2018 Scott Classic Specialized catalog. Add to this almost 10,400 value changes brought over from the 12 volumes of the 2018 Scott Standard Postage Stamp Catalogue, and the total number of value changes soars to more than 17,000.
Each year special editorial consultant Sergio Sismondo works tirelessly to help the editors expand the editorial content and listed values in the Scott Classic Specialized catalog, and this year was no exception. James E. Kloetzel, editor emeritus, and Bill Jones, a former Scott associate editor, also provided substantial input by updating values and making significant editorial enhancements throughout the catalog.
Special thanks also go to our many advisors who offer improvements each year to make this catalog an invaluable reference work for worldwide classic stamps.
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Now we turn to the content of this years catalog.
The marketplace for Canada and Canadian Provinces overall has been soft during the past year, and the large number of value changes in the 2018 Scott Classic Specialized catalog tend to reflect that weakness. Many exceptions occur among scarce-to-rare stamps that seldom appear in the Scott benchmark grade of very fine. For these scarce stamps in nice quality, demand continues to far exceed supply.
Examples of stamps where demand exceeds supply especially include a number of classic issues in mint never-hinged condition. Early Newfoundland stamps and Canadas Small Queens see higher values for never-hinged stamps.
On the other hand, Newfoundland stamps from the 1897 issue through to about 1931 tend to show slight decreases in value.
In Canada, classic issues are very much holding their own. Values for many 20th-century stamps show the effects of a softening of the market, but not in a major way. Decreases in values are selected and rather modest.
A careful review resulted in more than 100 value changes among the listings for the United States administration of Cuba. Some of the changes are significant.
In 1898, Spain relinquished its claims over Cuba to the United States in the aftermath of the Spanish-American War. In 1898, Puerto Principe, a provincial capital now known as the city of Camaguey, ran low on stamps. Cuban stamps issued in 1896 and 1898 were surcharged for provisional use.
Values for these surcharged stamps, known as the Puerto Principe issues, increase significantly in the 2018 Scott Classic Specialized catalog. On-cover values have been added to these listings for the first time.
The stamps of Hejaz (Saudi Arabia) received a thorough review, with almost 675 value changes. A mix of increases and decreases can be found among the values for this region. The 1922 20-para postage due stamp (Scott LJ8) jumps from $25 unused to $35, and from $27.50 used to $40.
In addition to the more than 130 value changes for Mauritius that were carried over from Vol. 4B of the 2018 Scott Standard catalog, more than 145 value changes were made to listings that appear only in the Scott Classic Specialized catalog.
More than 1,400 value changes were made to Italian States. When combined with the more than 650 value changes made in Vol. 3B of the Scott Standard catalog, approximately 2,050 values were changed for Italian States stamps during the 2018 catalog season. These changes reflect a general softening of the market.
An Abundance of Editorial Enhancements Found Throughout
Various notes and footnotes have been clarified or expanded throughout the catalog to further explain complicated listings, and other notes have been screened carefully to ensure accuracy.
Canada No. 195d, the 1932 1 dark green, is now recognized as being a rotary press, dry printing on gummed paper. Previously, this stamp was thought to be a flat-plate printing and was listed as such, but recent convincing research indicates the listing for this stamp in catalogs has been inaccurate.
Listing clarifications occur throughout for Canada semi-official airmail stamps, and a number of new lettered minors have been added for Scott CL30 and CL49.
Almost 230 minors were added to New Zealand, along with three major numbers. The 1871 2-penny blue is now listed as Scott 38A, and the 2p vermillion has been assigned Scott 38B. Only one of each is known, but they are well-documented. The 1871 2p blue is the newly listed Scott 42A. The new minor listings include perforation varieties; color varieties; and vertical and horizontal pairs, imperforate between.
A new major number, Scott 1A, was added to Fiume. The Hungary 20-filler Harvesters gray-brown stamp overprinted FIUME was issued Dec. 2, 1918. The black overprint is in bold sans-serif letters. Fiume Scott 1-23 are overprinted with a serif font. The new listing is valued at $4,000 unused and $2,500 used. Many new minor varieties also are added to Fiume.
Values for never-hinged stamps were added throughout the Iceland listings, many for the first time. Also notable for Iceland are numerous new on-cover and revenue-cancellation listings.
Values for postally used Wurttemberg Official stamps are added for the first time.
Likewise, a few on-cover values are added for the first time to Mexico. New on-cover values also appear among the listings for Mauritius.
Two printings exist for the first stamps of Azerbaijan issued in 1919. The printing on thin white paper is listed as Scott 1-10. In the 2018 Scott Classic Specialized catalog, the set on grayish paper is now listed as major numbers 1A-10A.
In addition to the hundreds of value changes made to the Saudi Arabia listings, almost 100 new minors are added to the listings of Hejaz.
Scott printing and imaging coordinator Stacey Mahan and scanning specialist Lori Billing work tirelessly each year to improve the images in the Scott catalogs, and this edition of the Scott Classic Specialized catalog bears the fruits of their efforts.
As an example of what has been added this year, see Turkey Scott 565-582. New images have been added for this 1919 stamp set overprinted on stamps of 1911-19. The overprint in Turkish reads: Accession to the Throne of His Majesty, 3rd July 1334-1918. The overprint also features the tughra (or monogram) of Sultan Mohammed VI. Some of the stamps in the set feature ornaments as part of the overprint, and some are surcharged with new denominations.
The 24th edition Scott Classic Specialized catalog brings to a close the 2018 Scott catalog season, during which we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Scott catalogs.
To purchase the 2018 Scott catalogs, contact your favorite dealer, or call Amos Media at 1-800-572-6885. Also visit Amos Advantage. For Scott eCatalogues, visit Scott Online.
Subterranean cave art
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
Archaeologists recently explored the many subterranean caves of Mona Island. Exploring deeper in the narrow tunnels than ever before, the researchers uncovered thousands of well-preserved paintings and dated them to before Europeans arrived on the island third-largest island in the Puerto Rican archipelago.
Artistic rubbings
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
Some of the artwork was rubbed into the walls and some was painted with mixtures of local plant materials, minerals and charcoal, according to the study, which was published online Oct. 27 in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
Spiritual shapes
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
The caves were a spiritual place to the Taino people, who were indigenous to Mona Island, and many of the rubbings, like this one, likely depict local ceremonies, the researchers said.
Dating art
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
While some of the artwork had been discovered in the past, no one had analyzed it with carbon dating.
Cave art age
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
The scientists used X-rays and carbon dating to determine that the artwork is 500 years old.
Human-like figures
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
By rubbing away the softer, outer layer of the rock walls, the Taino people often depicted human-like figures with faces and arms.
Rainy deity
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
In the Taino religion, Boinayel, depicted here, was a deity responsible for rain and flooding, who constantly fell in and out of balance with his sun-deity brother, Marohu.
Boinayel
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
Here, one of the scientists checks to see just how old that depiction of Boinayel is.
Covered in art
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
Over the centuries, thousands of rubbings and paintings eventually coated the walls and ceilings of Mona Island's caves.
Charcoal speleothems
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
Researchers discovered that charcoal speleothems, or mineral deposits formed from the limestone cave's chemical interactions with groundwater, had formed throughout the tunnels.
Making art
(Image credit: Journal of Archaeological Science)
By using carbon dating techniques on the calcite secretions that covered some of the artwork, the researchers concluded that the Taino people must have returned throughout the 13th to 15th centuries to add more art to the caves.
Imagine a social-networking site that predates not only the internet but even a European presence in the Americas. That's how researchers from the University of Leicester are describing the discoveries they've made after three years of excursions deep into the narrow caves of an abandoned Caribbean island.
The caves, which were on the island of Mona between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, contained thousands of never-before-seen wall posts, the researchers said. And this indigenous spiritual artwork gave the scientists a new glimpse into pre-Columbian life on Mona Island.
"For the millions of indigenous peoples living in the Caribbean before European arrival, caves represented portals into a spiritual realm," Jago Cooper, an archaeologist from the British Museum who worked on the research, said in a news release. "Therefore, these new discoveries [capture] the essence of [the artists'] belief systems and the building blocks of their cultural identity." [See Images of Mona Island's Cave Art]
To analyze the cave drawings, thee archaeologists took X-rays and used carbon dating. They were surprised to find that all of the artwork discovered in about 70 winding caves predated Christopher Columbus arriving in the Americas. Indeed, some of the artwork that had already been discovered was assumed to be much more recent, as cave art from pre-Columbian times would have been expected to be decayed or faded more than it had, according to the new findings, published online Oct. 27 in the Journal of Archaeological Science.
"The preservation can be unusual because they're relatively stable environments," Stephen Houston, an archaeologist and anthropologist who serves as the director of Early Cultures at Brown University, told Live Science. "There are big issues here having to do with the nonobvious cultural choices they made," said Houston, who didn't work on the study. He explained that often, indigenous populations would make the obvious choice for their cave pigmentation. In his study on the cave art made by Mayans, he found that they would mix the charcoal from their torches with water and call it a day. But according to this new research, specific plants and other organic materials were brought into the caves of Mona Island specifically to make new paints.
In fact, people must have returned to the caves to add new artwork over the course of the 13th through 15th centuries, according to the study. The researchers noted that the indigenous people of Mona Island believed that the sun and moon emerged from beneath the ground, so exploring deep into the expansive network of subterranean caves became a highly spiritual act.
Many of the drawings on the cave walls, some of which depict religious and ceremonial symbols animals, faces wearing headdresses, and various designs dotted the cave walls were made using simple techniques, such as rubbing or scraping into the rock walls. Because the cave walls were coated with a softer surface, rubbing or scraping at the surface revealed a different-colored mineral beneath.
Other images in the caves were made with advanced paints that varied based on the unique components of each cave, according to the research.
A depiction of a man rubbed into a Mona Island cave wall at least 500 years ago. (Image credit: Unversity of Leicester / Alice Samson)
These paints contained varied levels of charcoal, bat droppings, plant gums, different minerals like iron and plant material from native trees like Bursera simaruba, also known as the turpentine tree. The researchers concluded that the paintings were likely prepared in advance, and then charcoal from torches were likely added to artwork afterward.
"Most of the precolonial pictographs are in very narrow spaces deep in the caves, some are very hard to access, you have to crawl to get to them, they are very extensive and humidity is very high but it is extremely rewarding," Victor Serrano, an archaeology doctoral candidate from the University of Leicester who worked on the research, said in a statement.
Because the indigenous people of Mona Island were wiped out by European invaders, physical and cultural analysis of the new cave paintings are one way people can learn about what they were like and how they lived. Because the art found in the Mona caves are so well-preserved, researchers may glean new insight into the lifestyle of a lost culture. But because the Spaniards so thoroughly suppressed the culture of the native Taino people, this will be hard to do, Houston said.
"You would need other records" to understand why the Taino chose to include certain ingredients, Houston said. "You would need to know local beliefs and practices with respect to that plant. There are descendants of these people the Taino, but the Spanish were particularly thorough in eliminating their local beliefs."
For example, Houston pointed out other research conducted by Cooper that found distinct Spanish names and religious phrases in some of the caves on Mona Island. While it's unclear whether the Christian theology was added to what were clearly spiritual areas to the Taino, it could have been to suppress the local culture, create a hybrid, or even just a form of graffiti once the Spaniards learned about the decorated caves.
Original article on Live Science.
The French fleur-de-lis symbol engraved on a 16th-century bronze cannon discovered in a shipwreck off the coast of Cape Canaveral, in Florida.
A Florida court is hearing arguments about who has the right to recover artifacts from the remains of a 16th-century shipwreck lying on the seafloor near Cape Canaveral.
The long-lost ship's debris include a bounty of artifacts, including three ornate brass cannons and a distinctive marble monument marked with the coat of arms of the King of France, which may be among the earliest traces of European settlement ever found in the Americas.
The descriptions of the artifacts match similar items carried by the 1562 French expedition to Florida commanded by the navigator Jean Ribault (1520-1565), according to historical French records that include the cargo manifests of the ships. [Photos: Colonial-Age Shipwrecks Found Off Cape Canaveral Coast]
The marine salvage firm Global Marine Exploration (GME), which was granted permits by the state of Florida to explore seven areas off the coast of Cape Canaveral, found the artifacts buried in the sandy seafloor in May and June 2016.
GME Chairman and CEO Robert Pritchett announced the finds in July 2016. He expressed hope that his company would be granted a permit to recover the artifacts, which are worth a pretty penny; the brass cannons alone could be worth more than $1 million each, Pritchett told Live Science.
But GME's discovery soon ran into trouble: the nation of France announced in November 2016 that it was claiming ownership of the cannons, monument and other artifacts under an internationally agreed "sovereign right" that prohibits the salvage of naval vessels without permission.
The state of Florida is supporting France in its claim for ownership, and also alleges that GME breached the terms of its exploration permits an allegation that GME denies.
The underwater finds included this distinctive marble monument engraved with the coat of arms of the King of France. (Image credit: Global Marine Exploration)
Sunken treasures
Sovereign rights over sunken naval vessels are part of U.S. federal law under the Sunken Military Craft Act of 2004. France is using this act to pursue its claim of ownership in the admiralty division of the U.S. District Court in Orlando. (Admiralty courts deal with maritime matters.)
France and Florida claim that the artifacts were being carried on one of the "lost fleet" of French ships commanded by Ribault in September 1565, three years after his own arrival in Florida, as he attempted to transport French soldiers to attack the new Spanish colony at St. Augustine.
Those ships, which included Ribaults flagship La Trinite, were lost in a storm before they could arrive at St. Augustine. Their wrecks have never been located.
France and Florida allege that if the artifacts were being carried on Ribaults ships when they sank, as their investigations suggest, then they still belong to the nation of France.
"BAR [Bureau of Archaeological Research] archaeologists conducted a non-invasive site assessment to verify reports from GME, and to further document the condition of the site and identify any additional material immediately visible in the area," Meredith Beatrice, a spokeswoman for Florida's Department of State, told Live Science in an email.
"BAR's assessment indicates that the material located by GME is consistent with material associated with the lost French Fleet of 1565," Beatrice said. "We are working with the French government to ensure that the site is treated in accordance with the federal Sunken Military Craft Act."
But GME counters that the ship that sank off Cape Canaveral while carrying the cannons and monument could not have been one of Ribault's ships, or any French ship.
Pritchett said that historical documents show that the cannons and monument may have been seized as plunder by the Spanish in 1565, during a raid on the French colony of Fort Caroline. If this true, the cannons were probably being carried to Cuba on Spanish ships when they were lost, he said.
If the ship the artifacts were on when it sank was not French, then France has no sovereign right to their ownership, he said.
"France has no case, no evidence [and] no proof in their statements and paperwork to the court just speculation and smoke," Pritchett said.
This illustration by member of Ribaults expedition shows a similar monument in place beside the St. Johns River in Florida, where it was erected in 1562 to mark the French claim to the territory. (Image credit: Jacques Le Moyne des Morgues)
Mystery ship
And the case has another twist. Pritchett said France cannot prove that the cannons came from a French ship because the hull of the vessel rotted away long ago, leaving only a "scatter field" of debris spread across the seafloor.
"We have explained this over and over, that we have scatter from a possible Spanish ship with some French cannon[s] that were captured by Spain, most likely," he said. "But right now, it is an unidentifiable colonial-period shipwreck scatter."
Pritchett said both parties are currently preparing depositions of their arguments and evidence for the court. He expects hearings before a judge to begin in 2018.
The dispute is emblematic of a "culture of adversarialism" between marine archaeologists and private salvage companies, such as GME, which archaeologists perceive as "treasure hunters," said James Sinclair, a consulting archaeologist for GME who was diving with Pritchett when the cannons and monument were found.
The private salvage company GME, which found the wreck site last year, estimates that each of the bronze cannons alone is worth more than $1 million dollars. (Image credit: Global Marine Exploration)
"Classically, treasure hunters are supposed to be snatch-and-grab type of people, and they're only interested in shiny stuff but that's not the case anymore," Sinclair told Live Science. "People who actually want to do this from the private sector have to come up to a pretty rigid set of rules, regulations and specifications to do the work that they want to do."
Even so, the judge in the case will probably rule that the sunken artifacts came from a French ship, likely Ribault's flagship La Trinite, said Chuck Meide, an underwater and maritime archaeologist who heads the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program (LAMP) at Florida's St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum.
LAMP and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum are funded, in part, by grants from the state of Florida, but Meide is not involved in the case involving France, Florida and GME.
"In my opinion, it certainly looks like it is the La Trinite," Meide told Live Science. "It's hard to know these things, but I'm cautiously optimistic that, when presented with the evidence, the judge will agree that this is one of those French ships, and probably the Trinite," he said.
Original article on Live Science.
Lilias Adie was an elderly woman who lived in the village of Torryburn, Scotland. According to local legends, in 1704, a neighbor accused her of plotting evil mischief. During Adie's interrogation, she confessed to trafficking with the devil, and died in prison shortly after her confession, before she could be burned alive for her alleged crimes.
Recently, researchers with Scotland's Centre of Anatomy and Human Identification at Dundee University (CAHID) digitally modeled Adie's face. They worked from photographs of her skull, which was formerly in the collection of the St. Andrews University Museum, but had been lost sometime during the 20th century, University of Dunee representatives said in a statement. [Black Magic: 6 Infamous Witch Trials in History]
The end result was "quite a kind face," according to forensic artist and CAHID lecturer Christopher Rynn, who performed the reconstruction of the long-deceased "witch."
"There was nothing in Lilias' story that suggested to me that nowadays she would be considered as anything other than a victim of horrible circumstances, so I saw no reason to pull the face into an unpleasant or mean expression," Rynn explained.
Adie's skull was removed from her grave in the 19th century. It was temporarily housed in a museum, but it vanished mysteriously sometime in the 20th century. (Image credit: Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee)
Between the 15th and the 18th centuries, an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 people were tried and executed as witches across Europe and in the American colonies, and up to 75 percent of the so-called "witches" were women, Live Science previously reported. Local accounts suggested that after Adie was accused, she claimed to have consorted with the devil, saying, "His skin was cold, and his colour was black and pale, he had a hat on his head, and his feet were cloven," according to the book "Witchcraft and Folk Belief in the Age of Enlightenment: Scotland 1670-1740" (Palgrave Macmillan, 2016). She also named other women who joined in midnight revels, implicating seven additional suspects.
Typically, a facial reconstruction that originates with a skull takes about 10 to 20 hours to progress from skull, to muscled face, to modeled face without the realistic skin texture, Rynn told Live Science in an email. Adie's reconstruction took nearly twice that time, as they did not have her skull in hand and had to build their digital model from photographs of it, he said.
Once forensic artists have their digital skull model, they estimate muscle size based on the skull morphology, working from anatomical guidelines in published research that define average tissue depths relative to the bone, Rynn explained. They use these guidelines as they shape muscles for the jaw, and recesses in the bone hint at the bulk of the muscle tissue, he said.
Next, muscles of facial expression are layered on "like straps," connecting the corners of the mouth to the bone, Rynn said. Facial features are also modeled based on markers located on the skull, he added. Tooth position and protrusion determine the shape of the mouth; the structure of the eye sockets marks the shape of eye and eyebrows; and the nasal aperture is a blueprint for the shape of the nose. Skulls offer fewer clues about ears, as there is little they can reveal about the intricate whorls of ear cartilage, Rynn said.
Lilias Adie, accused of witchcraft in 1704, died in prison before she could be burnt alive for consorting with the devil. (Image credit: Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee)
"The rest of the facial surface (i.e. the cheeks) is estimated by fusing the muscles and skull into a single model, then growing it a few millimeters and smoothing it off to make it more of a convincing human face. Once the skin layer is there, it's a bit like meeting a person, in that the brain suddenly begins processing the image as a 'face,'" Rynn told Live Science.
In this case, Adie's reconstruction, which was conducted for a BBC Radio Scotland "Time Travels" episode that aired Oct. 31, is that of an older woman who seems much less terrifying than the purported cohort of the devil described by her accusers.
"It's sad to think her neighbors expected some terrifying monster," Louise Yeoman, a historian for "Time Travels," said in a statement.
"She was actually an innocent person who'd suffered terribly. The only thing that's monstrous here is the miscarriage of justice," Yeoman said.
Original article on Live Science.
The year isn't over yet, but 2017 is already expected to be the second- or third-hottest year on record, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced today (Nov. 6) at the United Nations climate change conference in Bonn, Germany.
From January to September 2017, the average global temperature was 1.98 degrees Fahrenheit (1.1 degrees Celsius) above preindustrial levels, according to the WMO, which is an agency within the United Nations.
Last year's powerful El Nino, the warm phase of a recurring climate system across the tropical Pacific, basically guarantees that 2016 will remain the warmest year on record for the time being. But it's still unclear whether 2017 or 2015 will be the second-hottest year on record, the WMO said. [The Year in Climate Change: 2016's Most Depressing Stories]
Whatever place 2017 gets, the five-year period of 2013 to 2017 is expected to be the warmest five-year period on record, the WMO reported. This finding is based on five independently maintained global temperature data sets, the agency said.
"The scientific evidence supporting human-caused global warming is overwhelming," Don Clifton, a senior lecturer in the School of Management at the University of South Australia, said in a statement. "Yet, progress to address the problem is still hampered by ideology over evidence, political inaction and the self-interest of powerful players in industries that are key drivers of our impact on the climate."
In addition to high temperatures, 2017 also had its fair share of catastrophic events, including hurricanes, floods, heat waves and droughts, the WMO reported. Climate change can make weather events more extreme than they would be otherwise, Live Science reported previously.
Moreover, long-term indicators show that human-caused climate change isn't going away; as carbon dioxide concentrations continue to increase, sea levels are rising and ocean acidification is getting worse, the WMO said. Arctic sea-ice coverage is below average, and the extent of Antarctic sea ice, which was previously stable, is at a near-record low.
"We have witnessed extraordinary weather, including temperatures topping 50 degrees Celsius [122 degrees F] in Asia, record-breaking hurricanes in rapid succession in the Caribbean and Atlantic reaching as far as Ireland, devastating monsoon flooding affecting many millions of people and a relentless drought in East Africa," WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in the statement.
In its findings released today, the WMO announced:
January to September was the wettest on record for the lower 48 states in the United States.
The area burned by fires in the contiguous United States from January to October was 46 percent above the 2007 to 2016 average.
Parts of southern Europe, including Italy, North Africa, parts of east and southern Africa and the Asian part of the Russian Federation broke records for hot weather, and China was equally hot. However, the northwestern United States and western Canada were cooler than the 1981 to 2010 average.
The five-year average of 2013 to 2017 is about 0.72 degrees F (0.4 degrees C) warmer than the 1981 to 2010 average, and about 1.8 degrees F (1.03 degrees C) above the preindustrial period. [Top 10 Ways to Destroy Earth]
California had its hottest summer on record, and extreme heat impacted other western states. This culminated in a major heat wave from the end of August to early September, which included a record-high temperature of 105.98 degrees F (41.1 degrees C) in San Francisco.
The WMO's findings are "alarming, but not unexpected," Liz Hanna, an honorary senior fellow at the Climate Change Institute at the Australian National University, said in the statement."Global atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are now 46 percent higher than pre-industrial levels."
Original article on Live Science.
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause, Politics
By Long Island News & PR Published: November 06 2017
Mangano: "Congratulations to Kevin Tirman for everything he does in support of our Countys Veterans."
Mineola, NY - November 6, 2017 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) honored Kevin Tirman of Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency (VSA) honored Kevin Tirman of Freeport as 2017 Volunteer of the Year at their annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, November 1st at the American Legion in Massapequa . Tirman, who is retired from the U.S. Military and the NCPD Marine Bureau, has dedicated his time and effort to giving back to the men and women like him that have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Congratulations to Kevin Tirman on being named the 2017 Volunteer of the Year, for everything he does in support of our Countys Veterans, said County Executive Mangano. These brave men and women sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom, and now many are in need of assistance. Volunteers like Kevin donate their time and resources to help their fellow residents most in need, and we owe them our gratitude.
Local News, Crime
By Long Island News & PR Published: November 06 2017
Andre Patton, 47, is considered armed and dangerous. Police note he should not be confronted, please call 911 immediately.
NCPD are seeking Andre Patton, 47, in connection with a Homicide that occurred on Friday, November 3, in Roosevelt.
Roosevelt, NY - November 6, 2017 - The Homicide Squad is investigating a Homicide that occurred on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 10:22 pm in The Homicide Squad is investigating a Homicide that occurred on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 10:22 pm in Roosevelt
According to detectives, First Precinct Officers responded to an aided case on East Roosevelt Ave. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of Deacon Patrick Logsdon, 70, the program manager of Anthony House that is run by St. Vincent dePaul of the Diocese of Rockville Centre , who had been stabbed numerous times. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by a Nassau County Medical Technician.
This investigation is ongoing.
Detectives are requesting the publics assistance in locating subject Andre Patton, 47, of Roosevelt. This subject is considered armed and dangerous. He should not be confronted, please call 911 immediately.
Acutus Medical, a company headquartered in Carlsbad, California, won FDA clearance for its AcQMap High Resolution Imaging and Mapping System, as well as the accompanying AcQMap 3D Imaging and Mapping Catheter.
The catheter uses ultrasound and more traditional electrical tissue conduction mapping to create a unique live view inside the heart that combines the physical mechanics of the organ with its electrical activity.
This should be particularly useful during cardiac ablation procedures when monitoring the hearts response to treatment.
We are extremely excited to have participated in the early clinical work and are now using the technology as part of a patient-specific strategy to assess and treat complex arrhythmias, in a statement said Dr. Tom Wong, from the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, England. The AcQMap System is able to provide global dipole density mapping of irregular and chaotic activation in the atrial chambers, whereas conventional sequential mapping may struggle to provide us with the information that is required. In the cases we have performed thus far, real-time mapping of complex arrhythmias has allowed us to focus on areas of interest and terminate the arrhythmia using ablation therapy. We can now offer individualized, tailored therapy, and are one step closer to identifying the mechanisms of complex arrhythmias.
Check out this example mapping created by the AcQMap system:
Link: Acutus Medical
Via: Acutus
by Sara Guaglione , November 6, 2017
A new study used artificial intelligence technology to analyze the images of President Trump in over 5,000 news articles, and found no systematic bias in the way he is portrayed by left- and right-leaning media outlets.
President Trump often says the media are biased against him, but thats not true when it comes to the imagery used to portray him, said Anastasia Leng, CEO of Picasso Labs, a New York-based company which conducted the study.
Picasso Labs used its proprietary, AI-driven image recognition system to analyze images of President Trump from 12 U.S. news sources, August 2016 through March 2017.
The media outlets were chosen based on a Pew Research Center study of political polarization and media habits of the American news audience, which categorized each outlet as liberal, conservative or moderate.
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Picasso Labs' study included The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico and Slate, deemed liberal. Moderate outlets included USA Today, Bloomberg, ABC News and NBC News. Fox News, Breitbart, The Washington Times and TheBlaze were considered "conservative."
Each media organization is not using imagery to influence the perception of Donald Trump, Leng told Publishers Daily. While the media may have its own point of view, a lot of media organizations do subscribe to an oath of accurate and fair journalism."
The team at Picasso Labs hypothesized that liberal media would use images of President Trump alone or angry, to show he is lacking support, while conservative media would show him happy, and surrounded by crowds of people, emphasizing his mass appeal.
They compared images of Trump angry, happy, with crowds, alone, with family, without family, with soldiers and flags, and at the oval office.
The study found The New York Times had the most even image distribution of all the outlets analyzed. The publication had the most variety of images of President Trump. Trump alone and rump with the American flag were the photos used the most, by a wide margin.
Interestingly, both liberal and moderate media used imagery of President Trump surrounded by crowds with much greater frequency than the conservative media.
Almost half of all images studied by Picasso Labs from the 5,000 media outlets showed Mr. Trump angry. Liberal media outlets had the lowest percentage (44.41%) of angry Trump images.
Liberal media outlets published the highest percentage of happy Trump images (23.22% compared to 20.21% for conservative and 20.08% for moderate).
Liberal media used imagery of Trumps family more frequently than conservative media.
This surprised us because we assumed conservative media would be more likely to us imagery of Trumps family to show strong, healthy family ties, said Leng.
The liberal news outlets in the study featured Trump with service men and women more frequently than conservative media as well.
Leng, who worked on Google ad tech products before launching Picasso Labs in 2015, said the study shows the images of Trump were not used to sway or manipulate the publics opinion.
Leng said the idea for the study came from conversations among her team about fake news and media bias, and whether it was being reflected in the images news outlets chose to use.
She said that while there was a ton of research on text bias, they found a lack of studies on images publications were using to portray the president.
Picasso Labs is considering using its technology to study imagery bias for Hillary Clinton, to compare news outlets' portrayal of her leading up to the 2016 election, Leng added.
by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, November 6, 2017
Another journalistic icon is joining the fight against fake news. Steve Brill will shortly launch News Guard, a startup that rates news content, so consumers finding news via search or social media will have a better idea of whether its trustworthy.
Brill rose to prominence as the founder of the magazine American Lawyer (1979) and later founded Court TV (1991), pioneering online news and opinion site Brills Content (published from 1998-2001), and the Yale Journalism Initiative (2006).
His latest venture aims to combine technology with qualified, accountable human beings to fight the persistent scourge of fake news, according to Axios, which first reported the news.
In practice, that means hiring moderators and curators with expertise in a relevant area to rate online content, beginning with a team of 40 to 60 journalists. NewsGuard will seek to monetize its activities by charging license fees to social platforms and aggregators.
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Brill is close to completing a $6 million round of funding to launch News Guard. The company expects to launch a product for U.S. search and social-media users sometime around the middle of next year.
As co-CEO of News Guard, Brill is bringing on board Gordon Crovitz, former publisher of The Wall Street Journal, who has collaborated with Brill on digital news startups in the past. In 2009, for example, the duo joined forces to found Press+, an online payment system meant to enable digital publications of all sizes to charge readers for content. In 2014, Press+ was sold and merged with Piano Media.
Brill isnt the only one trying to stem the rising tide of fake news.
Last month, Google announced a partnership on Thursday with the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), run by The Poynter Institute, which promotes best practices when it comes to accurate information online.
Facebook began offering users more information about the sources of news in its News Feed, making it easier for users to find reputable publishers. The social network is making the information available via a small new button, marked i, which appears on article links in the News Feed. Users who click on the button will pull up a box with information about the publisher behind the article.
Earlier this year, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales announced he was raising funds for WikiTribune, a site dedicated to tackling fake news.
by Ray Schultz , November 5, 2017
Verticalscope, a Canadian web forum manager with 45 million accounts, has been hacked for the second time in two years, according to Krebs on Security.
The new breach could affect 2.7 million user accounts, including email addresses and other information, Krebs writes.
Verticalscope verified that six sites had been affected, including Toyotanation.com, Jeepforum.com the companys second most-popular site; and watchuseek.com, Krebs continues.
According to Krebs, a company statement said: The intrusion granted access to each individual website files. Out of an abundance of caution, we have removed the file manager, expired all passwords on the 6 websites in question, added the malicious file pattern and attack vector to our detection tools, and taken additional steps to lock down access.
Security researcher Alex Holden notified Krebs last Thursday that hackers were selling access to Verticalscope.com and several of the companys other sites.
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Contrary to Holdens initial suspicions, the data being sold was not stolen in the 2016 breach: it appeared to be new.
The sites had been compromised by a backdoor known as a 'web shell'," Krebs writes.
Using a web shell, a perpetrator can administer the site and upload and delete content, including email addresses, user names and passwords, he adds.
The first data breach occurred in 2016, and involved almost 45 million records from 1,100 websites and forums, according to ZDNet.
by Tanya Gazdik , November 6, 2017
JetBlue is kicking off its second annual For Good Month, a celebration of kindness and good deeds.
Customers can #CheckInForGood at pop-up kiosks in surprise locations in New York City, Los Angeles and online at JetBlueCheckInForGood.com for the chance participate in three volunteer trips which align with the three JetBlue for Good pillars: youth and education, community and environment.
Twenty-two volunteers will be selected for the #CheckInForGood trips and will have the option to bring a guest to share the experience. The trips depart around Giving Tuesday, the international day of giving, from New York, and the first 2,000 participants who #CheckInForGood will receive $10 to donate to a charity of their choice through GlobalGiving.org.
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Entrants who are selected as winners from the standby list for one of the volunteer trips will be notified of their eligibility on a rolling basis through Nov. 20. The airline is promoting the initiative on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Service is part of the airlines DNA, says Icema Gibbs, director corporate social responsibility, JetBlue.
Like JetBlue, our customers value kindness and humanity, Gibbs says in a release. #CheckInForGood is a great way for us to rollup our sleeves together, celebrate good deeds, and reinforce our belief that every single person can make a difference.
To enter, entrants can fill out a short questionnaire about what good they have to declare at one of the JetBlue kiosks, or online at JetBlueCheckInForGood.com through Nov. 9. Based on individual responses, entrants will be matched to causes aligning with JetBlue For Goods three key pillars.
The trip geared toward youth and education will benefit Houstons public libraries, which are still reeling from the impact of Hurricane Harvey. Building on JetBlues signature Soar with Reading literacy program, designed to inspire and encourage kids' imaginations to take flight through reading, volunteers on this trip will check in with elementary schools in communities which have been impacted by Harvey, have low literacy rates and where their libraries are still closed. While the Mobile Express, HPLs library-on-wheels hits the road to distribute free books, volunteers will help operate pop-up libraries and host reading events, with books donated in partnership with Simon & Schuster Childrens Publishing.
For the community-oriented effort, JetBlue will also help the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, is committed to improving the lives of its local communities, supporting schools, facilities and centers across eight islands in the Caribbean.
The Eltham Community Centre in Jamaica serves the rural area surrounding Ocho Rios region. Here, neighbors can gather for recreational activities and informative workshops, receive mentorship and gain access to free mental and dental care as well as spay and neuter services for animal clinics. Volunteers on this trip will help paint, renovate and restore The Centre with upgrades to ensure it can continue to be a safe, healthy and inspiring space for both the young and elderly in the community.
Finally, for the environment focused effort, JetBlue will help Atlantis Blue Project Foundation in the Bahamas. Led by marine ecologist Dr. Craig Dahlgren of the Atlantis Blue Project Foundation, an organization developing innovative ways to protect Bahamian waters and wildlife, volunteers on this trip will participate in an ongoing coral nursery project on Paradise Island and assist with harvesting and out-planting coral, in addition to activities at the dolphin sanctuary.
by Steven Rosenbaum , Featured Contributor, November 6, 2017
Back when I heard about the first Video Everywhere Summit from my friend Barry Frey, the executive director of the Digital-Place-Based Advertising Association, who organized the event -- I couldnt help but think the phrase was aspirational. Was video -- and TV -- everywhere 10 years ago? Certainly not. What about five years ago? Hardly.
But today, TV is indeed EVERYWHERE. And this year's summit proved the point.
The event was standing-room-only, with attendees from brands, advertising, technology, the web, and Wall Street.
The onstage presentations provided a clear update of current tech and trends, along with some timely and sometimes-controversial explorations of how tech, consumers and politics are finding themselves at odds.
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Kathleen Hall, the vice president of brand, advertising and research at Microsoft, opened the day with a talk that made it clear this would not be a "business-as-usual" conference.
Hall explained why the brand doesnt respond to criticisms of its ads appearing on far-right sites like Fox News and Breitbart. She mentioned a group called Sleeping Giants -- activists that work to stop racist and sexist media by stopping its ad dollars by calling out brands for running ads on Breitbart.
We will never publicly state what our media-buying strategies or decisions are, because we dont want to give in to pressure from anywhere, said Hall.
But before you think that Microsoft has some far-right agenda youve never heard of, Hall showed a number of video ads that were passionately diverse.
She showed a Windows 10 ad with New Jersey teacher Toney Jackson, who uses rapping and tech in his classrooms.
The video went viral, and was remixed by people who replaced Jackson's voice with explicit rap songs hardly safe for middle-school students. Hall complained to YouTube that her brand was being hijacked and was told the videos didnt constitute a breach of YouTube guidelines, since theyre considered parody.
Welcome to the Wild West of Video Everywhere.
From there. the day moved at a rapid-fire pace. Among the sessions:
-- Mike Linton, the CMO of Farmers Insurance, showed its ads and talked about the company's collaborative creative process.
-- T-Mobile's Peter DeLuca talked about the company's Un-Network ad strategy.
-- Rob Norman, the CDO of GroupM, was his colorful self, wearing red socks that were one clue hes not a business-as-usual CDO. He told a great story about being trapped in an elevator and providing a live video commercial for Captivate, the elevator video outfit.
In the afternoon, politics and media took the main stage with presentations from Brian Stelter, host of CNNs "Reliable Sources," and Jim Rutenberg, the New York Times media columnist.
Patrizio Spagnoletto, Hulus head of media and subscriber growth, talked about how to find video customers wherever they want to find Hulu.
Overall, it was clear that video is now everywhere -- from elevators to gas stations. And, of course, in your pocket on your phone. Digital out-of-home is a powerful and growing source of impressions, as The DPAA's eighth annual Video Everywhere Summit made clear.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, November 6, 2017
A group of Twitter users who were blocked by President Donald Trump after expressing criticism are urging a judge to order Trump to unblock their accounts.
The blocked users argue in new court papers that Trump's Twitter account is "akin to a digital town hall," and that excluding them based on their political views violates their right to free speech.
"The Presidents Twitter account, @realDonaldTrump, has become an important source of news and information about the government, and an important forum for speech by, to, and about the President," the users argue in a motion for summary judgment filed Friday with U.S. District Court Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald in New York.
"The account is akin to a digital town hall, with the President speaking from the podium at the front of the room and assembled citizens responding to him and engaging with one another about the Presidents statements," they add. "Defendants blocking of the Individual Plaintiffs violates the First Amendment because it restricts their access to generally available government information in retaliation for their criticism of the President."
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The legal dispute dates to July, when seven blocked Twitter users and Columbia University's Knight First Amendment Institute sued Trump over the blocks. Twitter users who are blocked from Trump's account can't view his tweets or replies while logged in; if those users sign out of Twitter, they may still be able to view the posts. Blocked users are also restricted from commenting in some threads -- though there are workarounds.
The blocked users allege that Trump's Twitter account is a "public forum," meaning that it is comparable to city streets, parks and other locales where the government can't censor speech based on people's views.
In addition to Trump, the users are also suing Director of Social Media Daniel Scavino and former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer. The users want Buchwald to declare the blocks unconstitutional, and to order the White House to unblock them.
Last month, the Justice Department asked Buchwald to throw out the lawsuit. Among other arguments, DOJ says that Trump's Twitter account, which he created in 2009, while still a private citizen, isn't a public forum, but a channel for him to express his views.
The blocked users counter in their most recent court papers that the account now functions as a channel for official communications. They point to one of Trump's tweets from earlier this year, which read: My use of social media is not Presidential -- its MODERN DAY PRESIDENTIAL.
The users also note that federal agencies and judges have treated the account as offering official statements. For instance, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals mentioned one of the accounts tweets in an opinion blocking Trump's attempt to ban immigration and travel from seven Muslim-majority countries.
"Against this background, it is plain that the @realDonaldTrump account is being used as an instrument of governance, and accordingly that it is subject to the First Amendment," they argue.
Trump isn't the only public official facing suit for blocking people on social media. Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Maine Governor Paul LePage also are facing suit over allegations that they blocked critics on Twitter or Facebook.
Questions about whether these blocks violate the constitution have not been definitively resolved by the appellate courts. But this summer, a federal district court judge ruled that an official in Virginia violated a resident's First Amendment rights by briefly blocking him on Facebook.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, November 6, 2017
The move from desktop to mobile search also continues to have an impact on content marketing. Data released Monday suggests that reading content on mobile devices now surpasses those reading on desktop. Those who are reading on mobile devices now spend an average of 79 seconds reading branded content.
The findings are part of a study released from Pressboard. The company gathered data from 1336 pieces of content created by North American brands and publishers through the Pressboard platform. These include VentureBeat, New York Magazine, Mashable, Entrepreneur and Ford, to name a few. The study aims to help brands and publishers better understand the impact of content.
Previously, desktop users spent 71 seconds on average, while those on phones spent 66 seconds with Average Active Reading Time (sec) branded content.
Facebook continues to dominate the primary source traffic for branded content at 67.3%, followed by direct traffic to sites at 13.9%, and referral traffic at 11.6%. Search now sales 11.6%; Twitter, 0.5%; and LinkedIn, 0.2%.
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The average person reads 74% of a branded article and 55% of the audience finishes a piece. The average active reading time for a piece of branded content rose from 66 seconds in 2016 to 73 seconds in 2017.
Some 85.9% of readers spend on average 20 seconds with a piece of content. More than half of all visitors will spend 50 seconds or more on a branded article.
The average branded content conversion rate of 1.15% is more than double the average click-through rate for display advertising in the U.S., as measured by Google.
Interestingly, those on tablets at 81% and on desktops at 75% seem to scroll further down a story on average than those who access branded content on a smartphone at 72%, despite smartphone users having the longest Average Active Reading time per device.
Most search and social media traffic is similar when it comes to how far someone will scroll down the site, whereas Instagram, direct and referral traffic lag behind.
The study shows 80% for Twitter, 78% for Facebook, 77% for Pinterest, 76% for LinkedIn, 75% for search, 65% for Instagram, 64% for direct to the site, and 62% for referrals.
Despite the argument that Amazon, Bing, Facebook, Google and others clearly mark sponsored content on a website page or in search engine results, not everyone sees it. The data suggests that only 57.6% see footer and presented by labels on a website page. Only 45% said they see "presented by," and 6.5% said they see neither.
For most, benign prostatic hyperplasia is a mild inconvenience that can be treated with a drug called Flomax. But Flomax does not work well for everyone. Some alternatives can help men with this condition relieve their symptoms and feel better. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate can cause painful and frequent urination, bladder stones, and incontinence. According to one estimate, nearly 1 in 5 men between 55 and 74 experience this condition.
What is Flomax? Share on Pinterest Flomax is an alpha-blocker prescribed to treat BPH symptoms. Flomax, the branded version of the drug tamsulosin, is often prescribed to relieve the symptoms of BPH. Flomax is one of a group of drugs called alpha-1 blockers that can help urine flow more easily. Commonly known as alpha-blockers, these drugs change the behavior of the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. This can relax muscles in the urinary tract, making it easier to urinate. Flomax is considered a selective alpha-blocker, which means it targets the urinary tract specifically and has less effect on other muscles. In men with a moderately enlarged prostate who have no serious health issues, Flomax often works well. But for some, it causes unpleasant side effects. Common side effects of Flomax include: low blood pressure
nasal congestion
swollen ankles
dry mouth
headaches and dizziness
fatigue
problems with ejaculation For some men, however, the cost is also a significant concern. Flomax can cost more than $200 per month and might not be entirely covered by insurance. Flomax may be no more effective than other alpha-blockers, but the manufacturing company spends more than $100 million marketing it to consumers, so it is often the only BPH drug many people know about.
Other alpha-blockers for BPH Share on Pinterest Alternative alpha-blockers are available. Speaking to a doctor or pharmacist may help when choosing the most suitable medication. Other alpha-blockers work in much the same way as Flomax. Doxazosin may cost as little as $10 per month. Hytrin, another generic drug, also works well. Both drugs are nonselective alpha-1 blockers, which means they can lower a persons blood pressure. Selective alpha-blockers, such as Flomax, can also lower blood pressure but not quite as much as nonselective alpha-blockers. Some alternative selective alpha-blockers to Flomax include: Uroxatral (alfuzosin)
Rapaflo (silodosin)
non-branded tamsulosin
Other drugs for BPH Alpha-blockers are not the only option for treating BPH. Several other drugs may help: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can reverse the enlargement of the prostate. They do this by preventing the body from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT can cause the prostate to grow, putting pressure on the urethra and making it difficult for the urine to flow. Drugs in this group include Avodart (dutasteride) and Proscar (finasteride). These drugs may lower libido, cause problems with ejaculation, or lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). Rarely, they can cause gynecomastia, a condition in which a man develops breasts. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED). They may also treat the symptoms of BPH , particularly in men who also have ED. Sometimes phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors are used alongside other BPH drugs to combat erectile side effects. Drugs in this group include: Viagra (sildenafil)
Cialis (tadalafil) These drugs can cause headaches, nausea, and drops in blood pressure. Rarely, they may cause a painful erection that does not go away. Drug combinations Combining certain medications may help when a single drug does not work. For example, alpha-blockers combined with drugs for an overactive bladder may be more effective. Occasionally, doctors use other drugs on an off-label basis to treat BPH. It is crucial for a person to discuss the risks and benefits of BPH medications with their doctor.
Other medical treatments for BPH Share on Pinterest A prostatectomy may be required when drugs fail to treat BPH, or there are other complications. When drug treatment fails or when there are other problems with the prostate, such as frequent prostate infections, a doctor might recommend a prostatectomy. A prostatectomy is a procedure in which the surgeon removes all or a portion of the prostate. In some people, this can alleviate symptoms with few or no side effects. However, a prostatectomy may cause incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and other health concerns. People should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of a prostatectomy, and talk to their doctors about which form of prostatectomy is likely to be the most effective. A less invasive treatment heats the prostate, often with a laser, and can slow prostate growth. This procedure may require general anesthesia. Less frequently, a doctor may recommend the temporary or permanent use of a catheter. A catheter is a tube that goes through the urethra to help empty the bladder. It can help people whose prostates are very large and swollen. A catheter can also be used as a temporary remedy when the prostate has swollen due to surgery or another medical procedure.
Lifestyle changes and home remedies Some herbal remedies may help with some symptoms of BPH. Those include: Cernilton is an herbal remedy made from rye-grass pollen. This supplement is available over the counter, and most studies suggest it causes few side effects. It may moderately improve urological functioning.
is an herbal remedy made from rye-grass pollen. This supplement is available over the counter, and most studies suggest it causes few side effects. It urological functioning. Saxifrage , an herbal remedy made from the Chinese herb Saxifraga stolonifera, may improve prostate function in some people, although research into its effectiveness is mixed.
, an herbal remedy made from the Chinese herb Saxifraga stolonifera, may improve prostate function in some people, although research into its effectiveness is mixed. Babassu , another herbal remedy, is made from a Brazilian palm tree. Animal studies suggest it is safe to use. It may work by slowing prostate growth and causing some prostate cells to die.
, another herbal remedy, is made from a Brazilian palm tree. Animal studies suggest it is safe to use. It may work by slowing prostate growth and causing some prostate cells to die. Ganodermataceae is a type of fungus that may work similarly to some 5-alpha-reductase drugs. Research on rats showed that it could reduce testosterones effect on the prostate. Testosterone is a major culprit in the prostate growth associated with BPH.
is a type of fungus that may work similarly to some 5-alpha-reductase drugs. Research on rats showed that it could reduce testosterones effect on the prostate. Testosterone is a major culprit in the prostate growth associated with BPH. Saw palmetto is a herbal remedy sometimes used to treat prostate problems. While some studies have shown promise, the best-designed studies suggest that saw palmetto does not work any better than a placebo. It is essential to speak with a doctor before using any supplements. A person should also be aware that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not monitor the effectiveness, quality, or safety of supplements. A few lifestyle changes may improve symptoms, but they will not reverse BPH. Those remedies include: not drinking fluids a few hours before going to bed
avoiding caffeine and alcohol
not straining to empty the bladder
double voiding
Kisspeptin, anxiety, and sexual behavior Kisspeptin is a hormone produced by a section of the brain called the hypothalamus. Named after Hersheys chocolate Kisses due to the first gene for the hormone being discovered by a research team working in Hershey, PA, where the product is produced kisspeptin is known for its crucial roles in puberty and fertility. The hormone interacts with receptors in the pituitary gland, which is connected to the bottom of the hypothalamus. This prompts a signaling cascade that fuels the production of the sex hormones testosterone and estradiol. Previous research from Dr. Adekunbi and team revealed that nerve cells, or neurons, that respond to kisspeptin are also present in the amygdala, which is a brain region that plays a role in emotional processing. Specifically, the team identified these neurons in the posterodorsal medial area of the amygdala (MePD). This is an area strongly linked to the response to pheromones, which are chemicals that can alter behavior including sexual behavior. With all of these factors in mind, Dr. Adekunbi and colleagues investigated whether increasing kisspeptin activity in the MePD might influence anxiety and sexual behavior.
Anxiety reduced, social behavior increased To reach their findings, the researchers manipulated kisspeptin-responsive neurons in the MePD of male mice. The team used a series of drugs to activate or deactivate these neurons in rodents, and their anxiety and social and sexual behaviors were monitored in response. The study revealed that when kisspeptin-responsive neurons were activated, the male mice demonstrated fewer indicators of anxiety, they were more willing to have social interaction with other mice, and they gave greater attention to female mice. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings, but Dr. Adekunbi and team believe their results hold promise for a new treatment for anxiety-related sexual dysfunction in men. In men, anxiety-related disorders occur in tandem with sexual dysfunction, notes Dr. Adekunbi. The findings of our study suggest that activation of MePD kisspeptin neurons coordinates sexual preference and anxiety behavior towards copulation, indicating that amygdala kisspeptin functionally promotes maximal reproductive success in the male. Dr. Daniel Adekunbi Going forward, the team plans to take a closer look at how activating and deactivating kisspeptin neurons in the MePD affects sexual behavior and anxiety in rodents. We can speculate that kisspeptin may modulate sexual orientation but this needs further confirmation, says Dr. Adekunbi. [O]ur planned work to silence the MePD kisspeptin neurons may provide some insight into this. For example, when the neurons are inactivated, will the male mouse prefer to interact with a male mouse over a female?
New research, conducted by scientists at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, finds that low vitamin D raises the risk of organ damage and renal disease in people with lupus an autoimmune disease. Share on Pinterest New research suggests vitamin D supplementation may be a good way to prevent renal damage in lupus patients. Dr. Michelle A. Petri, Ph.D., director of the Hopkins Lupus Center is the lead author of the study, and the findings were presented at the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ACR/ARHP) Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA. Lupus is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation throughout the body. This occurs because the body does not recognize its own tissues and starts attacking them. The disease can affect various organ systems, from the cardiovascular and immune systems to vital organs such as the lungs and the kidneys. As Dr. Petri and her colleagues write in their paper, levels of vitamin D are known to be low in patients with lupus. So, the team set out to examine the role of vitamin D in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is the most common form of the disease.
Studying vitamin D levels in lupus patients Dr. Petri and her team examined the clinical data available on 1,392 lupus patients, 92 percent of whom were female. On average, the patients were 47.3 years old. The researchers had access to the patients vitamin D levels when they first visited the doctor, as well as to the state of their organs and tissues during the follow-up visits. Levels of the vitamin were assessed using 25-hydroxy vitamin D a common and accurate way of ascertaining vitamin D levels. Based on the first measurements of vitamin D, patients were grouped into those with less than 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, and those with more than 20 ng/ml. Overall, 27.3 percent of the patients had deficient levels of vitamin D at their first medical visit. Using the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology (SLICC/ACR) Damage Index, the researchers evaluated the risk of lifetime organ damage. The organ systems considered included the neuropsychiatric, pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal system. Then, the researchers adjusted this risk for age, gender, and ethnic background.
Actress Juliet Ibrahim has warned her boyfriend to shield any plans of breaking her heart because Ghanaians won't forgive him if he does.
The actress, who was once married to Kwadwo Sarfo, says Ghanaians will deal with musician Iceberg Slim, born Olusegun Olowokere, if he decides to end their relationship.
Ghanaians you are listening ooo, the whole country is behind me, if you mess upif you mess up Iceberg SlimI see the comments from my Ghanaian fans like 'if you try it, if you mess Juliet up, we will deal with you,' the mother of one warned.
The two lovebirds, who made their relationship public recently, recounted during an interview with Lexis Bill on Drive Time on Joy FM that they meet and fell in love when during a trip to South Africa.
Their common was music, coupled with the fact that Iceberg Slim is also into music was enough to kick things.
Asked what he likes about Juliet Ibrahim, he said, there is no word in the dictionary to actually explain. It's just a feeling and it's a happy feeling.
She has great heartshe is a very caring person, Iceberg Slim added.
The Nigerian musician is out with a new song, 'Oluwa'. The lovebirds revealed that, they will be releasing a joint single, 'Keep Your Head Up' soon.
When asked when they will be walking down aisle, they said God's time is the best time.
The La Crosse River had changed dramatically in the time Gretchen and I were on a trip recently. When we left our home on its bank in downtown La Crosse, it was a placid stream showing part of its muddy stream bed. When we returned the heavy rains that fell while we were gone had turned it into a glossy, brown slug, swollen bank to grassy bank, carrying its burden of silt to the Mississippi.
An armada of yellow leaves was drifting on the surface of the stream when I launched my kayak the day after we returned from Colorado. I slipped easily into the water by pushing off the muddy bank and drifted in the slow current for a time while I washed the mud off my hands and cleaned the paddle shaft. Then I headed upstream, ducking under a low branch of one of the spreading maple trees. Rounding a bend in the river, I came to where Silver Creek empties into the La Crosse after passing under the bridge for the Veterans bike trail. Just upstream of the confluence, an eddy carried a collection of maple and cottonwood leaves in a colorful clockwise circle dance. I let the kayak glide into the eddy and idly mused about the muddy water as I drifted with the leaves.
Ouray, the Colorado community where we visit family several times a year, also has a river running through it the Uncompahgre. The two rivers are alike in that each of them has pollution issues the Uncompahgre tainted with the toxic legacy of mining and the La Crosse laden with the sediment and its contaminants from the erosion during big rain events on ag land and runoff from urban development. The two rivers differ, though, in their connection to their respective communities. The Uncompahgre is rocky and raging during snowmelt and sometimes carries an orange hue from the contamination. Its not attractive for recreation. The La Crosse, on the other hand, is a designated canoe trail through our communities, a beautiful place to paddle in spite of its murky water.
Neither river is likely to see cleanup efforts in the present political climate. Wisconsin is becoming known for lax environmental enforcement, including allowing more wetland development. Some GOP legislators are pushing to ease the states sensible restrictions on mining. They should visit the Uncompahgre and other rivers ruined by the acidic aftermath of mining. And the EPA, which in recent years stepped in to force Wisconsin to deal with water quality issues, is now in the hands of anti-regulation leadership.
These were heavy thoughts on a beautiful sunny afternoon. My kayak had drifted to the edge of the eddy and a paddle stroke carried me back into the current. Paddling downstream I emerged into the Mississippi, which carries the sediment from the La Crosse and its other tributaries to the Gulf of Mexico, a burden that adds to the dead zone in the Gulf.
After my recent outing on the La Crosse, I learned that the Government Accountability Office, the U.S. agency tasked with checking on the performance of agencies such as the EPA, has recommended EPA update its regulations for enforcing the 1972 Clean Water Act. GAO focused particularly on the load of pollutants permitted and getting tougher on enforcement of non-point pollution sources such as runoff from farmland.
In the GAO review, the EPA reported that many of the nations waters are still impaired, and the goals of the act are not being met. Without changes to the acts approach to non-point source pollution, the acts goals are likely to remain unfulfilled. The GAO recommended that Congress revise the Clean Water Acts largely voluntary approach to limiting non-point pollution.
The water quality recommendations are among dozens of recommendations not implemented by EPA, the GAO reported in September. The water quality of the La Crosse is our constant reminder of the need for more, not less, regulation to achieve the nations water quality goals.
06.11.2017 LISTEN
Fast-rising Nigerian-born afro-pop musician, Biokez is keen on pursuing his musical dreams in the Ghanaian music industry with the release of his latest single Marry You produced by Peewizzle/Peewee.
Marry You which happens to be his very first single is gradually becoming the new love anthem making waves on air.
In a recent interview on the Live Fm morning show with Jay Foley and Jeremy, he confessed the single was inspired by his romantic crush on music star Efya, who he described as his ideal woman.
He seems to be following suit the likes of his fellow Nigerian counterparts Mr. Eazi, Patoranking, and Eze who have all found successes in doing music in Ghana.
Biokez, whose real name is Ebosa Kingsley initially decided to temporarily relocate to Ghana to escape the numerous temptations to join the internet fraud business after many frustrating attempts to launch his musical career in Nigeria; but decided to stay permanently after he fell in love with music and the Ghanaian culture.
His talent was soon recognized by Talent Manager of Mogul Music, Charles Kusi, who immediately signed him on as a new talent.
Biokez is currently in the studios working on the remix of the "Marry You" single with BBnZ Live rapper Ko-jo Cue. The remix and its video are slated to be released later in the year.
Download and listen to Marry You here
Audio: https://www.audiomack.com/song/biokez/marry-you
Video:
06.11.2017 LISTEN
British artist of Ghanaian descent, Mark Asari has released a new EP titled ''Minus to Plus''. The project is rooted in RnB which Mark takes a lot of his inspiration from, giving listeners a nostalgic feel of the late 90s.
The 6-track EP has songs like 'Stay Down', 'Me & You', 'God Bless My Hustle', 'Aint Gotta Talk', among others, with production from Mark himself, London based producers, 80s Baby, Shadow Music Group and Sillkey.
In an interview, Mark said ''The EP is a collection of songs that represent his musical journey over the past year, really experimenting with different sounds from R&B to Afro-Pop. Minus to Plus'' is a statement that describes wanting to get from the bottom to the top''.
Earlier this year, he was featured on the Soundtrack of an American erotic romantic drama movie tagged ''Fifty Shakes Darker''.
He also entertained fans and lovers of good music with a remake of DJ Khaled's 'Wild Thoughts', Somebody featuring Eugy and Victizzle as well as 'Baby Yo' which received massive airplay on Capital XTRA, Radio 1xtra in London and on Accra based stations, YFM, Hitz FM and Joy FM, Live FM among others.
Born in London to Ghanaian parents, Mark Asari was drawn to music from an early age enlisting Michael Jackson, Boyz 2 Men, Joe, brandy, Rodney jerkins as major influences just to name a few.
Having developed a stammer from his younger years, he found comfort in singing in which he would do so fluently and effortlessly. With time and dedication spent on honing his craft, including teaching himself how to produce, he went on to produce music for Local gospel groups as well as for himself which he would then release on the popular social platform at the time 'Myspace'.
He then went on to sign a publishing deal with 'Global Talent' as a songwriter, writing and vocal producing for acts such as Tinie Tempah, Ariana Grande, Angel, Moelogo, Chipmunk, Sneakbo amongst others. He got his first taste of the spotlight whilst in a boy group named Encore put together by Island/Universal records in the UK. The group eventually disbanded and Mark continued his solo journey releasing his own songs independently.
Stream the EP from below.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0qzAWuYxUq3nvDMlDZGkde
ITunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/minus-to-plus-ep/id1301657581
Adom was a brilliant student almost always topping her class in elementary school but when it became tougher for her dad to support her education and that of her siblings, he supported the boys while the girls including Adom ended their education at the elementary level.
This decision he took according to Shadrack Frimpong, was based on the premise that no matter how educated a woman is, her place would always be in the kitchen.
Meaning, it will be wasted resources for Adom to go higher on the academic ladder.
Now Adom is a teenage mother with three kids she cannot adequately cater for.
Luckily enough, her two daughters would not suffer same fate thanks to the Tarkwa Breman Girls School established by Shadracks non-profit, Cocoa360.
Her (Adom) daughters are enrolled in Tarkwa Breman Girls School which is an initiative of Shadrack Frimpong with seed funding from the Presidents Engagement Prize he won in 2015 at the University Pennsylvania.
Who is Shadrack Frimpong?
Shadrack grew up in Tarkwa Breman, a small village in the Western Region of Ghana, with no electricity nor running water.
"My mom is a charcoal seller and my dad is a peasant farmer. None of my parents attended high school," Frimpong said in an interview with moderghana.com.
In an interview with KSM on Metro TV, he disclosed he attended Opoku Ware School on Ghana Cocoa Board Scholarship and as life became tougher, Frimpong resorted to selling PK chewing gum and handkerchiefs on the streets of Kumasi to support himself throughout school.
He adds: I was even teased in school and called by the items I sold on the streets of Kumasi."
After graduation, he gained admission with 100% financial aid package to study at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), an Ivy League university in the United States.
With his academic excellence, he won Penns Presidents Engagement Prize in 2015 to a tune of $150,000.
Despite the many enticing opportunities that he had upon graduation, he decided to come back home to establish a girls' school and a medical clinic for his people.
Now back to Adom.
He was partly inspired to embark on this project first, because of his cousin Adom, who was brilliant back in elementary school but couldn't go higher on the academic ladder because of financial constraints, he said in the interview.
Now Adom is a teenage mother with 3 children she is unable to cater for, but as stated at the beginning of the article, her two daughters are enrolled in Tarkwa Breman Girls' School, which is a tuition-free.
Another inspiration came from the fact that he wanted to live a life of service.
Tawkwa Breman Girls school works on an innovative model where parents and guardians will work on cocoa farm to enjoy free tuition. Proceeds from the cocoa farm is used to fund the school.
According to Frimpong, the school accepts 30 students for each class from a pool of over 200 candidates.
Now Frimpong could only look back at his village and say: " I feel very proud and happy for my community. I am even more excited that together, we are using cocoa farming as a revenue source to self-sustain crucial services like health care and education that they need."
Information on news.upenn.edu, explains that the Presidents Engagement Prizes, the largest of their kind in higher education, provide winners with as much as $100,000 to support project implementation and $50,000 for living expenses.
According to awards.ghanalegacy.com, Shadrack also founded Students for A Healthy Africa (SAHA) and the African Research Academies for Women (ARA-W). SAHA provides free health insurance for HIV/AIDS orphans in Ghana and has constructed a health clinic and potable water well in two communities in rural Nigeria.
ARA-W bridges the gap between male and female scientists in Africa through annual summer research internships for college women.
Awards.ghanalegacy.com further states that, he is a recipient of the prestigious Samuel Huntington Public Service Award which counts United States Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy among its past recipients.
He has also received multiple invitations to meet President Bill Clinton and other leaders at the annual Clinton Global Initiative and has been appointed an Associate Fellow of the Royal Commonwealth Society.
It adds that Shadrack was named to Future of Ghanas Top 30 Under 30 in 2015 and is also a 2016 Cordes Fellow.
Last month, the Clinton Foundation honored him for his significant impact of work done through Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U), 2017 and his continued dedication to making a difference in the world.
With the Honour Roll of the Clinton Global Initiative, former president of the US, Clinton selected 18 young global leaders from a pool of 8,700 nominations worldwide.
Copyright 2017 Modern Ghana
All rights reserved. This article, or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, paraphrased or used in any manner whatsoever without giving full credit to modernghana and the author of the article. The source should clearly state modernghana.com, and the writer's name when used. However, it could be used in brief quotations and in reviews.
Shadrack with Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former US President Bill Clinton
Ghana Legacy Honours Award
Focus Photography
06.11.2017 LISTEN
"At events people assume I am the technicians girlfriend even when they see me standing behind the console but after minutes of seeing me DJ they are in total awe, they take pictures, videos and lots of tips."
This has been Mz Orstin's (Wilhelmina Jane Austin), experience with people over the last five years since she ventured into professional dejaying
Mz Orstin always loved music and dance growing up. She used to listen to DJ Black, touted as one of the best DJs in Ghana after Senior High School and developed interest in the field.
"During my university days, after one night out with my friends, I expressed intention of becoming a disc jockey (DJ), to a friend, Julia which would later lead me to meet DJ Armani, also one of Ghana's finest DJs.
"DJ Armani gave me a solid foundation in my career. I looked at his life as a DJ and thought to myself, why not take my passion for music and dance to the next level. His life as a DJ was all the motivation I needed," she said in an interview with modernghana.com.
Studying psychology at the University of Ghana with a bit of music under tones in level 100, she never saw herself taking deejaying as a profession nor did she think she would make a meaningful living out of dejaying.
" It was when I started hanging out with DJ Armani that I realised it was possible and that made me pursue dejaying with everything in me."
She started out as Pub DJ from Tarven, Farenheights Lounge, Bella Roma and Twist and then she met celebrated on air personality, Kwame Farkye.
Farkye saw her talent and introduced her to a Babatunde O. Babayemi who would later became her manager.
Since then, she has had the opportunity to DJ at Y FM, Red FM, Moven Pick Ambassador Hotel (One2One Bar) and Firefly Lounge.
She also plays at weddings, concerts, parties, corporate events (Stanbic Bank end of year party 2015, Japan Motors end of year party 2014 Delliotte Etouche 2017, Rexona Do More Concert 2014, guest Dj Ghana Music Awards 2017, Miss Maliaka 2017) among others.
According to Mz Orstin, there are a lot of women who have been unable to break through in the industry in Ghana.
Some challenges she has faced as a woman DJ is: "events planners or promoters are very skeptical in hiring you unless you are highly recommended by a colleague they trust."
However, she believes there is enough room in the field for both male and female DJs to equally thrive and grow.
"I would encourage every female, girl, woman and lady out there who is in the industry already or dreams about getting into the industry to be deathly passionate, always persevering and with eyes gazed upon the goal in the face of all adversity."
As Dejaying is perceived as one of the least respected and paid professions in Ghana, she perfectly understood her mother's frustration and stiff rejection when she made her career choice known.
"It was a challenging situation when I started. My mum was waiting for her psychologist to start an office job and here I was busily deejaying. It took me a lot to prove to her I wasnt wasting my life after all the school fees she paid," she averred.
People's perception of Female DJs in Ghana
"In the industry most people expect you to be a tomboy. There is also this idea that female DJs will underperform compared to a male colleague, even if the female DJ is clearly skilled than the male DJ," she notes.
She further adds that there is a slow change in societys view of a woman's role which has made it easier for women to pursue excellence in any profession they want and this trend reflects equally on her career and other female DJs in the industry.
For now, Mz Orstin is focused on building other parts of her brand outside of dejaying to make it a household name across Ghana.
She had a piece of advice for women who want to follow her path,"Be ready to work hard and more importantly work smart. Practice, learn as much as you can and from anyone. Prepare your playlists well ahead of time, study your crowd, their mood and learn how to create, build and promote your brand."
Copyright 2017 Modern Ghana
All rights reserved. This article, or any portion thereof may not be reproduced, paraphrased or used in any manner whatsoever without giving full credit to modernghana and the author of the article. The source should clearly state modernghana.com, and the writer's name when used. However, it could be used in brief quotations and in reviews.
04.11.2017 LISTEN
Police are on a manhunt for a 28-year-old man, Francis Boakye, who allegedly defrauded a man of an amount of GH28, 000, whilst pretending to be a member of the military.
According to a statement from the Ghana Police Service, the complainant was duped by the suspect into paying the said amount with the hope of securing a place in the armed forces.
The statement from the police, signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Accra Regional Police Command, ASP Effia Tenge, described the suspect as dark in complexion, twenty-seven (27) years old, stands at five feet, nine inches tall, slightly built and has a tribal mark on his right cheek.
He was last seen on 15th October, 2015 in a Red Burberry Shirt, the police added.
There are reports that the suspect is hiding out in and around, Swedru, Kumasi and Accra.
Anybody with information on his whereabouts should report to the Community 18 District Police Station, or call telephone numbers 0544 -343149 or 020-9310493, the Police Crime Fighters MTN/Vodafone Toll-Free Number, 18555 for rapid response, the statement added.
Fake landlord wanted
The Police are also searching for a 28-year-old man, who reportedly posed as a landlord, and extorted an amount of GHc 31, 000 from a potential tenant.
According to the Police, the suspect, Nana Yaw, collected the amount from the complainant on the pretence of renting him a two-bedroom apartment at Tema in February.
A warrant has since been issued by a Magistrate Court in Accra for Nana Yaw's arrest after he bolted with the money.
By: Edwin Kwakofi/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Ghana's Ambassador to Denmark, Her Excellency Amerley Ollennu Awua-Asamoa, has assured Ghanaians in Denmark that she would operate an open-door policy in her running of the Embassy.
The Ambassador with concurrent accreditation to Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland, has been visiting several churches dominated by Ghanaians to introduce herself and get firsthand information about their concerns in the country.
Four churches including the International Central Gospel Church, International Harvest Centre, International City Baptist Church and Pentecost, welcomed her, as the excited congregation were pleased to engage and present their grievances to the Ambassador.
I am focused on governments Diaspora Engagement policy, and how Ghana can get the most out of her abundant skilled diaspora population , she stated during her visit.
Ambassador Awua-Asamoa, on September 15, presented her letters of credence to Her Majesty the Queen Denmark, Maragarette II at the Amalienborg Royal Palace in Copenhagen.
She is expected to soon present similar letters of credence to the heads of State of the other Nordic countries she has oversight over, before embarking on similar engagement programs in those countries.
Come back home to help Ghana Ambassador urges Ghanaians in Denmark
Ghana's Ambassador to Denmark, Her Excellency Mrs. Amerley Ollenu Awua-Asamoa, in a recent interview with Citi News Bernard Avle in Denmark, appealed to skilled Ghanaians in the country to return home as often as possible, to support Ghana's development Agenda.
Speaking at a reception by her office to welcome four Ghanaian journalists on a press trip at the invitation of the Danish Government, Her Excellency Mrs. Amerley Ollenu Awua-Asamoa, said Government's policy of diaspora engagement is aimed at attracting Ghana's high quality manpower to help bring home the needed investment to drive the government's industrialization agenda.
Danish Queen set for two-day visit to Ghana in November
In a related development, the Queen of Denmark, Margrethe II, will pay a state visit to Ghana from Thursday, November 23 to Friday, November 24.
According to a statement from the Danish Embassy, the visit follows an invitation from President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the country's Head of State.
The statement added that the state visit will emphasize and consolidate the long-standing and well-established relationship between Ghana and Denmark, while at the same time marking the gradual transition from aid to trade.
Ghana and Denmark have enjoyed strong commercial ties over the years, and this visit by the Queen, who will be joined by representatives of Danish companies and business organisations, is expected to strengthen those bonds.
By: Rabiu Alhassan
Former President John Dramani Mahama and other bigwigs of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), led thousands of party faithful in a Unity Walk in the Central Regional capital, Cape Coast, on Sunday morning.
The walk, themed, Mobilization of the Grassroots, is the third to be undertaken by the party after previous ones in Tamale and Accra.
The walk is aimed at fostering unity within the party, and also seeks to heal it after its humiliating defeat in the December 2016 election.
The thousands of party supporters and leaders, marched through some principal streets in the Cape Coast municipality, singing, dancing and drumming.
Despite the peaceful procession, some supporters expressed their dissatisfaction over the display of Dr. Ekow Spio Gabrahs banners for 2020, around the main converging point of the walk.
Although the Cape Coast South Communications Director of the NDC ordered the removal of the banners, other party supporters said the removal was unnecessary, as the reason for the action appeared rather mischievous.
Dr. Ekow Spio Garbah, a former Trades and Industry Minister under the John Mahama government, who is also participating in the walk, has given indications he will contest for the partys flagbearership elections to hopefully lead the party in the countrys next polls in 2020.
He may contest former President John Mahama, who is rumored to be gearing up to contest for the partys flagbearership again.
Former Vice Chancellor of the University for Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), who has also declared his intentions to contest the partys presidential primaries also partook in the exercise.
By: Jonas Nyabor & Joseph Ackon-Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Former President Mahama has confirmed Joy News reports that a number of reforms being carried out by the NDC are part of initiatives to implement recommendations made by the Prof Kwesi Botchwey Committee.
The former President has indicated the recommendations are already being instituted.
He was speaking at the third unity walk of the party in Cape Coast after similar campaigns in Tamale in the Northern Region and the capital, Accra.
The Committee was tasked to establish reasons the National Democratic Congress (NDC) lost the 2016 elections by going around the country to interview rank and file of the party.
Joy News brought you details of intercepted report that recommended among other things the scrapping of the current biometric voters register of the party and the need to hold unity walks and healing campaigns among others.
According to the former President, the party will kick start the implementation of the recommendations with branch registration of members this month.
He entreated every member to go to their respective branches to register and not go to the regional headquarters.
After Joy FM started serialising the leaked 65-paged executive summary of the Prof Kwesi Botchwey Committee report, top functionaries of the party denied the reports.
Related: Media cant coerce us to put Kwesi Botchwey Report out Nii Lantey Vanderpuye
The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Inusah Fuseini had said on Joy FM/MultiTv's Newsfile programme that he has no doubt that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) was behind the document circulating in the media as the Kwesi Botchwey Committee report.
Describing the contents of the executive summary of the report as fake, he said it was impossible for the Prof. Kwesi Botchwey Committee to produce the things are being cited as having been written in the report.
But Editor-in-chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Abdul Malik Kweku Baako, dismissed claims by top members of the NDC who said the leaked portions of the Prof Kwesi Botchwey Committee report serialised by Joy FM was fake.
Mr Baako who claims to have pictorial copies of the report, which was sent to him by a member of the NDC, said he compared those portions to what is being circulated in the media and it is exact.
Therefore, the NDC cannot say that the leaked report an executive summary of the entire report is fake.
Mahama jabs Akufo-Addo government
Former President Mahama also took a dig at the Akufo-Addo government, saying the NPP rode on lies and propaganda to capture political power.
Using the recent gaffe of embattled Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi Boateng, who said he will priotise needs of New Patriotic Party (NPP) members at his duty post.
Mr Mahama said he remembers vividly how President Mahama promised to be father for all after assuming office but has lied when it comes to treating all Ghanaians equally.
According to him, the new digital addressing system, GhanaPost GPS, is a huge scandal that needs President Akufo-Addo to set up a committee to investigate the absymal job done in that record.
Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com |Abubakar Ibrahim |[email protected]
This article is in three folds as the title depicts. The UEW Council Chair is suffering from dementia and if care is not taken, he would cause trouble before departing to He is behaving like he is untouchable. UEW staff should mark my words. A time will come, UEW will wait for government subversion before salaries will be paid and it will be because of the current allowances were taken by council members normally orchestrated by the council chair. The following are various writings of people who have UEW at heart.
UEW COUNCIL CHAIRMAN LIED AGAINST BNI
His Excellency needs to call Associate 'Professor' Abakah to order. He wrote on 31 October 2017 to some persons that: "the Governing Council decided that to enable the Committee, EOCO, and BNI to do a thorough work without being impeded, undermined, compromised and or shipwrecked, with immediate effect, you and the following officers should step aside while the investigations are ongoing".
Instead, the facts are that:
1. there is no ongoing BNI investigation into alleged financial irregularities against individuals in UEW.
2. BNI had looked into the allegations and examined all documents but did not find any evidence of wrongdoing! This was done twice and no evidence of wrongdoing was established. They cleared everything as genuine.
3. Afenyo Markins withdrew all allegations of financial irregularities from the court case.
4. Afenyo was only contesting the legitimacy of the Council and contract for the award of the North Campus road which was done before Avoke took office as VC.
5. The Council Chairman invited EOCO to investigate allegations that have already been cleared by BNI. They were given all documents they needed for their investigations more than a month ago.
6. EOCO was investigating UEW and not individuals. In fact, the Acting VC Prof. Anthony Afful-Broni, should be the one to question if EOCO is concerned about individuals because he together with Professor Akwasi Asabere-Ameyaw approved all payments for the road contract, NOT Avoke and co.
So what is this lie by the Council Chairman in the name of BNI?
I think BNI and the President should invite Associate 'Professor' Abaka for questioning to produce evidence that there is any ongoing BNI investigations into financial impropriety against persons in UEW.
Truth should be told and JUSTICE delivered
UEW Council Chairman and Acting VC confused
1. He wrote claiming investigations are ongoing when there is none.
2. Afenyo Markins on the North campus road is only contesting the conflict of interest in the award of the contract to Lamas construction by the Ghana Highways Authority which (Lamas) is alleged to be owned by Paa Nii Lawrence Lamptey, a staff of Ghana Highway Authority.
3. The BNI investigated the alleged conflict of interest in the award of the road contract.
4. The BNI investigated UEW, Lamas Construction and GHA and not individuals involved.
5. BNI found no evidence of wrongdoing against anyone.
6. The Council Chairman interdicted people excluding the Acting VC, Rev. Father Professor Anthony Afful-Broni, a Catholic priest who has both NDC and NPP membership cards.
7. Tell Associate 'Professor' Abakah and the Acting VC Anthony Afful-Broni who signed the Payment vouchers for the North Campus road project in question that it does not lie within the powers of Council to interdict persons who are alleged to be under investigation by state institutions if same is not requested by the investigating institutions.
8. If it lies in the powers of Council to do same, the Acting VC, Anthony Afful-Broni who was also invited during the BNI investigations should be asked to step aside without any malice
A Brief Response to Dawda Eric(Equity)
UTAG is a group of teachers with different political background, it cannot be true that they all belong to one political party. On the issue of ethnicity, yes, why will some Akan members in high position in the University including chiefs go to the head of state to lobby for the position of VC when they know that the president does not appoint VC for public Universities. They believe that the school is on an Akan soil and therefore only an Akan have the birthright to take leadership positions. This is purely ethnocentric so UTAG cannot be wrong. Let me tell this alumnus that he should be part of the system to appreciate various scheme being employed to unseat the current VC. The scheme to pronounce him guilty in the media even before the court does so speak volumes. The assemblyman who knows nothing about how the University is run is being used by the Effutu MP, Hon. Alex Afenyo Markin in the scheme of affairs. All the documents they claim they have had no substance, that is why every effort is being used to win public sympathy using the media space. All will fail.
Compiled by:
Victor K. Owusu (An Alumnus of UEW)
[email protected]
Former President John Mahama has joined calls for Ghanas Ambassador to South Africa, George Ayisi-Boateng, to be sacked for making comments condemned widely as undiplomatic.
The former President says the apology from the embattled High Commissioner following the public condemnation was not sincere.
He suggests the apology letter in which Mr Ayisi-Boateng says he regrets the effect of my speech delivered to the young party members which has generated public outcry, was not authored by the High Commissioner.
If you read the apology letter, its an apology of an apology letter. He said I apologise for the effect of my words, not I apologise for my words, I apologise for the effect of my words. That is the new government under which we are, John Mahama said.
The former President made the comment during the third Unity Walk organised by National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Cape Coast, the Central Region capital.
John Mahama also criticised President Nana Akufo-Addo for failing to sack Ayisi-Boateng following the backlash.
Ayisi-Boateng came under fire for declaring that his first priority is to the members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the discharge of his duties.
George Ayisi-Boateng
He told members of the partys Tertiary Students Confederacy Network (TESCON) that he will put their interests above other Ghanaians.
The comments were condemned widely as decisive and discriminatory.
Initially, Mr Ayisi-Boateng said he was taken out of context,
He held that the comments were not discriminatory, asking when you have a large family but you first make your wife and children, eat first before others, what is wrong with that?
But public pressure subdued him into issuing the public apology and retraction.
John Mahama said at the Unity Walk that Nana Akufo-Addo has failed to show leadership for keeping Ayisi-Boateng at the post.
The President seems unable to take firm action in anything. When I talk about the President not putting his foot down, we have a constitution and the constitution is the supreme law of the land. If you are a party officer, you can say whatever you want, there is no problem, he said.
Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
In recognition of Veterans Day, an exhibition that starts Thursday, Nov. 9, will tell the story of La Crescents Dick Utecht, who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
The La Crescent Area Historical Society exhibition will be shown Thursday, Nov. 9, from noon to 2 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov., 11, at the Heritage House, which is the museum of the La Crescent Area Historical Society. The event is being held in conjunction with Senior Dining and is open to the public, according to a news release from the historical society.
Military uniforms and letters from troops who served in World War II will be on display, in addition to the part of the exhibition that focuses on Utecht. The La Crescent man, who is deceased, was held prisoner in north Vietnam for five years and eight days. Utechts family donated many artifacts including the chains worn by Utecht during his ordeal. Also in the display are newspaper clippings and commendations.
The Historical Society has a collection of over 7,000 items related to La Crescent history, including artifacts, documents, photographs, books, clothing, and memorabilia. Heritage House is staffed entirely by volunteers during the summer months. People seeking specific historical information or wanting to donate items should call 895-1857 with their request.
06.11.2017 LISTEN
I am a Ghanaian. My parents are from Ghana. I was born and raised here in Canada, but I am a Ghanaian. The question I often ask myself is who am I? and where do I belong? It is not so much of an identity crisis, but more of an identity struggle, or better yet, an identity discovery. I have grown up navigating between two worlds. From time to time, I still get White people asking where I am from as if I have immigrated from somewhere else, but I tell them that I was born here. Im sure if I was the daughter of European immigrants, I would not get asked this question.
This picture has gained popularity on social media:
When someone says "Oh I'm not African but my parents are".. pic.twitter.com/XEZd3FIngX African Tweets (@african_tweets) October 5, 2014
This is the look someone would give me if I said that too. To most Ghanaians and other Africans, it is considered taboo for someone like me, who was born and raised in Canada, to say that Im not Ghanaian, but my parents are.
When I was in high school, a Jamaican co-worker of mine asked me where I was from. I said Ghana, and she asked me how long I have been in Canada. I told her Ive been here my whole life. She then replied, in a somewhat sarcastic tone, youre not from Ghana, your parents are from Ghana! I responded by saying, it doesnt matter, Im still from Ghana. Then, she said because I was born here, I am from here, and my parents are the ones who are from Ghana. Yes, I am a Canadian on paper, but I am a Ghanaian at heart. Me saying that Im from Ghana does not mean that Ive immigrated from there, it is just a way for me to carry a sense of pride in who I am as a Ghanaian. Yes, I was born and raised here in Canada, but growing up, I still stood out from my predominantly White classmates. Yes, I talked like them, but my skin was different, my hair was different, I was different. I still got bullied, rejected, and left out by my mainly White peers. I still felt like I did not belong.
Another issue is the Twi thing. Twi, besides English, is the most widely spoken language in Ghana. Do not be mistaken though, not every Ghanaian speaks Twi (thats another story). I am not 100% fluent in Twi, but I hope to get there one day. I find that when talking to some Ghanaians who were born and raised here, they say I understand Twi, but I cant speak it. I feel like were in danger of becoming the I understand it, but I cant speak it generation. That being said, Ghanaians are often surprised when I speak Twi. At times, after I tell someone that I was born here, they immediately say oh, you were born here, so you dont speak Twi? This has happened one too many times. Why do some people always make that hasty assumption? Is it impossible for people who were born here to speak Twi? I do understand where they are coming from though. There are some children whose parents are from Ghana or other African countries who completely neglect their roots. I am not one of those people.
At a church camp I went to this summer, I asked someone where they were from in Ghana. He told me where he was from and also asked where I was from. I told him which areas my parents were from in Ghana, in Twi. He then said Oh, I can tell by your Twi. Umm, what? I asked him what do you mean by that? He said Your Twi is not up there. Seriously? When I talked to him about it the next day, he tried to downplay what he said. The other person with him said that I should just spend more time in Ghana; the next thing he said was really shocking he told that I am not a true Ghanaian. Really?!
On the other hand, just imagine someone who previously did not speak any English. This person has worked so hard on the language, has put in so much effort into putting some English words together to form a sentence, and tries to speak English with you, a native English speaker. Imagine you telling them that their English is not good or not up there. How discouraged do you think the person would feel?
On one occasion, the whole Twi topic came up (as it always does *rolls eyes*), and someone talked about the fact that I do speak the language. This other Ghanaian man told me yeah, but you dont speak Twi like us. Us meaning those who were born and/or raised in Ghana. I remember even meeting someone for the first time at church. At one point in our conversation, I decided to speak Twi to this person, just for the fun of it. Guess what he said to me? Wo Twi, ny papa meaning, your Twi isnt very good. Is that something you would tell someone when you first meet them? How encouraging is that? Ive even talked to some Ghanaians who were born here who choose not to speak Twi because they dont want to be laughed at. I guess dont blame them. I could go on and on with examples of my experiences, but I wont. Its not all bad though. There are some Ghanaians and even other Africans who are impressed that I, someone who was born and raised in Canada, have taken the time to learn and appreciate my roots. Its just the ones who constantly spew out negative comments that irk me.
Last summer, during a casual conversation, a Ghanaian man that I know asked me where I wanted to work when I finished nursing school. I told him the areas I would like to work in and also mentioned that I would like to do some travel nursing in Ghana. He immediately tried to discourage me from doing so. I was just there thinking, if I want to work in Ghana, amongst my people, who are you to try and stop me? He said it would be too hard for me. He even went on to say you didnt suffer and all these other things. Oh yeah, because no one who was born here has to suffer, right? Suffering in what sense? Everyone back home has to suffer? Arent there Ghanaians who were middle-class or rich back home? Its funny how people can resent you over something you had no control over. I know this will shock some people, but I didnt choose where I was born. *gasp* This is why Ive always found it easier to relate to people who were more Abrofosm (Canadianized/Westernized); the conversations with Abrofosm people have always been more open and interesting. For example, it is usually always easier for me to bond with a Ghanaian person who grew up here in Canada than a Ghanaian who grew up in Ghana. I feel more accepted around those people. Thats just the way it is.
When I was a teenager, I started becoming more curious about my roots. It was a few months before I went to Ghana. My family and I started going to a predominantly Ghanaian church, so that also added to my curiosity. I thought, hey, if these Ghanaians are going to spend more time criticizing me about not knowing Twi than actually trying to teach me, I might as well teach myself! So that is what I did: I listened to more Ghanaian music, and I would try and learn more Twi (reading, writing, speaking), all by myself. When I was a kid, I knew the basics in Twi. Phrases like, tesn how are you, tenase sit down, gyae saa- stop that, etc. My Twi really improved when I was a teenager.
I always wanted to go to Ghana when I was a child. Ive only been there once, when I was 14 years old. I went with my mom, dad, and sister. Going to Ghana was indescribable. It was a life-changing experience for me: the sights, the sounds, the pleasant smells, meeting some of my extended family members for the very first time, all of it. It was like all the puzzle pieces of my cultural identity finally fitting together. I even started to understand my parents more: why they do things the way they do. Growing up, I always knew that my parents held certain beliefs and values because they were Ghanaian. Going to Ghana just solidified that for me; it all started making more sense. I broke down in tears when it was time for us to leave. I did not want to come back to Canada. In fact, sometimes I even wish that I was born in Ghana and lived there until I was lets say, 10 years old, and then have come to Canada. I have more theoretical knowledge than experiential knowledge about Ghana. Most of what I know about Ghana is from what I have researched, or what I have been told.
My cultural identity is the best of both worlds. There are some things in Ghanaian culture that I really do not agree with. Likewise, there are some things in Canadian culture that I do not like. However, there are some things I like about both cultures. I basically take the positive aspects of both the Ghanaian and Canadian cultures and create my own hybrid culture. One thing I know is that people assume. They assume a lot. Many Ghanaians have assumed the worst about me until they find out otherwise. And by the worst, I mean, me not knowing anything about my Ghanaian heritage. They assume that all Ghanaians who were born abroad dont respect their elders. They assume that we cannot make Ghanaian dishes and can only make mashed potatoes and salad. I may have been born here in Canada, but believe me, I know my roots.
This raises an important point: what makes someone a Ghanaian? Better yet, what makes someone a true Ghanaian? Is it only being born and raised Ghana? Is it being able to speak fluent Twi, Ga, Fanti, Ewe, etc.? Is it wearing Kente cloth and other traditional Ghanaian clothes all the time? Is it having that traditional mindset (women have to cook, men dont, and thats that)? What makes someone a Ghanaian? It is a very complex matter. I do not think this question can be easily answered.
So, what am I? A Canadian of Ghanaian heritage? A Ghanaian-Canadian? A Canadian-born Ghanaian? I dont know. All I know is that I am tired of explaining myself to people. I will not try to prove myself to anyone. I am who I am. I am a Ghanaian. No one is going to tell me anything different.
Id like to end by saying that there may be contrary opinions, but please remember that you cant really understand another persons experience until youve walked a mile in their shoes.
06.11.2017 LISTEN
Folks, let's not continue to overstretch ourselves in looking for dung in this Akufo-Addo government where no cattle has ever grazed. The truth is that Akufo-Addo has set his stage for governing Ghana and all that is happening fits into his agenda as such. Blame him we will, but once his mind is made up, there is nothing anybody can do to prevent him from the headlong crash that awaits him.
Much has happened since he took over from John Mahama for him to know that the agenda that he had drawn up while in opposition isn't applicable to what he is expected to do now in power. Unfortunately, he is blinded by his own limitations, which explains why he isn't forthcoming as a LEADER but as the head of a government that is more focused on fomenting trouble than solving the problems that it was elected to deal with.
No day passes by without his own government or its supporters causing confusion all over the country---be it politically motivated or influenced by chieftaincy and land disputes. We are even not talking about the disruption of local government business by the hoodlums that he has blessed to behave the way they do as if Ghana is a jungle in which might should prevail over right!!
All that Akufo-Addo means to Ghanaian politics over the past 40 years is not in doubt. What happened before he won Election 2016 is no secret. What is happening under his Presidency is no secret either.
Just a throwback. Akufo-Addo's unbridled quest for the Presidency of Ghana took him through several circuitous rounds of ridiculous enactments and recourse to whatever would project his ambitions. Whether for good or bad, he pressed on, leaning on all manner of people and institutions---not to talk about occurrences---to be what he is today.
Suffering in opposition (even within his own NPP when Kufuor and Co. were in in control and under the NDC administration led by Rawlings, Mills, and Mahama) gave him much to think about, which led him to venture into opportunistic political jingoism of the kind that would make him institutionalize vigilantism and odd forms that are now threatening his own viability as a leader.
In truth, he has set his own agenda for self-destruction. Much of what he has begun doing raises terrible questions, which the International Monetary Fund has begun questioning. That is even not about the fraudulent things happening under his watch. Is Ken Ofori-Atta still a credible character? Ghana's economy isn't making it under such a fraudulent character.
The IMF is worried, which it made known at the meeting with the Ghanaian government team, regardless of the ugly noise being made by Dr. Borrowmia (who has just within 11 months in office turned out to be the most useless Vice President that Ghana has had so far. Even the sidelined Aliu Mahama had his bright days). Can you imagine why his unfaithful wife, Samira, has been sent out on useless international ventures at the expense of the Ghanaian tax payer to be in India and other countries that contribute little to Ghana's good?
The last time I read anything about her, she was in India and another wretched part of the world promoting a cause that Ghanaians have little interest in. Such a displaced Fulani woman can't even give any advice on how to solve the menace of the Fulani cattle breeders and rustlers in Ghana has no justification for enjoying the benefits of the Ghanaian tax payer. Yet, she is being thrown about and portrayed as the epitome of a successful Ghanaian "second lady". Disgusting!!)
On a more current note, much crops up for attention. George Ayisi-Boateng's stupendous stupidity stands tall. I have already said that Akufo-Addo cannot dismiss him from office for obvious reasons, which explains why the agitations by his own ardent supporters (including his own vociferous ventriloquist Kwaku Baakos and Co.) for him to listen to reason and get rid of Ayisi-Boateng is futile.
Akufo-Addo is no leader to rely on. In any case, any national character of his kind who qualifies as a leader doesn't need any agitation by his own party insiders to act in matters of the sort raised by Ayisi-Boateng's stupidity.
Interestingly, Akufo-Addo hasn't thus far personally responded to that monumental stupidity even after causing Ayisi-Boateng to appear at the Flagstaff House to meet his Chief of Staff. (Snippets from that meeting showed that Ayisi-Boateng pulled the strings instead of bowing to pressure. Akufo-Addo himself had to step in to get an apology from him. What sort of leader is that?).
Now, to more important issues involving Akufo-Addo's governance style. Nothing to write home about as of now. I have already made it clear that I haven't seen anything new under his rule to prove that putting him in power is monumental as far as the expected paradigm change for Ghana's good might be concerned.
He is treading the old path and muddying the waters for nothing. His attempt to prosecute functionaries of the Mahama administration expose him as shallow-minded and incompetent. I shudder to think how his so-called Office of Special prosecutor can function without his interference in matters that are all too-well-known to Ghanaians as the nem con of Ghanaian politics.
What did functionaries of the Mahama administration do that others in the Rawlings, Kufuor, and Mills governments didn't do? And why pinpoint only those in the Mahama administration? A misplaced agenda of political vengeance? It won't work for Ghana's good!!
Many more areas to cover, folks. What has unfolded so far under Akufo-Addo is more scary than what Ghanaians have had to face all these years. Despite it all, what has Akufo-Addo done to prove that his government has within 11 months in office laid the foundation to improve living standards for Ghanaians?
I am wondering about the Cedi-Dollar exchange rate, which has virtually determined the flow of business in the country. How about the cost of petroleum products, electricity, foodstuffs, etc.?
Let's put hardcore partisan politics aside to say that all that has issued forth from Akufo-Addo is nothing different from what we have had all these years. It's a huge surfeit. So, where is the silver lining? Remember that the IMF, which superintends over everything has already faulted the Akufo-Addo government for either overspending on projects that cannot sustain Ghana's economy or that such an expenditure is not supported by the tax regime.
Folks, think closely about the tax regime, which will be my next focus. The fundamental question is: Now that Akufo-Addo has ensconced himself in power, who is praising him for any achievement anywhere? Even the flagship policy of free SHS is out of question because of its massive inadequacies.
Then, let's seriously consider the impact of the NPP's brand of vigilantism on Ghana, which has emasculated the legitimate national security organizations. A brief analysis here: The Ghana Armed Forces isn't acting the way it used to do under those who gave them the highest regard because they were part of them and knew what they were worth. They might be lying low today because they don't want to spring any surprise to subvert the national democratic process not because Akufo-Addo has put his favourites in command positions. Who fears them, anyway? Kitchen soldiers they are!!
Akufo-Addo's vigilante groups have coloured themselves as Ghana's national security apparatus, even when they least know what that means. They are deceiving themselves that by openly operating disastrously everywhere because of political support to show their political colour and being backed by Akufo-Addo, they are in control of affairs. Woe betide them when the real men of strength show up to consign them where they truly belong as cowards. Let them know that "it is no (act of) bravery when a man fights a woman!!
Folks, let's be apt here to say that the stage that Akufo-Addo has set has a long way to go to his own disadvantage and the overall retrogression of Ghana. Building a country takes more than what Akufo has done so far in setting this narrow stage. And when the chicks come back home to roost, disaster erupts for the countrys woes. Why are his earlier adamant supporters now silent or circumspect in their public utterances about the stuff that he is made of to redeem Ghana from the clutches of the Rawlings spectre? And why are they in bed with the Rawlings that they have all along portrayed as the anathema to be blamed for Ghanas woes?
My voice. What is yours?
I shall return
Ghana's onion industry will soon be completely wiped out if challenges hampering its growth are not dealt with.
Ten years ago, the industry was a bustling one. But today, Ghana is forced to import onions from a number of African countries to feed homes and eateries across the country.
In the first of Citi Business News' series dubbed LEFT TO DIE which looks at industries which previously were thriving but now are close to extinction and taken over by foreign players.
We throw the spotlight on the onion industry.
Click below to listen to full audio report
By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
Former President John Dramani Mahama has suggested that the presidency wrote the apology letter for Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi Boateng, who has been widely condemned for making comments described as divisive and irresponsible.
According to Mahama, the embattled diplomat only signed the letter drafted for him from the Flagstaff House.
When they [NPP] were looking for your votes, President Akufo-Addo said they shall open the opportunities of this country to all Ghanaians, irrespective of their party or ethnic affiliations. He came to power and now that the pigs are enjoying, they say some Ghanaians are more Ghanaian than others. For something like this, you don't call the person to the Flagstaff House, draft an apology letter for him and ask him to sign. You sack him at once, he added.
John Mahama made the claim when he led teaming supporters of the opposition National Democratic Congress to embark on a Unity Walk in Cape Coast in the Central Region on Sunday.
Background:
Mr. Ayisi Boateng has been in the news for saying that his first priority is to members of the NPP, and that if he had his own way, members of the party's Tertiary Students' Confederacy Network (TESCON) will be prioritized for various jobs.
He also said he considers NPP members as more Ghanaians than others.
this government is doing its best to create job opportunities and me for instance, I told my people over there [that], it is because of NPP that I'm here, so the NPP man is my priority. I told them when NDC was in power it was Kwesi Ahwoi who was there, now we are in power, so Ayisi-Boateng is here with you. My topmost priority is the problems of an NPP person before any other Ghanaian take it or leave it, he said.
His comment invoked a public uproar with some Ghanaians as well as civil society organizations calling on the president to fire him .
However, there has not been any official response from the Flagstaff House on the matter, despite reports a supposed meeting at the presidency that brought about the apology.
Ayisi should've been sacked immediately Mahama
While condemning the comment made by the diplomat, John Mahama said the president should have sacked him immediately .
The former president also rebuked Akufo-Addo saying he has not been able to take decisive action against his appointees who go wrong.
The President seems unable to take firm action in anything. When I talk about the President not putting his foot down, we have a constitution and the constitution is the supreme law of the land. If you are a party officer, you can say whatever you want, there is no problem, he said.
By: Godwin Akweiteh Allotey/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @AlloteyGodwin
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is cautioning the public against the purchase and use of substandard cables on the market, warning that these cables can cause fires.
The GSA says it recently conducted a random test on 20 brands of imported electrical cables on the market in Accra and found that, 19 of them failed its critical test.
The inability of these cables to pass the test means they are dangerous to health and can easily catch fire.
Similar tests carried in the Ashanti and Northern regions found similar results.
Head of the Authority, Prof Alex Dodoo, said the severity of the situation has caused his outfit to heighten its market surveillance in a bid to clamp down on the sale of these substandard cables.
We are appealing to all suppliers that before you buy from a wholesaler, please check that those cables have passed through our hands. If they have not passed through our hands and we find them from you, you bear the liability for selling them, said Prof Dodoo.
Meanwhile, the brands of cables that failed the critical tests have been marked for confiscation, Prof Dodoo said.
He revealed that the GSA and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) are working to ensure that substandard cables do not find their way onto the market.
Prof Dodoo is also calling for a national discussion on the importation of the substandard electrical cables that have been blamed in many instances for domestic fires.
Dodgy products are like bad air; they affect everybody. Every bad product is a like a bad air, nobody can say they can escape from it so lets work together to solve the problem, he said.
Reacting to the move by the GSA, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Prince Billy Anaglatey, said the caution corroborates the Services own findings many months ago.
The Ghana National Fire Service has severally educated the public on substandard electrical cables, switches and sockets. Because in our investigation trying to find causes of fires, we established that many of these fires are as a result substandard electrical cables, switches and sockets that people use to do wiring, he said.
He has asked the public to engage the services of professional electricians when wiring their buildings.
Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
In recent times, farmers in the Kwahu districts mainly Kwahu East and the Kwahu Afram Plains North and South of Eastern region have been battling with the Fulani herdsmen as to who occupy the fertile food basket land for agricultural activities. Crop producer in this area annual production and life are always in danger and are wary of their produce as grazing of the cattle head by the Fulani man is a serious problem to the farmers.
Commercial farm investments in this area have come to a standstill as many investors fear of losing their huge investments as result of these primitive nomadic activities. Most Fulani herdsmen ungratefully and unrepentantly allow their cattle to graze in the farmer field and at the end even kill and inhumanly treat some farmers and their family.
The menace of the Fulani herdsmen is a huge problem to the people of the Kwahu stool lands and Fanteakwa districts of the Eastern region and some part of the Ashanti region precisely the Sekyere Kumawu , Sekyere Afram Plains and the Asante Akyem districts of the region. The various killing in various part of the country by these herdsmen is uncontrollable in which several lives and property have been destroyed and several families are left poor. The menace of the Fulani herdsmen is a tribal war and of violence than what one can imagine. However, the issue of the issue of the Fulani herdsmen and the community in which it operate can be solved amicably by the farmer, the herdsmen and the government to ensure an immense benefit to all.
The farmer and the herdsmen cannot solve the issues alone and amicably and that is why there is the need for a middle man to engage the parties to ensure peaceful cohesion. And this is where there is the need for the government to intervene. The following highlights the intervention that the government of the country can undertake to ensure symbiotic relationship of the farmer and the herdsmen in the country.
Mutual and proper orientation of the farmer and herdsmen: there is the need to foster the sense of unity and love among the farmer and herdsmen in the country in their operations. The affected parties should be oriented to show love to one another and abhor attack of blood shedding as a way to addressing concern and showing anger to destruction and effects caused by one party. This mutual understanding and orientation of the parties can be carried out by the religious leaders in the country as each party fall under one religious body in the country and the agriculture extension units in the various districts who are always engage with the farmers in their communities. There is the need for mutual and cordial relationship to ensure peace.
Registration and certification of herdsmen and their cattle: Governments should considered cattle rearing as a lucrative business and charge the herdsmen to get registered and certified to ensure that their operations are monitored and devoid of cruel acts as they cannot cause any mayhem and go free as they cannot be identified. All cattle owners, the number of the animals and the herdsmen in charge should be registered irrespective of their literacy level and given an identity specifying the operational area. Government should also register and regularise the use of ammunitions by this herdsmen as they use this weapons in the dubious acts.
Establishment and the development of fodder banks: there is the need to establish a fodder banks at a specified place where herdsmen can be located to rear their animals in order not to allow them to stray into farmers field to cause problem which may lead to mayhems in the communities of the country where cattle are reared. Fodder banks of about 200 ha have been established in the Kwahu Afram Plains mainly Forifori, Wasewase, Mem Chemfre and Amankwakrom which have been left idle to which authorities at the districts department of agriculture contribute to lack of qualified personnel to man the facility. It is high times that government in consultation with the relevant stakeholders provide the needed logistic to allow herdsmen to use the facility to avoid future problem associated with the Fulani herdsmen and the farming community. In doing this the poor farmer can sleep with the two eyes closed.
Regulation and rotation of grazing periods: crop farmers and the herdsmen in the affected areas can enjoy a symbiotic relationship, where they all immensely benefit from each other. There is the need to regularise and schedule grazing by the herdsmen on the farmer field only when the farmers have harvested their crops and this can reduce the cost of land preparation as leftovers and weeds are grazed by the animals and their dropping serve as a manure to enrich the soil for subsequent farming. This is a regulated and organized co-operation between the parties.
Regular monitoring and evaluation of nomadic activities in the country: the activities of the herdsmen should be regularly monitored and evaluated by the ministry of Food and Agriculture and its wings at the districts to ensure that both farmers and herdsmen adhere to the best ways of ensuring a peaceful cohesions in the operational areas. The authorities engage in the monitoring activity should be devoid of corrupt practices in order to ensure an effective and an efficient deliverables for future improvements.
Reprisal attacks does not solve problem; love does it all as the activity of each benefits all. The farmer provides food and the herdsmen gives beef to boost our nutritional needs. If we are to benefits from each other in our communities why should we shed blood to get problem solved.
The ageing and nagging issues of the annual attack of Fulani herdsmen on the indigenes in their farming community is a serious problem that needs all-in-all intervention to solve it. The afore- mentioned are possible interventions that can be carried out by the government in consultation with the community authorities to ensure a lasting solution to the primitive nomadic activity on the farmer and families.
Written by:
Abass Iddrisu
Founder, Greeners Foundation, Ghana(Agriculture Education, Youth and Women Empowerment Centre).
Mobile: +233 24 6631963. Email: [email protected]
06.11.2017 LISTEN
Seven years after government compulsorily acquired 702 acres of land for the establishment of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), the 78 owners of the land say they wallow in abject poverty, and are frustrated over governments failure to compensate them.
In a letter sent to Citi FM, a disgruntled landowner, Felix Komlah Mensah, said despite the provisions made in the constitution for prompt compensation for such compulsory acquisition of land by the state, successive governments have failed to meet that obligation.
He said after several petitions and legal battles, cabinet under the erstwhile Mahama government approved the payment, and gave assurances to release the money.
He however says a fter they spent money to process land documents upon the requests of the government, the monies were never released.
Mr. Avle, the statement of the former President was corroborated by officials of the Attorney General's Department at a meeting with them in Accra after we went to the Ho high court to seek an injunction on the university that, indeed enough amount of money was placed in an escrow account solely for the payment of UHAS land compensation.The question now is, how come that after signing our Offer for almost a year, payment from an escrow account is still an issue for the Finance Ministry he stated.
Mr. Komlah Mensah also lamented the use of the property by politicians, staff, and students, without due diligence made to property owners.
Bernard, I wish to illustrate our plight by the photograph above, where the lean, poor and hungry man is UHAS landowners, whiles the big/fat man being carried is the University community comprising of members of the Government (Politicians),Governing Council ,Vice-Chancellor and Lecturers who get well paid, contractors who execute lofty contracts, the soon to be built 300 PPP comfortable housing scheme for lecturers among others, whilst the owners of the land are left to wallow in abject poverty and frustration. As for the law, its rightful or wrongful application is in the hands of the rich who are made up of politicians.
Government, through an Executive Instrument (EI), compulsorily acquired the lands for the first public university in the Volta Region, which was established by an Act of Parliament in 2011.
Appealing to the current government to respond to their concerns, Felix Mensah called for the disbursement of the money saved in the escrow account.
Find below the full petition
PETITION TO APPEAL TO FINANCE MINISTRY TO PAY COMPENSATION TO FRUSTRATED OWNERS OF THE 702 ACRES UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES (UHAS) LAND, HO
Hello Mr. Bernard Koku Avle, this letter is to inform and appeal to your outfit of my plight and other 77 frustrated land owners of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho who have been delayed/denied payment for lands compulsorily acquired in 2012 by the state.
Despite cabinet approval for payment of our compensation, the Finance Ministry is yet to honor that approval for payment. We have recognized the numerous results that relevant radio led by you and CitiFM has brought to numerous vulnerable Ghanaians. We therefore put this petition before you to help us since high level diplomacy has failed.
BACKGROUND
The University of Health and Allied Sciences was established by an act of Parliament in 2012. Subsequent to that was the need to build infrastructure leading to the invocation of Article 20 of the 1992 constitution of Republic of Ghana.
However, sections of Article 20 were abused with respect to a non consultation with land owners before entering the land, followed by the deliberate delay in payment till today, October 2017. However in the public interest, we allowed for use of our land whiles government take steps to pay us promptly.
PROCESSES
We were then required to engage the services of a consultant, certainly not for free to write to the president. An Executive Instrument was then issued in 2013. Survey and mapping then began and completed which brought out a composite plan, followed by valuation at the Land Valuation Division of the Lands Commission all of which revolved around the many bureaucracies in our state institutions.
In November2016, after a long undue delay and frustration, the Lands Commission Board approved the valuation and payment which came in the form of Offer and Acceptance. All land owners accepted their Offers in December, 2016. Following the delay in payment before the previous government under which the offer was signed left office, our signed and accepted Offers were then subjected to reconsideration by the new Lands Commission Board in April, 2017.
It was then approved and forwarded by the Lands Commission to the sector ministry, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources with all delays expected of our government institutions. Clearance for payment was then given by the Minister and forwarded to the Finance ministry in June 2017. I really doubt any office of the Finance Ministry our documents did not pass.
Bernard, we were then told that, our payment needed to be approved by Cabinet. The Schedule Officer then forwarded same to Cabinet. Fortunately, without much delay, Cabinet gave approval for payment.
Now we came back to the Finance Ministry for payment to be effected. Since July, 2017, Bernard in fact, I can say on authority that , our consultant have done all necessary administrative procedures required for payment to be effected, but never have we been paid till today.
Several pleadings from some powerful people who share in our plight to get the Finance Minister pay us for our own property forcibly taken from us proved futile till now. In fact, the Finance Minister is very much aware our plight.
PROMISES FROM FORMER PRESIDENT AND A.G's DEPARTMENT
Bernard, promises of payment began from our former President, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama. On two occasions; at the commissioning and first congregation of UHAS, the promise of the availability of the money for compensation was made known to us, as being deposited and payment was only awaiting completion of the processes at the Lands Commission at the time
Mr. Avle, the statement of the former President was corroborated by officials of the Attorney General's Department at a meeting with them in Accra after we went to the Ho high court to seek an injunction on the university that, indeed enough amount of money was placed in an escrow account solely for the payment of UHAS land compensation.
The question now is, how come that after signing our Offer for almost a year, payment from an escrow account is still an issue for the Finance Ministry.
Bernard, on behalf of my other frustrated UHAS landowners, I sincerely appreciate your station's efforts in bringing our plight on your programs from the beginning and further appeal once again to your outfit to help us by means of your programs either on the Citi Breakfast Show, Eyewitness News or any other platform to help get what is due us from the state.
We are ever ready to speak on the matter publicly if we are offered an opportunity which we fervently hope for.
Finally, Bernard, I wish to illustrate our plight by the photograph above, where the lean, poor and hungry man is UHAS landowners, whiles the big/fat man being carried is the University community comprising of members of the Government (Politicians),Governing Council ,Vice-chancellor and Lecturers who get well paid, Contractors who execute lofty contracts, the soon to be built 300 PPP comfortable housing scheme for lecturers among others while the owners of the land are left to wallow in abject poverty and frustration. As for the law, its rightful or wrongful application is in the hands of the rich who are made up of politicians.
By: King Nobert Akpablie/citifmonline.com/Ghana
I cannot get my head around how and why some renowned lawyers have been hiding behind moral and religious invocations and consistently condemning the actions of the men and women who have volitionally chosen to go contrary to the conventional way of making love.
I must, however, confess that I used to appal homosexuality so much until I completed international human rights law programme.
Even though I personally dislike the act, I am of the conviction that homosexuals have their inalienable human rights, and, can decide their sexual preference without any external interference.
And to those who think that homosexuality is a sin against Jehovah God, hasnt it written: thou shall not judge?
And to those law luminaries who have been protesting vehemently against the act of homosexuality: arent human rights universal, interdependent, indivisible and interrelated?
Basically, being a human rights lawyer means challenging discrimination and defending the inalienable rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens and denizens.
This means defending, protecting and promoting those rights and freedoms irrespective of their race, religion, tribe, gender or sexual preference, and no matter where in the world they may be under threat.
In other words, a human rights lawyer is supposed to investigate, evaluate, and defend people in cases involving discrimination, torture and abuse amongst others.
What are Human Rights?
Human rights are the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world, from birth until death.
They apply regardless of where you are from, what you believe or how you choose to live your life.
They can never be taken away, although they can sometimes be restricted for example if a person breaks the law, or in the interests of national security.
These basic rights are based on values like dignity, fairness, equality, respect and independence. But human rights are not just abstract concepts they are defined and protected by national and international laws (EHRC).
It is worth noting that a rich body of extant human rights literature attributes the emergence of the human rights regime to the past uncontrolled human rights abuses ( Waltz, 2001; Kabasakal, 2006 ).
Thus, following a concerted consensus in 1945, the United Nations adopted its Charter (UN 1945). The Charter stresses that the principal purpose of the United Nations is to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, and to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights.
What is more, Article 1 of the Charter stresses that one of the objectives of the United Nations is to achieve international consensus in promoting and encouraging respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.
Moreover, in its attempt to promote and encourage the universality of human rights, the United Nations General Assembly tasked the Human Rights Commission to draft the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted in 1948 (Un 1948).
In furtherance of the human rights project, the United Nations adopted simultaneously, two very important human rights covenants, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in 1966.
Even though the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is not a legal binding document in isolation, it forms part of the International Bill of Rights. The International Bill of Rights is an amalgamation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Waltz 2001).
The fact that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights acknowledges that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and more so when such rights are interdependent, interrelated, universal and indivisible, one would expect universal coverage of human rights.
However, it does not appear to be the case. For instance, the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are somehow non-existent in most countries (UN 2011).
Ironically, however, the legal obligations of States to protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are already detailed in international human rights law, which have been articulated severally in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally agreed human rights treaties.
What is more, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights is candid on the universality, interdependence, interrelatedness and indivisibility of human rights.
For instance, Articles 2.1 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights stress on universal coverage without discrimination. And, Article 17.1 emphasises that no one shall be subjected to arbitrary or unlawful interference with his privacy, family, home, or correspondence, nor to unlawful attacks on his honour and reputation. Whereas Article 17.2 stresses that everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks (UN 1966).
It is also worthy of mention that all members of the human family are protected by the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UN 1984).
But despite the enactment of all these pragmatic provisions, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are more often than not face discrimination and violations in most countries.
Under normal circumstances, though, once a human rights treaty is ratified by a state, it becomes legally binding on the said state (Neumayer 2005; Cole 2009).
Yet meta-analysis suggests that some States Parties often do not comply with the treaty obligations following ratification (Hathaway 2002, 2007; Hafner-Burton and Tsutsui 2005, 2007).
Interestingly, Mertus (2007) asserts that before 1993, the idea of "sexual rights was non-existent in international documents. Mertus postulates that apart from the provisions prohibiting discrimination on the grounds of sex, the concepts of sexuality and sex practices were utterly absent. Mertus stresses that as a result of strenuous endeavours of a vociferous and well organized coalition of women's rights advocates, phraseologies of sexuality were included in the 1993 Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
Mertus, however, observes that despite the inclusion of sexuality in the 1993 Vienna Declaration and the Programme of Action, the idea of a right to sexuality was incorporated only in a negative sense, as in recognition of women's right to be free from sexual violence.
Mertus stresses further that it was not until the International Conference on Production and Development in 1994 that sexuality would "begin to sneak into international documents as something positive rather than always violent, abusive, or sanctified and hidden by heterosexual marriage and childbearing."
In 2003, Brazil presented a statement to the UN Commission on Human Rights, hereafter, Human Rights Council, to endorse rights based on sexual orientation (UN 2011).
However, due to fierce opposition from other members of United Nations, the deferred statement was removed from the Human Rights Commissions agenda.
Nevertheless, an important development arose in 2005 when New Zealand made a statement in favour of sexual orientation and human rights, which was subsequently supported by thirty two States from four of the five UN regions (UN 2011).
What is more, in 2006, a committee of human rights experts came up with the Yogyakarta Principles, which stress on the application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (Yogyakarta 2006).
Furthermore, in 2006, joint statements were delivered by Norway on behalf of 54 States (UN 2011). And, in 2011, joint statements were delivered by Colombia on behalf of eighty five States (UN 2012).
The breakthrough however came in June 2011, when South Africa delivered a statement, resulting in HRC/RES/17/19, adopted by a recorded vote of twenty three to nineteen, with three abstentions (UN 2011).
Interestingly, the statement delivered by South Africa resulted in first United Nations resolution on sexual orientation and gender identity. The resolution sought to register grave concern at violence and discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity.
More importantly, the adoption of the resolution prepared the grounds for the first official United Nations report on the issue produced by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The reports findings formed the basis of panel discussion that took place at the Council in March 2012, the first time a United Nations intergovernmental body had held a formal debate on the subject (UN 2012).
Thus, it is not surprising that in recent years, many States have made a determined effort to fortifying human rights protection for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, according to the United Nations 2012 report.
The report stresses that a cornucopia of new laws have been adopted including laws banning discrimination, penalizing homophobic hate crimes, granting recognition of same-sex relationships, and making it easier for transgender people to secure official documents that represent their preferred gender (UN 2012).
In ending, in as much as the sceptics have their right in protesting against homosexuality, I would like to believe that the homosexuals also have their inalienable rights under the international law.
K. Badu, UK.
Naturally political parties do not spring in a vacuum. They are products of impressive societies comprising many nations with defined geographical boundaries and sovereignties. Such societies are normally characterized with bustling cities, towns and deserted villages with unique cultures. Ghana comprising many nations [implying ethnic groups] like Asante, Ewe, Dagomba, Ga and others is an example of such societies. If a political party is a product of society, why then must we sacrifice the security of the nation on unholy altars of some individuals ego-centric convenience? This means the imperative need of raising the bar of nationalism and patriotism beyond party loyalty cannot not be gainsaid. Our ancestors had lived peacefully without political parties. The upsurge of political hooliganism in Ghana must be a source of consternation to everyone. Is it not pernicious to our democratic accolades? Hooliganism does not only threaten the security of our beloved country but equally inimical to democracy and rule of law.
Perhaps a well-touted pithy statement like; Ghana is a beacon of African democracy is increasingly becoming a funny epigram if not an aphorism. We do pride ourselves with such a slogan without making frantic efforts to transpose it into reflecting the salient features of democracy. Supporters of feuding executives of the New Patriotic Party in the Karaga constituency clashed Tuesday night vandalizing party installation, an alleged military van and invading a police station in a spread of violence that continues to rock the Northern region (Source: ghanaweb.com, October 25, 2017). Ghana cannot be a beacon of African democracy without recourse to rule of law. Hey Koo Nimo! Do you remember the underneath scenario?
During the administration of President Rawlings, members of Ghana Private Road Transport Union of Trade Union Congress (GPRTU of TUC) were tasked by the government to form their own police to collect revenue for the then government. Growing up in Techiman, situated in the Brong Ahafo Region, I used to see GPRTU police in their blue uniform at the main lorry station of Ghanas commercial city and the bread basket of the nation.
Whoever advised President Rawlings on this might have learnt his/her economics at Sunday school! Is it not quixotic for a whole national government to ask members of GPRTU to collect tax from their members for the State? They can never be accountable. That was unacceptable! This is similar to the Ghana police waiting for politicians to give them go ahead before arresting party foot soldiers engaging in hoodlum. What is the purpose of a political party? It seeks control over government of a country through a legal manner of winning an election.
No political party in the world will destroy its grass-root support base for the sake of pleasing others. As Napoleon Bonaparte observed: Stupidity is never a handicap in politics. It will be a bootless errand to trust politicians to enforce law and order especially when the law is affecting their own members. During American Revolution, one British army man remarked: Here pity interposes for we cannot forget that when we strike, we wound our own blood. This was because many Americans the British soldiers were fighting migrated from England. Can political party leaders wound their own blood? For the fear of committing political suicide and demonstrating burden of gratitude governing parties cannot be harsh on their foot-soldiers who had contributed to ruling partys electoral fortunes. I believe strengthening the security agencies as well as best media practices could help in nipping political party vandalism in the bud.
Ghana police hierarchy must be free from political influence. No police head; Inspector-General of Police (IGP) must be retired or be changed with a change of government. When grass-root party supporters observe that the IGP is loyal to their political party, it could weaken law enforcement. Familiarity they say breeds contempt and police political party acquaintance is no exception. This means that the appointment of IGP must base on merit not covert political susurrus and maneuvering.
Ghana leaders who are supposed to be standard bearers of rule of law shockingly bend the law for political expediency. For example, the retirement age of IGP is black and white in our legal books. I am curious to know why any president would extend the retirement age of the IGP. Such practices do not only make the IGP a toothless bulldog within a ruling party/government but also detrimental to political neutrality and anonymity of civil servants. If any president wants the service of a retiring IGP, it must be a different position, such as a security advisor, a plenipotentiary or any other post. Extending the retirement period of IGP is unfair to other civil servants.
Bureau of National Investigation (BNI) must come under ministry of justice rather than Ghana police service. For example, in Unites States, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is under the department of Justice. For proper checks and balances and an effective policing of the citizens including police personals, BNI must not only be given more law enforcement functions but must be properly resourced.
Far from becoming a terrible chatterbox relative to overreliance of Accra for everything, I think the BNI headquarters must be relocated to either Kumasi, Sunyani or Tamale. This could minimize familiarity between BNI hierarchy and police top officials. BNI must be empowered with quasi-police function of arresting individuals posing threat to the security of the nation such as political groups dabbling in hooliganism. BNI must be empowered to police the police and vice versa. This could also curb contract murder, land guard hooliganism and armed robbery. When police personnel become aware that they are under an effective BNI surveillance, they will apprehend wrongdoers without fear or favor.
Ghana media must stop giving coverage to these miscreants purported to be engaging in destructive rampage because their political party is ruling. Hooliganism begets hooliganism? No bi so, Koo Nimo? There are studies that reveal that frequent reporting of violence could trigger more violence. This means that sensational media reportage on political hooliganism could lead to more hooliganism. Too much coverage of incidents of political party lawlessness will give the thoroughgoing political militant groups some impetus to perpetrate their odious crimes.
From psychological perspective, media reportage on cases of political hoodlum could either be a positive or a negative reinforcement. Political party foot-soldiers felt disgruntled, they engage in violence acts, media reportage is given, government comes in to either promise them or grant their grievances. This could be a positive reinforcement for hooliganism. Meaning anytime one wants media and government attention he/she must engage in hooliganism. This means lawlessness becomes a conventional means of presenting grievances. When political party group remain pigheaded on their lawless stance not until they get government and media attention, it becomes a negative reinforcement for both media and the government when such attentions are given.
The media coverage must stress on the punishments meted out to lawless citizens to deter others from engaging in similar acts. The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) must team up with Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to sensitize party foot-soldiers on their limitations whether their party is in government or out of government. The beginning of every conflict appears almost innocent. Show me a strong country and I will show you strong institutions. Say no to political party hoodlum! I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothingSocrates. God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.
Nana Yaw Osei, Minnesota, USA. [email protected]
The Community Anti-Drug Coalition of Fanteakwa (CADCOF) under the auspices of Philip Foundation program and the Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America (CADCA) collaborated with the Eastern Regional Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) and the Fanteakwa Mental Health Unit organized a one-day peer educators workshop for 160 students drawn from 10 Junior High Schools and the Presbyterian Senior High School in Begoro in the Fanteakwa District of Eastern Region.
It is believed that most people involve themselves in substance abuse in their early stage in school, so the Fanteakwa Anti-Drug Coalition (CADCOF) saw the need to educate the school children and therefore collaborated with NACOB and Mental Health Unit to train school pupil to become drug free clubs to educate their peers in their various schools. The program was held on Wednesday November 1, 2017 at the library hall of the Begoro Senior High School and the Assemblies of God Church Auditorium respectively.
The Senior Narcotics Officer Linda Dakurah and the Narcotic Desk Officer Irene Okyere respectively outlined information concerning drugs, drug use, licit and illicit drugs, drug abuse and it effects among others. They further showed photographic evidence of some dreadful and harmful consequences of narcotics drugs trafficking and abuse. They again advised on the harmful effects which can be brought to one who indulge in such acts.
Mr. Charles Gyimah, a Mental Health Nurse from the Fanteakwa District Hospital lamented on how hard drugs are frequently destroying youths and adults in the district and gave some statistic from the directorate and encouraged the Peer Educators to warn their peers to desist from the use of illicit drugs.
After the presentation, students had the privilege to ask bordering questions, where the Deputy Narcotics Analyst (Eastern Regional Command), Kwadwo A. Nkansa including the team provided answers to all.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Philip Foundation, Mr. Philip Boateng advised the trained Peer Educators to propagate the knowledge acquired to make fanteakwa a drug-free district. He further advised the students to depart from drugs in order to be fruitful to their parents, family, society and the country as a whole. He continued that Peer Educators must be more vigilant as some town shoe shine operators hide behind the trade and peddle hard drugs, specifically marijuana (Wee) to secondary schools. He then hailed CADCOF and NACOB for their collaborative effort in organizing such a wonderful program.
The Assistant Headmaster of the Begoro PRESEC, Mr. George Teye Borboryo asked the Peer Educators to live exemplary lives among their friends and also to report any student to the administration who will be seen influenced by drugs for quick probe. Also appreciated CADCOF, NACOB for the useful piece of education granted the school.
The first 10 junior high schools who benefited from the program were Begoro Islamic JHS, Koradaso Anglican, the Salvation Army, Begoro Anglican, Begoro Feden R/A JHS, Begoro SDA JHS, Begoro R/C JHS, Begoro Church of Christ, Beoro Presby C, Begoro Presby A and the Begoro Presbyterian Senior High School.
Animals in some concentrated animal feeding operations can produce as much waste as a city of 75,000 people, state Rep. Steve Doyle, D-Onalaska told an audience at a recent water pollution forum at Holland Town Hall.
But Doyle added that concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are are self-regulating and self-reporting and are becoming more of a problem as the number of the operations grow.
Doyle was speaking at a forum on water pollution sponsored by the Coulee Region Sierra Club held Oct. 24 at the Holland Town Hall.
This past spring, homeowners in the towns of Holland and Onalaska were urged to have their well water tested after the county health department determined a number of the private wells were contaminated. Letters informed the residents testing showed unsafe levels of nitrates and Escherichia coli (e. coli) found in a number of private wells in the towns.
One attendee at the forum shared the story of the consequences his family experienced when he failed to test his well water even though he worked for a water testing lab. His infant son became very sick and doctors couldnt diagnose the disease. The father finally suspected his sons sickness was caused by high nitrate levels and a test of the familys well water confirmed his suspicions.
That one hit close to home, said Dick Matushek. I almost killed my son.
Pat Wilson, CRSC chair, displayed a chart at the forum showing concerns over the pollution surface and ground water are on the rise. In addition to Wilson and Doyle, La Crosse County Board Supervisor Mike Giese and La Crosse County Health Department Director Jen Rombalski also spoke at the forum.
Rombalski said the issues last spring in Holland and Onalaska had confirmed to her that there was a problem in the local area with pollution of well water.
Wells can become polluted when water contaminated with animal manure or synthetic fertilizer is spread on the ground and then seeps into the soil, through bedrock and accumulating in the underground water supply.
This has become a major issue in the eastern part of the state where private well owners are finding their well water has become unsafe because of large amounts of manure from CAFOs has been spread on land situated on top of a karst sublayer. The Driftless Region also has karst topography which is a soluble layer of bedrock that allows contaminated water to fairly easily seep into underground aquifers.
A representative from the states Department of Natural Resources was invited to the forum, but informed organizers he was unable to attend due to another commitment.
Most of the discussion at the forum centered on CAFOs. Doyle told the audience the movement toward livestock operations started in the 1980s. The legislature enacted a law limiting the how much local governments could regulate CAFOs.
When it started, there wasnt much thought about how they would impact water issues, said Doyle. A lot of the blame belongs at the state level. As more people pay attention to this, it will keep the issue to the forefront.
The livestock confined in CAFOs produce a large amount of animal waste. CAFOs have holding ponds for the manure, but those retention systems must be emptied to prevent overflow. The waste, also referred to as nutrient, is spread on cropland as fertilizer.
Theres one CAFO in La Crosse County, said Wilson. The area north of Lake Onalaska is highly susceptible to pollution. Brice Prairie isnt a good place for a CAFO.
The Brice Prairie CAFO, operated by Babcock Genetics, Inc., raises swine. Although the operation has been found noncompliant in the past, recent inspections show it has made improvements.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is responsible for monitoring possible water pollution sources and enforcing regulations.
However, a 2016 Legislative Audit Bureau audit determined the DNR wasnt meeting its obligations for monitoring sources of contamination. The DNR responded they didnt have enough staffing for the job. Since the release of the audit, the agency has said it will add more staff for that purpose.
Its a pretty blistering report that the DNR wasnt doing its job, said Doyle. Your chances of getting audited by the IRS are better than if youre a CAFO getting audited by the DNR. As a result of the audit, the DNR says its going to do more inspections. I havent heard how successful theyve been.
Giese stated the DNR doesnt share information with other governmental agencies and obtaining any data would have to be done through a Freedom of Information Act request.
The DNRs response hasnt been sufficient to the need, said Giese. The reality is no one is checking private wells. You have to do it on your own.
Following the panels discussion, the floor was opened to those attending the forum.
Marc Schultz, member of the Lake Onalaska Protection and Rehabilitation District and a town of Onalaska resident, pointed out there are other possible sources for groundwater contamination.
Subdivisions are a bigger issue than CAFOs, said Schultz. Few are living downstream from Babcock, but many live downstream from subdivisions.
Fertilizers spread on lawns can be a source of nitrates in groundwater as can malfunctioning private septic systems.
We need to consider density to see if neighbors septic are polluting neighbors wells, said Rombalski.
She also informed the audience the county has received a grant to form a taskforce to look into the situation.
Well be able to look at the data and identify sources and take action, said Rombalski.
President Nana Akufo- Addo
06.11.2017 LISTEN
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
H.E. NANA AKUFFO ADDO
FLAGSTAFF HOUSE, ACCRA.
Dear Mr. President
THANKS FOR THE INSURANCE PACKAGE BUT I AM BEING TRIED FOR WRITING AN OPEN LETTER TO YOU.
It's me again No. 44679 G/L/Cpl Daniel Kwofie also known as Ahanta Apemenyimheneba Kwofie III . This time I am writing to you from Abokobi and not from the police headquarters as I did the last time. Immediately after my last open letter, I was quickly transferred from the police headquarters to Abokobi as if all the police officers here are serving a prison term. It's sad how transfers are being used to punish police officers at times for no wrong doings at all.
I wrote an open letter to you on 8th June 2017 and I am facing a trial but I am not disturbed at all, because the police service has a long tradition of victimizing police officers who have divergent views and opinions which should rather be accommodated for the growth and development of the police service. I am not the first and shall certainly not be the last so I am not worried one bit because I know what you stand for. I am probably the police reincarnate of Supt/Rtd/Mr. Paul Avuyi who suffered acts of vindictiveness and victimisations in the police even though he wanted the right things to be done. He was stripped off all his ranks but he remained resolute for the love of the police service and mother Ghana.
If today some of us have gotten a loud voice irrespective of acts of oppression, suppression, vindictiveness and victimisation in the police service , it is because we draw a huge inspiration from you so even if I am placed on the gallows, I will still talk. The police service is for Ghanaians and not for police officers. We will all leave it and go away someday but whilst life lasts in the police, we should make it comfortable for every police officer irrespective of rank. Every police officer deserves better.
Mr. President, I know your contributions to our democracy, its development and growth. I know your contributions to freedom of speech, expression, thoughts and conscience as guarantees by the Constitution. I know how you progressively fought for the freedom of the common Ghanaian and I know how you struggled to become the president of our dear nation against all odds.
Your struggles reminds me of my Kwesimintsim S.T.M. A JSS "B" motto - Perseverance conquers all. If I persevere and do not allow this petty trials and threats of dismissals to dampen me, we will have a better police service which will be a true reflection of what my IGP, Mr. David Asante Appeatu is struggling for. I pray for him a lot. It's not an easy task to transform this our misocaineaic police service into a world class one within the shortest possible time but I am equally doing my best to support him any time I come on counter duties at my new station, Abokobi. Together we can make the police service a world class one when we allow growth and development of new ideas and innovations.
Mr. President I want to thank you for what you are doing for the common police officer who is on the street fighting all forms of violent crimes. When the IGP announced that every police officer is going to get Ghc 50, 000. 00 and Ghc 25, 000.00 insurance packages, I was flabbergasted, mesmerised and intrigued. All my years in the police service, I have never been happier than that day and I know I am not the only one who became happy but thousands of police officers who come face to face with violent crimes like robbery will now comfortably lay down their lives to save lives and properties as the mandate of the police demands.
I was right when I said in one of my articles that Mr. David Asante Appeatu deserves an extension of tenure of office based on his transformation agenda. I think his extension of office and his transformation agenda seems be to be yielding results for the common police officer. Actually there is long rope hanging on my neck today dragging me to the slaughter house in the name of service because I wrote that Mr. David Asante Appeatu deserves to be given an extension of tenure of office.
For a very long time the police service has thrived on oppression and suppression of the common police officer and almost reduced him or her to a slave and Mr. President we need to shift the paradigm from that. We must have a police service where there is mutual respect for every police officer irrespective of rank because we cannot all be IGPs, Commissioners or senior police officers at a time but what matters is our various contributions to make Ghana free from crimes. If police officers are continually suppressed and oppressed in these our times, we will one day wake up and see them on the streets demonstrating like the civil society groups. The times and the dispensations we have found ourselves is not conducive for oppression and suppression. Policing of insults, threats of dismissal, vindictiveness and victimisation should belong to the age of Captain Glover and certainly not in our times. In these our times, the police officer must be appreciated and be praised by his superiors and not to be victimised at the least opportunity.
Mr. President, ever since the C.I 76 came into force, the only reward that the common police officer has received is disciplinary action just like I am facing a trial for writing an open letter to you. A police officer writes an open letter to his own president and that has become a problem in a democratic Ghana where freedom of speech, expression thoughts and conscience abounds. My charge is that my open letter to you seemed to have caused political controversies but like I have said I am not even worried because all other benefits in the C.I 76 have been replaced with threats of dismissal, vindictiveness and victimisation and this must stop. It is not helping the growth and development of the police service.
Mr. President how can we have a police service that treats its members particularly the junior ranks like chicken when they die in line of duties? These things went on for a very long time even though the C.I 76 stipulates that when a police officer dies in line of duty, at least 3 of his or her children should be catered for up to any level of education that they wish to attain. There was no attempt to have it implemented but immediately I wrote an open letter about it, charges have quickly been preferred against me that I did not use the laid down channels of communication to address my grievances and also my open letter is an act which is likely to cause a political controversy. You see how we are treated in the police?
Mr. President I want to end here and wait for the charges that will be levelled against me for writing this one too. The more they level the charges against me, the more I will write to you. I appreciate your efforts particularly the insurance packages that will motivate us to die more in line of duties. We are equally human beings with wives and children and only God knows how this insurance package will go a long way to raise the morale of our police officers should it come into fruition. Mr. President, you and Mr. David Asante Appeatu have done what Napoleon could not do.
Mr. President I am ending here but I will certainly write to you again. I pray for Solomon's wisdom for you so that you can rule our dear country with grace.
Ahanta Apemenyimheneba Kwofie III
[No. 44679 G/L /Cpl Daniel Kwofie ]
[email protected]
#Ahantadiaries_06_11_17
HFC Bank has began processes aimed at raising some 50 Million Cedis through the Ghana Stock Exchange.
It follows approval from the Board of Directors of the Bank at its Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on the 28th of September.
The funds raised from the offer are expected to help the bank meet the news 400 million minimum capital requirement set by the Central Bank.
Starr Business gathers the prospectus for the transaction Starr Business has been forwarded to the Securities and Exchange Commission (Ghana) for approval to issue 90,909,094 ordinary shares in a ratio of 1 new share for every 3.2716 existing shares held.
An approval to list the additional shares on the Ghana Stock Exchange is also being sought.
The offer will seek to raise GHS50 million through the renounceable rights issue. The rights price per share may be issued at a discount of up to 60 percent to the market price. The offer is expected to commence on November 22, 2017.
100 billion euros a year needed for adequate new water infrastructure and at least another 155 billion eurosneeded to renew and improve equipment to adapt and climate change and mitigate global warming
The World Water Council underscores need to make financing a political priority at CoP23 to ensure safe water and sanitation universally
Worldwide, total cost of water insecurity to the global economy estimated at US $500 billion annually
80% of countries report insufficient financing to meet national drinking-water targets
World Water Council, Bonn, Brasilia, Marseille, 6th November, 2017 - The World Water Council (WWC) urgesGovernments, investment banks and funds worldwide to prioritize financing for adapting and mitigating water infrastructure to increase resilience to climate change effects. Dealing with climate change is at the core of the World Water Councils goal to strive for the availability of safe water for all and to help increase water security at large. The WWC groups over 300 member organizations worldwide who, together, further global dialogue and international cooperation to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change on water security.
The UN 23rd Conference of Parties (CoP23), presided by Fiji, will be held in Bonn from 7th to 18th November. The CoP23 will feature water security as a connector for human development and a vector for climate change adaptation. The summit designated November 10th as Water Action Day within the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action Programme and coordinated by members of the #ClimateIsWater initiative.
#ClimateIsWater was launched during CoP21 and is coordinated by the World Water Council. Its members include WWC, AGWA, SIWI, INBO, IUCN, the French Water Partnership, the Moroccan Ministry for Water, theBill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNESCO, the French Water Academy, IWRA, Water Aid and Women for Water Partnership, as well as 50 other member organizations from around the world.
The focus on financing is key to overcoming hurdles to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6(SDG6) to make safe water and sanitation a universal reality by 2030 and will be addressed by a CoP23 High Level Panel on Water and Climate Financing on November 10th. Unlocking and tapping into financing will not only be a key focus for CoP23 but also for the triennial World Water Forum, to be held in Brazil from 18 to 23March 2018.
Crucial to public health and economic development, the water sector faces major challenges in obtainingsufficient funding to meet investment requirements. According to UN publications, 80% of countries report insufficient financing to meet national drinking-water and sanitation targets, despite a rise in domestic budget allocations. Access to financing is a crucial step in the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) to ensure availability and sustainable management of safe drinking water and sanitation for all. Thefinancing gap has been identified as one of the greatest barriers to achieving this target. Financial investment in water infrastructure would need to triple to 255 billion euros per annum, taking into account operating and maintenance costs to reach the United Nations SDG6.
With the aim of raising international awareness on water and climate change, documents, discussions and recommendations were compiled within the Water and Climate Blue Book as a tool to foster action. The BlueBook was developed by the Moroccan Ministry of Water, the French Ministry of Environment and the World Water Council for CoP22. A second edition with updates on progress and recommendations, including on financing water infrastructure, will be presented at the Moroccan Pavilion on the 11th of November during CoP23. Financing water infrastructure is a key element of the report.
David Hebart-Coleman, African Development Bank expert on climate change and water, underscores the importance of adequate access to existing climate change funds for water infrastructure financing: Initially climate change was just seen as something we had to deal with. Now it is increasingly seen as an opportunity to push water up the agenda because we believe that most water supply and sanitation actions are climate resilient.
As part of the World Water Council, we seek to encourage continued dialogue between the water and climate communities as well as state and non-state actors for better water management and infrastructure financingwithin the uncertainty posed by climate change, says Dogan Altinbilek, Vice President of the World Water Council.
Many of the discussions during this global environmental summit will pave the way to the worlds biggest water related event, the 8th World Water Forum which will take place in Brazil from 18th to 23rd of March 2018. World Water Council President Benedito Braga comments: It is in water where we will find the best manner to adapt or mitigate the effects of climate change. We are united in our dedication. As the organizer of the World Water Forum together with the Brazilian government, we look forward to catalyzing change for a water-secure world during the 8th World Water Forum, which will unite over 30 000 stakeholders at the worlds largest water related event. Listed attendees include Head of States, global leaders, opinion makers, and water and climate changeexperts. Registration for the World Water Forum is now open.
World Water Council spokespeople are available for interviews upon request
About the World Water Council:
The World Water Council (WWC) is an international multi-stakeholder platform organization, the founder and co-organizer of the World Water Forum. The World Water Councils mission is to mobilize action on critical water issues at all levels, including the highest decision-making level, by engaging people in debate and challenging conventional thinking. The Council focuses on the political dimensions of water security, adaptation, and sustainability, and works to position water at the top of the global political agenda. Headquartered in Marseille, France, and created in 1996, the World Water Council brings together over 300 member organizations from more than 50 different countries. More on www.worldwatercouncil.org @wwatercouncil #wwatercouncil
Africa is the continent that keeps giving. From its bountiful natural resources to its beautiful game and nature reserves, and now its lovely island getaways. Africa has some of the best island getaways in the world, which are great for relaxing and having a good time by yourself or with loved ones.
Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 4 great island getaways in Africa.
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar is an island in Tanzania that boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches in Africa and even the world. It is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site called Stone Town. Zanzibar is open for guests to explore the islands beautiful winding alleys and admire its impressive Arab houses and intricate doors. It is popularly called the Spice Island because it abounds with delicious fruits, spices and rare plants. Its white sand beaches are stunning and glistening all year round, and are indeed a sight to admire.
Sal, Cape Verde
Cape Verde is one of the most popular African island getaways, and Sal is Cape Verdes most visited island. This is largely because Sal has been dubbed archipelagos 10 most beautiful islands and, compared to the other islands, it is the most easily accessible with beautiful and stunning sandy beaches. Santa Maria is the main town of the stunning island of Sal in Cape Verde, and its mostly where visitors can go to find a range of bars, restaurants, live music shows and nightlife.
Djerba, Tunisia
It is right off the coast of Southern Tunisia and is the most important North African island in size. Djerba is very popular among tourists and offers beautiful, glistening sandy beaches as well as a range of water sport activities and great dining options. A short distance away from the islands exciting beach resorts, guests can find and enjoy a silent and more peaceful countryside. Djerba really does offer the best of both worlds. The residents of Djerba are keen on preserving their culture and traditions and as a result, it is one of the only places in Tunisia where people still speak the Berber language.
Sao Tome Island, Sao Tome and Principe
Sao Tome is the largest island in the central african country called Sao Tome and Principe. Its an island that offers peace, quiet and tranquility because it does not see as much tourism traffic as some of the other islands. Its a great place for relaxation and reflection. Visitors to the island can enjoy snorkeling and diving experiences in its uncharted waters, and can also peacefully wander about the islands sleepy fishing villages. An impressive chocolate factory is one of the stunning attractions to admire when on the island, and indulging in the islands delicious coffee, which is considered some of the best in the world, is just some of the other activities to look forward to enjoying when in Sao Tome.
Officials of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly with the support of vigilante group Delta Forces have embarked on a decongestion exercise in the Central Business District of Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital.
All traders who operate around Adum Pampaso, Suame roundabout, Komfo Anokye and Dr. Mensa are being asked to vacate the premises and relocate their shops.
Starr FMs Ashanti regional correspondent Isaac Bediako Justice, reports that the KMA has recruited members of the dreaded NPP affiliated vigilante group, Delta Forces, to shore up their men and help with the decongestion exercise.
The exercise forms part of plans to decongest the city ahead of the funeral of the Queen mother of the Asante Kingdom.
Meanwhile, the traders are protesting the decision to relocate them to Race Course near Kejetia, claiming that the new space provided for them is uncompleted and not fit for trading activities.
Radio and TV personality, AJ Sarpong has condemned Ayisi Boatengs recent comments describing it as part of a bigger mindset problem that is entrenched among politicians in Ghana.
Ayisi Boateng who is Ghanas Ambassador to South Africa came under fire when he said at a public forum that he would put the interests of members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), ahead of other Ghanaians in the discharge of his duties.
After defending the comment and claiming he was taken out of context, the public bashing, chiefly on social media, intensified, causing him to apologise and retract the comments.
Addressing this issue last Saturday on Celebrity Fanzone, on GH One TV, AJ Sarpong argued that the troubling bit about Ayisis gaffe has little to do with his comments but the kind of mindset that thrives among people in power.
She stated: This is how Ghana in my honest opinion is right now. Every government comes in they place their people first. Its not about the comment because he went on to say a lot of other MPs and people in power think the same way and they dont say it but he will publicly say it. So it is not about his utterances but about the mindset of a lot of people in power.
Meanwhile, former President John Mahama has joined calls for Ghanas Ambassador to South Africa, George Ayisi-Boateng, to be sacked for making comments condemned widely as undiplomatic.
The former President says the apology from the embattled High Commissioner following the public condemnation was not sincere.
He suggests the apology letter in which Mr Ayisi-Boateng says he regrets the effect of my speech delivered to the young party members which has generated public outcry, was not authored by the High Commissioner.
If you read the apology letter, its an apology of an apology letter. He said I apologise for the effect of my words, not I apologise for my words, I apologise for the effect of my words. That is the new government under which we are, John Mahama said.
It is still unclear whether the President will heed to calls that Ayisi Boateng should be relieved of his position as Ghanas Ambassador to South Africa.
06.11.2017 LISTEN
Morocco and Tunisia, members of the dormant Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), are looking to become members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), while Mauritania, another member, of the UMA is seeking to return to the West African regional economic grouping.
The move is seen by observers as an acknowledgement of the success of ECOWAS, but the organisation's high standards for governance and democracy may present some difficulties for Mauritania's President, Mohammed Ould Abdel Aziz, whose recent political manoeuvres have been decried as an unconstitutional move to keep him in charge.
When Mauritania withdrew 17 years ago, ECOWAS was embroiled in military interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea Bissau.
Mauritania left the 16-member ECOWAS in 2000 over issues relating to a common currency, but focusing on the UMA did not bring the economic cooperation that it was expecting.
Since then ECOWAS has bolstered its policing of human rights and constitutional order in the region.
Experts told the GNA Mauritania, unlike Morocco and Tunisia, may find its membership of ECOWAS under intense scrutiny because of the current political impasse in the country.
In August, President Abdel Aziz got his wish following a constitutional referendum that was in favour of abolishing the country's Senate, which had been critical of his third term ambitions.
The controversial referendum, which was boycotted by the opposition, had a poor national turnout of 53.75 per cent, with the figure as low as 36 per cent in Nouakchott
'This move is in line with President Abdel Aziz's move to go for a third term, which is against the constitution,' one expert told the GNA.
'He was being thwarted by the Senate so he called the referendum to do away with the legislative body, whose role has now been taken over by regional councils.
'Morocco and Tunisia will not face the same difficulty as Mauritania because they are trying to keep to ECOWAS's democratic principles.
'For Mauritania, membership of ECOWAS will bring increased scrutiny of human and political rights in the country that could make President Abdel Aziz uncomfortable,' the expert said.
'Also, the 31st summit of the African Union is scheduled to take place in Nouakchott in July next year for the first time, and this will increase the spotlight on the activities of the Mauritanian government. '
Spearheading the drive for regional peace and stability is the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) which is providing robust monitoring of elections among ECOWAS member states, as well as supporting the work of regional civil society organisations.
'WANEP is one of the most successful civil society organisations in West Africa and it will be difficult for the government of President Abdel Aziz not to fall foul of WANEP if he continues with his push for a third term, while also cracking down on human rights activists,' the expert told the GNA.
The Mauritanian government has constantly been criticised for its ambivalent attitude towards slavery in the country, but things could become more heated, as it moves to re-join ECOWAS, the expert told the GNA.
'WANEP will make sure that the anti-slavery movement in Mauritania gets a fair hearing,' he said.
In August, the American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organisations (AFL-CIO) issued a statement urging the US government to remove Mauritania from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
It significantly enhances market access to the US for sub-Saharan countries that are considered to be 'working to improve the rule of law, human rights, and respect for core labour standards'.
In its petition, the AFL-CIO said: 'The government of Mauritania routinely fails to conduct investigations into cases of slavery, rarely pursues prosecutions for those responsible for the practice and fails to ensure access to remedy or otherwise support victims.
'This represents a total failure to take any meaningful steps to establish freedom from forced labour.'
The AFL-CIO does not think that the US government will immediately remove Mauritania from AGOA but warns that the petition has 'put Mauritania on the watch'.
Mauritania abolished slavery in 1981, the last country in the world to do so, but only made it a crime in 2007.
Since then, campaigners say the government has passed a handful of inefficient reforms and failed to properly address the issue.
The UMA, in contrast to ECOWAS, has not had a serious gathering since 2008.
As the AU pushes for continental integration under the auspices of the various Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Morocco, Tunisia and Mauritania are looking to become part of one of these groupings for economic, political and security reasons.
Morocco returned to the AU at the beginning of this year, having pulled out of its predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), 33 years ago over the disputed former Spanish territory of Western Sahara, which Rabat claims is part of Morocco.
Addressing the AU summit in Addis Ababa in January, King Mohammed VI said the 'flame of the Arab Maghreb Union has faded because the faith in a common interest has vanished'.
The most recent intervention by the ECOWAS to uphold democratic principles was in The Gambia at the beginning of this year when it sent troops to the country to ensure that the election victory of Adama Barrow in December 2016 was not derailed by Yahya Jammeh who lost the presidential poll.
Given that the ECOWAS has set a good example in so many areas of regional cooperation, experts agree that it makes sense for the three UMA countries to become part of the West African community.
'But whether Mauritania will pass the ECOWAS test is another thing,' the expert said.
06.11.2017 LISTEN
A 3-year girl has been allegedly defiled at Akufo Krodua, a community near Bawjiase in the Central Region, just weeks after a 4-year old reportedly suffered a similar fate at Assin Adedientam in the same region.
The victim was initially given medical treatment at the Bawjiase Health Centre, and was later referred to the Agona Swedru Government Hospital for further treatment.
But for the kindness of a medical doctor of the Swedru Government Hospital who offered to attend to the girl without any payment, the victim would have been denied the treatment and endorsement of her medical form, as her parents could not raise the required fee for the cost of the endorsement.
The victim was alleged to have suffered the callous act from an 18-year old neighbour named Yavor on Thursday, October 2, and the case was reported to the police on October 4.
The Central Regional police have mounted a search to arrest the suspect who is currently on the run.
The police are also counting on the general public for any information on Yavor for his arrest and prosecution.
The Central Region has been inundated with cases of rape and defilement recently, and recent visits to the region by both the Gender and Social Protection Minister, Otiko Afisa Djaba , and the Interior Minister, Ambrose Derry, sought to assure the nation that their respective Ministries are working on curbing the menace.
By: Joseph Ackon-Mensah/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Lawyer Francis-Xavier Sosu has admonished every youth in Ghana to take up the mantle of being Human Rights advocates.
According to the popular Human Rights lawyer, the youth form more than 50% of Africas 1.2billion population and 41% of that are below the age of 15 so if the fight for Human Rights is to go very far, the young population should take it up as an active part of their lives.
Speaking at the launch of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) chapter of the Youth for Human Rights Africa (YoHRA) , Lawyer Sosu appealed to the young journalists-in-training not to just lament and trumpet the fate of the about 100,000 children on the streets in the Greater-Accra Region or the about 10,000 boys on the Volta Lake but they should take a step to fight for the rights of such children.
He advised them to also seek to make a difference that will keep them in the history books for the generation to come, to appreciate.
Let the generation ye unborn note that you lived in this generation and contributed to substantial changes that gave them a better life. This is a call for action, he said.
He called on the prospective members of YoHRA to rise and bring to light the treatment prisoners receive at the hand of the police, the treatment of patients in the hospitals and also to rise and hold leaders accountable to the people.
He added that judges should be bold to defend the law and the justice system without submitting themselves to manipulations.
The justice system must be predictable, certain, sincere and should uphold the values of Rule of Law, he stated.
He urged them to treat all persons equally when fighting for Human Rights both in Ghana and Africa at large, without discriminating on grounds of race, color, religious affiliation or party color. For Human Rights advocates just seek to do the will of God, he said
He also highlighted some major situations in Africa that amount to Human Rights abuses and are in contradiction with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights , African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights African Charter on Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Human Rights guarantees in our national constitution.
He urged the prospective members to stay sincere to the values of accountability in the integrity and accountability as stated in the YoHRA constitution and also hold civic education, research and giving legal aid where needed in high esteem.
He told the students to be prepared for challenges as the perpetrators of Human Rights abuses will not back down easily.
You cannot be the voice of the voiceless without attack by individuals who benefit from deprivation of others, he said.
Minister of Information, Mustapha Hamid, has cautioned management of Nivea, a body lotion manufacturing company and advertisers in Ghana, not to alter the Ghanaian and African culture through their advertisements.
Mr Hamid disclosed this at the 11th edition of the Gong Gong Awards of the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) on Saturday, October 28, 2017, in Accra.
He gave the warning in response to a recent advertisement by management of Nivea in which black women were encouraged to patronize a particular Nivea brand to make their skin appear visibly fairer.
Nivea 'visibly fairer skin' billboard in Accra has ignited a social media debate in recent times.
A social media campaign was launched in which African women posted selfies next to the Nivea billboard with the hash tags: #NiveaTakeItDown and #ILoveMYShadeofBrown.
Black women affirmed they love their various shades of brown skin and asked Nivea to pull down what was widely considered a racist and deeply offensive billboard.
The Minister, making reference to the advertisement said, I am sure you saw the outrage at some products that said you should patronize it so you can have a fairer skin. In my view, that outrage was justified because we cannot also put out advertising that seeks to alter who we are. Our uniqueness as Africans and Ghanaians is important if we want to play ball in the global world.
Nivea has denied reports that the adverts were aimed at demeaning persons with black skin.
But Mr. Hamid said with the changing media landscape in Ghana which has made things more complex, the best way out for advertising agencies was to be more strategic rather display mediocrity or attempt to alter cultures.
The Gong Gong award is organized annually to demonstrate the contribution of advertising to business and reward creativity and strategic thinking that have been developed locally.
This years awards, held under the theme: Advertising as Agent of Social Change, covered works produced between January and December, 2016.
Some of the awardees included Resultz, Innova DDB, Insel Communication, Ogilvy & Mather, among others.
Members of the Jackson County Home and Community Education organization (HCE) met for their annual Fall Round-Up Oct. 24 in the basement of the Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church.
HCE President Joan Staffon provided a warm welcome and asked for a moment of silence to honor the memory of past members no longer with us and for the safe return of those serving our country.
Mary Woods was the guest speaker and provided a program called In my merry Oldsmobile complete with a slide show presentation which showed how the availability of the automobile changed the way of life for rural women and their families. One of the last slides showed a picture from years ago of a gathering of members of the Trout Run Homemakers, which included current HCE member Lillian Hart. This photo was part of the Speltz negatives collection at the Black River Falls History Room.
It was announced during the meeting that HCE week will be Nov. 5-11, and members were encouraged to invite friends to club meetings, pass out brochures or setup displays to get the word out about HCE.
Members were invited to continue to be generous in support of Nicaragua. Recently 20 boxes full of kitchen and sewing supplies and three sewing machines were ready to be delivered to the local office to be shipped. Another idea to donategently used stuffed toys. These would be given to hospitals to pass along to children, many of whom are burn victims.
Staffon reported that three from Jackson County joined other members from Wisconsin in attending the HCE State Conference in Wisconsin Dells. Next years conference will be held in Pewaukee.
The annual HCE Holiday Party will be held Nov. 27, and the white elephant Christmas auction is always fun and monies go toward a good cause.
Family Living Agent Luane Meyer told of the changes that have been and will be implemented at the UW-Extension office. An addition to the staff is Julie Peterson as a support staff member and another change will be Meyers retirement effective Jan. 3. Monica Lobensteins position will be Youth and Family Educator, Trisha Wagner will continue as Agriculture Educator, April Duval as FoodWise Coordinator, Lisa Listle as Project Director for Together with Jackson County Kids, Alex Galston as 4-H Program Assistant and Outreach Education Coordinator until June 2018 and a 4-H Program Coordinator will be hired. The area extension director for Buffalo, Pepin, Trempealeau and Jackson counties, Pat Malone, will provide administrative leadership.
Membership chair Patsy Elrod reported that there were 109 members in Jackson County HCE and encouraged all to invite friends and neighbors to meetings so they can see what HCE is about and pass out brochures.
Scholarship Chair Millie Evenson reported that there were no applications for the HCE scholarship this year and reminded members that their children or grandchildren do not have to live in or go to college in the area to apply.
Young Family Chair Jan Eckles reported that the Bookworm Project is entering its 20th year. A total of 143 sets of books were ordered, ensuring that 1,144 books are being shared. Readers Joann Adsen, Janet Anderson, Karen Byrns, Lorraine Calhoun, Pat McGowan, Rita Meyers and Geri Muth have a combined total of almost 90 years of serving this program. Thanks to Lunda Charitable Trust, Ho-Chunk Nation and the HCE clubs for their continued support. A set of eight books cost $24 for those who might care to donate.
Several individuals were recognized for their awards won at the State Cultural Arts Competition.
Joyce Grunlien had five entries in photography place: Marshmallow Clouds received a first, White Flower received a second, Boat Ride, Anyone? received a second, Country Church received a first and Hungry Deer received a third.
Cheryl Gabrielson had four entries place: her red purse in sewing took first, a petal design in the table topper category took first, a pumpkin design in the table runner category took first and a green pot holder in knitting took second.
Joan Staffon had two entries place: a wildlife quilt took first and a glass star craft entry took second.
John Kweku Asamoah
06.11.2017 LISTEN
The National Investment Bank (NIB) has indicated that it will focus on development banking next year in order to help government to successfully implement its policies.
George Alfred Thompson, Deputy Managing Director of NIB, who disclosed this at a breakfast meeting for its customers on Friday in Accra, said NIB would also undertake commercial banking activities.
Touching on fears being expressed by some customers of the bank about the collapse of the financial institution, he said the bank would meet the GH400 million minimum capital requirement announced by the Central Bank soon.
He said though government owns 99 percent of NIB, the bank would not burden government with any request to help secure that amount.
We have assured government that we are going to do this by ourselves to prove that we are topnotch.
The meeting was intended to deepen the bank's relationship with its customers.
Charles Mensah, Managing Partner at Trust Consult Limited, who was the resource person, in a presentation, advised Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs) and fairly large companies operating in the country not to go for loans to service their debts under the pretext of expanding.
According to him, many companies have folded lately due to such practice.
He also advised the participants not to go for short-term working capital to expand their businesses since the repayment could overstretch their companies.
Going for a one-year overdraft for example is a mismatch. If you want to grow, look at the structure of funding.
As a business, your working capital should pay for your operating costs bills, staff costs and everything else.
Also, he gave funding options for purchase of assets or business property.
Machinery and equipment are integral to many businesses but funding cash flow to buy them can be difficult. Asset finance options also allow you to obtain the equipment you need for growth using a variety of methods. These are leasing, hire purchase, as well as sale and leaseback.
The managing partner also urged companies to introduce third parties so that new capital could be injected into their businesses for expansion.
But if you are having a challenge in servicing your debt and you decide to bring in a third party that will not augur well for you. It should strictly be new money to expand and not to service debt.
Growth through acquisition could be the fastest way to expand.
THE MINISTRY OF Communication is considering a partnership with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to get some of the young ones on graduate internship to man the various Information Communication Technology (ICT) centres in the country.
According to the communication minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, who gave the hint, experience had proven that ICT centres that were left in the hands of the various district assemblies had not been managed well, leaving the centres in deplorable states a few months after their establishment.
Ms Owusu-Ekuful, who made these known when speaking at a ceremony to hand over a new Enhanced Community Information Centre (E-CIC) to the people of Akuapem Amanfrom in the Akuapem North District of the Eastern Region, stated that the government was seeking to empower the youth with ICT skills to enable them contribute towards the nation's rapid technological strides and productivity.
The minister revealed that many creative initiatives aimed at infusing technology into the daily lives of Ghanaians were going to be high on her ministry's agenda.
According to her, priority would be given to the creation of Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, the development of ICT parks and the putting into good use of the newly-built Accra Digital Centre.
She said Government had begun moves to convert all post offices in the country into electronic service centres to deepen digital financial inclusion and internet access in the hinterlands.
She also added that government was looking at providing mobile phones to all students of Ghana for their courses to be uploaded unto them for the era of carrying school bags with books to be a thing of the past.
The former telecom boss also promised to work together, especially with all existing telecom players within the space to find solutions to some of the industry's basic challenges.
She further underscored that her outfit was poised to rejuvenate the operations of government agencies, including the National Communication Authority (NCA), the National Information Technology Agency (NITA) and the National Identification Commission, to work better and efficiently to assist the government to derive the maximum benefits from the huge investments put into IT infrastructure.
The Minister for Regional Reorganization and Development and Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere Constituency, Dan Kwaku Botwe, stated that the E-CIC is not only for the people of Amanfrom, but all the schools down the Akuapem ridge.
He expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people of Amanfrom for releasing land for the project and supervising it. He commended the former Minister of Communication, Edward Omane Boamah, for commencing the project.
After the function, Ms Ursula Owusu-Ekufful, accompanied by the Eastern Regional Minister, Eric Kwakye Darfour, went to commission another ICT centre at Akwadum in the New Juabeng Municipality.
Present at the event were Deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development and MP for the area, Nana Adjei Boateng; Deputy Eastern Regional Minister, Joseph Tetteh and the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Comfort Asante.
It has now emerged that the wife of the late Major Maxwell Adam Mahama has begun working in a foreign mission.
Major Mahama was gruesomely murdered while on duty at then Denkyira Obuase (now known as New Obuase) in the Central Region in May this year.
His murder reignited calls for an end to mob justice which was becoming rampant across the country and led to the untimely death of a number of people.
Major Mahama was given a state burial and government resolved to cater for his wife and two children with the establishment of a Major Mahama Trust Fund, the bill to that effect of which is currently before parliament.
According to the government, the move to send the widow, Barbara Mahama, to work in one of the country's missions abroad was to take her away from the pain she could be going through.
Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, revealed this last Friday at an all-ranks durbar organized by personnel of the 2 Garrison Unit in Takoradi, Western Region.
The minister was at the area for a two-day official visit during which he toured the facilities of the 2 Garrison which comprises the Ghana Air Force in Takoradi, Second Battalion of Infantry (2BN) at Apremdo and the Western Naval Command in Sekondi.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt. General Obed Boama Akwa; the Chief of Army Staff, Major General William Ayamdo; Acting Chief of Air Staff, Air Commodore Augustine A. Appiah; the Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo and the Commander of the Two Garrison, Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Commodore Isaac Osei-Kufour, facilitated his duty tour.
The defence minister disclosed that Mrs Barbara Mahama had been working with the Foreign Affairs Ministry for the past one-and-a-half months.
As part of government's package, the widow was given a number of job options based on her communication background, to which she opted to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Nitiwul revealed.
The idea is to take her completely away from this country for some time so that she does not keep remembering those problems and ordeals the late husband went through, he added.
He also pointed out that a fund set up to cater for the children and the wife had received Cabinet approval and would be moved in parliament soon.
Justifying the various interventions put in place for the welfare of the family of the late soldier, the defence minister stated, At that time the incident happened that was the sensible thing to do.
He explained that government did all those because the anger in the people, the anger in the military, the anger in the civilian, the anger in the clergy and civil society was such that government needed to do this.
MR Nitiwul told the soldiers that their short-term needs presented, including guns, weapons for training and airplanes, among others, had been approved by Cabinet and that money for their acquisition would appear in the next budget.
He praised the soldiers for exhibiting professionalism in the discharge of their duties both at home and on missions abroad.
He also revealed that the government had released an amount of GH23 million to help complete the SSNIT housing project, which was started in 2007 but abandoned.
After tagging former President John Dramani Mahamas National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration as being the most corrupt in the history of Ghana, former President Jerry John Rawlings founder of the party stayed away from the much publicized unity walk in Cape Coast yesterday.
In what looked like a show of what they have looted from the state, members of the previous government paraded the streets of Cape Coast in luxurious 2017 registered V8 vehicles.
Upon seeing those flashy vehicles, the people of Cape Coast hooted at them during and after the walk.
Unity
The walk, which the NDC claimed was a platform to unite its front for the 2020 election, was also apparently to test the popularity of John Mahama as far as contesting for the flagbearer position of the party is concerned.
The 'Onaapo' campaign song for the 2016 elections was heard being sung during the walk which began from Swidu to London Bridge where party faithful had the opportunity to see the personalities who are lacing their boots to contest for the flagbearer position.
On seeing that the walk was being organized ostensibly for John Mahama, two of the aspirants Sly Mensah and Joshua Alabi stayed away from the exercise.
Kwesi Botchwey Report
After denying what the media are putting out as excerpts from Prof Kwesi Botchwey's 13-member committee report which include the cancellation of the previous biometric register of the party, Mr John Mahama announced that the NDC would reopen its membership register and urged all members to go back to their branches and register.
He said after compiling the new register, the party would open nominations for the various positions.
Stan Dobge, his trusted aide, was seen again controlling affairs, much to the disappointment of some party faithful, who complained about how he (Dogbe) contributed so much to the defeat of the party as corroborated by the Kwesi Botchwey report.
Election 2020
Former President Mahama, under whose leadership the NDC embarrassingly lost power to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), did not openly declare his intention to contest for the position when he spoke during the unity walk . He described it as a family affair.
After his speech, he told those who were yearning for his return, God willing we shall meet during the 2020 campaign.
Mr Mahama said he bears no grudges against persons who have shown interest in the party's flagbearer position.
I have no problem with any of my colleagues who have expressed interest in leading this great party. Let us not attack anyone because whoever is elected to lead us to victory 2020, will need the support of each and everyone, Mr Mahama posited.
He added, Spio was my boss and later became my minister; Joshua was my colleague in parliament and later became the Vice Chancellor of UPSA; Sylvester was the NHIS boss and later a presidential staffer It's not now that they want to contest that I will have a problem with them. Atubiga is even my favourite presidential candidate. Let us all work in unity for victory 2020.
About six presidential hopefuls were introduced after the walk.
They were Joshua Alabi, Sylvester Mensah, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Nii Amasa Namoale and Steven Atubiga. Alban Bagbin was conspicuously missing.
Digital Addressing System
Mr Mahama described the NPP government's newly launched Digital Addressing System as pitiful.
According to him, the addressing system is fraudulent, and that someone must be punished for misusing state funds to procure the system.
How can you launch a Google GPS system that is freely available on our mobile phones and say it is a national addressing system? It is such a pity. Why will you embarrass the president so much? You bring a whole president to come and launch a system that is 419? Mahama wondered.
The former president said he had restrained himself from commenting on governance issues after losing the presidential seat to the NPP's Nana Akufo-Addo because he believes that every new government needs time to settle in office.
But it looks like the NPP is whittling away its honeymoon period with the mistakes that it is making, he noted.
He called on President Akufo-Addo to show that he is serious about corruption by holding someone accountable for the launch of the $2.5 million digital addressing system which he [Mahama] believes is fraudulent.
When we talk about accountability, this is where the president should show that he is serious about corruption. When I was in office, there was a bus branding incident GH3.6m a minister of state resigned because of GH3.6 million, John Mahama recalled.
He accused the president of not being able to take firm action in anything.
Former President John Mahama
06.11.2017 LISTEN
'How can you launch a Google GPS system that is freely available on our mobile phone and say it is a national addressing system? It is such a pity. Why will you embarrass the president so much? You go and take a whole president to bring him to come and launch a system that is 419?' so said former President John Dramani Mahama.
Former President John Dramani Mahama is a politician in a hurry and befuddled. He is still fretting over his loss at the last polls because he went down as the first president to go for a term and got rejected by the people. After pumping so much cocoa roads money into the campaign machinery, it sounded obscene that an unusual number of his compatriots turned their back on him.
Sometimes therefore, we must be accommodating of his below logic presentations.
Seeking to juxtapose his inordinately corrupt government with the incumbent suggests his disturbed cognitive status.
He must be suffering a rare form of anxiety neurosis which is what appears to be pushing him to demand the kick-start of the campaign mode politics now.
Last week saw him in his most fiery moments yet since losing power, as he virtually went into the campaign mode. He lambasted the recently launched GPS project, describing it with the worst remarks yet.
Describing the verifiable house address identification project, devoid of his trade mark traits of the bus-branding tricks and the expensive non-existent cocoa roads project, among others as 419, just reminds us about his un-presidential tongue. If that is not part of the Kwesi Botchwey report, the old Prof had better added it to the publication.
He reminds us of the unproductive house addressing system initiated by his government, which squandered over $10 million under his aegis. If JDM thinks he would be beautified by opening his mouth so loud. He has taken a faux pas and exposed his underbelly for the verbal assault of Ghanaians who now understand what they lost under the country's most corrupt regime.
When the dockets are ready and his corruption-riddled appointees with links to himself make time at the courts, he would have appreciated the importance of mum's word. But it would be too late to even take cover at the Bole Cocoa Guest House.
The delayed take-off of the project to recover the stolen state funds is responsible for JDM's garrulousness and effrontery.
His better-half's closet remains shut but for the occasional references. We just hope that when the time is due for us to peep in there, he would not rush to any royal to intervene on his behalf as was done before.
The tirade is about the indefatigable Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who is his target. He has disturbed the hornet's nest. When Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia responds to him in the next few days, we have reliably been informed, he would carry his own cross bruised all over, of course.
Although 2020 is many months away, the former president, like a doped horse many hours before it leaves the paddock, is charged and longing to move into the tracks. Limping into the tracks would not yield any dividend anyway.
JDM is eagerly seeking a diversion from the non-existent cocoa roads; but what he labels 419 is inappropriate. It is anything but sensible and convincing and only shows him holding a reed in the face of a strong current.
Two civil servants who have been caught in an alleged high-level corruption at the Department of Urban Roads (DUR) under the Ministry of Local Government, were arraigned before an Accra circuit court on Friday.
The two suspects, Benjamin Bampoh, Tema Metro Director of Roads and Francis Kwadzo Torsoo, New Juaben Minicipal Director of Roads, are said to have collected a total of GH3,000 from one Saaka Salia, under the pretext of awarding him a road contract.
Messrs Benjamin Bampoh and Francis Kwadwo Torsoo are said to have collected GH2,000 and GH1,000 respectively as bribes to aid in the award of the contracts.
They have been jointly charged with conspiracy and corruption by public officers, contrary to Section 239 (1) of the Criminal and Other Offences Act 29 of 1960.
The two have pleaded not guilty and the court, presided over by Aboagye Tandoh, admitted them to bail in the sum of GH30,000 with a surety each.
They are expected to reappear on November 28.
The alleged nefarious activities of the two were exposed when the complainant, after hearing several complaints about their activities, decided to prove the veracity or otherwise of the rumours.
Their counsel prayed the court to grant them bail as they would not interfere with police investigations.
According to the lawyer,, the case bothers on the reputation of the two and that they would readily be available in court to defend their rights.
Jusice Tandoh asked the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector George Amega, to make available their witnesses by the next adjourned date November 28, 2017, for trial to begin.
Petition
It would be recalled that a private citizen in August this year petitioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to initiate disciplinary action against the two men.
Bismark Brown, a journalist working with Atinka Television in Accra, filed the petition at the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development against them.
The broadcast journalist wanted the two investigated because he claimed they are part of a syndicate that is purportedly engaging in corrupt practices in the award of road contracts at the DUR.
Facts
The facts of the case as presented by Chief Inspector Amega are that the complainant, Saaka Salia, is an anti-corruption campaigner who resides in Accra.
He said the complainant in May 2017 received a series of reports that the accused persons had been using their offices to amass wealth by awarding road contracts to persons after taking huge sums of money from them depending on the value of the contract.
He narrated that the complainant, in a bid to ascertain the veracity of the reports, went to the Tema office of DUR with some witnesses to find out the modus operandi of their activities.
Chief Inspector Amega stated that the complainant met Benjamin Bampoh in his office and convinced him (complainant) that he, together with his accomplice, could be awarded contracts to build some of the urban roads and so they should 'do something.'
Bampoh then demanded that the complainant paid an amount of GH2,000, which the complainant did.
Chief Inspector Amega added that Bampoh then referred the complainant to his accomplice, Francis Torsoo, in Koforidua in the Eastern Region, who could also award them some of the urban roads contracts in the municipality.
He said the complainant met Torsoo at the African Regent Hotel, who also demanded to be given an amount of GH1,000 to facilitate the award of the contracts.
The two however, failed to deliver on the promises but instead convinced the complainant that the works had been slowed down due to strict measures put in place by the DUR in Accra and that they were working out a plan to eliminate the Director of DUR in Accra, Alhaji Abass Awolu, to pave way for more jobs.
The two were arrested after a complaint was lodged.
Chief Inspector Amega told the court that the two, in their statements, admitted taking the moneys but claimed they were gifts from the complainant.
The Ghana Police Service has expressed its readiness to combat political vigilantism and all other forms of lawlessness that have beset the country in recent months.
The announcement follows an emergency meeting convened by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Police Management Board to discuss urgent topical policing matters that confront the country.
The meeting was attended by regional commanders and crime officers across the nation.
In a statement signed by ACP David Eklu, Director-General, Public Affairs, after the meeting, the police resolved, Political victimization should not be an excuse in dealing with youth hooliganism and vigilantism.
It stated that the various commanders of the Service would act proactively to confront all forms of lawlessness without fear or favour.
Political vigilantism and youth hooliganism have become a thorn in the flesh of the Nana Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
The phenomena have generated fear and anxiety among some Ghanaians, with many political, religious and civil society organisations calling on the government and the police to take stringent measures to deal with them before they escalate into something else.
As a result, the government has set up a high-powered taskforce to investigate and deal with circumstances leading to political hooliganism in the country, especially in the Northern Region.
The meeting by the police hierarchy also touched upon land guards and communal violence which are old-age nuisances in the country.
There are those who believe that land guard groups now seem institutionalized, with some security personnel recognising them, and in some cases shielding them.
Former Director General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Police Service, COP Bright Oduro, is rumoured to have been asked to proceed on leave as a result of his alleged involvement in shielding land guards.
But according to ACP Eklu, Commanders would be proactive to identify, arrest and prosecute ring leaders and associates (of land guards), adding that Commanders would also engage the communities to fight crime and communal violence.
Touching on illegal mining (galamsey) which is one of the main challenges facing the current government, ACP Eklu stated that the police would strengthen collaboration with Operation Vanguard (government's anti-galamsey taskforce) and other stakeholders to sustain the efforts at curbing illegal mining particularly with arrests, investigations and prosecution of cases.
He further maintained that the police were ready to implement strategies to combat the menace of Fulani herdsmen, which had claimed many lives, as well as armed robbery.
Community leaders in Nigeria's oil-rich south on Monday urged militants not to resume attacks on pipelines but give peace talks with the government another chance.
The Niger Delta Avengers group last week threatened to resume its targeting of oil and gas infrastructure that in 2016 led to a slump in output that helped tip Nigeria into recession.
But Edwin Clark, the head of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) set up last year to chart a way forward with the government, said they should be patient.
The government may have so far failed to act on a list of 16 recommendations to revive the region "but we... are not expecting that everything will be done in one year", he added.
"We are therefore appealing to the people of PANDEF and the people of Niger Delta that the Niger Delta Avengers... should reconsider their decision to resume hostilities," he said.
"Let us give the federal government another chance," he was quoted as telling the Vanguard newspaper.
Trouble brewing
Trouble has been brewing in the swamps and creeks for months at the lack of progress on reforms, which includes cleaning up oil spills to the construction of a maritime university.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has led a charm offensive in the region to calm rising tempers, at a time when Nigeria needs oil revenue to help boost its fragile economic recovery.
PANDEF itself had earlier issued a November 1 ultimatum to pull out of talks but in August withdrew the threat after meeting Osinbajo.
But frustration both with the talks and those leading them remains.
"But be that as it may, our primary concern remains that there must be no hostility," PANDEF coordinating secretary Alfred Mulade told AFP.
Judy Asuni, the coordinator of the Niger Delta Dialogue and Contact Group, said it was "ridiculously unnecessary for the boys to resume attacks".
The PANDEF talks were "better than nothing", she added.
Malte Liewerscheidt, senior Africa analyst at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft, said the Avengers' threat still needed to be taken "very seriously".
The group claimed 17 attacks in 2016 in an area west of Warri, in Delta state, between the Benin and Forcados rivers.
"It is highly likely that any potential future assaults will take place within the same area, which includes the important Escravos oil export terminal," he said.
06.11.2017 LISTEN
I respect the opinions of the Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, for the most part, and can be quite certain that he had in the past spoken out and/or written about the same when, led on by then-President John Evans Atta-Mills, Messrs. Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa and Edward Omane-Boamah rudely, imperiously and criminally defied the ruling of the Wood Supreme Court in the landmark matter of Jake OtankaObetsebi-Lampteys legitimately purchased state-owned real estate and landed properties.
Unfortunately, I cant quite remember Mr. Abdul Malik KwekuBaakos following through with a sustained argument for Messrs. Okudzeto-Ablakwa and Omane-Boamah not to be, respectively, appointed Deputy Education Minister and substantive Communications Minister by former President John Dramani Mahama, the man who curiously, publicly, scandalously and narcissistically celebrated the bizarre and mysterious set of circumstances leading to the early-morning death of his former boss and immediate predecessor, Prof. John Evans Atta-Mills.
And so Mr. Baakos sustained call for the resignation or dismissal of Mr. George Ayisi-Boateng, the current Ghana High Commissioner to South Africa, is rather odd, more so when the critic himself frankly acknowledges that Mr. Ayisi-Boateng was only revealing the truth about Ghanas body politic where service delivery sometimes [oftentimes?] depends on personal and political affiliations (See Sack Ayisi-Boateng Kwaku[sic] Baako to Akufo-Addo MyJoyOnline.com / Ghanaweb.com 11/4/17).
But Mr. Baako unintentionally exposes his own abject hypocrisy by adding that, somehow, what differentiates Mr. Ayisi-Boateng from other passionately partisan Ghanaian politicians is the fact that Ghanas High Commissioner to South Africa is too honest and open about a patently routine practice over which there can be absolutely no dispute or debate: Mr. Ayisi-Boateng unwisely revealed his true mindset regarding how he intends to run his office.
In other words, what the Editor-Publisher of the New Crusading Guide is implying here is that the main fault of Mr. Ayisi-Boateng lies in the latters foolhardy decision to publicly reveal that he intended to manage the countrys affairs in Pretoria in the clearly and clinically partisan manner officially decreed by the late President Atta-Mills and former President Mahama and the rest of the key players of the National Democratic Congress, including Mr. KwesiAhwoi, the immediate predecessor of the undeservedly besieged Mr. Ayisi-Boateng.
What is even more quaint is the glaring fact that Mr. Baako seems to be well aware of the fact that his call for President Addo DankwaAkufo-Addo to fire Mr. Ayisi-Boateng has absolutely no moral value and/or substance. Which is why he obliquely faults a seemingly senile or diplomatically brash Mr. Ayisi-Boateng for being so scandalously brazen about an unspoken routine political practice: If you are caught, you face the music. To wit, Mr. KwesiAhwoi was not caught, and so Mr. KwesiAhwoi did not have to face the music, Mr. Baako clearly seems to be saying.
*Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs
06.11.2017 LISTEN
In reaction to former President John Mahama's description of Ghana's newly launched digital property addressing system as '419' or fraudulent, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has told the latter that the real scammers under his previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, will soon be exposed.
A visibly incensed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia did not take kindly to the former President's criticism, describing Mr. Mahama's understanding of the system as laughable , and urged him to read wide about the system.
He said Ghanaians after experiencing eight years of the former president's leadership as Vice President and President, know what a '419' scam looks like.
We know a 419 scam when we see one, and that unfortunately was the hallmark of the administration of former president Mahama. Ghanaians will find out more soon as people are held legally accountable. With the record that former president Mahama has in the area of governance, it is incredible that he would have the effrontery to talk about 419 scams.
The Vice President, an avowed critic of the then Mahama administration, made these comments when he spoke today [Monday], about the importance of the digital property addressing system for farmers at the plush Peduase Lodge.
Speaking at an NDC unity walk in Cape Coast on Sunday, the former President accused the Vice President of embarrassing the government with the digital addressing system which in his view attracted a huge cost, when same could be accessed on Google Maps for free.
How can you launch a Google GPS system that is freely available on our mobile phone and say it is a national addressing system. It is such a pity. Why will you embarrass the president so much? You go and take a whole president to bring him to come and launch a system that is 419, John Mahama said.
According to him, the addressing system is fraudulent, and that someone must be punished for misusing state funds to procure the system.
He thus called on the president to show that he is serious about corruption by holding someone accountable for the launch of the $2.5 million digital addressing system.
When we talk about accountability, this is where the president should show that he is serious about corruption. Somebody must account for 15 million giving away free of charge. When I was in office, there was a bus branding incident, GH3.6m, a minister of state resigned because of GH3.6m, John Mahama said.
He said Government indeed ensured value for money, and so cannot be accused of wastage or corruption.
He thus enumerated a number of initiatives that were known to have led to the siphoning of state funds under then President Mahama.
The National Digital Property Address System:
is not your 419 GH200 million SADA Guinea fowl and tree planting scam
is not your 419 Smarttys Bus Branding scam
is not your 419 $23 million runway at Kumasi Airport
is not your 419 GH 952 million GYEEDA scam
is not the 419 $14 million mansion for the vice president
is not the 419 GH657m Woyome, Waterville and other judgement debt scams
According to the Vice President, other companies bid as high as GHS170 million for the project.
He said one of the most credible international companies that participated put in a bid for over GHS38million.
The NDPAS is therefore value for money. Countries such as Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Mongolia are all implementing NDPASs similar to Ghana and none has opted for a free Google or other existing free mapping app. In fact, from the prices quoted by the international main supplier of the digital address systems all these countries have spent at least three times more than Ghana for their digital property address systems. For former president Mahama to claim that Ghana's NDPAS and the accompanying GhanaPostGPS app is a 419 scam demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the system. We have been witnesses to 8 years of his governance as vice president and president and we know what 419 scams look like.
Mahama just engaged in parroting propaganda Bawumia
Dr. Bawumia in response said, I read that the former President described Ghana's National Digital Addressing system as a 419 scam. When I read his reasoning for such a description, it became very evident to me that he has no clue about what he was talking about and was just engaged in parroting propaganda. I actually had a good laugh.
Educating the former President and critics of the system, Dr. Bawumia explained that, the system is a national database system that provides the digital address for every landed property in Ghana.
Basically every 5x5m property has a unique digital address on the grid with region, district and postcode. Under this system, 16.1 billion addresses have been generated for the whole of Ghana. It relies on surveyed data from Lands Commission and the Latitude and Longitudes to generate postcodes and addresses for every square inch of Ghana.
He further pointed out that, the system is independent of Google and any other mapping tool adding that Google will not give the postcode, region or district for a particular location for example. It will not give you a register of addresses for every user. Banks for example cannot confirm an address by going to Google maps, but they can do so through the NDPAS for registered users.
Digital Addressing system will benefit Ghanaians Bawumia
The Vice President stated that, the 2.5 million dollar system will be beneficial to Ghanaians and cannot be compared to the millions blown by the Mahama government in the bus branding, SADA scandals and others that rocked his government.
We did not spend it on Akonfem, bus branding, over-priced mansions and contracts, ghost roads, etc. We have spent it on something productive. As a result, Ghana has an excellent digital property addressing system if former president Mahama would care to take some time and just read and learn about it. It was developed by Ghanaians and we should collectively take pride in their work and not try to pull them down.
He warned that former President Mahama and his appointees will see what 419 really means when the claws of the legal system is unleashed on them.
Gov. Scott Walker, who officially launched his bid for a third term Sunday, rallied supporters at Empire Screen Printing in Onalaska Monday morning. That evening, more than half a dozen of the Democrats hoping to unseat him debated at a candidate forum in La Crosse.
Walker bragged of record employment numbers and graduation rates, ACT scores among the best in the nation, and $8 billion in cumulative tax cuts enacted during his first seven years. He also touted six years of tuition freezes at state universities, and new requirements for people receiving public assistance to look for work and pass a drug screening.
We are moving Wisconsin forward, Walker said, while asking voters for another four years in office. Theres more work to be done.
Walker did not mention his 2010 campaign promise to create 250,000 new private sector job, a goal that has continued to elude him, but the states economy is far healthier than when he took office. The unemployment rate is at a 16-year low, and there are more people working than at any point in state history.
Also absent in the 9-minute stump speech was any mention of the economic development deal Walker signed earlier this year to land a $10 billion flat-screen manufacturing plant, which includes a controversial $3 billion in government assistance but could bring up to 13,000 jobs.
Walker did not take questions before heading to his next stop in Eau Claire.
The state Democratic party accused Walker of ignoring working-class people so far during his tenure.
Its appalling that Walker has not been focused on all the people of Wisconsin all along, chairwoman Martha Laning said in a news release. He had his opportunity, yet his actions have benefited the wealthy elite at the top while he left everyone else behind.
The $3 billion in proposed funding for the Foxconn expansions was one of the targets the Democratic candidates latched onto as they threw jabs at Walker during Mondays debate at the Brick House. They also charged Walker with failing to make good on his promise of 250,000 new jobs, using a former conservative talking point to describe the Governors policies of tax breaks for businesses: crony capitalism.
We need to do an about-face, candidate Mike McCabe said during the debate. We need to build the economy from the ground up.
It will be the fourth gubernatorial campaign for Walker, the former Milwaukee County executive who survived a 2012 recall election spurred by Act 10, signature legislation introduced early in his first year that stripped public workers of most collective bargaining rights. Walker has since signed Republican legislation making Wisconsin a right to work state, further weakening unions.
None of that bothered John McCann, a retired Trane worker and union member disillusioned with organized labor. McCann attended the rally with his wife, Bonnie, who said she appreciates Walkers efforts to create jobs and keep taxes down.
Walker would be only the second governor in state history to be elected to a third term, and the first since Tommy Thompson did it 20 years ago.
Hes done a lot better job than Tommy Thompson ever did, said Carol Schumann, who worked on Walkers first campaign and was one of several dozen supporters at his rally Monday. The 82-year-old former Empire Screen Printing employee said she likes that Walker is straightforward and follows through on what he says.
Not everyone was so enamored.
Ben Plunkett of River Falls, one of about 20 protesters outside the private event, said Walker has failed to create jobs that provide workers with a livable wage.
A group of self-described low-wage workers who contend Walker has rigged the system to reward the wealthy planned to travel around the state this week picketing his campaign rallies.
While no clear Democratic frontrunner has emerged, Walker said he expects to be the target of big government special interest groups, including a progressive group aligned with former President Barack Obamas campaign that has set its sights on statehouse elections in an effort to end gerrymandering.
This isnt going to be an easy race, he said. We know as weve seen in the past, the attacks are coming.
In a constantly changing country where all eyes are fixed on the future, Nigerian artist Johnson Uwadinma is fixated by the past.
"If you do not know where you are coming from, how then do you know where you are going to?" he asks.
For his project, "Amnesia", he has stuck together hundreds of balls made from old crumpled up newspaper and painted in bright colours, like a mass of strange molecules.
The piece -- symbolising the many unresolved crises Nigeria has faced over decades -- was on show last weekend at the contemporary art fair, "Art X Lagos".
"The media constantly repeats the same stories about corruption, war, violence, deceit," said Uwadinma. "We never learn from our past."
'Programmed forgetfulness'
Uwadinma hails from the southeast, where 50 years ago, the military governor in charge of the region, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared an independent republic of Biafra for the Igbo majority there.
That triggered a bloody civil war that lasted 30 months and left more than one million dead.
But Uwadinma, 35, said: "This story, like the atrocities committed by successive military regimes, is not taught at school."
The world was stunned by pictures of starving children in the Biafran war. But the atrocities have been wiped from Nigeria's collective memory, says Uwadinma
Ten years ago, the federal government even withdrew history from primary and secondary school teaching, deeming it not to be an essential subject for students as future jobseekers.
There have been mounting calls in politics and academia for it to be reintroduced.
For Uwadinma, "the way we recycle the news is a symptom of the way we trash our memory and look for the next trendy story".
This "programmed forgetfulness" has not stopped the West African oil giant, with its population hurtling towards 200 million, from developing at a pace since the return of civilian rule at the end of the 1990s.
Nigeria -- a driver of the whole continent -- is a source of fascination with its economic dynamism, flourishing cinema industry Nollywood and billionaire pop stars.
But the glitzy icons are a far cry from the music legend of the 1970s and 80s, Fela Kuti and his anti-establishment Afrobeat.
"We only hear about money, girls and parties, it's out of touch with reality," said Uwadinma.
Pop-up gallery
The second edition of Art X this year saw works shown from more than 60 artists from 15 African countries at 14 galleries.
Celine Seror, the co-founder of the pan-African Intense Art Magazine (IAM), described it as a crossroads of "very intense, very rich" cultural exchange.
"It connects Nigerian artists and the whole continent with politicians and rich major collectors who could buy their art," she said.
"They're exploring 'classic' themes of contemporary art such as the body, intimacy... but there are also a lot of works with a strong political message about corruption or even the wealth gap."
For Zina Saro-Wiwa, even if the event has a clear commercial side, art must before anything else "mobilise the spirit, create value".
A curator, artist and film-maker, Saro-Wiwa is also the daughter of the Nigerian writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed in 1995 by Sani Abacha's military regime.
Her father led a popular movement that brought global attention to the devastating pollution by foreign oil companies, including Shell, in his native Ogoniland.
Three years ago, Zina Saro-Wiwa decided to return to her roots in the Niger Delta to "explore the legacy" of her father.
She created "Boys' Quarters" in her father's old office in a working class area of the oil hub Port Harcourt, making it a pop-up contemporary art gallery where promising artists, including Uwadinma, could exhibit.
Art as a message
Zina Saro-Wiwa refuses the tag of "activist", calling it "too flat and too simplistic".
Oil pollution in Nigeria's Delta region has become a hot issue, combining corruption, damage to the environment and consequences for health
She also refused to be resigned to the inevitability of oil pollution and conflict between armed militants, oil companies and the government.
Instead, the artist wants to get young people in the Delta to ask questions about their future and their environment through art and performance.
She sees it as a way of telling them: "Don't expect foreign companies to provide a job for you or to steal oil from them, we have to take charge of us."
Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia says former President John Mahama's record in government makes him unsuitable to describe a government's digital address system as '419'.
Taking on arguably his favourite political target, Dr. Bawumia said he found it "incredible that he [Mahama] would have the effrontery to talk about 419 scams.
After learning of Mahama's description of the application as a pitiful and embarrassing initiative which is already available on Google, Dr Bawumia is convinced the former president "has no clue about what he was talking about."
Launched on October 18 by President Nana Akufo-Addo, the National Digital Property Addressing System (NDPAS) is a key component of formalising the economy to improve financial and socio-economic inclusion and tax collection.
Some Ghanaians branded the app as unspectacular and ineffective. Some have wondered what problem that app exactly tries to solve. The government has been explaining the app's usefulness.
But it has taken a political jab from the former President to invite Dr. Bawumia to come out to give Mr. Mahama a personal explanation in a 4-page statement which begins by explaining the functions, uniqueness and cost involved in the National Digital Property Addressing System.
Dr Bawumia suggested the Preisdent has confused the GhanaPostGPS app as the NDPAS. He said the app is a component and not the entire project.
The Vice-President explained that the advantage of GhanaPostGPS app over Google is that google maps cannot confirm an address.
He said the app cannot be cost-free because among others, intellectual property rights are involved while there is also the cost of training for a nation-wide sensitization on the use of the app.
Dr. Bawumia then moves away from technical digitals and jumps into the political arena stating "we have been witnesses to 8 years of his [Mahama] governance as Vice President and President and we know what 419 scams look like".
He proceeded to point out scandalous payments of GH200 million under the SADA Guinea fowl and tree planting "scam". He mentioned the $23million paid for the construction of a runway at Kumasi Airport as well as "GH 952 million GYEEDA scam".
Dr Bawumia hailed the digital address system as excellent and repeated a 2016 advice to Mahama to "take some time and just read".
The Vice-President said propaganda did not help the National Democratic Congress (NDC) while in government and cannot help it climb out of opposition.
Listen to audio
Read full statement
H.E DR. MAHAMUDU BAWUMIA RESPONDS TO H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA ON THE NATIONAL DIGITAL PROPERTY ADDRESSING SYSTEM (NDPAS).
Yesterday I read that former President Mahama described Ghanas NDPAS as a 419 scam. When I read his reasoning for such a description, it was evident to me that he has no clue about what he was talking about and was just engaged in parroting propaganda. I actually had a good laugh. Let me therefore take this opportunity to educate him and others who may think like him about Ghanas landmark digital property addressing which has been achieved in less than one year, something his government could not do in eight years!
I hope that in all humility former President Mahama can now accept criticism from me since by the Grace of God I have now occupied the office of Vice President of the Republic.
What is the National Digital Property Address System?
The NDPAS is a national database system that provides the digital address for every landed property in Ghana. Basically every 5x5m property has a unique digital address on the grid with region, district and postcode. Under this system, 16.1 billion addresses have been generated for the whole of Ghana. It relies on surveyed data from Lands Commission and the Latitude and Longitudes to generate postcodes and addresses for every square inch of Ghana. The NDPAS comes with the National Address Registry to keep records of all citizens on where they register as their office and residential addresses. The Platform comes with open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to allow third party application developers integrate into the system to be able to translate and use the digital addresses to help facilitate transactions. It is important to note that the NDPAS is independent of Google and any other mapping tool. Google will not give the postcode, region or district for a particular location for example. It will not give you a register of addresses for every user. Banks for example cannot confirm an address by going to Google maps but they can do so through the NDPAS for registered users.
It is very important that we distinguish the NDPAS from the applications that are developed to use the system. We should not confuse the system with the applications.
The GhanaPostGPS App is a tool that helps everyone easily know what their address is. It relies on the open APIs of the NDPAS to retrieve addresses for properties across the country. The app uses maps provided by Google, Openstreet, ESRI and Bing to aid in easy identification and navigation.
It is expected that many app developers will integrate their apps into the NDPAS and utilize the address system to push ecommerce and service delivery. One can see organizations such as Ghana Water, ECG, Banks, etc. developing apps using the NDPAS for their own purposes.
Uniqueness of Ghanas Digital Address System
Many have indicated that there are other digital address systems in the world; of course but those do not detract from the fact that what we have in Ghana is something pretty special. None of the digital address systems in the world focus on local relevance in the same way that the GhanaPostGPS platform does. The GhanaPostGPS platform relies on Surveyed data to provide addresses. That means when you request your address, the platform makes reference to your district and region before determining your address, unlike other platforms that just use mathematics to calculate and assign an address.
The postcode system built into this platform utilizes the Spiral Matrix Postcode Algorithm to generate the various postcodes across the nation where the centre is postcode 0, postcode 1 is 500 meters, postcode 2 is 500m from postcode 1 going in a spiral until the entire district has been addressed with postcodes.
A digital address system complete with postcodes is pretty unique. A digital address system complete with postcodes that reference surveyed data is totally unheard of in the world! As far as I am aware, there is simply no digital address system available in the world today that uses Ghana specific Lands Commission survey data complete with postcodes. The digital address system that we have implemented is leapfrogging Ghana into the 21st century!
It is no surprise that this system came top after 28 companies (including some of the best companies in the world in this area) expressed interest in the bid process to provide a digital address system for Ghana.
COST OF THE NATIONAL DIGITAL ADDRESS SYSTEM
Ghana is undertaking a project to implement a NDPAS. The cost of the project as advertised is GH9.9m or $2.3 million (VAT inclusive). It should be noted that this amount is the total cost of the project, not just the app. For those like former President Mahama saying this could have been delivered for free, please take note:
1. There is a cost of the public awareness campaign to aid in the public education and awareness creation for the National Digital address system over the next 12 months. You have all seen the Jack Where are you billboards, internet and social media placements as well as heard the adverts on radio.
2. Infrastructure Set Up Cost the costs of Servers (production and redundancies), firewalls, operating system and database licenses as well as support have all been included in the cost of the project.
3. Third party licensing fees. At the launch, Vokacom made it clear that the platform could run using any map provider such as openstreet and google. To present a seamless user experience, they opted to pay google for the use of their map services. The Hon. Minister of Communication, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has made it clear that the government will not be paying any more money to any mapping solutions provider when the current term expires. We are in fact working with Google, Microsoft, esri and openstreet to agree and go with one of these solutions providers.
4. The cost of physically embossing 4,000 government and other public buildings.
5. The cost of training for all staff of Ghanapost as well as other stakeholders such as NCCE across the nation is included in this cost. So far, over 800 buildings have been embossed with their digital addresses and more than 500 persons have been trained across the country. More embossment and training are ongoing.
6. The cost of over 300 smart devices equipped with the Offline version of the app are being deployed across the nation to staff of Gdhanapost and other supporting agencies to assist citizens who do not have smartphones.
7. Testing, that is ground truthing, across the nation to give assurance of the validity of the system.
8. Intellectual property of the developers
How could anyone claim that this project could have come for free? Would the free givers have given us free public education, servers, firewalls, house embossments, training and smart devices all for free?
It is worth noting that other companies bid as high as GHS170million for this project. In fact, one of the most credible international companies that participated put in a bid for over GHS38million. The NDPAS is therefore value for money. Countries such as Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Mongolia are all implementing NDPASs similar to Ghana and none has opted for a free Google or other existing free mapping app. In fact, from the prices quoted by the international main supplier of the digital address systems all these countries have spent at least three times more than Ghana for their digital property address systems.
For former president Mahama to claim that Ghanas NDPAS and the accompanying GhanaPostGPS app is a 419 scam demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the system. We have been witnesses to 8 years of his governance as vice president and president and we know what 419 scams look like.
The National Digital Property Address System:
is not your 419 GH200 million SADA Guinea fowl and tree planting scam
is not your 419 Smarttys Bus Branding scam
is not your 419 $23 million runway at Kumasi Airport
is not your 419 GH 952 million GYEEDA scam
is not the 419 $14 million mansion for the vice president
is not the 419 GH657m Woyome, Waterville and other judgement debt scams
We know a 419 scam when we see one and that unfortunately was the hallmark of the administration of former president Mahama. Ghanaians will find out more soon as people are held legally accountable. With the record that former president Mahama has in the area of governance, it is incredible that he would have the effrontery to talk about 419 scams.
We have spent $2.3 million on a NDPAS and I dare say it is money well spent for the benefit of all Ghanaians. It is not money finding itself into the pockets of a few cronies. We did not spend it on Akonfem, bus branding, over-priced mansions and contracts, ghost roads, etc. We have spent it on something productive. As a result, Ghana has an excellent digital property addressing system if former president Mahama would care to take some time and just read and learn about it. It was developed by Ghanaians and we should collectively take pride in their work and not try to pull them down.
Work is proceeding and the NDPAS will be implemented with the physical tagging of each house next year as well as the synchronization of the digital address of each property with the address on the utility bills of the property.
I should note that propaganda did not help former President Mahama when he was in government and it is certainly not going to help him in opposition. We welcome constructive criticism but before you criticize, please take your time to make sure you know what you are talking about otherwise you would be sadly exposed as being ignorant of simple facts as in this case.
Stan Dogbe has stated that the former president John Mahama did not refer to President Akufo-Addo and his appointees as pigs when he addressed National Democratic Congress (NDC) faithful, Sunday.
The former Director of Communications at the Flagstaff House posted on his Facebook wall clarifying a statement his former Boss while commenting on the divisive remarks by High Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi-Boateng.
Stan Dogbe post: Mahama did not call Ghanaians PIGS
On October 28, Mr. Ayisi-Boateng who is Ghanas High Commissioner to South Africa while addressing some TESCON members in Kumasi stated that he prioritizes NPP members over other Ghanaians and added that some Ghanaians are more Ghanaian than others.
He early on refused to apologize nor retract his words when public opinion mounted on him to do so but after being summoned to the seat of government, he released a letter apologizing for the effect of his words and retracting same.
This development has however not gone down with a section of society especially the main opposition party, the NDC who accuse him of giving an insincere apology and have called on him to resign or the president to relieve him of his post.
Former president John Mahama who lost abysmally to Nana Akufo-Addo in December 2016 in a failed attempt to secure his second term, waded into the conversation and accused the president of not showing good leadership skills for not sacking Ayisi-Boateng.
Mahama in 2016
He added that Mr. Ayisis comments are likable to those of Napoleon and the other pigs in George Orwells Animal Farm where the animals said all animals are equal but in a bid to justify why they were enjoying the pigs changed the phrase to all animals are equal but some are more equal than others.
Mahama was speaking to NDC members on Sunday in Cape Coast in the Central Region at a unity walk organized by the party.
The former presidents comments have however, failed to evade the eagle eyes of some critics on social media who have accused him of referring to President Akufo-Addo and his appointees as pigs. Some of the critics have chastised the former head of state and asked him to crawl back into his shell.
Mr. Dogbe's Facebook post on Monday explains that the former president was only giving an example to show the equivalence between Mr. Ayisi-Boateng's comments and the behavior of the pigs in the famous novel.
Extract of Post
In the meantime, the minority has given an ultimatum to Mr. Ayisi-Boateng to resign or the president should sack him or face their [minority] next line of action.
Speaking on Joy News TVs UPFRONT programme, Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said they would resort parliamentary procedures to have the High Commissioner removed if he fails to resign.
06.11.2017 LISTEN
Employment agencies in the country are reportedly violating governments ban on recruiting Ghanaians for domestic work in Gulf countries.
Some recruits who have returned from Saudi Arabia have revealed the agencies are now resorting to using Togo and Benin as avenues to transport them to avoid the Ghanaian authorities.
In June this year, the Employment and Labour Relations Minister Ignatius Baffour Awuah announced the temporary ban to curtail many reported cases of abuse faced by some Ghanaians working in those countries.
But some returnees have revealed to Joy News, agents are still facilitating such travels through neighboring countries.
Ghanas former Deputy Head of Mission to Saudi Arabia, Hajia Hawawu Boya Gariba, lent credence to speculations that government heavyweights and influential persons in society are behind the trafficking of young Ghanaian girls to the Gulf states.
Related: Immigration Service rescues 150 trafficked girls
She told Joy News that although she would not mention names, trafficking of girls to the Gulf States, many of whom are abused, has been difficult to fight due to the involvement of these influential persons.
If you hear the names that go into this kind of business, you will be shocked. I cannot mention names now. But if you hear the type of big names that are involved in this thing you will not respect them again, she said.
A chilling report by Joy News Kwetey Nettey has chronicled the ordeals of Ghanaian girls in the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia - rape, forced prostitution and physical abuse among accounts by the girls who return home.
23-year-old Beatrice Owusu who returned from Saudi Arabia on Saturday recounting her three-month ordeal to Joy News said she worked as a maid in three different households, which did not yield in her desired result.
Related: Big names behind trafficking of girls to Gulf states Former Ambassador
She said in the first house she met a Ghanaian by name Rose who advised her and other newly recruited ladies to flee the country because of the unfavourable conditions.
Ms Owusu said their sponsor got to know about the advise and subjected them to severe beatings, after which she was relocated to another house.
Once there, she had no food and even bathing was an issue because she was working 24 hours with no sleep.
According to her, although she had heard such stories about the cruel nature of ladies working in the Gulf, her friend living over there and the agent convinced her.
Related: Ghanaian housemaids in The Gulf: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
They told her it was a good place to earn a good living so she started making preparation. From there on, she did not hear from her friend again but the agent explained to her that she had moved.
He assured her nothing bad will happen to her because he will take good care of her.
This energised her to embark on the journey although her mother and sister dissuaded her.
Another returnee, 40-year-old Comfort Aboagye also alleges the agents are paid least 20,000 by their Saudi counterparts for each worker, a phenomenon she likens to the slave trade.
Ayisi Boateng
06.11.2017 LISTEN
The Ashanti Vigilante Group (AVG) have threatened that any attempt by any New Patriotic Party (NPP) official, or any member of the appointing authority of the current regime to influence the removal or resignation of Mr Ayisi Boateng, the High Commissioner to South Africa, because of agitations from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the minority in parliament will swiftly trigger the resignation of the entire membership.
The group, an identifiable group of the NPP totaling over 600 said past appointees of NDC since time immemorial have been synonymous with discriminatory and divisive comments that are worse than what Ayisi Boateng said but none ever apologized or resigned.
In a press statement released by the president of the group, Nana Kwadwo Pipim, it said once the Patron of TESCON has rendered an apology to all Ghanaians, the Minority in Parliament has no business again for calling on his resignation.
"Enough is enough, after the minority had succeeded in getting an apology from Mr Ayisi Boateng, which shouldn't have been done even in the first place because a spade will forever remain a spade, not a big spoon, we want to pledge our unflinching support to the respected diplomat, and also declare our readiness to resist any frivolous calls by any individual or group, notably the minority in parliament to demand the removal or resignation of H.E George Ayisi Boateng, from his post, the released said.
The full text of the release
ASHANTI VIGILANTE GROUP (AVG)
IF THE MINORITY SUCCEED IN COMPELLING AYISI BOATENG TO RESIGN, WE WILL ALSO RESIGN EN BLOC
The attention of Ashanti Vigilante Group (AVG), an identifiable group of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been drawn to the persistent frivolous and hypocritical calls by the minority in parliament to demand the resignation of H.E George Ayisi Boateng, Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, over an alleged "partisan comments" he made at a TESCON gathering, at the Kumasi Technical University.
Mr Ayisi Boateng, who reportedly vowed to prioritize NPP members in his dealings with Ghanaians humbly, rendered an unqualified apology to all Ghanaians after receiving backlash from a section of Ghanaians over that honest and unharmful statement to let sleeping dogs lie.
Despite the unprecedented show of humility and maturity by the Ashanti regional Patron of TESCON to render an apology, the minority in parliament still remains resolute and unequivocal in their calls to demand an immediate resignation of George Ayisi Boateng. However, we the members of AVG, totalling over 600 people, see the posture of the minority and the NDC at large as a symbol of hypocrisy and double standards. Past appointees of NDC since time immemorial have been synonymous with discriminatory and divisive comments that are worse than this, but none ever apologized or resigned.
For example, page 4 of the Daily Guide newspaper reported on 25th November 2009, a press conference held by Hon Mahama Ayariga, the then presidential spokesman of Late Prof. Atta Mills. At the said press conference, Mahama Ayariga disclosed that the president has directed all government appointees to give job opportunities to NDC members first before others.
In spite of the public opposition to this unfortunate pronouncement, neither the president, nor his spokesman, apologized or resigned. The minority therefore do not have the moral right to fuel calls for the resignation of Mr Ayisi Boateng who made an honest and unharmful comment at the right place, at the right time.
Now, the position of AVG is clear, we are saying "enough is enough" after the minority had succeeded in getting an apology from Mr Ayisi Boateng, which shouldn't have been done even in the first place because "a spade will forever remain a spade, not a big spoon", we want to pledge our unflinching support to the respected diplomat, and also declare our readiness to resist any frivolous calls by any individual or group, notably the minority in parliament to demand the removal or resignation of H.E George Ayisi Boateng, from his post.
We want to conclude by saying that any attempt by any NPP party official, or any member of the appointing authority of the current regime to influence the removal or resignation of Mr Ayisi Boateng, because of the needless agitations from the confused opposition NDC and their hypocritical minority will swiftly trigger the resignation of the entire membership of Ashanti Vigilante Group (AVG).
Long Live H.E George Ayisi Boateng!!
Long Live Ashanti Vigilante Group (AVG)!!
Long Live NPP!!
Long Live Ghana!!
SIGNED:
Nana Kwadwo Pipim (President)
0509628866
Mr Joel Bonsu (Secretary)
0550718930
Mr Asiedu Agyapong Bismark (Director of Research)
024 659 6911 / 0200939780
06.11.2017 LISTEN
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to disburse the 5th tranche of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) to Ghana within the coming weeks.
It follows the fifth review of Ghana's performance under the program, last week.
Citi Business News understands the Fund has not been very satisfied with government's missing of the revenue targets considering the ambitious policies being rolled out.
The Fund will not be satisfied but in so far as you also cut expenditure, then you are good to some extent. If your revenue is underperforming, and you still hold on to your projected expenditure, then that is troubling but government could reduce the expenditure to match the shortfall in revenue, Chairman of Parliament's Finance Committee, Dr. Mark Assibey Yeboah alluded.
The meeting was largely with some government officials from the Presidency, Parliament as well as Finance Ministry.
It is expected that the Fund will approve the disbursement of some 110 million dollars to Ghana.
Dr. Mark Assibey Yeboah believes the release of the amount should address critical needs of the economy.
This in his view should help address the potential shortfall to be witnessed in some critical sectors of the economy.
Then again the economy will suffer in terms of economic growth, job creation and the rest. It is not that somebody is shirking the responsibilities or anything of that sort. But sometimes the projections are too ambitious.
The country went to the IMF in 2015 for an External Credit Facility of about US$918 million under the John Mahama administration.
Dr. Assibey also indicated that the discussions covered all the issues, from monetary to fiscal, trade, energy bond, among others.
The Fund, after its fourth review, disbursed US$94.2 million.
This brings total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$565.2 million.
06.11.2017 LISTEN
The Government of Ghana has awarded a contract for construction of a new infrastructure for the pupils and teachers of the Ogome Anglican Basic Junior High School in the Yilo Krobo Municipal of the Eastern region.
In a sod cutting ceremony on Thursday at the schools assembly ground, the Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Ebenezer Tetteh Kpualor said, the project will be completed and handed over to the Assembly on 31st December 2017.
The edifice by completion will include six unit classrooms with electricity connected, auxiliary office accommodation for a head teacher, a staff common room and a library.
According to the MCE who is an Educationist, the project is a Ghana Government project with funding from the European Union. Hon. Ebenezer Kupualor called on the contracting company, Meshiels MN&P Ghana Limited to work in agreement with the needs of the community and the school since they are the first hand beneficiaries.
Contractor, you have come to put up a project for the school. I want your collaboration with the chief, the Assembly, the Education Directorate and the school There must be a cordial relationship; when something is going on and they are not happy give them a hearing ear that will make the project succeed, the MCE cautioned.
He required community members to provide security assistance to enable the smooth running of the project.
The Assemblyman of the area, Mr. Joseph Tetteh was charged to supervise the activities on the project to the chief of Ogome, Nene Aklo Sackie and the Assembly through the Municipal Engineer.
Nene Aklo Sackie who honoured the sod cutting ceremony appealed to all to support the Government, the MCE and the Contractors as they commerce work on the project site.
Miss Faustina Bediako shaking hands with the MCE, Nene Aklo Sackie after the sod cutting
On his part, Mr. Augustine Adusei also expressed glee at the project, adding that pupils, teachers and community members have every reason to be happy since the importance of a good infrastructure environment cannot be underestimated in education.
The Headmistress of the Ogome Anglican Basic Schools, on her part, pleaded with the MCE to relocate the community refuse container which is placed close to the school and which is triggering an unfavourable and stinking learning environment to the school.
She also called on authorities to bring more classroom projects to cover the school as the KG block of the school is in a poor state.
The contract which was awarded on 21st October is expected to be handed over to the Assembly on the 31st December, 2017. The short duration for the completion of the project has however raised concerns of possible compromise in quality.
Meanwhile, contractor of the project, Miss Faustina Badiako who spoke in an interview with ritefmonline.org in allaying fears of a possible compromise in quality said quality of work would not be affected notwithstanding the short duration of the project.
Irrespective of the limited duration, quality will not be compromised and our outfit will be able to complete the project since we have worked on contracts larger than the current work, she assured.
To tell the truth, this is the least among the contracts we have been doing. We have built schools, assembly halls, dormitories and dining halls, she replied.
According to Miss Badiako, the amount involved in the construction of the edifice is Ghc 400,000 and has pleaded with the community to avoid high labour charges on their services to see the work come to light.
She reaffirmed that her company, Meshiels MN&P will build six unit classrooms connected with electricity, library, an office for a headteacher, store, a staff common room but not including toilet and urinal.
It is pathetic the way this hitherto faceless Prof. Victor K. Owusu has so shamefully conducted himself. He has insulted everyone who believes in the rule of law (i e. Prof. Avoke and the FO to prove the legal basis of the numerous contracts they awarded to SPAKXXX and other contractors to EOCO).
In his frustration, Prof Victor K. Owusu has insulted His Excellency, the President of the Republic; the Minister of Education; the Minister of State responsible for Tertiary Education; Nenyi Ghartey VII, Paramount Chief of the Effutu Traditional Area; the UEW Council Chairman; the Acting VC; the MP for Effutu; the Winneba High Court Judge; My Most Beloved Late Father; etc.
Since Prof. Victor K. Owusu is incapable of countering any of the arguments I put out there based on the position of the law, it is only natural that he should resort to open insults directed at respectable people including yours truly. Honestly, I see most of the things he says about me, as an acceptance of defeat on his part.
If anyone wants to challenge me in the real sense, the onus lies on them to quote the relevant laws of this country to rebut my arguments and thereby set the records straight. Anything less than this, is a tacit admission of my superiority over them, which is exactly the current prevailing atmosphere.
My father passed away on 2nd August 1985, when I was not even 12 years old, so if anyone wants peace, they should leave my late father out of this and take me on. My late father NEVER asked me to put those articles out there. Am doing it on my own volition. If any calamity befalls anyone who insults my peaceful, caring and most beloved late father, it will exactly be what they asked for.
I urge Prof. Victor K. Owusu and his accomplices to ask Moslem scholars the consequences of an offended person reciting 'Surah Ya-Sin' accompanied by the slaughtering of a sheep to invoke Allah's curses on the offender. A word to the wise ....
To Prof. Victor K. Owusu, the only 'clean' individuals are the VC, FO, and the 4 other interdicted officers. Yet poor Prof. Victor K. Owusu has woefully failed to provide a single true and sound argument to support his points.
One may appreciate his frustrations when one finds out that Prof. Victor K. Owusu's team members include, Vincent Adzahlie and a certain Ahmed Jinapor, equally frustrated lecturers whose many sponsored foreign travels have ended due to the change in leadership of UEW.
Jinapor is peeved that he cannot be Head of Department for the 5th time in his comparatively short stay at UEW when his seniors are yet to get this opportunity.
Prof. Victor K. Owusu is livid because he no longer has UEW Management support to continue transferring all staff who are not of his tribe or political party. He is frustrated that he is unable to sack the College Finance Head who refused to allow him to flout State rules on Financial Management. Prof. Victor K. Owusu has not been allowed to impose only his tribesmen as suppliers on the College Procurement processes, hence, his hostile attitude towards the current UEW administration.
Adzahlie is angry that after serving as Vice Dean of Students and later as Chairman of Amalgamated Sports, where he enriched himself at the expense of the poor ordinary Ghanaian during the GUSA Games with over-bloated procurement, was going to be reassigned to the Office of Dean of Students Affairs (ODSA): and lost the position because he failed to apply for it in line with UEW Statutes. Adzahlie is peeved because the students he tried to organise to go on aluta in support of the embattled officers were smarter than him. They turned him down, having struggled to pay their fees, and looking forward to well deserved degrees.
The tables have turned, and Prof Victor K. Owusu and his satanic cronies are desperate to have their pound of flesh by fabricating lies and insulting respectable individuals in the community. They are better off looking for good lawyers to help defend their paymasters.
Alhassan Salifu Bawah
(unfazed son of a peasant farmer)
It's worrisome to see and hear UEW in the news almost always for the bad reasons. I get terrified with the ruined image of this great institution pictured and fixed on my mind. What at all could be wrong? I bow down my head knowing how boastful I have been as a member of UEW looking at the current impasse this once outstanding University is in.
Thinking aloud, I am forced to accept my friend Prof Sarfo's view of UEW. Prof will always explicitly debate how corruptible he has known the system UEW even as a visiting Prof some years back. He like several others in UTAG nationwide will debate and accept how bad and corrupt certain people in UEW were.
My worry indeed is not the fact that corruption has been unveiled in UEW, but it is the fact that as lecturers and Prof who are colleagues sit to discuss how cruel and corrupt their F.O ,his deputies and cronies are, they have the fear to openly disclose their happiness about the found new UEW which will be corruption free, the found new UEW which will not favour a group of persons over the others, the found new UEW, which will prioritize the interest of its students rather than the pocket of some selected management,the found new UEW which will follow laws and be financially disciplined.
Be as it may, UEW may be lost in the wickedness and corruption of criminals who have attempted to impoverish the institution whilst they enrich themselves, we are certain of a new brand, a positive one of course.
Funnily, we wake up to see series of releases I find unhealthy but needful to help onlookers understand what there is. Unfortunately for the fanatics of corruption who have resorted to define the case of UEW to suit them, they have supplied series of contradictory releases. We get confused by your releases hired writers who are ethnocentrically driven on the cushions of stolen monies of UEW.
Like we say, the end justifies the means. We hail whoever is ready to openly support a worthy course by fighting against corruption. Thumbs up to EOCO,BNI, THE LAW COURT AND The lawyer,the plaintiff who started this process.
As guided by the spirit of National Union of Ghana Student.
Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta
Let's together redefine UEW.
By.
*Akpelo Ransford*
*Eye of the student revolution*
Access Bank has rewarded another set of 20 winners in Ghanas first family promotion in a brief ceremony held at its Osu Oxford Street Branch here in Accra. Winning the ultimate prize in the first mega draw, the Santanah Family took away a sleek 2017 Hyundai Tucson.
Other lucky winners in the family segment received shopping vouchers worth GHS 1,000 cedis while the SME winners received prizes ranging from all-in-one printers, fire proof safes and money counting machines to desktop computers.
Glimmering with excitement, the head of the Santanah family Mr. Lawrence AckahSantanah who saves with the SefwiWiawso branch, expressed delight and profound gratitude to Access Bank for this gesture.
He said: When I decided to join the promo a few weeks ago after reading about it in the newspapers, little did I know that I could be chosen as one of the winners. This promo is real and I recommend Access Bank to anyone who desires to have a dependable financial partner for his banking needs.
Addressing customers and other stakeholders during the prize presentation, Mr. IfeanyiNjoku, the Executive Director Business Development for Access Bank, revealed that the Family promo has now been expanded to include the option of individual participation with a retuned name of Akyede3 kese3.
Whiles congratulating our over 500 lucky customers who have emerged as winners in the first phase of our family savings promo, I would like to announce to the general public that from now till the end of the year, we are casting our net wider to bring in more people who would like to enter solely as individuals. In this new phase, Individuals, families and groups as well as SMEs all stand an equal chance of winning any of the prizes available for the various categories in the revamped Akyede3 Kese3 promo,he said.
In attendance at the event were Mr. Hijazi Managing Director for Auto Plaza, Mr. EkowIncoom - Business Promotion Manager at the National Lotteries Authority, past winners and other stakeholders.
To join in the new phase of the promo dubbed Akyede3 Kese3, individual customers and Families or Groups will simply have to deposit and maintain a minimum of GHS 500 cedis. SME customers on the other hand will need to maintain a minimum balance of GHS 2,000 to be eligible to win in any of the 2 upcoming draws in December and January.
Launched in July this year, the Access Bank promo will run till the end of the year with GHS150,000 cash still up for grabs for the lucky individual, group or family. Other amazing rewards including educational scholarships, one year life insurance cover, shopping spree are also waiting to be won. SMEs also have the opportunity to win GHS 40,000 cash among other business enhancing prizes.
Access Bankspromowas launched by the Bank in partnership with the National Lotteries Authority (NLA) under the Caritas platform, Auto Plaza, Wapic Insurance and Ghana Life.
WASHINGTON (TNS) Republicans enter the new election cycle already carrying the weight of Sisyphus: Rarely does the party in power gain seats in midterm congressional elections. But in 2018, they have an additional burden to bear, as Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation into whether Donald Trumps team colluded with Russia drags into the campaign season.
As the recent indictments and guilty plea of three Trump campaign aides foreshadow, Muellers expansive inquiry will put Republicans who have been supportive or at least tolerant of Trumps behavior on the defensive as they try to win re-election and maintain control of Congress.
Certainly if were in a scenario where its totally consuming the news cycle, it will be very hard for Republicans to point to accomplishments, said Kevin Madden, a Republican communications strategist and top adviser to Mitt Romney, the partys 2012 presidential nominee. You could have a very animated opposition that could help Democrats really energize their base to show up on Election Day.
John Weaver, the chief strategist for Ohio Gov. John Kasichs unsuccessful fight against Trump last year to top the GOP ticket, offered a more lyrical description of the prevailing Trump-Russia climate: There will be a blue wind blowing that will make it difficult for the party in power to win anyway, much less with Siberian clouds moving in.
Muellers investigation is likely to continue through next year, if not longer. Several veteran prosecutors have said that the guilty plea and cooperation of George Papadopoulos, an obscure, low-level campaign foreign policy adviser who sought out Russian contacts, shows that Mueller is pursuing a tried-and-true legal strategy of starting with the minnows before gradually reeling in the trophy fish.
More politically explosive revelations are likely looming, they say, as Mueller painstakingly ascertains that every nail in the cases he is building is secure, every screw tightened.
It would come as no great shock to me that we hear about some other sealed pleadings, said David Weinstein, a former U.S. attorney.
On paper, Democrats remain at a disadvantage heading into the 2018 midterm elections. In the Senate, they have to defend 25 of their 48 seats, while Republican need to hold off challenges in just eight of their 52 seats. In the House, the GOP holds a 45-seat majority.
But it doesnt help Republicans that Trumps approval rating right now is 34 percent, according to the latest Pew Research Center survey. Other polls show that if the 2018 midterm election were held today, voters would prefer Democrats over Republicans by anywhere from 6 to 16 percentage points.
Still, much can happen over the next 12 months. A Washington Post-ABC News poll found that 58 percent of the public supports Muellers investigation. But Trumps core support wont budge even if Mueller finds that he did, in fact, collude with the Kremlin to win the presidency, according to yet another poll, this one by Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling. Moreover, his support among Republicans overall nears 80 percent.
But if the 2016 campaign teaches any lessons, its that political tradition is overrated, polls can be wrong and the preference of many voters in an age of political distrust and dysfunction is like the will-o-the-wisp: elusive and possibly misleading.
And Democrats, the likely beneficiaries of all the political turbulence, have a tendency to implode in self-defeating squabbles over progressive purity. Theyve also displayed a distinctive inability to craft a simple, coherent message that appeals to wayward moderates and others who abandoned them for Trumps Make America Great Again manifesto.
This is going to hurt, but it will hurt both parties badly, Republican strategist Kim Alfano said of the ongoing Mueller investigation. There is no such thing as a safe incumbent anymore. Anyone in office today is going to be under siege in their elections. Challengers will win. And the Democrats will misunderstand and think they have the mantle, just as we mistakenly thought we had the mantle. We dont. Were all in trouble, and yeah, this Russian crap just makes it that much worse.
Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee and a lawmaker well-steeped in the Russia investigation, said he has advised his party to focus less on Trump and his problems and more on the kitchen table issues important to voters.
I urge candidates to talk about what theyre going to do to improve the economy, bring jobs to communities that dont have them, secure retirement, pay for kids education, he said.
It would be a mistake if the Democrats message next year is simply resist, said Douglas Heye, a former spokesman for the Republican National Committee who has been critical of Trump.
This would be the time for them to put forward some serious proposals to talk about what they would do, he said. The resist message only appeals to Bernie (Sanders) voters and hard-core Clinton supporters.
Democratic pollster Mark Mellman said Democrats dont necessarily need to make Trump the focus of their message because awareness of the Mueller investigation into his alleged Russian ties is so pervasive.
Its everywhere, he said. Its not really something anyone has to do ads on. Its on TV nonstop, in newspapers. The news coverage will be so intense it will have an effect.
Theres no way to know for sure the direction Muellers digging will take. The indictments of Paul Manafort, Trumps former campaign chairman, and campaign adviser Rick Gates on money laundering charges seemingly unrelated to claims about Russia is seen as the special counsels opening gambit.
It would appear they are intending to use it as leverage, said Weinstein, the former federal prosecutor. Theyre letting them know we have evidence of what we believe are ties to allegations of Russian interference.
The end point to Muellers work is anyones guess. The Watergate investigation began as a probe into a burglary at Democratic Party headquarters, and led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon two years later.
Whitewater started out as a real estate probe, morphed into an inquiry into President Bill Clintons affair with a White House intern, and resulted in a vote by the House of Representatives to impeach him. The Senate subsequently declined to convict. But all told, it took six years for Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr to shut down the investigation.
The Starr investigation kept going and going as if there was never going to be an end, said Ken Gormley, the president of Duquesne University and a former dean of its law school who has authored books on Watergate prosecutor Archibald Cox and the clash between Clinton and Starr. Thats not how a good independent counsel goes. The real job is to move it toward a conclusion to end this uncertainty that hangs over the country.
He said Mueller is a seasoned prosecutor who will hew to his mandate without a lot of theatrics, though one thing can, indeed, lead to another and Muellers mandate permits him to go after crimes he encounters in the course of his probe. Still, its unlikely hes the kind of person who will be hopscotching from investigation to investigation just to keep it going, Gormley said.
In any case, Matthew Miller, a Justice Department spokesman during the Obama administration, said the Mueller investigation is a political time bomb: There are a lot different ways this could blow up right in the middle of the election.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said Monday it was time to shut camps hosting millions of displaced people from the conflict in Darfur as the war in the region had ended.
Bashir, wanted by The Hague-based International Criminal Court for genocide and war crimes related to the Darfur conflict, said internally displaced people should return to their villages and not stay in camps any more.
"Darfur has now recovered, and the next step is to empty the IDP camps as we don't want any more IDPs," Bashir said in a speech at a youth convention in Khartoum.
"IDPs and refugees have to return to their villages. We will provide security and services to their villages."
Bashir alleged that the IDP camps had become business ventures for foreign aid groups.
"They come and offer humanitarian aid, take pictures of our people to get donations and then take 80 percent of these donations themselves," he said, without naming any aid organisation.
"They are investing in the suffering of our people and doing business in the name of helping IDPs."
Bashir has regularly criticised foreign aid organisations, and in 2009 he expelled several that were operating in Darfur.
Sudanese officials including Bashir say that the war in Darfur has ended, and have consistently demanded that the United Nations peacekeeping force deployed in the region be dismantled.
Earlier this year, the UN Security Council approved a reduction in the number of the peacekeeping forces, citing an overall fall in violence in Darfur.
Although there has been a significant reduction in violence, deadly tribal clashes still occur in Darfur, a region the size of France.
The conflict in Darfur broke out in 2003 when ethnic minority rebels took up arms against Bashir's Arab-dominated government, accusing it of marginalising the region economically and politically.
The UN says the conflict has killed about 300,000 people and displaced more than 2.5 million, most of whom still live in large camps.
Bashir steadfastly denies committing war crimes and genocide in Darfur.
The Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), as part of the national tax campaign programme has outdoored a digital tax platform (www.opentaxghana.com) to encourage tax compliance and control tax evasion in Ghana.
According to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the state lost an estimated GHC 850 million in revenue in 2016 as a result of illegal trade in petroleum products in the downstream petroleum sector.
Speaking at a news conference in Accra, the Executive Director of ACEP, Benjamin Boakye said domestic revenue mobilization through taxation is very weak, evidenced by tax evasion schemes across many sectors of the Ghanaian economy, predominantly in the extractive sector as well as the general formal and informal sectors.
He indicated that Ghana is in a tight fiscal situation that requires improved domestic tax revenue mobilization to reduce dependence on debts for development financing.
There is a bigger challenge with tax collection from Ghanas rather large informal sector. About 1.2 million people are recognized tax payers, out of which only 200,000 come from the informal sector. Addressing the challenges of tax revenue mobilization, particularly from the informal sector, is the function of the State through the tax authorities. However, the general public has a crucial role to play in this, particularly where the capacity of the State to detect complex tax evasion schemes is limited, Mr. Boakye stated.
According to him, the opentaxghana platform seeks to promote voluntary compliance on the part of the public by providing tax education and tax law enforcement through the cooperation of the public.
He added that through the platform, the gaps that allow tax evasion schemes to occur can be identified and addressed as it provides opportunity for the public to share experiences on practices that deprive the state of tax revenue.
There is the whistle blower section that enables people to anonymously report tax evasion schemes. The whistle blower is already protected under the Whistle blower Act, 2006 (Act 720) and will be rewarded with 10% of tax revenues that the GRA will successfully recover following tax evasion reporting, the Executive Director noted.
Mr. Boakye stressed that the platform also improves transparency and accountability by providing information to citizens on government revenue trends and how these are utilized. The public can also determine their tax obligations with assistance from the platform.
He emphasized that it has become important for citizens to be fully engaged in supporting the laws and administrative processes that deal with the challenges of tax revenue mobilization in Ghana.
The reality that tax to GDP ratio was about 15.4% in 2016 is an indication that Ghanaians are demanding more from Government than they contribute. ACEP believes that as the public engage with the platform to support the GRA in fighting the problem of tax evasion to increase tax revenue mobilization, more resources will be made available to support the development Ghana very much needs. This will enhance the legitimacy of the public to demand more accountability from government, Ben Boakye posited.
The initiative is a partnership between ACEP and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), supported by DFID, to increase domestic tax revenue.
The Right to Information (RTI) Coalition, Ghana notes, with utmost disappointment, the latest in the litany of promises and pledges made by officials of government relative to the passage of the Right to Information Bill into Law in Ghana.
The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, who doubles as the Majority Leader in Parliament, is reported to have proposed a new timetable for the passage of the RTI Bill, whilst speaking at a training session for Journalists in Parliament on November 1 2017, stating that Parliament would finish work on the Bill by July, 2018 in the next session of Parliament I want to believe that if we cross this meeting into the meeting of next year, I should think by the close of the second meeting, we should be in the position to have dealt with the RTI Bill.
It is indeed strange to observe that a Bill which failed to get passed by the last Parliament, owing to the then Minority's, (who happen to be the current Majority) non-acceptance, did not get listed among the Bills submitted by the Executive in its first year in office, in spite of declarations of the recognition of its importance in governance.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government which touts itself as champion in the promotion of citizens participation, transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption has surprisingly not been able to find time to discuss the RTI Bill which the Coalition is aware has been submitted to Cabinet since May for policy approval and approval to be laid in Parliament. The fact that Cabinet has not been able to find time to discuss the Bill as confirmed by the Minister for Information at the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) held in Accra on October 27, 2017 amidst all the assurances by Government speaks volumes.
It is observed regretfully that the continuing credibility deficit in government has been further heightened by the latest in the litany of promises and pledges which replaces the Minister for Information's pledge to pass the RTI Bill by the end of the year, 2017 when he said "as per the calendar we have sent to Parliament, it is in there that in the May to July, 2017 session of Parliament, the RTI Bill will be before them for debate and passage. It's non-negotiable. That session began and ended with the RTI Bill conspicuously missing. His declaration never materialized, however, the Minister has not seen the need to account to the good people of this country on why government was unable to fulfill such a promise which according to him was non-negotiable. Yet the Minister without hesitation once again promised at WAMCA event I pledge we would push to ensure the next Parliamentary sitting considers the RTI Bill. Are Ghanaians expected to believe this pledge amidst the litany of unfulfilled promises?
In its 2016 Manifesto, the NPP pledged in Chapter 12 on Governance, Corruption and Accountability that in order to adopt legislative measures that will operationalize the relevant articles on corruption in the UN Convention Against Corruption, the NPP will inter alia do the following in respect of Legislative and other Reforms, Section IV (c) "ensure the passage of the RTI Bill if the present Parliament delays in doing so ".
Against this background, on Thursday February 2, 2017 the Vice President, Alhaji Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia promised at the Regional Meeting of Transparency International in Accra that government will facilitate the passage of the RTI Bill this year, 2017. This was followed by the May 3 non-negotiable declaration by the Minister for Information.
Subsequently, on Tuesday July 25, 2017 at a media forum to launch the website of the Media Foundation for West Africa, the Minister for Information pledged that the RTI Bill will be passed before the end of the year, 2017.
Indeed, to top up the litany of failed promises with another that shifts passage to July, 2018 leaves much to be desired. We recall the President's September assurance that his government was committed to passing the RTI Bill into law "very soon "in a speech read on his behalf by Prof. George Gyan Baffour, Minister of State for Planning at the 2017 Concordia Summit, held on September 18 and 19 in New York, USA. "My government intends to pass the RTI Bill into law very soon. We know transparency protects officials and the public in dealing with the public purse. The public has the right to know what politicians are doing and the public officials do in their name".
Amidst the litany of unfulfilled pledges and promises, the RTI Coalition calls on President Nana Akufo-Addo to ensure that, at the very least, the Executive gets the RTI Bill to Parliament before the end of the year, 2017 towards operationalizing Article 21(1) (f) of the Constitution of Ghana.
ISSUED BY THE COALITION ON THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION, GHANA, ACCRA, NOVEMBER 6, 2017
06.11.2017 LISTEN
The former president of the Travel Writers Association of Ghana (TWAG), Mr. Joseph Ashon Cudjiw, has advised journalists to engage in self-censorship so that they will avoid defamation stories against those in authority.
He said they should be bold enough to advice those who would like to use journalist in 'pull him down' agendas to desist from dong so, adding that by so doing journalism will be cheapened.
Mr Ashon Cudjiw, who was also one time secretary of the Greater Accra Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalist Association, gave the advice when he spoke to the Ghana News Agency in an interview on Monday at Kasoa.
He said rather journalist should produce quality stories which would help in shaping the nation.
He said it was clear that there were programs being undertaken by the current government aimed at achieving economic independence for which reason it was necessary for everyone irrespective of his or her social standing to give off their maximum support in that direction.
The most breached law in Ghana is the Public procurement Act,2003( Act 663) which binds every public institution in the awards of contract. The current UEW impasse is as a result of serious public procurement infractions and as an alumnus , i am the most happiest man on earth because, certain officials who are key principal spending officers of the institution have been asked by a governing council to step aside following EOCO and BNI criminal investigation in the procurement irregularities. Those officials are the embattled VC and the Finance officer respectively.
Other additional four officers who notable among them is the head of procurement at UEW have all been asked to step aside on grounds that, they as custodians of certain documents have made several conceivable attempts to obstruct the ordinary course of both BNI and EOCO investigation by means of hiding vital documents.
UEW as an institution needs a complete overhaul and the only way is to *weed* out certain personalities who have taken the institution as their *BONAFIDE*. Let it be on record that, in 2015 when EOCO descended heavily on UEW Kumasi Campus concerning a lecture theatre project, EOCO established in it preliminary findings that, the said project never went through procurement.
I had the benefit of perusing the said report because i personally invoked the investigative jurisdictions of EOCO in that matter. This is enough evidence on the face of record that, when it becomes to procurement violations in the award of contracts uew has always been a champion in that regard . The consequences of breaching a procurement law are,
I. It renders the award of contract fraudulent
II. A breach of any provision of the said law also put the contract on the altar of nullity cum criminal prosecution against whoever facilitated the said breach.
The framers of the procurement law once envisaged that, a time will come the said law will suffer substantial breaches so a *criminal* sanction as a punitive measure to ensure strict compliance of the law was annexed as a provision. In the preceding paragraph i will highlight the said provision for the purpose of education.
*Offences relating to procurement*
92. (1) Any person who contravenes any provision of this Act commits an offence and
where no penalty has been provided for the offence, the person is liable on summary
conviction to a fine not exceeding 1000 penalty units or a term of imprisonment not
exceeding five years or to both.
EOCO and BNI intervention in the matter will bring sanity in operations of UEW as well as other public institutions of the state. My passionate appeal to those in charge of the criminal investigation is that, at the end of their mandate as an investigative body , who ever is found culpable on the face of claims of procurement violation should be handed over to the Attorney General for prosecution to take effect. This is the only way we can move forward as a serious country if those who disrespect are laws are punished severely. UEW has been in a total mess for far too long and the *OVERHAULING*exercise currently ongoing is in the right direction.
Dawda Eric( Equity)
Citizen For Vigilance
6th November,2017
The National Nasara Coordinator of the ruling New Patriotic Party, Kamal-Deen Abdulai has described as hypocritical, comments by former President John Mahama on the divisive remark made by Ghana's High Commissioner to South Africa, George Ayisi-Boateng.
Former President John Mahama on Sunday joined calls for George Ayisi-Boateng, to be sacked for making comments condemned widely as undiplomatic. Addressing National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters during their Unity Walk campaign, Mr. Mahama said, the apology from the embattled High Commissioner following the public condemnation was not sincere.
He suggests the apology letter in which Mr Ayisi-Boateng says he regrets the effect of my speech delivered to the young party members which has generated public outcry, was not authored by the High Commissioner.
But the New Patriotic Party's Nasara Coordinator said if Mahama, who accepted convicted terrorists into the country on "compassionate grounds but finds it difficult to forgive a Ghanaian who has apologized for a "wrong done" then his hypocrisy is legendary.
Mahama brought terrorists to this country illegally. When Ghanaians raised their voice, he looked us in the face and told us to be Christians and Muslims enough to accept those terrorists. What happened to Christian belief?
Kamal-Deen who obviously could not understand the stands of Mahama on the Ayisi-Boateng saga quizzed: So when did those Christian values and the compassion of Mahama fly into oblivion? Is it because he lost elections?
Shielding Corrupt Officials
Speaking to the media in Accra on Monday, Kamal-Deen Abdulai who is also aspiring to become the next National Youth Organiser of the governing party claimed that former President Mahama failed to take decisive action on any of his appointees for reported to have been involved in wrongdoing.
When clear cases of thievery were brought to the attention of Mahama, he rather cuddled those corrupt appointees and sent them to his bosom [Flagstaff House]. His response to the duping of this country by the Brazil criers was to send them to his bosom and cuddle them. Who did he sack?
"When some 155 journalists from over 40 media organisations across the country, petitioned President Mahama to demand sanctions against his staffer, Mr. Stan Dodge for assaulting Mr. Yahayah Kwamoah, a journalist with state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), not a cough was heard from Mahama, he stated.
Kamal-Deen said he feels ashamed as a Northerner that a Northern brother who hails from a strong Christian and Muslim home could be this hypocritical because of politics. Must we lose our values because of cheap propaganda and politicking?
Ghanapost GPS vrs SSNIT Software
A livid Kamal-Deen who was responding to some of the things said by the former president during the NDCs Unity Walk said, President Mahamas comment on the GhanaPostGPS as well as his silence on the SSNIT Software saga again smack of dishonesty on his part.
Under your watch, this country was robbed a whopping $72million and you see nothing wrong with that?"
According to Kamal-Deen, the former president appears not to have recovered from the heavy defeat he suffered at the hands of the New Patriotic Party's Nana Akufo-Addo during the 2016 presidential election.
If you are dealt a heavy blow that lands you flat on the floor and you are struggling to get up, every available air becomes a weapon in your sight, he remarked.
The publishers of a book alleging widespread corruption against South Africa's President Jacob Zuma vowed on Monday to resist a demand from the country's spy agency that they withdraw it.
The State Security Agency demanded on Friday that NB Publishers remove from bookstores the work by investigative journalist Jacques Pauw after alleging it contained classified intelligence.
They also claimed that the book, "The President's Keepers", was "replete with inaccuracies".
The publishers said in a legal letter that "the information contained in the book is true and of undeniable interest".
The book, released last month, paints a vivid picture of Zuma's scandal-tainted presidency as corrupt, incompetent and nepotistic.
It also chronicles how the head of state has purged his adversaries in the political and security establishment since coming to power in 2009.
The publishers said it will "not desist from making the book available to the public, will not withdraw the book from the market, and will not retract" any of its claims.
The legal note also reiterated claims of "wide-scale financial mismanagement, fraud and corruption" against Zuma and vowed to oppose any court application to have the book banned.
A digital version of the book leaked onto social media at the weekend and was widely shared after the author told fellow South Africans "if you cannot afford a book, go for it and read it. You have my blessing. This is not about money".
Zuma has weathered several corruption storms during his time in government and is currently facing the prospect that prosecutors could reinstate 783 graft charges relating to a 1990s arms deal.
The book comes at a time when he is fighting for political survival after a string of allegations linking him to a controversial Indian business family accused robbing of state-run enterprises.
Five migrants including a young child died Monday as result of a "violent, reckless" and "illegal" intervention by Libya's coastguard in a rescue in international waters, a German charity group said.
Sea Watch, one of several NGOs which operate search-and-rescue boats in the Mediterranean, said the lives had been lost needlessly because of heavy handed tactics of a coastguard being trained and financed by the European Union.
The German charity said its boat Sea-Watch 3 had been sent early Monday to the aid of a sinking dinghy by Italy's coastguard and had arrived at the scene around the same time as a Libyan patrol boat.
According to the NGO, the Libyans began "beating and threatening" the migrants on the stricken boat, provoking panic that caused some to fall overboard.
The patrol boat then tried to move off with people still clinging to its sides, prompting the intervention of an Italian navy helicopter to try to calm the situation.
"Probably, nobody would have had to die today if only we had the possibility to operate reasonably in a calm environment," said Sea Watch head of mission Johannes Bayer.
"These deaths have to be blamed on the Libyan coast guards who have obstructed a safe rescue with their brutal behaviour," he added.
"European governments finally have to draw conclusions from this incident and stop the collaboration with the Libyan coastguard."
Sea Watch said the rescue had taken place 30 nautical miles north of tripoli, well outside Libyan territorial waters.
In response, the Libyan coastguard accused Sea Watch of causing "panic and confusion" among the migrants.
"They all wanted to reach the ship of the German NGO," spokesman General Ayoub Qassem said.
"Even those who had been rescued and were on the coastguard's boat jumped in the water to try and reach the Sea Watch boat, which refused orders to leave the area," he said.
The Libyan vessel took an unknown number of migrants back to the North African state while 58 survivors were on board the Sea-Watch 3.
European efforts to beef up the Libyan coastguard have been cited as one reason for a sharp fall in the number of migrants leaving Libya for Italy on traffickers' boats since mid-July.
However, there have been signs of a pick-up in activity off Libya since the start of November.
Some 2,500 migrants have been rescued and brought to Italy so far this month, along with the bodies of 26 mainly Nigerian women recovered at the weekend.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Agona West, Mrs Cynthia Morison has expressed grave concern about the continuing littering on the streets of ice water satchet after drinking the water.
The MP said 'it is time such mentality of Zoomlion workers would come and clean our streets because government had engaged them to sweep be stopped to ensure environmental cleanness'.
Mrs Morrison gave the advice when she addressed residents of Agona Swedru after a five hour National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise at Swedru in the Agona West Municipality of the Central Region.
The residents cleaned choked gutters, weeded public places and swept streets of the Agona Swedru Central market, near Dwenho, a community of Agona Swedru.
Officers and men of the Ghana Police Service led by Agona Swedru Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Samuel Yankey, Ghana National Fire Service Officers, Zoomlion Workers, Environmental Health and Sanitation officials participated in the exercise.
Assembly members, youth organizations, members of various Churches, traditional rulers, market women, staffs of the Agona West Municipal Assembly and voluntary Organizations also participated.
According to the MP it was better for the citizenry to have attitudinal change towards sanitation in order to avert outbreak of cholera and other diseases.
She said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have entered contractual agreements with Waste Management Companies to clean the streets, but it was a wrongful notion for people to continue to dump refuse indiscriminately.
The MP cautioned stop owners to desist from building concrete blocks on the edge of the gutters in front of their shops which turn to chock the gutters and made it difficult to clean.
She tasked the youth organizations to embark on programmes to educate school children on the need to keep their environment clean and to continue to throw empty iced water bags or sachets and other rubbish about indiscriminately.
She stated that the continuing education would go a long way to help create awareness for people to desist from the habits of dumping refuse in the gutters and other public places.
Mr George Freeman, Agona West Municipal Environmental and Sanitation Chief, said sanitation issue was shared responsibility of the citizenry, adding that it was not proper for individuals to put the blame at the door steps of the Assembly alone.
He said the Agona West Municipal had embarked on an aggressive programme to ensure that it emerged as the neatest Assembly in the Central region in this year's sanitation competition being organized by Regional Coordinating Council (RCC).
Mr Freeman said the indicators for the Assembly to win the competition needed collective efforts from all and sundry, adding that the Assembly alone could not perform the role as perceived by some people.
The Environmental Chief debunked assertions that clean-up exercises had become outmoded because the Assemblies have engaged waste Management Companies to collect refuse.
GNA
Togo's government on Monday said it was working towards talks with its political opponents after more than two months of protests calling for President Faure Gnassingbe's resignation.
The first of three protests this week begins on Tuesday, stoking fears of a repeat of violence between opposition supporters, police and the military in the capital, Lome, and elsewhere.
But industry and tourism minister Yaovi Attigbe Ihou said the government was "taking the necessary measures for the opening of a dialogue in Lome with all of Togo's political class".
In a statement read on national television, he said it was hoped "that all this will lead the political parties concerned to act with the greatest restraint and responsibility and to work for the national interest by the safeguarding of peace and national cohesion".
At least 16 people have been killed across the country since late August when the first protests began, to restart a longstanding opposition push for a limit of two five-year terms on the presidential mandate.
Gnassingbe has been president since 2005, when he took over from his father, General Gnassingbe Eyadema, who ruled Togo for 38 years.
In recent days, the government has appeared more conciliatory and has lifted restrictions on weekday protests and proposed having rights groups as observers during demonstrations to keep trouble at bay.
France, the former colonial power, is one of a number of countries to have expressed concern about the clashes, as well as the use of plain-clothes militia alongside the security services.
The West African regional bloc ECOWAS has urged dialogue between the two sides.
On Monday, Togo's government said it was keen to preserve the right to protest and to restore calm by finding a "credible and durable solution to the question of political reforms".
To that end, it said it would "take the necessary measures to release 42 people arrested, tried and found guilty by various courts over recent violent demonstrations".
Charity work has always been one of the most important duties for wearers of the Miss BMP Nigeria crown, and the reigning queen has taking fulfilling those duties to new level.
As part of her ongoing projects, reigning MBMP Queen Stepanie James paid a visit to children of Abuja Orphanage, Wednesday, November 1, 2017 and also made some donations to the orphanage. Queen Stephanie, who was visiting the orphanage for the second time, said she had always wished to do all or the little she could for children.
"My pet project has to do with educating the child and what best way to do it than starting from when they are really young and most impressionable? The first time I visited I held the cutest baby in my arms and I was moved to tears when I remembered that he was abandoned," she said.
Ofori-Atta still at post to cover ...
Ever since State Superintendent Tony Evers launched his gubernatorial campaign, Republicans have been hammering him over his role in a 2009 case that rocked a Dane County school district involving a middle school teacher who looked at pornography during school hours.
Republicans last week and again on Monday used the case to argue that Evers, who did not revoke the teachers license, is unfit for the job he wants to take away from Gov. Scott Walker, and theres no sign the issue will go away before the August primary election.
The school board went to great lengths to terminate this persons employment to a tune of $1 million, and when I think of that irresponsibility as well on the part of Tony Evers, that he could have stepped in but instead theres a million-dollar lawsuit, said Sen. Leah Vukmir, R-Brookfield, on a phone call Friday with reporters organized by the Republican Party of Wisconsin.
Evers maintains he didnt have the legal authority to revoke Andrew Harris license because the teachers actions didnt involve children a loophole in state law he worked with lawmakers to fix in 2011 because of the case.
It did not fit the law, Evers said on Friday, dismissing the continued criticism of his decision. So, therefore we recognized the problem and we fixed it by working with legislators to change the law.
Meanwhile, the district that spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to fire Harris now backs him and challenged Republicans suggestion that children are unsafe in his classroom because of Evers decision.
We are absolutely not concerned. The case was never about that, Middleton-Cross Plains district spokesman Perry Hibner said, adding the teacher has done great work since his return, as his students and their families will attest. We have moved ahead and our focus continues to be on making sure every student feels included and inspired every day.
Harris, a Middleton-Cross Plains middle school science teacher, was one of seven teachers in the district in 2009 found looking at and sharing emails that included material ranging from lewd and sexually explicit jokes to photos of naked women one of which showed a womans genitals up close.
A complaint by a female teacher whom Harris had shown an image of a nude woman prompted an investigation, which determined 23 emails Harris received from his sister over several years violated the districts policy on acceptable internet use. A subsequent districtwide review found other teachers also viewed or shared inappropriate content. The teacher further alleged Harris made sexually explicit comments about female middle school students for years.
Harris was fired in 2010 but sought to get his job back after the other six employees were given suspensions or a reprimand. An arbitrator settling a grievance filed by the districts teachers union over the matter ruled Harris should be given a suspension rather than be fired because the other employees were given lesser punishments for similar offenses. The ruling was upheld by circuit and appeals court judges, and Harris returned to work in 2014 when the Wisconsin Supreme Court declined to take up the Middleton-Cross Plains School District appeal of the rulings a lawsuit that cost the district about $1 million in legal fees and back pay.
Now Republicans are focusing on Evers subsequent decision not to do so.
The Department of Public Instruction, which Evers oversees, in an April 2014 letter to Harris explaining the decision said while Harris conduct was highly inappropriate, his actions did not meet the legal definition of immoral conduct for teachers at the time Harris viewed the pornography because children were not exposed to the material. A DPI official wrote in the letter that Harris license would not be revoked citing Wisconsin Supreme Court rulings that said new laws cannot be retroactively applied.
Lawmakers and Evers worked to pass legislation in 2011 that said immoral conduct includes looking at pornography on school computers a law that was prompted in part by Harris case.
Evers argued he could not have taken an action that was not supported by the law.
Thats not what constitutional officers do. We see a problem. We fix it, Evers said. If it happened today, we would have pulled the license.
But Mark Morgan, executive director of RPW, said Evers could have at least tried and at least taken action and he refused to.
Morgan and Republicans also point to allegations made by the teacher who complained that Harris made sexually explicit comments about female students appearances and sexual activity at Glacier Creek Middle School, where the two taught, as enough basis to pursue license revocation.
According to a 2010 report on the districts investigation into the matter, the teacher said Harris comments about female students ebbed and flowed over nine years.
But Tom McCarthy, spokesman for the DPI, said department officials could not confirm those allegations. The teacher who made the claim refused to swear to them under oath, and the department did not have the power to directly subpoena her, McCarthy said.
The arbitrator couldnt take it at face value either, so she couldnt substantiate it and neither can we, Evers said. For them to sit back three years later and nitpick is ridiculous. Im proud of the fact that we changed the law. Its unfortunate that Republicans have decided to spend all their time on Andrew Harris. That playbook is beneath them and us.
Morgan said the DPI should have given more weight to the initial district investigation report that included the allegations.
Harris lawyer William Haus said Harris is a little troubled by the case resurfacing in the news and pointed out there have been no complaints about Harris since he returned to work at Kromrey Middle School nearly four years ago.
He never touched a kid No kid ever got exposed to it, Haus said. To try to just destroy people for no reason because youve got some political game youre trying to play hes just trying to live his life and teach.
By Lambert Strether of Corrente
Long-time Democratic[1] operative Donna Brazile, interim chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) after Debbie Wasserman Schultz was defenestrated[2], has, like two other participants in the 2016 Presidential election and at least one set of observers, written a book, Hacked, and published a long excerpt from it four days ago, in Politico. Here is the key passage, in which Brazile paraphrases and quotes a conversation with Gary Gensler, former of Goldman Sachs and the CFTC, and then the chief financial officer of the Clinton campaign:
[Gensler] described the party as fully under the control of Hillarys campaign , which seemed to confirm the suspicions of the Bernie camp. The campaign had the DNC on life support, giving it money every month to meet its basic expenses, while the campaign was using the party as a fund-raising clearinghouse. Under FEC law, an individual can contribute a maximum of $2,700 directly to a presidential campaign. But the limits are much higher for contributions to state parties and a partys national committee. Individuals who had maxed out their $2,700 contribution limit to the campaign could write an additional check for $353,400 to the Hillary Victory Fund that figure represented $10,000 to each of the 32 states parties who were part of the Victory Fund agreement$320,000and $33,400 to the DNC. The money would be deposited in the states first, and transferred to the DNC shortly after that. Money in the battleground states usually stayed in that state, but all the other states funneled that money directly to the DNC, which quickly transferred the money to Brooklyn.
Yes, you read that right. Although the Hillary Victory Fund was billed as aiding the states, in fact the states were simply pass-throughs, and the money went to the Clinton campaign. (This is not news; Politico covered the Victory Fun in 2016: The Democratic front-runner says shes raising big checks to help state committees, but theyve gotten to keep only 1 percent of the $60 million raised.)
Wait, I said. That victory fund was supposed to be for whoever was the nominee, and the state party races. Youre telling me that Hillary has been controlling it since before she got the nomination? Gary said the campaign had to do it or the party would collapse. That was the deal that Robby struck with Debbie, he explained, referring to campaign manager Robby Mook. It was to sustain the DNC. We sent the party nearly $20 million from September until the convention, and more to prepare for the election.
After some research, Brazile finds a document (the agreement) that spells out what fully under the control of Hillarys campaign meant operationally:
The agreementsigned by Amy Dacey, the former CEO of the DNC, and Robby Mook with a copy to [DNC lawyer] Marc Eliasspecified that in exchange for raising money and investing in the DNC, Hillary would control the partys finances, strategy, and all the money raised. Her campaign had the right of refusal of who would be the party communications director, and it would make final decisions on all the other staff. The DNC also was required to consult with the campaign about all other staffing, budgeting, data, analytics, and mailings. I had been wondering why it was that I couldnt write a press release without passing it by Brooklyn. Well, here was the answer.
(Importantly, Gensler has not disputed this account, of which, assuming hes not vacationing Antarctica, he must have been aware of, given the media uproar. We can therefore assume its accurate). Note two aspects of this passage, which Im quoting at such length to ensure we know what Brazile actually charged. Ive helpfully underlined them: (1) Brazile leads with the money; that is, the Clinton Victory Fund, and (2) Brazile describes the DNC as fully under the control of the Clinton campaign.
Predictably, an enormous controversy erupted, much of it over the weekend just passed, but Im not going to do a blow-by-blow of the talking points. (Glenn Greenwald provides an excellent media critique in Four Viral Claims Spread by Journalists on Twitter in the Last Week Alone That Are False; all four have to do with this controversy[3].) I think the following three quotes are key, the first two being oft-repeated talking points by Clinton loyalists:
First, from the current DNC chair, Tom Perez:
The joint fundraising agreements were the same for each campaign except for the treasurer, and our understanding was that the DNC offered all of the presidential campaigns the opportunity to set up a JFA and work with the DNC to coordinate on how those funds were used to best prepare for the general election.
Question: Were the agreements the same for each campaign? (Perez focuses only on the JFA, but that omits a separate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the DNC and the Clinton campaign, as we shall see below.)
Second, from 2005-9 DNC chair Howard Dean:
Turns out the memo Donna spoke about applied only to the general election. If so then this memo is standard operating procedure for 15 years https://t.co/fsU1kMZoSp Howard Dean (@GovHowardDean) November 3, 2017
Question: Did the agreement apply only to the general election, and not the primary? (Dean says this memo, but he also omits the distinction between the MOU and the JFA.)
Third, from Elizabeth Warren. CNN:
We learned today from the former Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile that the Clinton campaign, in her view, did rig the presidential nominating process by entering into an agreement to control day-to-day operations at the DNC, Tapper said, continuing on to describe specific arms of the DNC the Clinton camp had a say over, including strategy and staffing, noting that the agreement was entered into in August of 2015, months before Clinton won the nomination. Tapper then asked, Do you agree with the notion that it was rigged? And Warren responded simply: Yes.
Question: Can we say that the 2016 Democratic primary was rigged? (Tapper uses the word rigged, and Warren adopts it, but a careful reading of Braziles article shows that although she uses the word, she does not actually make the claim.[4])
In this post, Im going to answer each of these three questions by looking at the documents, plural, in question (Spoiler: My answers are No, No, and Yes, respectively.) Here is a timeline of the documents:
8/27/2015 (reported): The Clinton-DNC Joint Fundraising Agreement (JFA). Available for download at WikiLeaks, hilariously enough.
8/26/2015 (signed): The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU, or memo). Available for download at MSNBC. The MOU characterized by NBC as a side deal, specifies how the JFA is to be implemented. Hence, the agreement comprises both documents; the JFA cannot be understood without the MOU, and vice versa.
11/5/2105 (reported): The Sanders-DNC Joint Fundraising Agreement. I cant find a copy online, but its described by ABC here. If there is an MOU that accompanies the Sanders JFA, it has not come to light, and presumably, by this point, it would have.
In summary, the Clinton JFA set up the Hillary Victory Fund scam , the MOU gave Clinton control of (much of) the DNC apparatus, and (according to Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver) the Sanders JFA bought their campaign access to the DNC voter list, and was never used for fundraising because the DNC never asked the campaign to do any. So to answer the our first question, well look at the JFA. To answer the second, well look at the MOU. And to answer the third, well see how all the evidence balances out.
Were the Agreements the Same for Each Campaign?
Perez is wrong. The agreements were not at all the same, either formally or substantively.
Formally, the agreements were not the same because the Clinton JFA had an MOU (the side deal) and the Sanders JFA did not. ABC:
[T]he Clinton campaign Friday afternoon confirmed the existence of a memo between the DNC and their campaign, which specifically outlines an expanded scope and interpretation of their funding agreement. [R]epresentatives from Sanders former campaign say they only signed a basic, formulaic fundraising agreement that did not include any additional language about joint messaging or staffing decision-making [as does the MOU].
Substantively, the agreements werent the same either. The substance of the JFA was a scheme enable the Hillary Victory Fund to collect big checks (as Politico puts it), supposedly behalf of the state parties, but in reality treating them as conduits to the coffers of the Clinton campaign. Page 3:
From time to time and in compliance with FECA, after expenses have been deducted from the gross proceeds, the Victory Fund will transfer the net proceeds to the Committees according to the Allocation Formula, as modified by any reallocation required.
[T]he Committees being the state party political committees, into whose accounts the contributions were deposited, only to be immediately removed and transferred to the Clinton campaign (at least for the states that signed entered into the agreement; a few did not).
However, the Sanders campaign wasnt in the business of collecting big checks, being small-donor driven. Hence the substance of the agreement could not have been the same. ABC once more:
Former Sanders campaign manager Jeff Weaver told ABC News Friday night that the campaign entered the agreement with the party in November 2015 to facilitate the campaigns access to the partys voter rolls. Weaver claims the DNC offered to credit any fundraising the senator did for the party against the costs of access to the partys data costs, priced at $250,000. But, Weaver continued, the party did not follow up about fundraising appearances for the independent senator.
Instead, the Sanders campaign raised the $250,000 from small donors. WaPo:
Weaver said the Sanders campaign decided early on to ignore the joint fundraising program and raise small dollars on its own to pay for access to the voter file. Who are the wealthy people Bernie was going to bring to a fundraiser? Weaver asked. We had to buy the voter file right before the primaries.
A second difference in substance: Lets remember that for Clinton, the JFA enabled her campaign to circumvent contribution limits for large donors (Brazile: Individuals who had maxed out their $2,700 contribution limit to the campaign could write an additional check for $353,400). The Sanders campaign, by contrast, had no issue with maxed out donors: During fall 15, 99.8% of Bernie donors could give again (because its awful hard to max out $27 at a time).
Suppose you were comparing two mortgages on different houses: One mortgage has a side deal attached, the other does not. One is for a lavish facility and demands a complex financing arrangement involving a third party. The other is for a fixer-upper and a lump sum is paid in cash. Would you say those two mortgages are the same, or not? Even if they both had the word Mortage at the top of page one?
Did the Agreement Apply Only to the General Election, and not the Primary?
We now turn our attention to the MOU. Howard Dean, sadly, is wrong. The MOU contains two key passages; the first describes the relationship between Hillary for America (HFA; the Clinton campaign) and the DNC (Brazile: fully under the control of Hillarys campaign), and the second is language on the general election. Lets take each in turn. On control, pages 1 and 2:
With respect to the hiring of a DNC Communications Director , the DNC agrees that no later than September 11, 2015 it will hire one of two candidates previously identified as acceptable to HFA. 2. With respect to the hiring of future DNC senior staff in the communications, technology, and research departments , in the case of vacancy, the DNC will maintain the authority to make the final decision as between candidates acceptable to HFA. 3. Agreement by the DNC that HFA personnel will be consulted and have joint authority over strategic decisions over the staffing, budget, expenditures, and general election related communications, data, technology, analytics, and research. The DNC will provide HFA advance opportunity to review on-line or mass email, communications that features a particular Democratic primary candidate . This does not include any communications related to primary debates which will be exclusively controlled by the DNC. The DNC will alert HFA in advance of mailing any direct mail communications that features a particular Democratic primary candidate or his or her signature .
Thats pretty amazing, isnt it? Personnel is policy, as they say, and the Clinton campaign has made sure that the DNCs Communications Director and new hires in the senior staff in the communications, technology, and research departments will be acceptable to it. The Clinton campaign will also review all mass email and communcations (which explains why Brazile, as interim DNC chair, couldnt send out a press release without checking with Brooklyn. Since the notorious debate schedule was already controlled by Wasserman Schultz, there was no point messing about with it, I assume.) There is one place in this passage where the general election is mentioned, so lets look at it:
Agreement by the DNC that HFA personnel will be consulted and have joint authority over strategic decisions over the staffing, budget, expenditures, and general election[-]related communications, data, technology, analytics, and research.
At the most generous reading, the Clinton campaign has joint authority with the DNC over strategic decisions over the staffing, budget, expenditures. At the narrowest reading, given that the general-election[-]related qualifier applies only to communications, the joint authority applies to strategic decisions over the staffing, budget, expenditures, and data, technology, analytics, and research. And given that the Clinton campaign is writing the checks that keep the DNC afloat, who do you think will have the whip hand in that joint authority relationship?
Now to the clause that supposedly says the agreement (JFA + MOU) applies only to the general election. Here it is, from page 3:
Nothing in this agreement shall be construed to violate the DNCs obligation of impartiality and neutrality through the Nominating process. All activities performed under this agreement will be focused exclusively on preparations for the General Election and not the Democratic Primary. Further we understand you may enter into similar agreements with other candidates
(Pause for hollow laughter, given Wasserman Schultzs defenestration, Brazile passing debate questions to the Clinton campaign, etc.). First, even though Hoho seems to think its exculpatory, the clause is an obvious fig leaf. Glenn Greenwald explains:
DNC and Clinton allies pointed to the fact that the agreement contained self-justifying lawyer language claiming that it is focused exclusively on preparations for the General, but as Fischer noted that passage is contradicted by the rest of the agreement. This would be like creating a contract to explicitly bribe an elected official (A will pay Politician B to vote YES on Bill X), then adding a throwaway paragraph with a legalistic disclaimer that nothing in this agreement is intended to constitute a bribe, and then have journalists cite that paragraph to proclaim that no bribe happened even though the agreement on its face explicitly says the opposite.
Second, the DNC itself does not believe that it has any obligation of impartiality and neutrality whatever. From Wilding et al. v. DNC Services Corporation, D/B/A Democratic National Committee and Deborah Debbie Wasserman Schultz (as cited in Naked Capitalism here), the DNCs lawyer, Mr. Spiva:
MR. SPIVA: [W}here you have a party thats saying, Were gonna, you know, choose our standard bearer, and were gonna follow these general rules of the road, which we are voluntarily deciding, we could have and we could have voluntarily decided that, Look, were gonna go into back rooms like they used to and smoke cigars and pick the candidate that way . Thats not the way it was done. But they could have. And that would have also been their right, and it would drag the Court well into party politics, internal party politics to answer those questions.
Third, look at the institutional realities from point one on control. The Clinton campaign had control over the Communications Director slot and major strategic decisions from the moment the agreement was signed. Are we really to believe that they were behaving as neutral parties? (One obvious way to have shown that would have been to release the MOU either when it was signed.)
Can We Say that the 2016 Democratic Primary Was Rigged?
Brazile herself says no. She says, of rigging:
I found no evidence, none whatsoever. The only thing I found, which I said, Ive found the cancer but Im not killing the patient, was this memorandum that prevented the DNC from running its own operation, Brazile added
I think Brazile is either overly charitable, or overly legalistic (perhaps confusing rigged with fixed, where only in the latter case is the outcome absolutely determined). I also think shes wrong. The dictionary definition of rigged is:
to manipulate fraudulently
Theres ample evidence of rigging in both the JFA and the MOU. The JFA enabled the Hillary Victory Fund, which was a fraudulent scheme to allow big donors to contribute to the Clinton campaign by using the states as passthroughs. And the MOU enabled to Clinton campaign to fraudulently manipulate the public and the press into the belief that the DNC was an independent entity, when in fact it was a wholly owned and operated subsidiary of the Clinton campaign.
Conclusion
I know were not supposed to relitigate the 2016 campaign; were supposed to look forward and not back. However, the demand not to relitigate assumes that the case is closed; as Brazile shows, were hardly through with the depositions, let alone prepared to render judgment. So, when you hear relitigate, think silencing tactic, and ask yourself who and what silence serves. And perhaps this post will provide a basis for further discussion.
NOTES
[1] Although the name Democratic Party is a misnomer, I understand that some are triggered by the more accurate Democrat Party, and so I am adopting the older locution for this post.
[2] WaPo: Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida was forced aside by the release of thousands of embarrassing emails among party officials that appeared to show coordinated efforts to help Clinton at the expense of her rivals in the Democratic primaries. That contradicted claims by the party and the Clinton campaign that the process was open and fair for her leading challenger, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
[3] Institutionally, this shows that the cozy relationship between the Clintons Democrat faction and many members of the press, shown so vividly in the Podesta emails, continues unabated.
[4] Brazile writes:
I had promised Bernie when I took the helm of the Democratic National Committee after the convention that I would get to the bottom of whether Hillary Clintons team had rigged the nomination process, as a cache of emails stolen by Russian hackers and posted online had suggested.
And:
I had tried to search out any other evidence of internal corruption that would show that the DNC was rigging the system to throw the primary to Hillary, but I could not find any in party affairs or among the staff. I had gone department by department, investigating individual conduct for evidence of skewed decisions, and I was happy to see that I had found none. Then I found this agreement.
This agreement being the MOU. She characterizes the MOU as not illegal, but it sure looked unethical, and the fight as not fair. The MOU was not criminal, but compromised the partys integrity. Braziles definition of rigging seems to me to be unduly high.
(Natural News) An animal study has revealed that bats have regional dialects just like humans, and are able to decipher and mimic how other bats communicate. As part of the study, a team of researchers at the Tel Aviv University in Israel have caught pregnant female Egyptian fruit bats in central Israel. The female bats have been randomly assigned to three identical and acoustically isolated chambers where they gave birth to up to 14 pups. The mothers are also subsequently released a few weeks after the pups have weaned.
The research team has then played a recording of conspecific vocalizations in each of the three chambers where the pups are roosting. The recordings, which mimic the intensity and frequency of about 100 to 200 adult bats, serve as stimuli that resemble natural roosting settings. The recordings have also been constantly played from day one up to one whole year.
The results have shown that the pups in the three different chambers have developed three distinct vocal dialects over time. The research team has observed that the pups vocalizations are not solely dependent on their parents vocal projections. The experts have also noted that the pups tend to do away with vocalizations they heard from their parents and follow those of the whole colony instead. According to the scientists, the pups exhibited a crowd vocal learning phenomenon where they adapt the clicking and chattering noises of the recordings that represented a whole bat colony.
The difference between the vocalizations of the mother bat and those of the colony are akin to a London accent and, say, a Scottish accent. The pups heard their mothers London dialect, but also heard the Scottish dialect mimicked by many dozens of Scottish bats. The pups eventually adopted a dialect that was more similar to the local Scottish dialect than to the London accent of their mothers, lead researcher Dr. Yossi Yovel explains in Daily Mail online.
This study adds substantial evidence for the importance of vocal learning in the ontogeny of bat vocal communication. It is important to note that, in the wild, as well as in our setup, bats are exposed to an immense amount of vocalizations produced by conspecifics in the dark. Thus, young pups hear conspecifics that do not directly interact with them to an extent that quantitatively overshadows the vocalizations produced by their mothers or immediate neighbors. We hypothesize that such crowd vocal learning may be employed by other species that are exposed to many vocalizations of conspecifics without directly interacting with them, the researchers report in the PLOS Biology journal.
Songbirds, dolphins adopt crowd vocal learning too
A 2012 study carried out by researchers at the Emory University and the University of California, San Francisco, has revealed that young songbirds listen to adults in order to learn how to vocalize. The research team has examined newly hatched Bengalese finches as part of the study. The scientists have observed that the young songbirds start imitating adults a few days after hatching. However, the experts have observed that the young birds first few songs have been extremely variable and disorganized.
The young animals are also shown to practice more vigorously by listening to their own sounds. The young songbirds tend to fix their mistakes as they practice until they eventually learn to sing like an adult, the research team has reported. (Related: Human echolocation using mouth clicks is possible, study finds.)
Likewise, an article posted on the Whale Facts website has revealed that dolphins use high-pitched clicking sounds and whistles of varying pitches in order to effectively communicate with one another and identify which dolphin is sending out a message. The entry stresses that this mechanism is essential for the animals survival especially when traveling in pods with many other dolphins.
Sources include:
IFLScience.com
DailyMail.co.uk
Journals.PLOS.org
ScienceDaily.com
WhaleFacts.org
(Natural News) Many people in this country dont even realize just how much control the mainstream media has over American society. With the exception of Fox News and a handful of other outlets, the majority of the mainstream media consists of liberal networks pushing a hard left ideology that is inconsistent with Americas founding. As a result, many Americans who are not aware of the biases and misinformation they are being exposed to on a daily basis are becoming brainwashed, in a sense, to think a certain way, to act a certain way, and even to say certain things. Indeed, the mainstream media today is better at controlling the people than they are at delivering factual information.
Most Americans that have been brainwashed by the mainstream media dont even know that it has happened to them. They go on with their lives as they always have, thinking that they are intelligent, independent thinkers when in reality they are just regurgitating the rhetoric that they heard on CNN or MSNBC. One of the oldest propaganda techniques in the book is the idea that if you tell a lie often enough, eventually the people will start to believe it that is exactly how the mainstream media operates today, and how they have successfully won over the minds of so many.
Given how mind-numbing the mainstream media can be, it is important to know what you can do to ensure that you dont become a victim of the lies and the propaganda being shot out across the airwaves and plastered on the front pages of national newspapers.
Writing for the Waking Times, contributor Patrick Henningsen recently published an article titled, Free Your Mind From Mainstream Media Brainwashing. In it, Henningsen writes, Whether we care to admit it or not, there are varying degrees of brainwashing and behavioral conditioning with films and TV. Thats why they call it programming. He then asks readers to think about how often they find themselves using quotes from popular films or television shows, or even trying to copy a certain hairstyle that they saw from someone on the screen. (Related: Experts are now revealing the tricks that the mainstream media uses to brainwash and control the masses.)
The first step in liberation from the machine is to become a more active consumer of information and content, as opposed to being a passive sieve, Henningsen explains, using the word machine as a metaphor for the mainstream media. To defeat the linear, force-feeding tube of information and social condition by Hollywood and mainstream media, simply read more, he continues. Read whatever you can get your hands on Your knowledge retention rate will be higher, and the experience of reading will hone your mental focus, self-reflection and clarity of thought.
Henningsen puts emphasis on the idea that the American people need to teach themselves how to learn, encouraging his readers to intentionally strike up conversations with people who are a bit more experienced and knowledgeable in order to avoid becoming victims to the lies and propaganda. This is one of the fastest ways to increase your knowledge base and gain valuable insight, he explains.
It is worth noting that in addition to the mainstream media, thousands of colleges and universities across the country have also developed a reputation for brainwashing students to think and believe one thing and one thing only. Just this past week, a professor at Occidental College was in the news for arguing that men must denounce their masculinity and encourage other men to do the same. Yet another professor at Eastern Connecticut State University a few years back was caught telling his creative writing class that racist Republicans would close down colleges if they were to gain power in Washington D.C.
This sort of liberal brainwashing goes on in both the mainstream media and in the college classroom, and unless the American people are equipped with the knowledge on how to avoid becoming just another parrot that repeats everything they are told, this ideological mind control will only continue.
Sources Included:
WakingTimes.com
CampusReform.org
A science teacher in Walnut Creek has been accused of possible improper contact with a minor, according to an East Bay school district.
Michael Bartel, who has been teaching at Walnut Creek Intermediate School and previously worked in the Martinez School District, was arrested on Friday on charges of child pornography and other related offenses, according to the Martinez Unified School District.
Bartel, 33, was a substitute teacher in Martinez during the 2013-2014 school year, according to the district. He has been teaching in Walnut Creek for the past three school years.
The allegations do not involve any current or former students in the two East Bay school districts, according to officials.
Bartel was hired to work at the Walnut Creek school after a thorough, standard background check that included fingerprinting and a criminal history review, district officials said.
Bartel is a graduate of California State University, East Bay and has been teaching since 2011.
A fully credentialed and retired teacher is currently substituting for Bartel's classroom. The case remains under investigation.
Further information was not available.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
In the wake of Sundays mass shooting at a church in Texas, local religious leaders are thinking about their own security. San Franciscos 3rd Baptist Church did not beef up security, but over time, the church has made changes to keep people safe.
Rev. Amos Brown said says he's seen an increase in violence in general in the United States, blaming a government that fails to care for the mentally ill and one that he said puts power above compassion. The country is changing for the worse, he said.
"It's what happens to a society and a culture when it loses its moral compass," Brown said. "We have become a violent nation in our priorities."
Brown has overseen the installation of security gates and surveillance cameras and has had to hire guards since he became the church's leader 41 years ago. The church is located in the inner city unlike the church targeted in Sundays shooting.
"What this gentleman did at church this morning he was encouraged to do it because he thought he had a right to take his pistol, whatever weapon he used, and go to church," Brown said.
The reverend said society helps shape more people like suspected killer Devin Patrick Kelley by becoming complacent about violence and accepting the volatile tempermant of some our leaders.
"It has created a climate of instability and violence, and people tend to mirror and reflect their environment," Brown said.
Now that Massachusetts has voted to legalize recreational marijuana, the state needs someone to help regulate it.
According to a recent job posting on Mass.gov, the state Department of Agricultural Resources is hiring an agricultural inspector who will focus on marijuana. The inspector "will enforce the laws and regulations involving hemp and overlapping laws and regulations that impact the cultivation of marijuana," the job posting says.
The person who fills the position will also help to create and enforce rules and regulations relative to hemp and provide education and outreach to stakeholders relative to the enforcement of laws and regulations.
Among other qualifications, applicants need to have experience or knowledge about cannabis and how it is regulated in other states.
In 2016, Massachusetts voters chose to legalize adult use of marijuana in the state. Currently in a legal gray area, statewide marijuana sales are expected to be legal next year.
A senior U.S. diplomat says Washington will continue to take part in talks about implementing the Paris climate accord, despite President Donald Trump's threat to pull out of the pact.
Trump announced in June that the United States will withdraw from the 2015 Paris agreement unless he can get a better deal for the United States.
Trigg Talley, the U.S. deputy special envoy for climate change, told delegates at the opening of the U.N. climate talks in Bonn, Germany, on Monday that "we will continue to participate in international climate change negotiations and meetings, including ongoing negotiations related to guidance for implementing the Paris agreement."
He added: "We look forward to working with colleagues and partners to advance the work here over these two weeks and beyond."
Germany's environment minister is declaring that the Paris accord to combat climate change is "irreversible" as negotiators gather to discuss how to implement the agreement.
The two-week meeting that started Monday is the first major conference on climate change since President Donald Trump said that the U.S. will pull out of the Paris accord unless his administration can secure a better deal. Other nations are vowing to press ahead with the accord.
German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks told negotiators that "we have to make significant progress on implementing the Paris agreement here."
She added: "The Paris agreement is irreversible. We now have to do everything in our power to implement it and we do not have much time left."
The U.N.'s weather and climate agency says 2017 is set to become the hottest year on record, apart from those impacted by the El Nino phenomenon.
The World Meteorological Organization says this year is already on track to be one of the three hottest years of all time, after 2015 and 2016. Those were both affected by a powerful El Nino, which can contribute to higher temperatures. Last year set a new record for the average global temperature.
The warning was timed for the start on Monday of the latest U.N. climate change conference, in Bonn, Germany.
WMO says key indicators of climate change such as rising carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, rising sea level and acidification of oceans "continue unabated" this year.
It said the global mean temperature from January to September this year was about a half-degree Celsius warmer than the 1981-2010 average.
Fiji's prime minister has told climate negotiators that "the need for urgency is obvious" as diplomats opened talks on implementing the Paris agreement to fight climate change.
Prime Minister Voreqe 'Frank' Bainimarama, who is chairing the two-week meeting in the German city of Bonn, offered greetings "from one of the most climate-vulnerable regions on earth" as he addressed the conference Monday.
Bainimarama said nations should "meet our commitments in full, not back away from them."
He didn't refer directly to President Donald Trump's announcement that the U.S. will pull out of the Paris climate accord unless his administration can secure a better deal.
But Bainimarama says "the only way for every nation to put itself first is to lock arms with all other nations and move forward together."
Diplomats and activists have gathered in Germany for two-week talks on implementing the Paris agreement to fight climate change.
Environmental groups staged protests in the western city of Bonn and at a nearby coal mine ahead of the meeting to highlight Germany's continued use of heavily polluting fossil fuels.
The 23rd conference of the parties, or COP23, opened Monday by Fiji's Prime Minister Voreqe 'Frank' Bainimarama. The Pacific island nation is already suffering the impacts of global warming.
Negotiators will focus on thrashing out some of the technical details of the 2015 Paris accord, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
While President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism, a recent U.S. government report concluded there's strong evidence that man-made climate change is taking place.
Environmental groups staged protests in the western city of Bonn and at a nearby coal mine ahead of the meeting to highlight Germany's continued use of heavily polluting fossil fuels.
Days before the City of New Britain would have filed a lawsuit against Pan Am Railways over reimbursement for the thousands of dollars it cost to deal with a December 2016 derailment, the city has received a check.
The derailment cost the city just over $78,000. New Britain city officials told NBC Connecticut that Pan Am Railways wanted to settle for $38,432, which totals the approximate cost of the citys emergency response, equipment and overtime, after a Pan Am train derailed on Columbus Boulevard.
Part of a settlement states that Pan Am, who was at fault for the derailment, would remove the rest of a brick wall that was damaged.
After the city said they reached an agreement with the railroad company, they were supposed to receive half of the money in September and the other half in October, but the city had not received the money until Monday when it received a check for $38,432.24 from Pan Am Railways.
Mayor Erin Stewart previously said the company had a deadline of Nov. 15 to pay. If the money did not come by then, the city planned to move forward with a lawsuit for the damages.
Prior to the settlement agreement, Stewart said it took getting state senators involved so that the city could hear back from Pan Am.
Pan Am chose not to comment for the story earlier this month.
Seeing the deadly massacre of 26 people inside a small church in Southerland Springs, Texas, hits close to home for parishioners in Connecticut.
Many of them were in church on Sunday when the shooting occurred.
People gather in a church feeling safe. This is a safe place here in a church. So its really deeply saddening to see that something like this would happen inside the holy walls of a church, said Rev. Michael Casey, with Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford.
That violated sense of safety and security did not stop parishioners from gathering at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford Monday morning. They prayed for the victims and their families.
At Emmanuel Baptist Church in Newington, Senior Pastor Cary Schmidt said the congregation is praying and brainstorming ways they can show their support to the people most affected. They are thinking about sending cards and letter or taking up an offering.
Something to reach out and say we love you and were wanting to comfort and encourage you, said Schmidt.
Pastor Schmidt said their hearts break for people affected by the tragedy and also for the people who are feeling hopeless.
People who are in the grips of such despair that they dont know what to do. Thats why we exist as a church to try to help those people, Schmidt said.
When tragedies like this happen, Schmidt said he reminds his congregation to be vigilant.
We have a team that every service is functioning to look for these types of threats. So were being vigilant as much as possible. I would say vigilance combined with courage. In other words were not going to live in fear. Were going to live our lives, were going to worship Jesus, Schmidt said.
Others like parishioner Mark Saur hope more is done as a nation to stop these mass murders.
It appears the signs were there and this man, could, should have been caught quite some time ago. Hopefully well begin to look at the mental health issues that exist in this country, said Saur.
Lisa Mizzones business, The Hair Spa, is about making things beautiful. But in the nine years her salon has been in its current spot on Naugatuck Avenue in Milford, shes been dealing with an eyesore: a vacant property directly across the street that has been the focus of several blight complaints.
Milfords Devon section has seen many improvements and investments in recent years, yet the property at 257 Naugatuck Ave. a former business has seemingly remained frozen in time. Mizzone tells NBC Connecticut her customers have taken notice.
They're constantly complaining. They pull up, they say the business looks nice, what about that building across the street? Mizzone said. It just brings the value of everything down.
A shell of a building still stands on the lot, but a view from NBC Connecticuts DroneRanger shows it is missing a roof and floor, with vegetation growing inside.
Plywood covers spaces where windows used to be. Some neighbors in the area said after decades of sitting vacant, theyre tired of looking at it.
It's a blight to the neighborhood, I'm sure it brings down our property values, said Carol Rutledge.
Carmen Samirshody lives behind the property.
I don't know if there is any limitation for how long they're going to keep the property like that, she said, adding she hopes to see it developed soon.
Documents from the citys Health Department obtained by NBC Connecticut through a Freedom of Information Act request show at least nine blight complaints and investigations at 257 Naugatuck Ave. since 2007. There are no records of any fines issued to the various owners in that time period.
City Health Department director Deepa Joseph reviewed the records and confirmed when the property was close to being referred to the law department for fines or liens, there was a change of ownership. Joseph explained the city tries to work with owners to develop an abatement plan and often grants time extensions.
In 2009, the building was deemed unsafe and ordered to be demolished within 30 days. It never was.
Joseph Griffith, the current building inspector, explains that then-owner Titanium Properties boarded up the building to secure it and presented plans to develop it. The plans never took shape before it was sold again.
The bottom line for neighbors?
We all just really want to know -- what's going on? If there is going to be anything done about it, questioned Mizzone.
NBC Connecticut tracked down the current owner to find out.
Christopher Saley, a local real estate developer behind successful projects like the Bridge House restaurant and nearby apartment buildings, bought the property with a partner in 2013 before being appointed Milfords Public Works director in 2014.
A project like this shouldn't take this long, Saley admitted. (B)ut I would tell you that it's been there for 20 years, look at the other projects that I've done in the area, they're all nice projects, we care about the community.
Saley showed NBC Connecticut his plans for the property, a split commercial and residential building. The plans were approved by Milfords Planning and Zoning committee in 2014. However, Saley explained permitting issues and the death of his original project engineer set the project back.
The building is clean though in the sense that the grass is cut, it's maintained, it's secure, and we'll get to it in the next month and a half, he said.
One neighbor questioned why the shell of a building should remain standing in the meantime, saying an empty, grassy lot would be less of an eyesore. Saley explained theres structural steel still inside that he intends to use in his proposed project.
Saley added he hopes to have it finished within nine months, and that he appreciates the patience of neighbors in the area.
Connecticut State Police have arrested a man accused of firing a gun out of a sunroof while driving on I-91 in Hartford in October.
Police said 22-year-old Miguel Rivera fired at least one shot out of the sunroof of his Ford Taurus while driving on I-91 south near exit 27 on October 24.
A witness called 911 to report the incident, and police tracked the vehicle to Rivera. When investigators searched the vehicle they found ammunition in the car and a spent shell casing in the sunroof compartment.
Rivera was arrested Saturday and charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm, breach of peace, and reckless endangerment. He was issued a $150,000 bond and is due in court Monday.
The Connecticut Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on whether a homeowner had the right to put up signs on her property criticizing a home contractor.
Justices have scheduled a hearing for Tuesday in the case of Milford resident Eileen Arisian, who in the fall of 2010 erected signs saying that she didn't recommend the contractor and that the contractor was facing lawsuits.
The city's zoning enforcement officer said the signs violated local regulations and ordered Arisian to take them down. When Arisian didn't comply, the enforcement officer sued.
A lower court ruled last year that while the city had authority to regulate advertising signs, Arisian's were not advertising signs. The city is appealing that ruling.
Arisian also says the signs are protected by free speech rights.
A ground invasion of North Korea is the only way to locate and destroy, with complete certainty, all components of leader Kim Jong Un's nuclear weapons program, according to a Pentagon official.
"It is the most bleak assessment," Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Sunday.
Two House Democrats, in a letter to the Pentagon, had asked about casualty assessments in a possible conflict with North Korea, and Rear Adm. Michael J. Dumont of the Joint Staff responded on behalf of the Defense Department.
Dumont noted that the United States is evaluating North Korea's ability to target heavily populated areas of South Korea with long-range artillery, rockets and ballistic missiles. He pointed out that Seoul, the South's capital with a population of 25 million, is just 35 miles from the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas.
The amount of casualties would differ depending on the advance warning and the ability of U.S. and South Korea forces to counter these attacks, he told Reps. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., and Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.
"A classified briefing would be the best place to discuss in detail the capability of the U.S. and its allies to discuss capabilities to counter North Korea's ability to respond with a nuclear weapon and eliminate North Korea's nuclear weapons located in deeply buried, underground facilities," Dumont said. He also mentioned the possibility that chemical and biological weapons might be used by the North in case of a conflict.
Feinstein said she was pleased that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was accompanying President Donald Trump during his Asia trip, when North Korea is a main issue.
"I think if he will stay the course and use diplomacy the way diplomacy can be used, then it might be possible to work something out. The worst alternative is a war which could become nuclear," Feinstein told CNN's "State of the Union."
In a joint statement Saturday, 15 Democratic lawmakers and one Republican all military veterans called the assessment that a ground invasion would be required to destroy the North's nuclear arsenal "deeply disturbing" and that such an action "could result in hundreds of thousands, or even millions of deaths in just the first few days of fighting."
"It is our intent to have a full public accounting of the potential cost of war, so the American people understand the commitment we would be making as a nation if we were to pursue military action," the lawmakers said.
They also said the Trump administration "has failed to articulate any plans to prevent the military conflict from expanding beyond the Korean Peninsula and to manage what happens after the conflict is over."
"With that in mind, the thought of sending troops into harm's way and expending resources on another potentially unwinnable war is chilling. The President needs to stop making provocative statements that hinder diplomatic options and put American troops further at risk," they said.
New opposition surfaced Sunday for Tuesdays $1.025 billion Dallas bond referendum.
A group called The Conservative Response Team has purchased radio advertising time on Monday and Tuesday asking voters to say No to all 10 City of Dallas referendum questions.
A video the group posted on You Tube supports the radio sound.
Click here to watch the group's video.
The same group bought radio advertising time to criticize Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Council Member Jennifer Staubach Gates for the City Council decision to remove the Robert E. Lee statue in September. --> Ad Attacks Dallas Council Member Over Lee Statue Vote
Rick Shaftan with The Conservative Response Team denied the new ads are retribution for removing the statue.
The city is still considering removing another Confederate Monument and changing streets names for Confederate leaders.
If they have money for those things, they don't need money for these other things," Shaftan said. Its a question of priorities.
Related --> Campaign Begins to Support $1 Billion Dallas Bond Referendum
A long list of Dallas civic groups and city leaders support the bond referendum for streets, parks and other needs.
Click here to see the Dallas Bond Campaign Website
The borrowing plan was increased in June from an earlier plan for $800 million as City Council Members added more projects to the list of most urgent needs. --> Dallas Public Improvement Borrowing Plan Now $1 Billion
Officials are hoping to speed work if the referendum passes Tuesday so residents see faster progress than they have from some past Dallas bond votes. --> Long-Awaited Dallas Road Work Demonstrates How Long Progress Can Take
Some neighborhood groups have expressed opposition to the City Council selection of projects in the referendum. --> Some Voters Unhappy With Dallas Bond Package Distribution
A soldier from Southern California was killed in Afghanistan over the weekend, the U.S. Army announced Sunday.
Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Cribben, 33, of Simi Valley, died Saturday in Logar Province, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained during combat in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colorado.
Cribben is survived by his wife -- his high school sweetheart -- and his two children, ages 3 and 5.
He comes from a family of military service. He enlisted in the Army at just 18 years old, during his senior year ar Royal High School in Simi Valley. He served 15 years in the Army.
His parents described him as a sheep dog, a protector and a man whose heart was bigger than the nation he loved so much.
"We are thankful he was surrounded by people he loved and trusted and we know he wasn't alone in the end," his mother Leslie Cribben said.
The 33-year-old "was able to be a warrior and a husband and a father at the same time," his father Joe Cribben told NBC4.
Cribben's parents say he and his wife were planning on renewing their vows when he got back from this latest deployment.
His loved ones are now waiting to bury him on American soil -- something they knew was a possibility as he chose to defend out country with honor, pride and devotion.
"Were gonna get through it because he would get through it if it was one of us, take one step at a time and move forward," Leslie Cribben said.
The incident is under investigation.
NBC4's Christine Kim contributed to this report.
What to Know The 26 people killed were aged between 5 and 72 years old.
At least 20 people who were wounded are recovering in hospitals around San Antonio, Texas.
The suspected gunman, 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelly, died of a gunshot wound.
A man dressed in all black and wearing a "ballistic vest" fired a Ruger semi-automatic rifle at a church in a small South Texas community on Sunday, killing 26 people and wounding about 20 others in what the governor called the deadliest mass shooting in the state's history. Victims were churchgoers as young as five and as old as 72.
The gunman was officially identified as Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, of neighboring Comal County, on Monday, confirming what law enforcement sources had reported the day before. Kelley died in the shooting. Law enforcement officials were working to search his home, with agents from the FBI and the ATF among those on the scene Sunday, officials told NBC News.
Twenty-three people were found dead inside the church, two were found outside and one victim died at the hospital, DPS Regional Director Freeman Martin said.
There were 12 to 14 children's bodies found inside the church, Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt told NBC News Monday.
Kelley's wife, who may have been estranged or divorced from him, had attended the church in the past, along with her parents, Tackitt said. They are not locals of Sutherland Springs.
The gunman is believed to have fired hundreds of rounds, according to Tackitt.
The wounded were taken to area hospitals. Megan Posey, a spokeswoman for Connally Memorial Medical Center, which is in Floresville and about 10 miles from the church, said "multiple" victims were being treated for gunshot wounds. She declined to give a specific number but said it was less than a dozen. Eight people were taken by medical helicopter to the Brooke Army Medical Center, the hospital said.
"There are so many families who've lost family members, fathers, mothers, sons and daughters, Gov. Greg Abbott said. "The tragedy of course is worsened by the fact that it occurred in a church, a place of worship, where these people were innocently gunned down. We mourn their loss, but we support their family members."
Sutherland Springs, a community of about 400 people, is about 20 miles southeast of San Antonio.
Martin said the suspect crossed the street from a Valero gas station, fired at the church and entered the church, firing from a Ruger AR rifle. He dropped his rifle and fled when confronted by an armed resident.
The suspect was found dead inside his getaway vehicle after the armed resident and another citizen pursued him, Martin continued. It is unclear if the suspect died from a self-inflected gunshot wound or he was shot by the resident.
The driver of the vehicle that chased the suspect said he was acting on instinct to try to prevent the suspect from escaping.
Johnnie Langendorff said in an interview with KSAT that he was driving past the church Sunday as the shooting happened and saw the gunman exchanging fire with a member of the community, who then got into Langendorff's truck. They took off at high speed in pursuit of the gunman on a nearby highway as police were going in the opposite direction toward the church.
Langendorff said the gunman lost control of his vehicle and crashed. He said his passenger walked up to the suspect's vehicle with his gun drawn and the suspect did not move. The person stood guard over the gunman until police arrived 5 to 7 minutes later.
"I was strictly just acting on what's the right thing to do," Langendorff said.
Federal officials say Kelley's motive is unclear but there was no obvious sign of a connection to terrorism. Investigators were looking at social media posts Kelley made in the days before Sunday's attack, including one that appeared to show an AR-15 semiautomatic weapon. District Attorney Audrey Louis said at a briefing Sunday afternoon that there is no continuing threat.
Frank Pomeroy, pastor of the First Baptist Church, and his wife Sherri were both out of town at the time of the shooting, Sherri Pomeroy told NBC News, but she said their 14-year-old daughter and "many friends" are among the dead. Neither of them have made it back to the town, she told NBC News.
Carrie Matula, who was at a gas station about 50 yards away from the church, told MSNBC that she heard what sounded like "semi-automatic" gunfire erupt at about 11:30 a.m.
"It was rapid fire," Matula said. "It was just boom, boom, boom."
Sandy Ward, a grandmother of some of victims, told MSNBC that her grandson has been in surgery for hours and that he was shot four times. "We just found out that his sister is not going to make it," she said.
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting while on a trip in Japan. Trump said that in dark times "such as these, Americans do what they do best: we pull together, we join hands, we lock arms and through the tears and through the sadness we stand strong, oh so strong."
"My administration will provide its full support to the great state of Texas and all local authorities investigating this horrible crime," Trump continued.
The president added that the gunman was "deranged," saying that the shooting is a "mental health problem."
Trump also ordered that the American flag be flown at half-staff at the White House and other government buildings until sunset on Thursday.
Kelley previously served in the Air Force until he was discharged for bad conduct in 2014, Air Force Spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told NBC News. He was court-martialed in 2012 for two counts of assault on his spouse and assault on their child, Stefanek said.
It is not immediately clear whether it was legal for Kelley to own weapons on a bad conduct discharge. A sporting goods retailer said Sunday night that Kelley purchased a firearm from one of its San Antonio locations in 2016 but did not specify what type of gun.
The mass shooting comes just 35 days after a gunman killed 58 people at a country music festival in Las Vegas, the deadliest mass shooting in modern American history. It's also the 8th anniversary of the Fort Hood shooting, where a U.S. Army major killed 13 people and injured more 30 others in a mass shooting.
A woman who lives about 10 minutes away from Sutherland Springs in Floresville was monitoring the chaos on a police scanner and in Facebook community groups. She said everyone knows everyone in the sparsely populated county.
"This is horrific for our tiny little tight-knit town," said Alena Berlanga. "Everybody's going to be affected and everybody knows someone who's affected," she said.
CORRECTION (Nov. 6, 2017, 12:51 p.m. ET): An earlier version of this story misspelled Sheriff Joe Tackitt's name.
It's been more than six weeks since Hurricane Maria made its devastating landfall in Puerto Rico. To help the island recover, musicians are preparing for a relief concert in Pembroke Pines on Friday.
"We need to do everything possible to help them out," musician Carlos Oliva said. "We're going to try and rock the house a little bit."
The Viernes Social in Pembroke Pines Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief Concert will be held at the Charles F. Dodge City Center starting at 8 p.m. on Friday. There will be a pre-concert party at the City Center Plaza starting at 6:30 p.m., which includes a donation drive and music.
Tickets for the event begin at $25 each at the concert hall that seats about 2,600 people.
Puerto Rican artists who will perform include Nestor Torres, Tito Puente Jr., Michael Stuart and Bobby Rodriguez Y La Compania.
Net proceeds will be sent to the AARP Foundation Hurricane Maria Relief Fund to help disaster victims. AARP will match up to $250,000 in donations.
"I'm praying for a full house," Rodriguez said.
A large memorial of candles and tribute messages sat outside the apartment building where a 22-year-old man was shot to death, apparently for his clothing.
Raul Melendez was shot multiple times in his Bronx home Friday morning by two teens who then stole his clothes, according to police. He died at the scene.
Surveillance video shows the two suspects fleeing the building, one of them with a bundle of clothing under his arm.
A memorial honored Raul Melendez outside his Bronx apartment building.
Melendez was the father of a 1-month-old boy and worked as a maintenance worker at a Brooklyn school, the New York Post reported.
"We love you bro - forever in our hearts," one note at the memorial read Sunday night.
Police were still looking for the two teens Sunday.
Cuba's foreign minister on Thursday accused the United States of lying about mysterious sonic attacks that U.S. diplomats in Havana say left them with ailments including headaches, hearing problems and concussions.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the U.S. was "deliberately lying" about the attacks, which Cuba's government has denied any knowledge of.
Speaking at a news conference, Rodriguez alleged the issue has been used "as a political pretext for damaging bilateral relations and eliminating the progress made" under U.S. President Barack Obama.
Rodriguez said the dispute has caused delays in proposed public health cooperation and technical meetings on agriculture as well as cultural, sporting and student events.
The Trump administration has said that 24 U.S. officials or their relatives were subjected to deliberate attacks by a still-undetermined culprit. Many officials reported being subjected to loud, grating noises before falling ill.
The U.S. has not accused Cuba's government of carrying out the attacks, but says it has not met its obligation to protect diplomats on its territory.
Cuba has said it does not possess any technology capable of carrying out a sonic attack, and Rodriguez said the broad range of symptoms reported indicates they could not have a single cause.
The U.S. has cut staffing at its Havana embassy by 60 percent in response to the incidents, expelled Cuban diplomats from their embassy in Washington, issued a travel warning for Americans going to Cuba and stopped issuing visas for Cubans in Havana.
The measures have sent U.S.-Cuba relations plummeting from a high point under Obama and cut into the increasingly important flow of tourists to Cuba, whose economy went into recession last year for the first time in more than two decades.
New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents, get out to vote Tuesday! Each state has important roles up for grabs.
Here's what you need to know to go to the polls, including which major party candidates are running.
Pennsylvania:
Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your local polling place here or use the Voterapp from the the Office of City Commissioners.
One of the most important races on Election Day Tuesday is the one for Philadelphia District Attorney. NBC10s Drew Smith has the story from both sides of the aisle.
District Attorney -
City Controller -
Commonwealth Court: Two seats open
Common Pleas Court: Nine seats open
Municipal Court: Two seats open
School Boards -
Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your local polling place here
Voters in New Jersey are heading to the polls Tuesday to pick a new governor. NBC10s Matt DeLucia is outside a polling place in Cherry Hill as voting begins in the Garden State.
Governor and Lieutenant Governor-
Major party candidates:
State Senate -
A disbarred lawyer who once represented Casey Anthony has been convicted of conspiring to fly a plane filled with $13 million worth of cocaine from Ecuador to Honduras.
The office of U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers said Todd Macaluso was found guilty last Friday in Brooklyn of international cocaine distribution conspiracy.
He could get 10 years to life in prison when he's sentenced on Feb. 16.
His lawyer, Michael Gold, told the Daily News that Macaluso "looks forward to being vindicated in future proceedings."
Macaluso was on Anthony's defense team between 2009 and 2010. In 2011, Anthony was acquitted in the death of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, in a high-profile Florida case.
In 2015, Macaluso was sentenced to five months in federal prison for fraud.
The attorney, who had a personal injury law practice in Rancho Santa Fe, apologized for defrauding clients by forging their signatures to obtain millions of dollars from investors.
As part of his sentence, he was ordered to be placed on three years of probation after his prison time was served.
Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam both claim momentum is on their side with one day to go before Election Day in Virginia's high-stakes, closely watched race for governor.
The candidates are racing across the state Monday after a weekend spent trying to trying to rally supporters ahead of the Tuesday vote.
Northam felt strong enthusiasm from his supporters and said he was heartened by the high number of absentee votes that had been cast so far compared with four years ago, particularly in Democratic-leaning areas. Northam predicted turnout could be significantly higher than recent past gubernatorial elections.
"We may get well over 50 percent, which would be real good for our party,'' Northam said.
Gillespie told supporters at a rally Sunday that Republicans were set to sweep statewide races.
"We no longer just have momentum - we have the lead,'' Gillespie said.
Virginia is one of only two states electing a new governor this year, and the contest is viewed by many as an early referendum on President Donald Trump's political popularity.
Democrats are eager to prove they can harness anti-Trump energy into success at the polls, while Republicans are looking to show they have a winning blueprint in a blue-leaning state. Most public polls have shown a close race to succeed Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat who is term limited.
Northam holds a six-point lead over Gilliespie, according to the latest tracking poll by the Wason Center for Public Policy at Christopher Newport University.
According to the poll released Monday, 51 percent of voters prefer Northam while 45 percent say they would vote for Gillespie. Two percent of voters polled in the survey chose Libertarian Cliff Hyra, and 2 percent said they were undecided.
Northam, a pediatric neurologist and the state's lieutenant governor, spent Saturday in voter-rich northern Virginia, where Democrats have run up huge leads in recent statewide elections. He attended rallies with union members, immigrant groups and others where he sought to use anti-Trump energy as a motivating factor.
"Do you all remember how you felt when you woke up on November the 9th of 2016?'' Northam asked a group of canvassers in a supporter's backyard in Ashburn, referring to the day after Trump won the presidential campaign. "We cannot take any chances and wake up like that again.''
National Democrats, still stinging from last year's presidential race, are hoping a strong showing by Northam will help motivate the party ahead of the 2018 mid-term elections. A string of high-profile surrogates, including former President Barack Obama, have campaigned on his behalf.
Some volunteers helping Northam said Trump's victory had spurred them to get involved in a political campaign for the first time.
"Really, a lot of us feel unsettled,'' said Kee Jun, a Korean-American from Northern Virginia who helped introduce Northam to voters at a restaurant Saturday. "I feel an obligation to my children, Virginia residents and the nation.''
But some Republicans said they felt Trump's victory has energized their party in a lasting way that will help Gillespie.
"People realize they can have a voice and can make a difference in an election,'' said John Ancellotti, a retired Coast Guard captain and federal agent who attended a Gillespie rally Sunday.
Gillespie, a White House adviser to President George W. Bush and former lobbyist, has kept Trump at a distance and has not campaigned with him. But in a bid to rally Trump supporters, Gillespie has run hard-edge attacks ads against Northam focused on immigrants in the country illegally and preserving Confederate statues. The approach has drawn bipartisan criticism, but Gillespie supporters say he's been unfairly maligned for taking positions that are popular with voters but may not be politically correct.
"Ed is willing to take those arrows,'' said U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who campaigned with Gillespie on Sunday.
Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon said Saturday that Gillespie's tack to the right will help him "pull this out,'' according to the pro-Trump website Breitbart News.
Gillespie did not mention the president during Sunday rallies in Williamsburg and Virginia Beach, instead focusing his message on his plan to boost the state's economy.
Republicans said a controversial last-minute ad by the Latino Victory Fund, which features a Gillespie supporter chasing down children of different minority groups in a pickup truck, has helped galvanize Gillespie supporters at a key time.
"That was God's way of helping him,'' said Robin Milewski, a York County Republican volunteer.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents at Baltimore-Washington Airport were routinely scanning bags at the security X-ray machine Sunday when a gun was spotted.
Agents inspected a carry-on bag and found a semi-automatic handgun loaded with nine bullets, TSA officials said.
It's not an every day that someone tries to board an airplane out of BWI while carrying a gun, but it's becoming more common.
Last year, TSA says their agents at that airport found 24 guns at security checkpoints.
Agents have found 22 firearms already in 2017, according to TSA data.
The trend has been growing since at least 2013: 12 guns were found that year, 14 guns were found in 2014 and 16 guns were found in 2015.
More people are bringing guns, TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said in an email. Youd have to ask them why!
Another TSA spokesman said the rise in guns found at security checkpoints seems to correlate with a growing number of fliers.
The Bedford, Pennsylvania man who TSA says tried to board a plane with a loaded gun Sunday allegedly said he forgot the gun was in his bag.
He was scheduled to fly to Milwaukee, but was arrested instead, according to TSA.
Passengers are allowed to travel with guns -- but only in checked luggage that is properly labeled and packed, Farbstein said.
Never bring a gun to a checkpoint, Farbstein said.
Penalties are steep for those who ignore Farbstein's advice. TSA says they can levy civil penalties up to $12,000 for gun violations. First-offenders are still usually on the hook for $3,000 for carrying a handgun into a security checkpoint, TSA said.
Despite the penalties, passengers continue to show up at security checkpoints with guns -- at BWI and other airports.
Thursday, a man brought a loaded 9mm semi-automatic handgun to a checkpoint at Reagan National Airport. He was cited, News4 reported.
The number of guns discovered by TSA officers in airports across the U.S. has doubled since 2012, TSA said.
In 2012, TSA found 1,556 guns. Last year, 3,391 guns were found at airports nationwide.
TSA agents found the highest number of guns at airports in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix and Denver, TSA said.
Florida State University indefinitely suspended its fraternities and sororities Monday after the alcohol-related death of a freshman pledge and cocaine charges for another fraternity member.
University President John Thrasher didn't say how long the suspension will last.
"This pause is needed to review and reflect on the loss of a young life and to implement serious changes," Thrasher said. "For this suspension to end, there will need to be a new normal for Greek life on campus. They must participate in that culture."
Florida State is at least the third university this year to suspend Greek life because of alcohol-related tragedies. After the February hazing death of 19-year old Timothy Piazza, Penn State suspended fraternities and sororities from holding social activities during the spring semester. Louisiana State had a one-month suspension and continues to ban alcohol at Greek parties after the hazing death of 18-year old Maxwell Gruver in September.
At Florida State, Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Pi Kappa Phi, died Friday after he was found unresponsive following a party. Police said there were indicators that alcohol may have been a factor, but authorities were waiting for the results of an autopsy before determining a cause of death. Authorities are still investigating.
On Monday, 20-year-old Garrett John Marcy, a member of Phi Delta Theta, was charged with the sale and trafficking of cocaine.
"I just feel like for whatever reason, the message is not getting through," Thrasher said. "Unfortunately we've got to take steps with our students, to make sure this never happens again."
During the suspension, the only events Greek life members can conduct are meetings with the university or their national chapter. They also can not have any organized participation in homecoming activities, which are scheduled for next week.
Students will be allowed to remain as residents in their fraternity or sorority house. Thrasher also banned alcohol at all student organization events during the suspension.
While President Donald Trump's visit across Asia is underway, the United States testy relationship with North Korea has become a central issue to discuss for South Korean officials, NBC News reported.
South Korea's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha told NBC News before President Donald Trump's visit that war, "on the Korean Peninsula must not happen."
Trump is expected to arrive in Seoul where the subject of how to tackle North Korea's totalitarian dictator is expected to be at the top of the agenda.
Kang cautioned against "military options," NBC News reported.
South Korea is home to over 50 million people and estimated 28,000 American troops are stationed in the country.
A Massachusetts man accused of shooting at two homes over the weekend before being arrested at his home just a few blocks away faced a judge Monday morning.
Fifty-one-year-old John Pappalardo of Methuen was ordered to be held pending a dangerousness hearing in just over a week during his arraignment in Lawrence District Court on multiple charges, including eight counts of assault with a dangerous weapon and two counts of malicious damage over $250.
A motive for the Saturday morning shooting on Weybossett Street wasn't immediately released.
One neighbor told NBC Boston he heard at least five shots early Saturday morning.
John Pina said some of the bullets entered his son's room, who was fortunately sleeping in another part of the house. Pina said he went outside and saw the suspect drive off in his truck.
"I screamed, 'stop, stop, you can't do this,'" Pina recalled.
Pappalardo then allegedly stopped in front of the house next door and started firing at that home before pulling into the driveway of his own home.
Pina said he went back into his home to make sure everyone was OK before he went looking for the driver, finding him at his house right around the corner.
"This guy was standing right outside of his car," Pina said. "I told him, 'you're going to get in trouble. There's so many witnesses say that seen you. You're going to jail.'"
Police say Pappalardo was eventually taken to custody without incident.
It's unclear if Pappalardo has an attorney. He's due back in court on Nov. 15.
A Vermont judge ordered a sanity evaluation for a teenager accused of stabbing a woman in the chest, and attempting to attack the womans 3-year-old child.
In court via video link from jail, 18-year-old Tyreke Morton was wrapping himself in a blanket as his defense attorney entered not guilty pleas to two charges of attempted second-degree murder.
The public defender assigned for the hearing described Morton in court as a high school student.
Vermont State Police troopers said late Sunday night into Monday morning, Morton stabbed a 36-year-old woman he had been living with off and on recently in the small town of Calais. The woman has a son the suspects age.
Police said that the victim was hospitalized but was able to provide investigators with her sworn written account of the night.
Investigators wrote in reports filed with the court that the victim told them a steak knife went "all the way in" to her chest, and when she pulled it out, Morton knocked it from her hand and started to go after the 3-year-old with the blade.
The bleeding mom was able to talk Morton out of harming the child, according to police paperwork.
Vermont State Police Trooper Logan Potskowski said in a report filed with the court that Morton told him "I mistakenly stabbed her," and after he threw down sunglasses in front of Potskowski, the suspect said he was "crazy for a reason," adding "the shades are making me go crazy."
Det. Sgt. Michael Kamerling of the Vermont State Police wrote in a sworn report that it appeared to him Morton was suffering from a mental illness or was under the influence of drugs at the time he was questioned.
According to paperwork filed with the court, the victims grown son told officers Morton had smoked marijuana that night, and a week and a half ago, took acid. Morton had not been acting the same since, the police reports said, and had been exhibiting erratic or alarming behavior.
Judge David Fenster ordered Morton held without bail, and also ordered an in-patient screening for sanity and mental competency.
"Those families need our help and support more than anything else," Karen Tronsgard-Scott, an advocate who has long worked to reduce violence in Vermont homes, said of families that experience violence in households.
Tronsgard-Scott, who is the executive director of the Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, said she was relieved to hear the 3-year-old in the Calais case is safe, though said witnessing the alleged attack was surely traumatizing.
"The emotional impact of violence in the home is huge on kids," Tronsgard-Scott observed.
While Morton was arraigned in Chittenden County, the future handling of the case will happen in Washington County.
The penalty for conviction on attempted second-degree murder in Vermont is a term of 20 years to life in prison, according to charging documents filed with the Vermont Superior Court.
Authorities are offering up to $5,000 for information that can help them track down a Massachusetts bank robber dubbed the "Faceless Bandit."
The FBI says the man is responsible for at least three recent armed robberies in September and October. He's called the "Faceless Bandit" because he covered his face with sunglasses, ski masks or bandanas.
Authorities say the man is armed and dangerous. The FBI says that in each of the robberies he showed a weapon, threatened bank workers and demanded cash before fleeing on foot.
The FBI is asking anyone with information to call FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force or the Fall River Police Department. People can also submit tips at tips.fbi.gov.
Sunday's church shooting in Texas is particularly tragic, with so many children among the dead. It has many parents asking themselves if and how they should prepare their children for a similar attack.
Dr. Ellen Braaten, a psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital's Clay Center, said what you want them to know is that you're doing everything to keep them safe and the possibility of them not being safe is extremely low.
She said the conversations about shootings and attacks have to be age appropriate.
For ages up to 5, the risk of creating anxiety is too high. But for elementary school children and teenagers, it's OK to have a conversation.
Braaten said you can look online at what law enforcement has said that is important in these times. Keep it very concrete and very much in perspective that most likely you'll never need this.
But she said there are limits to how much a parent can prepare a child. For example, advice on hiding or running away might not work in every scenario.
"We can't get caught in 'This is exactly what you need to do next time' because next time might be different," Braaten said. "But I think heightened awareness, being able to be calm in a heightened emergency, is a skill set for all of us to know."
A website created by the American Academy of Pediatrics breaks down how parents should talk to their children by age group:
healthychildren.org
The Clay Center at MGH also has a website with advice:
mghclaycenter.org
A 91-year-old World War II veteran has been honored in Rhode Island for his service.
U.S. Sen. Jack Reed held a ceremony Friday at Cranston Public library for James Dowling. The Rhode Island Democrat presented Dowling with medals he earned but never received for his service, including the World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
Dowling, of Cranston, enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. He was stationed in Hawaii on an aircraft carrier in 1943 and soon became a member of a six-man crew on a Navy patrol bombing squadron known as the ``Blue Raiders.''
The team compiled the best composite combat record of all U.S Navy squadrons in World War II. Dowling returned to Providence after completing his service in 1947.
A Norwich church has temporarily relocated to a boxing ring where self professed 'hard men' will tell their stories of finding faith. The first Tough Talk event is set for November 20.
A Norwich church has temporarily relocated to a boxing ring where self professed 'hard men' will tell their stories of finding faith. The first Tough Talk event is set for November 20.
How can we help feed those in need? Andrew Frere-Smith reminds us of the importance of meals, and offers us some food for thought as the rising cost of living impacts our communities. Read more
Latest Norfolk Christian community events Events of interest to the Norwich and Norfolk Christian community happening over the next few weeks are listed. Read more
John leads Norwich churches trip to Holy Land Experienced Holy Land traveller and former CEO of YMCA Norfolk, John Drake, is leading an inter-church tour from Norwich to Israel and Palestine in March 2023, with a few places still available. Read more
Christmas rhyming play by North Norfolk teacher Matthew Pickhaver, who lives in North Norfolk, has just published the third of his series of play scripts on the theme of Christmas, which is now available to buy. Read more
Advent and Christmas events at Norwich Cathedral From an Advent Open Evening to Carols in the Cloister and an array of special services and concerts with Norwich Cathedral Choir, there is lots to look forward to at Norwich Cathedral this festive season. Read more
Norwich church to hold Sunday healing service Witard Road Baptist Church is hosting a healing service on November 27 led by Rev Ray and Ruth Scorey from Norfolk Healing Rooms. Read more
Sheringham youth attend forbidden church The youth group at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham were forced to meet at a secret location earlier this month when the Lighthouse building had, supposedly, been shut down by the authorities. Read more
Christmas pud workshop at Norwich church Not made your Christmas pudding yet? Don't know where to start? Come along to a Christmas pudding workshop at Norwich Central Baptist Church on November 21 with MasterChef contestant Jane Wyndham. Read more
Norwich Foodbank provides over 4,700 food parcels Norwich Foodbank gave out 4,793 emergency food parcels to people across Norwich in the last year with 1,790 of these going to children. Read more
Poppies cascading in Sheringham church A fall of poppies cascades from the pulpit in St Andrews Methodist Church in Sheringham, and anyone is welcome to come and see them. Read more
Bishop Graham's prayers for COP27 climate conference Bishop Graham is publishing daily prayers on social media for the current COP27 climate conference, and is asking all to join. Read more
Discovering the Orange in your life The vibrant colours of autumn have been inspiring regular contributor Jane Walters to focus on the positive. Read more
YMCA annual celebration set to inspire YMCA Norfolk is set to hold its much anticipated 2022 annual celebration and awards ceremony on November 17, after almost 3 years since the last event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more
Hub manager vacancy at community shop Earlham Community Shop Community Interest Company is looking to appoint a manager for this new venture being developed in the heart of NR5 Norwich. Read more
Abbey Days brings Christmas Magic to Wymondham Visitors to Wymondham Abbeys Christmas fair will be able to treat their children to a magic show and fun baking workshop while they browse more than 60 stalls. Read more
Salvation Armys new Christmas Appeal in Norfolk The Salvation Army has launched their new Christmas appeal across Norfolk which, this year, has evolved from the much-loved Toys and Tins appeal. Read more
Are we storing up treasures on earth? Rising prices affect us all, and Anna Heydon urges us to spare a thought for those who will be struggling with the cost of living this winter. Read more
Santander makes 'fantastic' charity donation
KINGSCLERE-based charity Living Paintings has received a 4,800 boost from the Santander Foundation.
Living Paintings enables blind and partially-sighted people to read through their Touch to See range of books.
These include childrens classics such as Peppa Pig, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Gruffalo and Stick Man.
Living Paintings chief executive Camilla Oldland, said: To receive this grant is just fantastic. I know that what our charity does transforms the lives of the blind children we reach.
No longer do they feel isolated and alone, but, thanks to our books, they can join in and gain a love of reading alongside their sighted friends.
There is no greater gift and it is only made possible by grants such as this from the Santander Foundation.
The donation is part of the Santander Foundations Discovery Grants programme, which offers funding to UK charities or projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.
Branch manager at the Santander Berkshire branch, Donna Petersen, said: The Santander Foundation makes hundreds of donations every year to good causes throughout the UK.
Our branch is committed to playing a key part in the community and we are delighted to be supporting Living Paintings and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.
The grant will help cover the costs of sending Touch to See books from the Living Paintings free postal library to children living in Berkshire.
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44 economic corridors, 24 multi modal logistics parks planned under Bharatmala project: Gadkari
New Delhi , Nov. 5 : Furthering the Centre's commitment towards providing world class transport and logistics infrastructure to support the growth of economic activity, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that 44 Economic Corridors and 24 Multi Modal Logistics Parks have been planned under the Government's flagship 'Bharatmala' programme to facilitate efficient movement of freight along routes of economic importance.
(Posted on 05 November 2017, 1668596840 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/india-news.php (Posted on 05 November 2017, 1668596840 173O212O198O32)
Addressing a session on 'Opportunity in Infrastructure, Logistics Technology and Equipment' in the World Food India 2017 conference here on Saturday, Gadkari claimed that the implementation of these projects is expected to bolster growth of the food processing industry."The Multi Modal Logistics Parks are being planned as centers of freight aggregation with warehousing, cold storage and other such facilities. These parks will be built on NH outside cities, so they will help reduce traffic congestion and also reduce pollution. Work has already begun for setting up Logistics Parks at Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Vijaywada, Surat and Guwahati. The Economic Corridors and Multi Modal Logistics Parks will facilitate faster movement of farm produce to food processing centres and to markets. This will raise the income of farmers, give a boost to the food processing industry and create a large number of jobs," said Gadkari."The rate of construction of National Highways has gathered considerable momentum. The country had just 96,000 km of NH three years back, but this has grown to nearly 1.7 lakh km, and will soon reach a length of 2 lakh km. This will provide more farmers in remote areas with access to markets for their produce," he added.On the waterways front, Gadkari stated that 14 Coastal Economic Zones have been planned under the Sagarmala programme, with two mega food processing parks planned at Kakinada and Satara at a cost of Rs 140 Crores. This, he said, will support fishermen to develop their skills and raise their productivity.In addition to this, Gadkari said 111 waterways are being developed as National Waterways, which will reduce logistics costs, thus benefiting the food processing industry. The development of River Ganga and Brahmaputra for transport will also make it easier to move local produce to Bangladesh, he said."The efficiency of the 12 major ports has been growing rapidly, and they have been making profits consistenty over the last three years. Dry ports are being developed at Jalna, Vidarbha and Nasik to begin with. The availability of ports will give a boost to movement of goods," he said.In addition to developing the road and water transport infrastructure, Gadkari said the government is also giving priority to developing micro or drip irrigation in the water deficient regions of the country. 13 river linking projects are also on the anvil, of which three will be done within three months. All these projects, Gadkari said, will improve the availability and utilisation of water and raise agricultural productivity.
Westby City Council backed away from a plan to convert the 100 block of East State Street into one-way driving and parking after the proposed change was met with even more resistance at its October monthly meetings.
The entire issue came to light after Vernon Communications purchased the Corner Mechanics business lot in downtown Westby, in order to create a public downtown green space. Since then, Westby Chamber has since been put in charge of developing the area, which in turn opened the door for the city of Westby to restructure parking in front of the area.
In September the city street committee, (Rick Rognstad, Russell Haakenson, Lyle Lund), voted 2-1 in favor of the one-way street conversion. Lund provided the nay vote and told the council that the people he spoke with were not in favor of the change and he personally felt it would make driving in downtown more confusing.
At the same time Mayor Dan Helgerson argued the change would create less congestion all around at the State Street intersection and help with traffic flow. The city contacted businesses and residents residing on East State Street in regards to the proposed change.
In October the public weighed in with several residents residing on East State Street against the one-way proposal.
Bob Devine, who rents out agricultural land on East State Street raised concerns about larger farm equipment having to take less direct routes.
Jackie Pertzborn has horses and pulls a large 24 foot trailer. She said she has never avoided the intersection and the change would not make driving in the area user friendly. Pertzborn said the city would be cutting off its nose, to spite their face, doing more harm than good in the long run.
Louise Simonson said converting one block to a one-way would be way too confusing for motorists.
Former Councilman Arnie Anderson doesnt reside on East State Street, but was always a strong proponent for a stop light at the State Street intersection. His battles always came up short when dealing with the DOT, but he suggested the current council restart communications with the DOT before making a change to one-way parking on just one side of the street and not the other.
Anderson said its like a Norwegian gunfight at the State street intersection with motorists waiting to turn left wondering which one is going to pull the trigger first and pull out onto Main Street from that intersection.
Jeff Bailey, who has lived on both sides of State Street in Westby, said the intersection is not the safest, but he prefers to make it his own choice whether to take an alternate route or take his chances pulling out from East or West State streets onto Main.
Mayor Helgerson then suggested trying the proposed change for one year, but the council backed away from the idea with no support from the people in attendance.
Bailey said its just too hard to convert back once a change like this is made and leaving well enough alone seemed like the safest option.
Westby City Council meets at 6 p.m. on Nov. 7 and on Nov. 21. You may also contact Westby City Hall at 634-3214 for additional information.
Swaraj condoles death of Indian-origin boy killed in Kenya
New Delhi , Nov. 5 : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday offered condolences to the family of an Indian-origin boy, who was shot dead in Kenya by the country's security forces on Saturday.
(Posted on 05 November 2017, 1668596840 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 05 November 2017, 1668596840 173O212O198O32)
Bunty Shah, a Kenyan National of Indian-origin, was mistaken for a terrorist and shot dead by the security forces, who were conducting anti-terror operations in Nairobi, the country's capital.Swaraj took to Twitter to assure help and assistance to the bereaved family from Indian High Commission in Nairobi.The security forces were looking for terrorists on the building across Shah's residence. Bunty thought this as an intrusion by armed burglars and fired in the air. The forces retaliated the fire, killing Bunty on the spot.
Ministry of Communications Inks MOU with OneWeb to Bridge Digital Divide in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: In a ceremony witnessed by H.E the Minister Eng. Abdulla Al-Sawaha and Sir Richard Branson, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and OneWeb have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on the development of solutions in 2020 which should help to connect 237,000 homes throughout the country bringing much needed affordable, high-speed, low latency broadband access to those living in rural and remote areas.
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This MOU comes within the efforts of MCIT to extend all the Kingdom's areas of high-speed internet and to enhance the infrastructure of communications and data networks, in line with the National Transformation Plan aiming to reach high-speed Internet for the vast majority of rural and remote areas by 2020.The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has set a goal to connect the majority of its residents living in rural and remote areas by 2020, and OneWeb is going to provide the necessary infrastructure to connect these traditionally hard-to-reach areas. Together, The Kingdom and OneWeb will be able to help enable access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities through connectivity.Signing on behalf of MCIT, Eng. Abdullah Al-Kanhal, Deputy Minister for Communications and Digital Infrastructure, said, "As part of the Kingdom's National Transformation Plan, we have launched an ambitious programme to provide high-speed wireless connectivity to more than 70% of households in rural areas by 2020. Our partnership with OneWeb will enable us to provide the remaining 30% of rural households with high-speed wireless connectivity after 2020, empowering people in rural areas to seize the opportunities of the digital age."Greg Wyler, Founder and Executive Chairman of OneWeb, signed the MOU earlier today and said, "Starting in 2020, OneWeb will be able to deliver everyone in Saudi Arabia, regardless of their location, high-speed broadband at their home, office, or school. This means a brighter future for those currently living without access. Our system will enable every small business to participate in the global market, creating real and lasting economic opportunity for the Kingdom."This partnership between MCIT and OneWeb represents one of many that OneWeb is entering as it ramps up to launch satellites early next year. OneWeb will begin commercial service in Saudi Arabia starting in 2020.OneWeb is committed to bridging the digital divide around the world by 2027, and is working with governments, Internet Service Providers, mobile operators and others to provide the infrastructure to connect the last mile. The cost of building out terrestrial networks remains extremely high and reaching across challenging terrain is very difficult, as well. OneWeb's system will be able to provide affordable, turnkey broadband quality access to connect people no matter where they live.
Open to meeting with Kim Jong-un, says Trump
Tokyo [Japan], November 6 : United States President Donald Trump has stated he would certainly be open to meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
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Speaking at the outset of a five-nation Asia tour, in an interview broadcast, Trump said, "I don't think it's strength or weakness; I think sitting down with people is not a bad thing.""So I would certainly be open to doing that [sitting down with Kim] but we'll see where it goes. I think we're far too early," the Guardian quoted Trump, as saying in the broadcast.His comments unfolded after months of escalated rhetoric between the two leaders.The U.S. and North Korea have long been engaged in back-and-forth barbs over the latter's threat of a nuclear attack.Trump threatened to rain "fire and fury" on North Korea and also called Kim Jong-un as "Little Rocket Man", while North Korea denounced Trump as a "mentally deranged U.S. dotard."North Korea jolted major world leaders when it carried out the strongest of its six-ever nuclear tests in early September, claiming to have used a hydrogen bomb.
TN floods: PM Modi assures assistance to state
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) , Nov. 6 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday discussed the aftermath of the heavy floods in the state with Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisamy and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, and assured support on behalf of the Centre.
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The Prime Minister, who is currently on an official visit to the state, discussed the situation arising due to heavy rains and floods in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu with the leaders.Days of continuous rainfall have brought life to a standstill in Tamil Nadu, and heavy rainfall has inundated residential areas and flooded roads.At least eight people have been killed, while thousands have taken refuge in relief camps due to the flooding.Also, schools continue to remain closed in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur today due to heavy rainfall in the region.On a related note, Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, as per Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader P Muralidhar Rao.
Kate Winslet, Allison Janney kiss on-stage at Hollywood film Award
Los Angeles [U.S.A], November 6 : The star-studded ceremony of Hollywood Film Awards saw a lot of 'hot' chemistry between Kate Winslet and Allison Janney.
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Oscar-winning actress Kate Winslet, who was named the recipient of the Hollywood Actress Award for her performance in Woody Allen's latest film 'Wonder Wheel', got a little something extra than just a trophy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.During her acceptance speech, the 'Reader' star said, "I know I don't really know you but I know I just want to be you. I do, or just stroke you or something. I mean, we could always kiss, maybe? Maybe?"Allison jumped up to the stage, prompting Winslet to remark, "Ah, it's gonna happen! This is an exciting moment."Janney, who was honoured with the Hollywood Supporting Actress Award for her role in 'I, Tonya', gave Winslet a kiss before heading back to her seat.Kate Winslet won the award for Woody Allen's 'Wonder Wheel' in which she lays a beleaguered wife to a middle-aged carousel operator in the 1950s on Coney Island.She falls for a lifeguard, played by Justin Timberlake, but her life begins to unravel when her husband's estranged daughter shows up and begins pursuing him as well.The flick is slated to release on December 1 in the U.S.
Negative impact of demonetisation behind us: SBI Chairman
Mumbai , Nov. 6 : With the completion of a year of the Centre's demonetisation drive round the corner, State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Rajnish Kumar claimed that any negative impact that it caused is now 'behind us'.
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Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of FIBAC 2017, which was organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) here, Kumar said 'notebandi' has been a positive move for the banking sector."The two major economic reforms, namely demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST), have given a big boost to digital transactions. There has been an increase in the tax base, with more money coming into savings accounts. Slowly, the mindset is also changing. Any such reform has a long-term impact and we must be a little patient. Following the impact of the two reforms, there will be improvement," he said.While sectors like renewable energy, steel and infrastructure have shown significant improvement, Kumar highlighted that some sectors such as the power sector still need vast improvement. Further, he said the process of NPA resolution is on track, and various sectors will be submitting their final plan to banks.On November 8 last year, the Centre had announced to demonetise 500- and 1000-rupee banknotes. The government also introduced new Rs.200, Rs. 500 and Rs. 2000 notes.The government had then said the action would curtail the shadow economy and crack down on the use of illicit and counterfeit cash to fund illegal activity and terrorism.While the Opposition decided to observe November 8 - the first anniversary of demonetisation - as ''black day", the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will commemorate this as an "anti-black money day"
Pune gets its first ever brands and bloggers meet
Pune (Maharashtra) , Nov 6 : #TheBNBMag hosted the first Brands and Bloggers Meet, Pune Editionon on Saturday, November 4 at Teatro Bond, Sohrab Hall.
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The best of the worlds - Fashion, Lifestyle and Hospitality graced the event with 21 brands participating in the presence of 40 Pune and Mumbai's popular and influential fashion and lifestyle bloggers.This event was a great opportunity for bloggers to gain some valuable insights into the brands, listen to some honest reviews, get a low-down on current trends as well as know the blogging industry in Pune.To add to the icing on the cake was the tour to different brands in the city.From spotting the latest trends, to understanding the intricacies of the industry, the event gave many choices to the bloggers.With so many blogs constantly filling up the digital world, it can be a bit difficult for bloggers to make their mark.This event not only helped them in finding the right direction, but also gave them a chance to interact with other bloggers and brands across various categories which proved to be a useful medium for creating valuable and engaging content."These kind of events are required to enhance the relationship between the brands and the bloggers of the respective place," said Editor, #TheBNBMag, Varun Jain."Now a days, word of mouth is the best source to generate sales and revenue for your business and such events are one step closer to that," added co-founder, Swati Jain.Brands that made their mark in the event include Prendo, Praan:t, Atelier Homes, Nivedita Saboo Couture, More Mischief, Pune Fashion Week, Teatro Bond, Orrganic Elemennts, Shear Talent School of Hair Designing, Rent An Attire, Bisous, Nidhi Bhandari Fine Couture Footwear, Rudraksh, Sattva, Jean-Claude Biguine India, Biotop Professional, Malaka Spice, Elephant and Co. Gastropub, Meraki, Rostaa, and Callow.With so many credible brands and bloggers taking part, there was something for everyone here. (ANI-NewsVoir)
Roy Lichtenstein Back in Amsterdam After Exactly 50 Years
AMSTERDAM: Starting from November 2017 Moco Museum presents an exhibition of Roy Lichtenstein, one of the greatest contemporary art interpreters and a master of Pop Art.
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The influence of Roy Lichtenstein's art is still evident in many forms of artistic expression: from painting to advertising, from photography to design and fashion.You recognize his works at first glance: he has become part of the unconscious cultural heritage to all of us.Roy Lichtenstein has a 'Lasting Influence', he was the first to put Mickey Mouse in a painting before Damien Hirst, Andy Warhol and numerous others did. The applications you have seen in the current daily fashion image is a direct translation of Roy Lichtenstein's work.ABOUT THE CURATORSThe exhibition at Moco is curated by the Italian Gianni Mercurio (curator of shows about Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein) and Mirta d'Argenzio (curator of a retrospective of Damien Hirst and Robert Rauschenberg) with active participation of Kim and Lionel Logchies, founders of Moco Museum. The exhibition, organized by Moco on Madeinart project presents, through a large selection of editions like the famous Brushstrokes, Imperfects and Still lifes from European and American collections, the conspicuous themes treated by the great American artist.COMICStarting with images taken from advertisements by the newspaper and objects of everyday life, he discovered cartoons as both inspiration and source-material for his art. His preferred material was romance or war-inspired, which reinterpreted by Lichtenstein are supplied with irony.Lichtenstein explained his choice of comic frames for his works in these words: "From the beginning, I felt that comic-strip painting had to be de-personalised. It had to express great emotions - passion, fear, violence - in an impersonal, removed and mechanical manner" [...]"I try to look for something that says something mysterious, or absurd, or obvious or extremely simple or extremely complicated. Something visually or if there are words to it - something that when it's a painting and not a part of a comic strip that it will strike you as funny... or... usually funny... It's the drama and heroics and of course, none of the consequences - we still think of war that way."3D INTERIOR ROOMThe Lichtenstein exhibition at Moco Museum will include a 3D interior room installation based on Lichtenstein's painting "Bedroom at Arles", which he made in 1992 after a postcard of Van Gogh's famous "The Artist's Room at Arles" (1888-89). A 3D installation of VAN GOGH 's painting was last presented at the Van Gogh museum in 2000.Roy Lichtenstein said about his version of the Arles Room:I've cleaned his room up a little bit for him, and he'll be very happy when he gets home from the hospital to see that l've straightened his shirts and bought some new furniture. Mine is a rather large painting and his is rather small. His is much better, but mine is much bigger. The exhibtion also displays photographs by Gianfranco Gorgoni, Timothy Greenfield Sanders, Dennis Hopper and Ugo Mulas, portraying the artists from the Fifties til the Ninenties.Lichtenstein's art seems apparently "easy" to understand. But beyond the surface it is an intellectual, rationalistic art, premeditated and realized through a complex process of deconstruction and reconstruction of the image: bold lines associated with flat colors, thousands of regular dots, a magnified halftone screen, that suggests the idea of chiaroscuro and even the impression of reflections of light.From the beginning Roy Lichtenstein's sophisticated art has had an uninterrupted power of seduction on visual culture and communication, whose end is still far off.BRUSHSTROKESIn 1965 Lichtenstein made the first Brushstrokes, paintings that as one isolated object reproduce one or more brush strokes: "The Brushstroke was the way of portraying this romantic and bravura symbol in its opposite style, classicism. The Brushstroke plays a big part in the history of art. Brushstroke almost means painting or art"Abstract gestures and brushstrokes had already been of interest to Lichtenstein in the '50s and were to be seen again in his work in the '80s, but with a new sense of freedom. The "frozen" brushstroke of the sixties melts away in a disorganized and subtle sign, with which he tackles inspired famous themes like The Sower by Vincent Van Gogh and the series Woman by Willem de Kooning. Here we can appreciate the artist's attraction to self-referencing.After the "heroic" age of pop, the Sixties, Lichtenstein looked at the genres and masters of the great art of the past, to reinterpret it through the filter of his poetry and his technique, from landscape, to still life, to pastiche and from Mondrian, to Picasso, to Matisse and Brancusi.The exhibition also presents a selection of spectacular large size editions from the series "Imperfect Paintings", which testimonies an incursion of the artist into geometric abstraction: with his subtle irony the artist defines those works as a commentary on "the dumbest abstraction you could think of, an abstract painting by someone without any idea or motivation. It's about setting up rules and not obeying them".
The Duchess of Cornwall Spotted Dawning the Wellness Aura at SOUKYA
BANGALORE: Her Royal Highness Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, wife of The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, is once again back at Dr. Issac Mathai's SOUKYA International Holistic Health Centre, Bangalore (India) with family and friends.
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Dr. Mathai has been a Holistic Health Consultant for the British Royal Family for more than 10 years. SOUKYA is the first of its kind in the world, where different systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Yoga and Complementary therapies work under one roof, becoming a natural choice for people from over 90 nationalities.(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/592772/SOUKYA.jpg )Homeopathy is a choice of medicine for the British Royal Family for more than 100 years. Her Royal Highness Camilla's wellness journey included Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Naturopathy and a customised menu. She was served with sessions on yoga and meditation, amidst the 30 acres of lush greenery. She also visited SOUKYA's Holy Trinity Chapel on campus and planted a Plumeria.Bangalore being the hub of Integrated Medicine, having the largest number of systems of medicine and world class institutions, is an obvious destination for health and wellness. Prince Charles and The Duchess are shortly due to meet our Honourable Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi in Delhi, who is a firm believer in the AYUSH systems of medicine and their benefits.
Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing and Yanqi Island Launches Yanqi - Ski Vacation
BEIJING: Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing and Yanqi Island offers Yanqi a Ski Vacation Package from 1st December. Located 60 km north of Beijing's city centre, Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing is the new winter destination for leisure customers.
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Feel the fresh snow, cool mountain air, and breathtaking scenery at Yanqi Island! The beautiful mountains in Beijing's north, draw skiers and non-skiers alike to their frosted peaks. 10 minutes driving and you will arrive at the Huaibei Ski Resort which is the largest and best ski resort in Beijing! The package is priced from RMB 2,060 net including one night stay at Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing & Yanqi Island with two breakfast buffets and two ski tickets for the Huaibei Ski Resort (reservation required).Yanqi Lake is a beautiful scenic site located at the foot of Yanshan Mountains, 8 km north of Huairou County. Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing & Yanqi Island, is located alongside the picturesque Yanqi Lake with magnificent views of Yanshan Mountain, and the Mutianyu Great Wall, the development, set in 14-sq-km of grounds, includes a total of 594 guestrooms and suites with 306 rooms at the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing, located by the lake, 110 rooms at Yanqi Hotel and 178 rooms spread across 12 Boutique Hotels, on Yanqi Island."We are committed to providing our guests with memorable journeys inspired by exquisite European flair in each season. We are wholeheartedly committed to providing perfection for our guests at every moment and in every way," says Brice Pean, General Manager of Sunrise Kempinski Hotel, Beijing & Yanqi Island.
Traction on Demand's Bandit Tour for Good Goes for Big Impact on 5th Annual Road Trip
BURNABY, BC: Traction on Demand's annual Bandit Tour for Good is back for the fifth straight year and will be supporting more organizations and delivering more good than ever before.
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Kicking off today at Science World in Vancouver, the Traction Bandits will be road-tripping to San Francisco, stopping along the way to support non-profit organizations with pro-bono Salesforce services and random acts of kindness.Over the week-long tour, Traction's consultants will support 12 non-profits with Salesforce platform services and two Vancouver Island schools with coding classes."We believe the most meaningful way for Traction to support non-profits is by giving what we're good at. These organizations are solving some of the most important social challenges on the planet. The Bandit Tour was established so that Traction could help them achieve their mission through technology," said Michelle Malpass, Director of Community Performance for Traction on Demand and co-founder of the Bandit Tour for Good.Recipient non-profits include the following four organizations:aVancouver: ONE TO ONE - A children's literacy program that provides one-to-one tutoring to children in elementary schools during regular school hours.aSeattle: Art with Heart - An organization dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being of children adversely affected by hardship, using creativity to lead to inspired possibilities.aPortland: The Epik Project - A mobilization strategy and leader in the anti-trafficking movement.aSan Francisco: City Surf Project - Teaches underserved youth from low-income communities in San Francisco valuable life skills through the sport of surfing.Joining the Bandit Tour this year is iATS Payments, a Vancouver-based payment processor for non-profits. With their support, the breadth of expertise provided by the Tour expands greatly.Andrew Mosawi, President at iATS Payments is excited for his team to participate. "As an organization built on supporting non-profits drive their mission through technology, we couldn't be more excited to join the Bandit Tour movement. Many organizations doing important work don't have the resources needed to think about operational efficiency, making efforts like the Bandit Tour so important."
Kwench Juice Cafe Offers National Franchising Opportunities Throughout the United States for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
BOSTON: Kwench Juice Cafe, a shop that prides itself on shopping locally for fresh and organic ingredients to ensure you have the freshest juice or smoothie possible, is proud to announce franchise opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs on a national scale.
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The company is looking for individuals who share their passion for nutrition, vibrant health and happiness every day, in every way. Kwench's goal is that of a multi-faceted success.Qualified applicants who are awarded the opportunity to own and operate a franchise will be provided with an exceptional business model, extensive training, and consistent, ongoing support from senior management.Some of the menu items include: fresh juices (which come in raw and simple, specialty, and super types), juice cleansing, fresh fruit smoothies, acai bowls and juice shots. Most items fall under the $12 price point, but franchisees are welcomed to set their own prices. Suggestions can be provided upon request."The capital requirements for a Kwench Juice Cafe are approximately $48,000 to $98,000," says CEO/Founder, Chris Gregoris. "This is based on a variety of factors, such as building improvements, lease deposits, equipment, square footage, and more."Kwench Juice Cafe will assist you in securing a location with the use of a nationwide network of brokers. The company provides you with direction on site analysis, including obtaining demographic and traffic information. To ensure that you are successful with building your business footprint, Kwench Juice Cafe must give final approval on all locations - something that is advantageous to both the franchisor and franchisee. Franchisees are asked to have a net worth of $200,000 and liquidity value of $50,000.The time to open a Kwench Juice Cafe depends on a number of variables, including selecting a desirable location. With their key focus to get you up and running as quickly as possible, this can take anywhere between 30-90 days.
Jessica Leigh Levin's Everyone Has Sh*t: Unsolicited Advice for Being Human Is Available to the Public Today
WOODBRIDGE, N.J: Obstacles are a part of life and are often unavoidable, but how you approach them can be the difference between just surviving and thriving.
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Jessica Leigh Levin, an award-winning entrepreneur, author and speaker, releases Everyone Has Sh*t: Unsolicited Advice for Being Human to the public.Everyone Has Sh*t is a straight-forward guide blending scientific research, real-life examples and practical advice to help readers differentiate the good from the bad advice and learn how to embrace sour situations. Ultimately, this book is a roadmap for living a better, more positive life.Levin, who released Perfect Pairings: The Art of Connecting People in 2015 says, "This book is a compilation of my life experiences as well as anecdotal stories from others. I wrote this book to help people. If the lessons I have learned along the way can improve someone's life, then I have accomplished my goal."Jim Carroll, a futurist and innovation expert to NASA, Disney and Godiva Chocolates, says in the book's foreword, "Jessica is relentlessly optimistic, always focused on opportunity and eager to communicate her enthusiasm. In this book, she is eager to share what has brought her this remarkable quality. It is a human trait that all of us should possess. That's why you should read this book."Jay Lemming, the author of Billy Maddox Takes His Shot and Green Bay Outsiders, believes that this book is the go-to resource for overcoming everyday hurdles."Levin lifts the hood on the social veneer that keeps us all presentable in society. The result is an honest account on how to deal with the very personal challenges of self-confidence, disappointing relationships and self-serving advice given by others."Keynote speaker and author, Lynette Young, enthusiastically says in her review, "I couldn't put down Everyone Has Sh*t once I started reading it."Everyone Has Sh*t: Unsolicited Advice for Being Human [ISBN: 9780986169229] is available for purchase on JessicaLevin.com or Amazon.com for $17.99.
CuriPow Offers New Social Network for African Americans With Empowering Historical Data
WASHINGTON: The social media world is about to have a new player in the field with a twist! In an already crowded space, CuriPow will differentiate itself by providing its users with something more. Included in every user profile is historical information on African Americans ranging from the early 1700's up to current events.
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The service has a forum called "What Chu Talkin Bout" where a topic of the day is presented, for example: "How Can White People Stop White Supremacy?" It allows for spirited discussions, debates and engaging conversations each day. In CuriPow Shorts, users can read four quick snippets on African Americans daily that have made contributions or significant changes in history.The African American community has been looking for a social network to call their own. Most African American social media users are familiar with Black Twitter, Black Instagram and even Black Reddit. It clearly shows that there is a need and CuriPow plans to fill that void not by only providing a platform for African Americans to have a voice but also to provide them with empowering information on their history to share with friends and family. The company plans to expand into other ethnicities in the near future.Founded by Brian Galvin, a former U.S. Marine and Washington DC resident, who has worked in the real estate industry for over a decade. He has dabbled in the tech sector with a few projects and is now looking to take a full plunge into a space where there are not that many African Americans.
Michael Chiarello's Bottega Selects Sill Family Vineyards' tres Chardonnay wine
YOUNTVILLE, NAPA, Calif: Sill Family Vineyards' 2015 tres Chardonnay has been selected as the newest addition to Bottega's wine cellar.
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The wine will be offered where Chef Michael Chiarello shares the culmination of his life's work in the kitchen, bringing together the very best of Italy and Napa Valley in one unforgettable dining experience through traditional family recipes prepared with an inspired California twist.Chef Chiarello is acclaimed chef, Emmy-winning host of Food Network's Easy Entertaining. Bottega Restaurant in Napa Valley has been named Best Newcomer by Zagat, Top 10 by Forbes, Top 20 by Esquire, and Top 100 Bay Area by Michael Bauer.Bottega is located in Yountville's historic 1870 Marketplace, one of the best known and famed celebrity dining towns in Napa's wine country. In spite of all these attributes, it's the intangible qualities that captivate its guests. The Italian's have a saying for this: quel piccolo qualcosa di straordinario che elude la descrizione (that little something extraordinary that eludes description).Napa resident and winemaker, Igor Sill's tres Chardonnay comes with rich beginnings from Sonoma's AVA. The style of our 2015 tres Chardonnay blends elegance, purity of fruit, harmony and finesse. We're a small, boutique vintner producing a limited number of barrels of exceptional Sonoma Coast grown Chardonnay. We have received rave reviews from Wine Editors, Critics, Master Sommeliers, Chefs and white wine lovers, noting comments such as "a true revelation", "absolutely exceptional", "a discernibly distinctive Chardonnay that is unmatched by mass-produced alternatives," said Winemaker, Igor Sill.Bottega's Wine Director, Laura Koffer says, "We're excited to support local artisan wineries that have experienced losses as a result of the Napa and Sonoma fires and share their limited production fine wines with our dining patrons."You'll find Sill Family Vineyard's wine on the special list wine menu at Bottega and numerous other exclusive fine dining establishments.
India's Largest 2nd Indian Cancer Congress 2017 to be Held in Bengaluru
Bengaluru : The second chapter of Indian Cancer Congress (ICC) 2017 will be held from 8th to 12th November 2017 at the Clarks Convention Centre in Bengaluru. Cancer being a non-communicable, conquerable lifestyle disease and rapidly changing scenario of cancer worldwide is providing new insights into the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of cancer.
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The aim of the conference, its four major national oncology partners and Karnataka government is to provide a platform and spread cancer awareness through various initiatives. Bengaluru, known as the silicon valley of India attracts a large number of tourists every year and is one of the most advanced destinations for healthcare in India.The conference will see prominent national and International delegates in multidisciplinary specialties such as surgical, medical, radiation oncology, oncopath, genomics, radiology, scientists and research come together in Bangalore. Karnataka government understands the implication of cancer and hence, is one of the first to announce it as a "Notifiable Disease".Along with that, Karnataka government will take various initiatives for oncology awareness and treatment at district and its plans to open super-specialty hospitals. Other highlights of the conference include a major step by National Centre for Disease Informatics (NCDI), the launch of electronic mortality death certificates. Along with that, a full day programme on generic drugs has been organized to explore the possibility of biosimilar drugs.A critical session on clinical trials will be held on 9th NOV in ICC for exploring ideas in cancer research. Indo-US and Indo-UK networking session on collaboration of cancer research in India will be the key highlight of the conference. Apart from these, original research papers will be presented during the event and to encourage young oncologists in research various awards, national and overseas fellowship has been sponsored.During the press conference, Prof. K S Gopinath, Chairman, and Prof. Ramesh S. Bilimagga, ICC 2017, said, "We are very excited to announce the second Indian Cancer Congress 2017 in Bengaluru this year with tremendous support from the Government of Karnataka and Health Ministry. India being the most progressive country in cancer research is a testimony to the hardwork demonstrated by cancer specialist in the country and ICC 2017 is the biggest oncology event showcasing it on the world map. The second congress will further strengthen cancer research and development in the country."The four major oncology associations (Association of Radiation Oncologists of India, Association of Surgical Oncologists, Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology and the Indian Society of Oncology) of the country come together to organize Indian Cancer congress (ICC) once every four years. ICC 2017 also enjoys support of over 4 professional bodies, 6 leading international associations involved in cancer care. With a confirmed faculty of over 230 global thought leaders, ICC has already received 3500+ delegate registration for the conference Dr. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairman and MD of Biocon, the leading biopharmaceutical company is the patron of this conference.The conference will benefit the cancer care society and aid in further research and development. There are around 3,300,000 cancer patients in India and each year around 600,000 patients die and doctors diagnose 1,000,000 new cancer cases. India bears a disproportionate amount of cancer cases and possesses 50% of the world's oral cancer cases. On the other hand, Bengaluru has seen a massive growth of cancer cases with approximately 113 cases for every one lakh male and 139 cases for every one lakh female according to population based cancer registry.Four days of program as well as a day of pre-conference workshop will be held. The program will consist of presentations, panel, round table discussions, and lectures with an emphasis on audience participation. The ICC will help care providers implement new ideas and research into their practice as well as further the discussion of best practices to curtail the rapid growth of cancer cases and provide quality care to patients.About Indian Cancer Congress 2017The second chapter of the Indian Cancer Congress (ICC) 2017 is an amalgamation of four major national oncology associations and all sub-speciality associations to improve the quality of cancer care in the country. AYUSH is also part of ICC having one day programme on cancer care. This affiliation will strengthen the purpose of the ICC to reach out to all involved in the fight against cancer in different ways. This will pave the way for a new dawn in the Indian cancer landscape.
Clarivate Analytics has Announced the India Research Excellence - Citation Awards 2017
New Delhi : Clarivate Analytics, the global leader in trusted insights and analytics for research and innovation, has announced the 6th edition of the India Research Excellence - Citation Awards to recognize and honour research excellence in the country.
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The awards were held at Sheraton, New Delhi on November 3, 2017. Clarivate Analytics has instituted these awards to identify the most influential researchers and institutions for their outstanding and pioneering research contribution to the country. Highly cited research publications that imply high impact research were an important criterion amongst others for the analysis. Data was derived from the Web of Science and InCites scholarly research analytical solutions.A remarkable event, driven by powerful discussions, included exemplary addresses by David Pendlebury, Biblometric Expert, Clarivate Analytics, and Jessica Turner, Global Head of Scientific and Academic Research, Clarivate Analytics who talked about how Indian institutions can effectively leverage research to propagate growth and development. The event became even more captivating with impressive talks by Dr. R Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India, Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), and Dr. Madhavan Nair Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, who shared their views on the significance of driving research excellence and the progress achieved in India.The highlight of the evening was the award ceremony that felicitated distinguished researchers and institutions for their exemplary research contributions. The much awaited list of winners of institution awards includes Tata Institute of Fundamental Research for 'Institutions Established for over 15 years'; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune for 'Institutions Established within 15 years', National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR) for 'Natural Sciences', Jawaharlal Nehru Centre of Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) for 'Engineering & Technology', Tata Memorial Hospital for 'Medical & Health Sciences', International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) for 'Agricultural Sciences' and IIT Roorkee for 'Interdisciplinary Sciences and Social Sciences'.In the individual research awards, Prof. Kalyanmoy Deb was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award and Dr. Mukesh Jain with Young Achiever Award. In addition, awards in select subject categories were presented to Dr. Ayyappan Pillai Ajaya Ghosh for 'Natural Sciences', Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal for 'Engineering & Technology', Dr. Jayakumar Rangasamy for 'Medical and Health Sciences', Prof. (Dr.) Narendra Tuteja and Dr.Sarvajeet Singh Gill for 'Agricultural Sciences' and Prof. Harini Nagendra for 'Interdisciplinary Sciences and Social Sciences'.Arvind Pachhapur, South Asia Head Clarivate Analytics, stated, "We believe that impactful research holds great potential to address many of the local challenges and create significant growth and development opportunities in the country. With these awards we are glad to have contributed to recognition of the research excellence demonstrated by many outstanding researchers and institutions, whose research work has already been highly acknowledged by the global research community through substantial research citations, comprehensively captured in Web of Science."Clarivate Analytics is the global leader in trusted insights and analytics that accelerate the pace of innovation. Trusted by the world's top universities, corporations and brands, the company's analytics based solutions portfolio and comprehensive content trace their roots to foundational discoveries in information science. Today, Clarivate Analytics is on a bold entrepreneurial path to help customers accelerate how quickly they turn new ideas into solutions that improve lives.About Clarivate AnalyticsClarivate 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. We own and operate a collection of leading subscription-based services 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 wellaknown brands that include Web of Science, Cortellis, Derwent, CompuMark, MarkMonitor and Techstreet, among others. For more information, visit clarivate.com.
Chairman Texprocil Welcomes New Initiative SAATHI of the Ministries of Textiles and Power
Mumbai : Shri Ujwal Lahoti, Chairman Texprocil (Textile Export Promotion Council) welcomed the new initiative of the Ministries of Textiles and Power called SAATHI which is an acronym for the Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help small Industries.
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This initiative is expected to benefit the almost 25 lakh power-loom units in the country which produce 57 percent of the total cloth in the country. The use of efficient equipment would result in energy savings and cost savings to the unit owner who would, in turn, repay in instalments to EESL (Energy Efficient Services Limited) over a 4 to 5 year period.Shri Lahoti stated that the provision to repay in instalments is a novel idea as it will not cast undue burden on the small power-loom owners since they will not be required to incur any additional capital expenditure.Shri Lahoti pointed out that this initiative is a step in the right direction as there is enormous scope for increasing the production and exports of fabrics from India in view of the abundant availability of raw materials and technical skills in the country. The exports of fabrics can be increased substantially if they are treated on par with garments and made-ups in terms of incentives. However, in spite of these advantages and even though the weaving capacity has increased by 12% over last seven years, the woven fabric production has decreased by 3.58% as the fabric export has become uncompetitive due to various added costs, non-refund of State levies and the duty free access enjoyed by countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam in EU market.Shri Lahoti added that the government should look at extending the ROSL (Refund of State Levies) benefit of above 5% to the fabric sector, so that the product gets exported and not the embedded taxes.
Verka: A Crowd Puller at World Food India
New Delhi : Verka the flagship brand of MILKFED is participating in the ongoing mega event World Food India organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
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World Food India is the largest gathering of investors, manufacturers, producers, food processors, policy makers, and organizations across the globe.Verka is the most loved and leading dairy brand of the region. Changing with the times and public needs, Verka has undergone a total makeover, expanding its product line from basic products milk and ghee to as many as 15 items now to match the palate of consumers.It is not only the need of times but the processing of fast perishable milk into products with larger shelf life viz curd, lassi, pasteurized tetra packed milk, table butter, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder, cheese, paneer, ice creams, kheer, sweets, flavored milk, shakes and many other products to match the needs as well as match the peer strengths. Recent product launches include jeera raita, shahi dahi, jal jeera, neembu paani, etc to satiate the taste buds of consumers.Speaking on the occasion Mr. H.S Grewal, AMD, Milkfed said, "It is a wonderful opportunity for the manufacturers and traders to showcase goods at the international level. Verka has actively participated in such events in the past and have got great response from the consumers.""This gives us an opportunity to interact with the consumer and get their valuable feedback on the products, in order to give them the best," he added.Verka stall is exhibiting all the new products.About VerkaVerka is the brand of The Punjab State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation Limited popularly known as MILKFED Punjab, which came into existence in 1973. Verka has a wide range of products including different variants of Pasteurized Packed milk, Ghee, Table Butter, Skimmed Milk Powder, Whole Milk Powder, Cheese, Tetra Pack Products, Sweetened Flavored Milk, Ice Cream, and Fresh Products like Lassi, Paneer, Dahi, Kheer, and Indigenous Sweets. The products are available in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal, Jammu and Kashmir and Northeast India. Verka also exports ghee to countries like Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia.
Canton Fair Connects China and Europe: New Opportunities Presented for Sino-UK Trade
GUANGZHOU, China: Canton Fair, the largest trade fair in China and a key trade platform for Sino-UK trade that is held biannually in Guangzhou and organized by the China Foreign Trade Centre, has hosted the Canton Fair (UK) International Market Forum (the Forum) at its 122nd exhibition.
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The Forum gathered officials from the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China and the British Consulate-General, Guangzhou as well as leaders from GfK and Deloitte to discuss Sino-UK economic ties."Canton Fair is the perfect place to have these kinds of important discussions," said Ye Jijiang, Deputy Director of China Foreign Trade Centre. "We feel privileged to have hosted this Forum and that so many important and influential players openly shared their thoughts on the status of Sino-UK relations."Growing Sino-UK TradeSimon Mellon, Consul of British Consulate General, Guangzhou, indicated that the UK has become China's second-largest trading partner within the European Union, while China is the UK's third-largest export market with total exports growing by 63% since 2010. Sino-UK bilateral trade volume reached GBP60 billion (USD74.34 billion) in 2016.Huang Yuefeng, Division Director of the Department of European Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, noted that Sino-UK bilateral investment is growing. China's direct investment in the UK reached USD18.14 billion in August 2017, while the UK has injected USD25.3 billion of investment into China. China has also established more than 500 enterprises in the UK.An indication of Sino-UK trade, Canton Fair welcomed UK buyers since 1960s and now attracts around 3400 British buyers in one session."All the achievements Sino-UK trade has made reflect the growing complementarity between the economies of the two countries." said Mellon.New Opportunities for Sino-UK TradeThe UK government's Brexit white paper noted that UK policy on Brexit will be guided "by what delivers the greatest economic advantage to the UK" and that the country would seek to increase trade with countries outside of the EU, such as China.Jin Jian, Senior Partner at Deloitte China, said that the UK has a tax system that is the most attractive to foreign investors among European countries. Despite uncertainty, Jin believes, the UK government may adopt a more attractive and adaptive tax policy to attract investment after Brexit.Anthony Williams, Business Group Director of GfK, pointed out that consumer confidence has recovered since the referendum and consumers aspire to make major purchases. He believes that this will bring opportunities to the market."We hope this forum could provide our business elites at the Canton Fair an opportunity to understand UK market potentials, find appropriate partners, and work together for a bright future of mutual benefit and common development," remarked Ye.
MetLife Recognized for Innovative Customer Solutions
Hong Kong : MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) announced that its unique virtual reality solution, known as conVRse, has won the Asia Insurance Industry Award 2017 for 'Innovation of the Year'.
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conVRse is a first-of-its-kind experiential Virtual Reality (VR) customer service platform designed to revolutionize interaction between insurers and customers. This solution was developed by LumenLab, MetLife's innovation center in Asia, and PNB MetLife, its joint venture in India.This is the second consecutive year that MetLife Asia is being recognized for innovation, consolidating its position as a leader in innovation. Last year, the company won this category with its insurance product "Beautiful"."We are delighted to be recognized as a leader for innovation in our industry and want to thank the panel of judges and AIIA team for encouraging innovation in insurance which is critical if we are to evolve into a truly customer-centric industry," said Zia Zaman, LumenLab CEO and Chief Innovation Officer of MetLife Asia. "What I like best about virtual reality is that it allows the customer to be the protagonist in their own financial journey. Our solution conVRse is a huge first step that our customers love."This is the first time that virtual reality is being used in the insurance industry to benefit the customers' directly. The platform provides a differentiated, immersive and a personalized experience to the customer through VR headsets available at select PNB MetLife branches.The VR headset brings customers face to face with an avatar "Khushi".Khushi is a life insurance expert who can show customers all their policy related information while answering their queries.The initial response from PNB MetLife customers has been exceptional; 96% say it has had a positive impact on their brand experience.conVRse has also won "Best Technology Initiative of The Year Award" at The National Awards For Excellence In Insurance 2017, the 'Virtual Reality' - Category at the prestigious "BFSI Digital Innovation Award", hosted by Indian Express Group, "Best Technology Innovation 2017" at the prestigious Fintelekt Insurance Award , demonstrating its business and social impact.conVRse originated from the 2015 MetLife Asia Mobile Challenge, an internal employee innovation challenge won by three colleagues from PNB MetLife.The Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2017 are hosted by Asia Insurance Review magazine. The panel of judges included insurance industry CEOs, industry leaders, regulators and experts from across the Asia Pacific region.About MetLifeMetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("MetLife"), is one of the largest life insurance companies in the world. Founded in 1868, MetLife is a global provider of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management. Serving approximately 100 million customers, MetLife has operations in nearly 50 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.About LumenLabEstablished in 2015, LumenLab is MetLife's global innovation center focused on digital disruption based on customer insights. LumenLab underscores MetLife's commitment to embedding an innovation culture and supporting ideas that culminate in a better customer experience. Over 400 MetLife employees have taken part in workshops, bootcamps and leadership programs to "test and learn" and fast track delivery of solutions that will better meet the needs of the customer. LumenLab has incubated 13 projects spanning technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and virtual reality.As MetLife's pioneers for disruptive innovation, LumenLab is charging ahead to create new businesses in health, wealth and retirement. Lumen, a measure of light, symbolises our commitment to illuminating a new path for solving the problems that the people of Asia face today. Through our focus on building new products and services grounded in technology and data, we aim to help people achieve richer and more fulfilling lives. For more information, visit www.lumenlab.sg.
Rockwell Automation Invests in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Industrial Automation
Milwaukee, United States : Rockwell Automation today announced its investment in The Hive, a Silicon Valley innovation fund and co-creation studio, to gain access to an ecosystem of innovators and technology start-ups with a focus on applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to industrial automation.
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Rockwell Automation's goals include co-creating to solve customer problems, accelerating innovation, and identifying new emerging technologies that can help its manufacturing customers improve business performance by bridging the gaps between plant-floor and higher-level information systems."Smart manufacturing requires the use of new and disruptive technologies such as AI to create the future industrial plants and supply networks that are flexible, efficient, responsive, and secure. AI can help manufacturers unlock data, contextualize it, and take action," said Elik Fooks, senior vice president for corporate development at Rockwell Automation. "We continue to create partnerships with leading innovators, such as this one with The Hive, to further advance The Connected Enterprise, our vision for realizing unprecedented industrial productivity from the integration of plant and enterprise operations.""Rockwell Automation's investment in The Hive will provide it with earlier visibility to AI technology from companies fostered by The Hive's technology team," said T.M. Ravi, managing director and co-founder of The Hive. "These include AI-powered applications for the cognitive enterprise, edge intelligence, security, and smart machines."The Hive (www.hivedata.com), based in Palo Alto, Calif., identifies new AI based opportunities with great growth potential, and based on these opportunities co-creates, funds, and launches startups with substantial operational and technology support.Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs approximately 22,000 people, serving customers in more than 80 countries.
Fish and Richardson's Pro Bono Manager Receives Leading Light Award from Immigration Equality
NEW YORK: Fish and Richardson announced today that Katie A. Niejadlik, the firm's pro bono manager, received the Leading Light award from Immigration Equality at the organization's annual SHINE event, which celebrates the accomplishments of civil rights leaders and supporters in the LGBTQ immigration movement.
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Niejadlik is the driving force behind Fish's pro bono partnership with Immigration Equality, which is the largest national immigrant rights organization providing free legal services and policy advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ and HIV-positive immigrants. Since 2016, she has helped place Fish attorneys on nearly 20 matters, securing pro bono representation for 22 clients. Clients hail from all corners of the globe a Fish represents immigrants from Syria, the Sudan, Zimbabwe, Serbia, Jamaica, and several other countries a who are seeking asylum in the United States. She was praised by Immigration Equality for her "resourcefulness in pulling together teams to take on urgent cases," and the impressive work of Fish in obtaining victories in two very complicated cases.Under Niejadlik's leadership, Fish has broadened its pro bono immigration practice, emerged as a national leader in providing representation to low-income inventors, and increased its advocacy for voting rights. In 2016, Fish attorneys donated over 19,000 pro bono hours representing clients in need of legal representation. On average, Fish lawyers spend 56 hours a year on pro bono matters, and attorneys receive full hours credit for approved matters. All of Fish's attorneys are strongly encouraged to take on pro bono matters as a part of their professional lives."With funding for legal services and access to justice for low-income individuals at an all-time low, this work has never been more important," said principal Lawrence Kolodney, who chairs Fish's pro bono program. "We are thrilled that Katie has received this award, and even prouder of the work that Katie does every day to marshal our firm's resources to benefit underserved populations."Niejadlik has held numerous leadership positions with the Association of Pro Bono Counsel, including as director and executive officer. She is also a volunteer with the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Travis County, serving as a guardian ad litem for abused and/or neglected children in foster care. She received her B.S. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2002.Fish & Richardson is a global patent prosecution, intellectual property litigation and commercial litigation law firm with more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists in the U.S. and Europe. Our success is rooted in our creative and inclusive culture, which values the diversity of people, experiences and perspectives. Fish is the No. 1 U.S. patent litigation firm, handling nearly three times as many cases as its nearest competitor; a powerhouse patent prosecution firm; a top-tier trademark and copyright firm; and the No. 1 firm at the Patent Trial and Appeal Board, with more cases than any other firm. Since 1878, Fish attorneys have been winning cases worth billions in controversy a often by making new law a for the world's most innovative and influential technology leaders. In addition to its expertise in intellectual property law, Fish boasts a robust pro bono program, and encourages all of its legal professionals to take on pro bono matters as part of their professional lives. Fish represents pro bono clients on a range of public interest and social justice issues, leveraging its greatest resource - its people - to address the widening justice gap.
CoverNJ Coalition Launches Statewide Effort to Promote Health Insurance Open Enrollment Nov. 1- Dec. 15
NEW BRUNWSICK, N.J: A diverse coalition of consumer advocates, healthcare organizations, insurance companies, libraries, social services groups and others are joining forces to make sure New Jersey residents have every opportunity to sign up for health insurance during the Affordable Care Act open enrollment period Nov. 1-Dec. 15.
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The CoverNJ Coalition is committed to ensuring that New Jersey residents have access to a medical home, preventative care and the other essential health benefits that insurance provides. The Coalition announced its effort today during an outreach event hosted by RWJBarnabas Health at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, with coalition members, community representatives and U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6)."In response to the recent federal cuts to ACA funding and outreach, groups from all across the state have come together to ensure New Jerseyans have the information and resources they need to get enrolled," said Maura Collingsgru, health care program director for New Jersey Citizen Action. "Consumers need to know they can still get financial assistance as in years past if they qualify and free enrollment assistance to help select the plan that is right for them."The Coalition's key messages to N.J. residents:aThe online marketplace at www.healthcare.gov is open for insurance sign-ups Nov. 1 - Dec. 15. It's available now for consumers to "window shop" and compare various insurance plans.aNew Jersey's health insurance marketplace provides many coverage options for consumers to choose from.aA majority of New Jersey residents qualify for subsidies that help bring down their costs for insurance premiums. Last year, 79 percent of New Jersey enrollees received help paying for their premiums.aNov. 1 - Dec. 15 is the only window this year for people to sign up for coverage that begins Jan. 1.aThose already covered through the insurance marketplace should also go online at www.healthcare.gov to update their information or select a new plan if necessary.New Jersey has enjoyed historic lows in its uninsured rate since the coverage provisions of the Affordable Care Act took effect in 2014. Today, just 6 percent of the state's residents are without health insurance; that's half the uninsured rate in the years before passage of the ACA.New Jersey has three insurance carriers, offering 28 different health plan options, at four different coverage levels (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Catastrophic) available on the online marketplace this open enrollment period."Consumers in New Jersey will have a broad range of coverage options to fit their needs and may shop on the exchange or contact an insurer directly," said Wardell Sanders, Esq., president of the New Jersey Association of Health Plans. "It is critical, however, that consumers protect their health and act promptly during the shortened open-enrollment period to obtain coverage. New Jersey insurers will be active in communities across the state to assist with enrollment."Coalition members expressed concern about a number of barriers this year that could dissuade consumers from using the healthcare marketplace and signing up for coverage, including: a much shorter sign-up window; deep cuts in the open enrollment marketing budget; funding cuts to support health navigators; and plans to shut down www.healthcare.gov for weekly maintenance on Sundays.The Coalition also wants to alleviate any confusion about recent news announcing an end to Cost-Sharing Reduction payments. In spite of this change, eligible consumers will still receive cost-sharing reductions and premium subsidies."These organizations have made great strides in increasing health literacy, awareness and access to the information and tools needed to gain coverage," said John J. Gantner, president and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. "We thank you for the work you've done so far and we look forward to continuing to work with this coalition, as well as Congressman Pallone, to help New Jersey residents gain health coverage."Coalition members are collaborating on a number of activities to raise awareness and support consumers shopping for insurance, including advertising and social media outreach, town halls and other enrollment events and a website, www.covernj.org, that helps connect New Jersey residents with enrollment counselors who can answer questions and help them sign up for coverage.Said Congressman Pallone, "In an uncertain healthcare landscape, it is important for all of our healthcare delivery and education partners to remain united with the purpose of providing quality, affordable care and coverage for our communities. We must continue standing together to demonstrate that the health of New Jerseyans stands above special or political interests. I look forward to working with our partners to help enroll as many Jerseyans with quality healthcare coverage as possible."Members of the CoverNJ Coalition include:New Jersey Citizen ActionNJ For Health CareNew Jersey Hospital AssociationNew Jersey Association of Health PlansNew Jersey Policy PerspectiveNew Jersey Primary Care AssociationNew Jersey Health Care Quality InstituteHOPES CAP, Inc.Planned ParenthoodCenter for Family ServicesFamily Resource NetworkJewish Renaissance Medical CenterSouth Brunswick Public LibraryElizabeth Public LibraryUnited Way of Central New JerseyUnited Way of Greater MercerFulfill (formerly Food Bank of Ocean and Monmouth Counties)Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition
Yokogawa Announces Synaptic Business Automation() Concept for Industrial Automation and Control Business
TOKYO, Japan : Yokogawa Electric Corporation (TOKYO:6841) announces Synaptic Business Automation(TM), a new industrial automation and control business concept that expresses the company's commitment to working with its customers to sustain their creation of corporate value.
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Based on the ideals expressed in the Synaptic Business Automation concept, Yokogawa will help companies achieve a transformation in how they conduct their business.A Closer Look at Synaptic Business AutomationManufacturers face a variety of challenges today, ranging from volatile shifts in the prices of crude oil and other raw materials and stiffening environmental and safety regulations to structural changes in their industries. To remain competitive, they must have the agility to adapt quickly to change.To guide its efforts to assist companies in meeting such challenges, Yokogawa adheres to a vision statement that reads, "Through 'Process Co-Innovation,' Yokogawa creates new value with its clients for a brighter future." We help companies improve efficiency and profitability by getting their various business units to work together more effectively and by eliminating barriers that impede the flow of information and goods throughout the supply chain and between companies.As the Internet of Things gains traction, a digitalization of processes is underway whereby the use of big data and artificial intelligence is yielding valuable insights needed to make business decisions. The Synaptic Business Automation concept clearly expresses Yokogawa's commitment to using the latest information technologies and its decades of experience with plant management and industrial processes, portfolio of automation solutions, and consulting expertise to help its customers transform their businesses.The Synaptic Business Automation concept takes its name from the synapse, a structure in the nervous system that plays a role in the transfer of signals to other parts of the human body. Synaptic Business Automation expresses an ideal state for a business whereby the synthesizing of data, systems, organizations, knowledge, and supply chains adds value and strengthens competitiveness. The linked data on manufacturing processes, plant operations, human resources, and supply chains can be organized, integrated, controlled, broken down, and analyzed to yield insightful decisions at various levels in the organization, from operations in the field to corporate management.Ways in which Synaptic Business Automation creates corporate value for our customers:1. Resilient operationAdapt more flexibly to changes in such areas as health, safety, security and the environment (HSSE), organizational optimization, and regulatory compliance.2. Optimized productionOptimize the total expenditure (TOTEX) components of capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX) over the entire lifecycle of a plant, and improve reliability. Also, directly create value by solving issues and optimizing operations throughout a supply chain, thereby enhancing productivity and profitability.3. Business innovationWork with specific customers to create new business models that foster manufacturing excellence by such means as supplying cloud-based services that drive collaboration with their customers and suppliers and to introduce environmentally friendly manufacturing practices that are essential for a sustainable society.Yokogawa has many years of experience in working with operational technology (OT). By combining its in-depth knowledge of plant management, operations, industries, and processes, its portfolio of automation and other information technology solutions, and its consulting expertise, the company is uniquely positioned to create new value. Working together with its customers based on the Co-innovating tomorrow(R) corporate brand slogan, Yokogawa is committed to helping them achieve the ideals expressed in its Synaptic Business Automation concept.
By Jeyashree Sundaram, MBA
After the birth of a baby, the placenta is pushed out or delivered through the vagina - the third stage of labor. There are two options for placenta delivery - active management and physiological management.
Active management is a fairly quick process. During active management, a drug, oxytocin, is injected into the thigh of a woman who is going to give birth to a baby. The umbilical cord is clamped and cut in about 1 to 5 min after the baby is born. When the placenta is separated from the uterus wall, the midwife pulls it out.
In physiological management, injection is not used. When the cord stops pulsating, it is clamped and cut. Women giving birth to babies push and move the placenta out of the uterus; it may take about 1 hour to deliver the placenta through vagina. Both the options have advantages and disadvantages.
The 3 Stages of Labor Play
Active Management
There are many variations to the active management approach:
Use of different drugs, for example, syntometrine, oxytocin, misoprostol, and ergometrine.
Timing of using the drug, i.e., right after the baby is born or before anterior shoulder birth or after the baby is born but before delivery of the placenta.
Timing of clamping and cutting the cord, i.e., immediately after the birth of the baby or within 30 s or 1 min.
Timing of initiation and control of cord tractionto wait or not to wait for the signs of placental separation.
To reduce the threat of severe bleeding after the baby is born, active management is suggested. Active management reduces severe postnatal bleeding risks by 50% across women of all risk types.
Studies have found that adopting an active management approach does not provide benefits to either the women or the baby in the case of normal births among low-risk women.
The use of interventions such as uterotonic drugs and the practice of clamping the cord early may lead to some unfavorable effects.
For the Mother
There can be a situation where medicines may need to be used for alleviating pain during the postnatal period. The risk of hypertension may increase and the women may have vomiting and nausea when using uterotonic drugs.
There is a greater likelihood of the women getting readmitted to the hospital because of vaginal bleeding. It is believed that the risk of placenta getting trapped in the uterus is higher. In that case, the placenta will be removed manually. Another disadvantage is the lower breastfeeding rate, i.e., 48 h after the baby is born.
For the Baby
Babies are found to have lower birth weight as they lose about 80 ml of blood. In fact, the blood that is lost stays in the placenta as the cord is clamped early, resulting in reduced placental blood transfusion; the risk of hypotension is higher for such babies. As the baby does not get enough oxygenated blood, there is a risk of baby becoming anemic during infancy.
Recommendations from WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested the use of uterotonics (oxytocin) in all births to prevent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). WHO recommends controlled cord traction (CCT) for vaginal births if skilled birth attendants are available. However, CCT is not suggested in a situation where skilled birth attendants are not available.
When a woman receives prophylactic oxytocin, then sustained uterus massage is not advised; this is done to prevent PPH. To identify uterine atony early, postpartum abdominal uterine tonus evaluation is suggested for all women. In the case of cesarean delivery, CCT is suggested for removing the placenta.
Physiological Management
In physiological management, the placenta is separated from the uterine wall and moved downward to the birth canal and expelled naturally through vagina.
This approach is recommended for women with low risk of bleeding. The hormone oxytocin is released naturally when women are relaxed. Studies have found that women need a warm, calm, quiet, and private environment that supports the release of oxytocin. When the baby is breastfed, the skin-to-skin contact increases the release of oxytocin, facilitating the natural delivery of the placenta.
Ultrasound studies have shown that in many usual cases, the placenta gets detached from the uterine wall within 10 min. After separation, the placenta has to come out through vagina, else it can be dangerous. Women are actively involved in delivering the placenta. They change positions and use techniques as suggested by midwives, such as a warm bath or blowing into a bottle, to get the placenta out of the uterus naturally.
However, if there is an increase in blood loss or if the waiting period is more, then drugs are administered for placental delivery.
The time taken for placental delivery is longer in physiological management compared with that in active management, which increases average blood loss.
Studies have found that in physiological management, blood loss of about 500 ml or more is observed in 16.5% of women, whereas in active management, it is observed in about 6.8% of women.
Further Reading
The Annual Surveillance Report on HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in Australia was released and it revealed that there is a rise in diagnosis of gonorrhea and syphilis but the number of people being affected by HIV has plateaued. In addition tens of thousands of people have been cured of hepatitis C. The report comes from the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney.
Data has shown that the number of people affected by gonorrhoea has risen by 63 percent in the past five years. The rise is particularly seen among the heterosexual urban youth. This was not seen in the recent past according to Associate Professor Rebecca Guy, head of the Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Program at the Kirby Institute. This is a signal that the young people need to be educated in prevention of gonorrhea and getting tested routinely. With the national strategies for HIV, hepatitis and STIs up for review, reducing STIs in young people will be an important target, she added.
This report finds that chlamydia and gonorrhea infection rates are three and seven times higher among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people respectively when compared to the non-Indigenous population. Syphilis that had been on the decline has started to rise since 2011 among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in remote areas of Northern Australia the report finds. Associate Professor James Ward, head of Infectious Diseases Research, Aboriginal Health Infection and Immunity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute called for more initiatives to combat the resurgence of syphilis. This would mean increased awareness regarding testing and treatment he explained. The awareness initiatives and health promotional campaigns need to be culturally appropriate and comprehensive he added.
Last year between March and December, 30,434 people have been cured of hepatitis C, this report finds. Associate Professor Jason Grebely from the Viral Hepatitis Clinical Research Program at the Kirby Institute called the newly available therapies for hepatitis C game-changing in Australia. He said that for the first time in a decade, the number of people with advanced liver disease caused by hepatitis C has fallen. He added that the efforts must be sustained to maintain this success. In the last five years, the number of new hepatitis B diagnosis has also reduced by 27 percent in persons aged less than 25 years. This reflects the effect of vaccinating infants he explained. Associate Professor Ben Cowie, director of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Doherty Institute said that there was a significant gap between diagnosis of the chronic liver disease patients who have hepatitis B. This calls for further efforts he said. In younger Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people too there is a decline in hepatitis B diagnosis which is probably due to the effective immunization programs.
HIV infection incidence however has remained stable over the last five years says the report. In 2016, there have been 1,013 new diagnoses. According to Associate Professor Rebecca Guy there are increased levels of testing and treatment for HIV especially among gay and bisexual men. This group of men is most commonly diagnosed with HIV in Australia she explained. It is also encouraging that 86% of people diagnosed with HIV were on treatment in 2016, she added. But one in five diagnoses of HIV is among heterosexual men and these individuals are commonly missed in the testing net says Dr. Guy says. An average four years delay is seen before a heterosexual man is diagnosed with HIV. She explained that although the numbers are encouraging, for these numbers to come down, a combination of prevention strategies are necessary that includes better testing and treatment initiatives. She said two things are likely to aid in this effort self testing HIV and equal access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) across Australia. PrEP involves treatment of a person at risk from getting HIV by giving them a combination of anti-HIV drugs. These two strategies, she explained, in a new survey from NSW Health, have shown a 31 percent reduction in new HIV diagnoses in gay and bisexual men in the first half of 2017 when compared to the last five years. This is one of the greatest reductions that have been recorded she said.
Despite these encouraging numbers among the non-indigenous populations, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have not shown improvement. HIV diagnoses among them have risen by 39 percent since 2012. A large proportion of these are those who are using illegal injectable drugs and indulging in unsafe heterosexual sex. Associate Professor Ward pointed out this disparity and said culturally relevant HIV prevention programs for people at risk of HIV is necessary. Some of the steps in prevention he added are access to PrEP, and greater access to sterile needle and syringes, and drug dependence treatment for people who inject drugs.
The full Annual Surveillance Report is available on the Kirby Institute website from 6 November 2017 and would be officially launched tomorrow (7th November 2017) at the Australasian HIV & AIDS and Sexual Health conference in Canberra.
Young or middle-aged people with Atrial Fibrillation (AF), the most common heart rhythm abnormality, are at greater risk of death if they have other long-term health conditions, according to a new study.
The research, led by the University of Glasgow and published today in Europace, has suggested that AF patients, who also have other health conditions, should be prioritized for healthcare interventions.
The study used UK Biobank data to examine the problem of having multimorbidity (two or more long-term health conditions) for those who also have AF. It found that young or middle-aged people in this group were at an increased risk of death over a follow-up period of between 5 and 10 years.
Patients with AF who also had four or more long-term health conditions were six times more likely to die than those without any long-term conditions.
Authors of the study have suggested that patients with AF and other long terms conditions should be prioritized for higher levels of monitoring and offered health interventions to aid with treatment, and in some cases to adjust their lifestyle in order to reduce the impact of their conditions.
Lead author of the study, Frances Mair, Norie Miller Professor of General Practice from the University of Glasgow, said:
We have shown that young and middle-aged patients with atrial fibrillation and one or more other long chronic illnesses are at increased risk of death over a follow-up period of 5-10 years. This suggests that these patients should be prioritized for interventions to enhance their adherence to treatment, and in some cases to adjust their lifestyle in order to reduce the impact of their other chronic illnesses (comorbidities) on survival.
The study looked at 3651 participants with Atrial Fibrillation and examined the impact of other long-term conditions on their health. Presence of other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and osteoporosis were associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality.
Dr. Bhautesh Jani, NRS Career Research Fellow, said:
Future clinical guidelines for AF need to take greater account of co-morbidity. Young and middle-aged patients with AF and multiple co-morbidities may need closer monitoring by health professionals as they are at higher risk of dying.
Atrial Fibrillation is the most common sustained heart rhythm abnormality, affecting an estimated 33 million people worldwide. The prevalence of AF is increasing globally, partly attributable to improved surveillance and the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Treatment of depressive symptoms may help lower the risk of early death in individuals with chronic kidney disease, but racial/ethnic differences may exist. The findings come from a study that will be presented at ASN Kidney Week 2017 October 31November 5 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA.
Depression is common, under-recognized, and undertreated among patients with chronic kidney disease, especially among racial/ethnic minorities. Delphine Tuot, MD (University of California, San Francisco) and her colleagues assessed the presence of depressive symptoms among 3725 participants in the Chronic Renal Insufficient Cohort (CRIC). The team found that 23.3% of participants had depressive symptoms at the start of the study, with 17.0% prevalence of anti-depressant use. The rate of death was 3.37 per 100 person-years during a median of 6.7 years of follow-up. (A person-year is the number of years of follow-up multiplied by the number of people in the study.)
In white individuals, those who experienced depressive symptoms had a 1.5-fold higher risk of death than those without depressive symptoms, even when taking into consideration socioeconomic factors, severity of kidney disease, and burden of other chronic conditions. This risk was much lower when the researchers accounted for use of anti-depressants, however. In black individuals, the presence of depressive symptoms was not linked to risk of death.
The findings suggest that depressive symptoms may be differentially associated with the risk of early death among white and black individuals with CKD. "This study confirms prior research that depressive symptoms are common among individuals with CKD and suggests that there are potential long-term mortality benefits of treating depression among patients with mild to moderate kidney disease. More research is needed to understand differences in mortality risk among racial/ethnic subgroups," said Dr. Tuot.
Source: https://www.asn-online.org/
Women who received hormone stimulation for fertility preservation did not have a higher relapse rate in breast cancer compared with unexposed control women in a study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. The results could influence the clinical practice for young cancer patients wishing to pursue fertility preservation.
Women presenting with breast cancer are often excluded from programs for fertility preservation due to a fear that the hormonal stimulation treatments required to retrieve eggs/embryos for cryopreservation might increase the risk of relapse.
Because breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, researchers at Karolinska Institutet conducted a study to investigate the safety of fertility preservation in 188 women with breast cancer who had undergone hormonal treatment from 1999-2013 in the Stockholm healthcare region. The control group of 378 women comprised data retrieved from the Regional Breast Cancer Register. Data linkage to the register allowed the researchers to follow-up the progress of both the exposed women, who underwent fertility preservation treatment, and the unexposed matched controls, who did not receive fertility preservation treatment, over the same period.
The study findings reveal that women who received hormone stimulation did not present with a higher relapse rate than unexposed control women. The results remained virtually unchanged after adjustment for age and calendar period of diagnosis, tumour size, oestrogen receptor status, affected lymph nodes and chemotherapy treatment.
"Our work could potentially influence medical care and clinical practice to the benefit of young cancer patients wishing to pursue fertility preservation options", says the responsible researcher, Kenny Rodriguez-Wallberg, at the Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet. "Having a chance to build a future family after surviving cancer is currently recognized as a primary quality of survival issue for young people with cancer".
Source: http://ki.se/en/news/fertility-preservation-with-hormone-stimulation-did-not-increase-risk-of-breast-cancer-relapse
The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of healthy military recruits showed sacroiliac joint damage similar to that found in axial spondyloarthritis after just six weeks of intensive physical training, reinforcing the importance of exercising caution when interpreting MRI results, according to new research findings presented this week at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Axial spondyloarthropathy (axSpa) is an inflammatory disease with low back pain as its main symptom. Spondyloarthritis (SpA) can also affect the arm and leg joints, and organs like the skin, eyes or intestines. Inflammation often affects the entheses, or the sites where ligaments and tendons attach to bones. People in their teens and 20s, especially young men, are most commonly affected.
Physicians often use MRI as a sensitive method to detect bone marrow edema (BME) and structural lesions in patients with axSpA. Mechanical stress is considered an important factor in the disease's development. However, it is unclear how often these MRI findings would be seen as a result of mechanical stress/intensive physical activity in a non-SpA population to clarify the specificity of these findings for diagnosis.
To learn more about the effects of intensive activity on these joints, researchers in Ghent, Belgium, examined MRI data from a volunteer group of young military recruits who did not have spondyloarthritis.
"The availability of MRI has shortened diagnostic delay in SpA. In the past, diagnosis could only be made when structural damage on an X-ray was visible, and there were no means to detect active inflammation. MRI is a sensitive method for the detection of active sacroiliitis, but there is limited data regarding its specificity. It is important to evaluate this, considering the risk of over diagnosing SpA," said Thomas Renson, MD, a researcher at Ghent University in Belgium and a lead author of the study. "One of the strengths of our trial is the homogeneity of our study population. All the recruits had a similar physical condition and were well-trained. All the participants followed the same daily training program and were living in the same housing and environmental conditions. Therefore, the possible extrinsic factors that could influence the MRI appearance were the same for every recruit."
In the study, 22 military recruits were given MRI scans of their sacroiliac joints (MRI-SIJ) before and after six weeks of intense, uniform physical training. Bone marrow edema (BME) and structural lesions on the scans were scored by three trained readers and blinded for time sequence and clinical findings. The Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) score was used to assess bone marrow edema. An adjusted method derived from the SPARCC was used to assess the structural lesions, including sclerosis, erosions, fatty lesions and ankylosis. The recruits' results were also evaluated for agreement with the definition of a positive MRI per the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis (ASAS).
At baseline, 40.9 percent of the recruits already presented with at least one BME lesion. At week six, this number increased to 50 percent. In the recruits who had BME, the mean number of lesions at baseline was 2.4, and rose to 3.7 at week six. In addition, 22.7 percent of recruits had a positive MRI according to the ASAS definition, and this increased to 36.4 percent at the follow-up. Structural lesions in 36.4 percent of recruits were observed at baseline, and 50 percent of the recruits had structural lesions after six weeks of training.
The researchers concluded the high prevalence of lesions at baseline and high proportion of participants meeting the ASAS definition of a positive MRI for sacroiliitis were both striking, significant results.
"There is evidence that biomechanical stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of SpA. Considering that none of the recruits in this trial have SpA, this trial does not intend to support or counter this claim. It does show the importance of the necessary caution when interpreting MR images of the sacroiliac joint. Since non-SpA patients can have SpA-like MRI lesions, setting the appropriate clinical indication for imaging is very important," Dr. Renson said.
"MRI can strengthen or weaken your suspicion of SpA, but does not give you 100 percent certainty. The fact that there was a relatively high proportion of participants meeting the ASAS definition of a positive MRI for sacroiliitis underscores again the important difference between diagnostic criteria and classification criteria. The ASAS definition should only be used in a SpA-population. Caution should be warranted when a chronic, aspecific back pain patient walks into the consultation room with limited bone marrow edema on MRI of the SIJ. A wrong diagnosis of SpA is easily made."
Opioids and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, a widely used group of antidepressants, are both associated with higher risk of osteoporotic fractures for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research findings presented this week at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and limitation in the motion and function of multiple joints. Though joints are the principal body parts affected by RA, inflammation can develop in other organs as well. An estimated 1.3 million Americans have RA, and the disease typically affects women twice as often as men.
Chronic inflammation and pain predispose RA patients to several comorbidities including cardiovascular, mental, and gastrointestinal disorders that lead to the frequent use of multiple medications. Some of these medications have been reported to influence fracture risk in the general population, but these associations had not been studied in RA patients. Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases in Wichita, Kansas, conducted a study to look at associations of various medications commonly used by RA patients with osteoporotic (OP) fracture risk.
"Even at younger ages, RA is associated with a twofold increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures due to chronic inflammation and glucocorticoid use. More importantly, osteoporotic fractures significantly contribute to the disability, health-related costs and mortality with substantially higher complication in RA patients than the general population," said Gulsen Ozen, MD, Research Fellow at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha and a lead author of the study. "Given the burden of osteoporotic fractures and the suboptimal osteoporosis care, it's highly important to identify factors associated with fracture risk, particularly modifiable ones, in RA patients."
In an observational cohort of RA patients located across the United States, the researchers studied associations between osteoporotic fracture risk and the following medications: disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), statins, antidepressants (including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and others), proton pump inhibitors (PPI), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), anticonvulsants and antipsychotics. DMARDs were categorized into four groups: methotrexate monotherapy (comparator group), TNF-inhibitors, non-TNF biologics and others, along with a separate glucocorticoid variable. All the other therapies were evaluated separately as either current use versus nonuse and also as short-term (30 days or less) or long-term (1-3 months and 3 months or more) use. The researchers also made adjustments in their analysis for socio-demographics, comorbidities, body-mass index, fracture risk according to FRAX scores and RA severity measures.
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Patients from the National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases who were selected for the study were 40 years of age or older, and had not had a prior OP fracture from 2001-2016. They were assessed for osteoporotic fractures. The study evaluated 11,049 RA patients. During a median follow-up time of 5.7 years, the researchers found 863 osteoporotic fractures. Patients who developed fractures were significantly older and had higher disease activity, longer disease duration, higher rates of glucocorticoid use, higher fracture risk and more comorbidity at the baseline than those patients who did not experience fractures. Data in this ongoing study has been updated since the abstract was accepted.
The researchers also found significant increases in osteoporotic fracture risk when patients used SSRIs or opioids of any strength. Patients had an increase in their fracture risk starting after just one to 30 days of using opioids. Fracture risk associated with SSRI use started to rise after three months of taking these antidepressants, and the risk was more prominent with long-term use, the study showed. The increased fracture risk linked to use of opioids or SSRIs may be due to an increased risk of falls associated with these medications, the researchers concluded.
"Knowing the risks associated with the use of these medications can guide rheumatologists and other physicians in choosing the most appropriate management strategies in patients, particularly the ones who have a high fracture or fall risk," said Dr. Ozen. "Some medications have important health impacts, and it's impossible to avoid using them. In these situations, it is important that physicians are aware of the fracture risk to apply appropriate screening and preventive measures for osteoporotic fractures. Additionally, careful and regular reviewing of patient medications is an essential part of the RA patient care, as the use of medications that are not indicated anymore brings harm rather than a benefit."
Charity Cancer Research UK has awarded the University of Birmingham 1.5 million to fund a five-year research program aimed at finding new treatments for bowel cancer.
The pioneering research, the first of its kind in the UK, will see scientists taking samples of 200 patients' bowel cancer in order to then grow avatars - or mini tumors - in the laboratory.
The avatars will then be exposed to over 2,000 drugs and treatments, some of which have never been previously tested.
Using genomic sequencing, scientists will also test the avatars to establish whether certain genes can make individuals predisposed to bowel cancer and whether these genes can be modified to reduce a person's risk to the disease.
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Dr Andrew Beggs, of the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham, said: "This is exciting and pioneering research, made possible thanks to this generous award from Cancer Research UK.
"Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and effects around 30,000 people a year, however only 60 to 70 per cent of people survive so therefore there is a desperate need to develop new treatments and improve existing ones.
"By growing mini tumour models or avatars of bowel cancer, we can use them to test whether specific treatments work on bowel cancer with the hope that we can identify new treatments and ultimately save more lives.
"We also hope to gain a better understanding as to why some patient's cancers are sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy and, importantly, why others are not. This will help us better select patients who are likely to benefit from chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The award has enabled the University to recruit six scientists dedicated to this research in a new laboratory at the University's Institute for Biomedical Research.
Dr Karen Noble, head of research careers at Cancer Research UK, said: "We're pleased to support the exciting work being done by Dr Beggs and his team, in particular their innovative approach to finding new treatments for bowel cancer.
"Clinical research is essential to find new and more effective ways to tackle cancer. Our Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship Award allows us to harness talented clinical minds to turn the most promising scientific discoveries into new treatments for patients."
This year plague came early to Madagascar and spread quickly. When it began to move out from the areas where it traditionally occurs, people became increasingly alarmed both within the island nation and in neighboring territories and countries.
A WHO team monitor plague surveillance efforts at a seaport in Seychelles together with the country's Ministry of Health. Seychelles has not had any confirmed cases of plague but is increasing preparedness given its proximity to Madagascar and the strong ties between the two Indian Ocean nations. WHO/E. Musa
From August to late October 2017, more than 1800 suspected, probable or confirmed plague cases were reported, resulting in 127 deaths. This outbreak is unusually severe, and there are still five more months to go before the end of the plague season.
WHO has acted quickly, releasing funds and sending experts and supplies to Madagascar, while supporting neighboring countries to reduce the risk of regional spread.
Being ready to act, preventing panic
Plague is one of the oldest and most feared of all diseases. Historically, plague has been responsible for widespread pandemics with high mortality. It was known as the "Black Death" during the fourteenth century, causing more than 50 million deaths in Europe.
Nowadays, plague is easily prevented and treated with antibiotics if detected early enough, and infection can be prevented through the use of standard precautions.
An outbreak of plague no longer unfolds in the manner portrayed by our history books, said Dr Sylvie Briand, Director of WHOs Infectious Hazard Management Department. Plague is an old disease, but the challenges it poses today are contemporary and fundamentally different from what we had even 40 years ago.
Despite the relative ease of treatment, plagues association with the Black Death weighs heavily on the popular conscience and is regularly cited in media reports and tabloid headlines about outbreaks.
So it is important to strike a balance between encouraging countries in the region to be ready to act in case of an outbreak, while avoiding panic that could result in unnecessary or counterproductive measures such as trade restrictions or travel bans on affected countries.
Assessing risk
Days after being alerted to the plague outbreak in Madagascar, WHO conducted an assessment to determine the risk of further spread. Taking into account the countrys capacities and vulnerabilities, the assessment found that the overall risk of further spread at the national level was high, at the regional level was moderate, and at the global level was low.
WHO moved quickly to support the Government of Madagascar to respond to the outbreak, while at the same time working with nearby countries and territories.
Neighboring Comoros, Mauritius, Mozambique, Reunion and Mayotte, Seychelles, South Africa, and the United Republic of Tanzania were prioritized for increased plague preparedness and surveillance. WHO has also helped Ethiopia and Kenya to raise preparedness levels because of their direct airline connections with Madagascar.
Improving exit screening in Madagascar
When WHO began to increase support for the Malagasy Governments response to the outbreak, one of the first places they went was the capitals international airport. A WHO team advised on putting in place more robust and visible public health measures.
The strengthened exit screening system provides information about plague to all travelers, screens passengers through temperature checks and medical questionnaires, and includes procedures to isolate and treat symptomatic passengers.
The exit screening process tracks passengers from the moment they enter the airport until they board a flight. We also provided information to airline companies and spoke to airport medical personnel. We explained the disease, the risks, and how they can be prepared, said Dr Briand.
Strengthening regional plague preparedness
For the nine priority regional countries and territories, the first step was to identify weak points in preparedness and operational readiness. WHO worked with national health authorities to complete a plague preparedness checklist to assess their readiness, and to identify concrete actions to bridge gaps.
The checklist assesses national coordination mechanisms, and logistical, epidemiological, and laboratory surveillance capabilities. It verifies that Rapid Response Teams are ready to deploy, that risk communication and community engagement strategies are prepared, and that preparedness measures are in place at points of entry.
If gaps are identified, immediate steps are taken to address them. In Seychelles, WHO supported laboratory testing of suspected cases, deployed experts and medical supplies, and provided guidance for the tracing and treatment of contacts of people suspected to be infected.
In Mauritius, in addition to completing the checklist, WHO helped to address concerns about the high number of direct flights between Madagascar and Mauritius by supporting the Health Minister to communicate the measures being taken to strengthen plague preparedness at all levels.
WHO logistics teams also prepositioned equipment and supplies including personal protective equipment (PPE), antibiotics, and other equipment required to safely identify plague cases in Comoros, Mauritius, Mozambique, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Sustaining preparedness for health security
The quick and coordinated efforts to strengthen plague preparedness have also helped build regional outbreak response capacity more generally.
Weve accomplished a great deal in a short time, and helped to strengthen overall regional health security, said Dr Ibrahima-Soce Fall, WHO Regional Emergencies Director for the WHO African Region.
But to ensure longer-term sustainability, we have to provide continuing support for Madagascars health system to better anticipate, detect, and respond to future plague outbreaks. Supporting these efforts improves health security for everyone.
A coordinated approach
Through its Health Emergencies program, financial support for WHOs response to the plague outbreak in Madagascar has been provided by the WHO Contingency Fund for Emergencies (CFE) and the governments of Italy and Norway.
The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as the Malagasy National Society, the Institute Pasteur, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), UNICEF, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sante publique France, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and other partners are actively supporting the government and health authorities in Madagascar.
WHO has provided technical and operational support in a wide range of areas from coordination and planning to surveillance, case management, community engagement, logistics, and more.
Source: http://www.who.int/features/2017/madagascar-plague-risk/en/
Who is Mister Terrific and what are his powers?
Michael Holt AKA Mister Terrific is a mainstay of the Justice Society and he could be coming to the DCEU
Gunmen attack Libya's largest oil field, rob staff members
Tripoli : Gunmen attacked Libya's largest oil field Sharara on Monday for unknown reasons, said a government official.
"Gunmen attacked the station 186 of Sharara oil field and attacked also the staff in the field. Some of them were beaten and robbed. The reason of the attack is unknown," Xinhua news agency quoted the official as saying.
"The forces responsible for securing the field told us that the gunmen took advantage of the weak security and the forces' lack of resources."
The oil field is still operating despite the attack, the official confirmed.
Sharara is the largest oil field in Libya, producing about 270,000 barrels of crude oil per day, more than a quarter of Libya's crude production, which reached one million barrels per day in August.
Panama Papers case: Sharif reaches Islamabad, to appear before court
Islamabad : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reached Islamabad from Lahore on Monday to appear before the accountability court on Tuesday.
Sharif, along with daughter Maryam Nawaz and brother Shahbaz, will be holding a meeting at Punjab House to discuss the political strategy and course of action for the general elections in 2018.
Earlier on October 26, the accountability court hearing corruption references against the Sharif family issued bailable warrants against Sharif in two cases.
The hearing was then adjourned until November 3, with a last chance for the ex-PM to ensure his presence in the court.
The cases have been filed by NAB in light of the Supreme Court's July 28 order in the Panama Papers case.
The anti-graft body was given six weeks, from the date of the apex court's order, to file the reference in an accountability court while the accountability court was granted six months to wrap up the proceedings.
The references against the Sharif family pertain to the Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metals Establishment, their London properties and over a dozen offshore companies owned by the family.
If convicted, the accused may face up to 14 years imprisonment, lifelong disqualification from holding public office and the freezing of bank accounts and assets.
China plans to launch its reusable spaceplane in 2020, according to a statement from China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.
Unlike traditional one-off spacecraft, the new spacecraft will fly into the sky like an aircraft, said Chen Hongbo, a researcher from the corporation.
The spacecraft can transport people or payload into the orbit and return to Earth.
Chen said that the spacecraft will be easier to maintain and can improve the frequency of launches at lower cost, bringing new opportunities for more people to travel into space.
Currently, China is developing its own reusable earth-to-orbit space vehicles that can take off and land horizontally. They have already finished several crucial ground tests for engines and [other key components], yielding remarkable achievements, Liu Shiquan, vice director of the China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation (CASIC), told media at the Global Space Exploration Conference in Beijing.
According to media reports, the reusable space vehicles will allow astronauts to orbit, land and take off multiple times with minimal repairs and for a relatively low cost, offering easier access to Earths orbit.
[We] have made new progress in developing stable solid launch vehicles, making it possible to contemplate the large-scale launch of commercial space vehicles. Meanwhile, research on the recovery of space cargo is also going smoothly, said Liu.
According to Liu, CASIC has been developing a multi-layer information network, with a platform consisting of high-altitude solar drones, near-space aerostats and low-earth orbit satellites and ground equipment, which are expected to be available for use around 2020.
Regrettably, the A Plot isnt particularly worth rushing back to. The coalition of survivors continues to have a debate over dignity and danger. Negans militia loses ground this week, with many low-level flunkies landing themselves in custody while their leader remains at large. Their makeshift imprisonment in flimsy rope restraints poses yet another ethical quandary to our collected heroes, who must again reconcile their basic decency with practical concerns of resources and security.
After betraying Maggie and the denizens of the Hilltop, Gregory slithers back to their stronghold and pleads for a safe haven, claiming he only worked with Negan under duress a dystopian take on the good German argument. The larger caravan of prisoners follows soon after, and both requests for sanctuary leave those in power with a Hobsons choice: Use their precious food and water on people who were trying to kill them just hours earlier, or abandon the civility theyve spent years working to establish. This same push-pull between respect for human rights and the imperative to punish feels meaty in the real world, but when the writers briefly brush up against this wider significance, its incidental.
Last weeks discord amid the Hilltop-Alexandria-Kingdom alliance has grown even stronger, as Morgan and Paul come to blows over strategy planning while Maggie bickers with Gregory over their course of action for the disarmed enemy forces. The arrival of the infant Gracie adds a complicating emotional component to the moral puzzle, linking the fate of a true innocent to those already marred by sin. Whether that additional wrinkle can truly refresh the shows go-to engine for drama has yet to be seen.
At present, though, this all amounts to the same kind of pessimism the show has always known. Rick and Daryls side quest is a reminder that cold hearts stand a better chance of survival. Ricks standoff gets cut short when Daryl guns Morales down, a brutal but necessary measure. Daryl is rough-edged but defensible in this episode, until he passively murders a defenseless Savior once hes provided information and outlived his usefulness. Even judging by Daryls grittier standards, the violence feels unwarranted. And maybe it is, but the show would rather we believe hes being diligent and tying up loose ends that could spell trouble later on.
Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, and now Sutherland Springs. Each location has only recently experienced an unthinkable tragedy at the hands of a mass murderer and his guns. The latest, in the small Texas town, involved a man reportedly using a rifle to kill at least 26 people while they worshipped. Beyond these tragedies, which understandably seize the publics attention, are dozens more in cities around America nearly one per day.
Still, Republican leaders in Congress do nothing. Or, really, so far theyve done the same thing they have always done: offered thoughts and prayers. Soon, they will surely offer warnings not to politicize a tragedy by debating gun controls that might prevent such mass killings from happening again.
We are not going to talk about that today, President Trump told reporters in the days that followed the Las Vegas shooting, where 58 people were killed.
I think its premature to be discussing legislative solutions if there are any, the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, said.
If now is too soon to debate gun control, how long must Americans wait?
Since the shooting in Sutherland Springs, Tex. 26 killed
When Republican leaders have responded to past killings, their response was to block sensible, useful gun control. They should not be allowed to delay effective legislation any longer. Too many days have passed, from one tragedy to the next. This is the time.
To Republicans in Congress who might feel uneasy about responding to this tragedy with laws that might prevent the next one, we offer this grim reference. Rather than responding to Sutherland Springs, act as though the legislation was responding to the mass shootings in Las Vegas, Dallas, Orlando, San Bernardino, Colorado Springs, Roseburg, Chattanooga, Charleston, Marysville, Isla Vista, Fort Hood, Santa Monica, or Sandy Hook Elementary School, to name a few.
If it is too soon to respond to Sutherland Springs, is it too soon to respond to these?
Since the shooting in Las Vegas 58 killed and more than 450 injured
Since the shooting in Dallas 5 killed
Since the shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando 49 killed
Thousands gathered for the vigil at Lake Eola for Pulse Nightclub. Hilary Swift for The New York Times
Since the shooting in San Bernardino, Calif. 14 killed
Since the shooting in Colorado Springs 3 killed
Hundreds hold up lit candles in honour of University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) police officer Garrett Swasey, who was killed in the shooting. Associated Press
Since the shooting in Roseburg, Ore. 10 killed
Since the shooting in Chattanooga, Tenn. 5 killed
Since the shooting in Charleston, S.C. 9 killed
Parishioners embrace as they attend the first church service four days after the shooting. David Goldman-Pool/Getty Images
Since the shooting in Marysville, Wash. 4 killed
A Marysville Pilchuck High School student is comforted at a church. Ted S. Warren/Associated Press
Since the shooting in Isla Vista, Calif. 6 killed
University of Santa Barbara students gather on campus for a candlelight vigil. Spencer Weiner/Getty Images
Since the shooting at Fort Hood 3 killed
Since the shooting at the Washington Navy Yard 12 killed
Since the shooting in Santa Monica, Calif. 5 killed
Since the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School 26 killed
Two years after countries signed a landmark climate agreement in Paris, the world remains far off course from preventing drastic global warming in the decades ahead. On Monday, the latest round of post-Paris international climate talks begin in Bonn, Germany, to discuss how to step up efforts.
Under the Paris deal, each country put forward a proposal to curtail its greenhouse-gas emissions between now and 2030. But no major industrialized country is currently on track to fulfill its pledge, according to new data from the Climate Action Tracker. Not the European Union. Not Canada. Not Japan. And not the United States, which under President Trump is still planning to leave the Paris agreement by 2020.
Worse, even if governments do take further steps to meet their individual pledges, the world will still be on pace to warm well in excess of 2 degrees Celsius over preindustrial levels (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), the threshold that world leaders vowed to avoid in Paris because they deemed it unacceptably risky.
One year after the Paris Agreement entered into force, we still find ourselves in a situation where we are not doing nearly enough to save hundreds of millions of people from a miserable future, said Erik Solheim, head of the United Nations Environment Program.
United States
Even before the election of Mr. Trump, the goal set by former President Barack Obama of slashing United States emissions 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 would have been difficult to hit. While emissions from the United States power sector are falling rapidly as hundreds of coal plants retire in favor of cleaner natural gas, wind and solar other sectors, like transportation and heavy industry, have proven harder to clean up.
Mr. Trump, for his part, has disavowed his predecessors pledge and is dismantling Obama-era regulations designed to push down emissions further, such as the Clean Power Plan. And while states like New York and California are still pursuing their own policies on renewable energy and electric vehicles, they may not prove sufficient to close the gap.
For now, analysts think the United States will fall well short of its Paris pledge. That, in turn, could make it harder for future administrations to pursue the deeper emissions cuts by mid-century needed to help keep the world below 2 degrees of global warming.
Climate Action Tracker provides a rough estimate of the cuts each country would need to make to avoid 2C of warming, with wealthier nations expected to do more. How to divide up the burden remains a major debate within climate talks.
European Union
The E.U. may fall slightly short of its promise to cut emissions 40 percent by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. While European officials have created a continent-wide cap-and-trade system to curb emissions from electricity and heavy industry, that regulation leaves out sectors like transportation and agriculture.
Progress among individual European countries has been mixed: Over the past two years, Britain has been rapidly phasing out coal power, aided by a national carbon tax and cheap natural gas. But Germany is expected to miss its near-term emissions goals, as recent rapid growth in renewables has been partly offset by the closure of nuclear power plants.
China
Outside experts say that China crafted a Paris pledge that was relatively easy to meet: overall emissions would peak around 2030 and the country would get 20 percent of its energy from non-fossil sources.
Several recent studies suggest that Chinas emissions could now peak years ahead of schedule as the countrys once-insatiable demand for energy has slowed (though other analysts have questioned the accuracy of Chinas emissions reporting). The central government has already canceled plans for a hundred coal plants and is investing heavily in cleaner sources like solar, wind, and nuclear. The country also plans to sell millions of electric vehicles in the years ahead.
Yet keeping the world below 2 degrees of warming would likely require Chinas coal emissions not just to flatten, but to fall sharply by 2030.
India
Because India is still relatively poor, with 240 million of its citizens lacking access to electricity, the nation has long argued that wealthier countries should take the lead on cutting emissions.
As such, Indias pledge was less restrictive than pledges from Europe or the United States. The country vowed to install more clean energy and improve its carbon intensity the amount of CO2 emitted per unit of gross domestic product while still allowing total emissions to rise between now and 2030. Indias per capita emissions would likely remain below those of China or the United States.
Some recent studies have suggested that India can achieve those modest goals, as the falling cost of renewables and shifting market conditions have allowed the country to scale back its plans for new coal plants after 2022. A recent report from the U.N. Environment Program argued that India had ample room to strengthen its emission pledges as would likely be necessary to help keep the world below 2 degrees of warming. But the Indian government has asked for aid from wealthier countries to do so.
What happens next in climate talks?
Negotiators will meet in Bonn this month to discuss guidelines for making national pledges and policies more transparent, so that outsiders can gauge individual countries progress (or lack thereof) more precisely.
In 2018, climate negotiators plan to embark on a major effort to assess the worlds progress on climate change to date and measure it against the 2 degree goal. Countries can then revise their individual climate pledges accordingly and will do so every five years thereafter.
Right now, many of the Paris pledges remain fairly opaque, and most nations have been vague on what specific policies they will take to meet them. There is no official mechanism for quantifying progress. As a result, groups like Climate Action Tracker have had to make rough estimates as to whether nations are on pace to meet their pledges and how much further each country would need to go for the world to stay below 2 degrees of global warming.
Increasing the transparency of pledges would make it easier for countries to pressure each other do more, which is how the Paris Agreement was designed, said David Victor, a professor of international relations at the University of California, San Diego.
America has been shaken once again by mass shootings. On May 14, a gunman killed 10 people in a supermarket in Buffalo. On Tuesday, at least 19 children and two adults were killed in Uvalde, Texas. It was the deadliest shooting at an elementary school since the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary.
This essay originally ran in 2017, after a shooter killed 26 people in a Texas church. But the issue is still tragically relevant, and will remain so until America tightens its gun safety policies.
America has more guns than any other country
The first step is to understand the scale of the challenge America faces: The U.S. has more than 300 million guns roughly one for every citizen and stands out as well for its gun death rates. At the other extreme, Japan has less than one gun per 100 people, and typically fewer than 10 gun deaths a year in the entire country.
Guns per 100 people Among developed countries, the United States has by far the highest rate of firearms ownership. 120.5 United States 34.7 Canada 27.6 Switzerland 23.1 Sweden 19.6 France 19.6 Germany 14.5 Australia 14.4 Italy 7.5 Spain 4.6 England, Wales 0.3 Japan Gun murders per 100,000 people Americas private arsenal is five times as lethal as Canadas, and 30 times worse than Australias. 3.4 United States 0.6 Canada 0.4 France 0.4 Sweden 0.3 Italy 0.2 Switzerland 0.1 Australia 0.1 Germany 0.1 Spain 0 England, Wales 0 Japan Guns per 100 people Among developed countries, the United States has by far the highest rate of firearms ownership. 120.5 United States 34.7 Canada 27.6 Switzerland 23.1 Sweden 19.6 France 19.6 Germany 14.5 Australia 14.4 Italy 7.5 Spain 4.6 England, Wales 0.3 Japan Gun murders per 100,000 people Americas private arsenal is five times as lethal as Canadas, and 30 times worse than Australias. 3.4 United States 0.6 Canada 0.4 France 0.4 Sweden 0.3 Italy 0.2 Switzerland 0.1 Australia 0.1 Germany 0.1 Spain 0 England, Wales 0 Japan Sources: Small Arms Survey, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Ownership rates are for 2017. Murder rates for the U.S., Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, Australia and Spain are from 2016; otherwise, the latest available rates are used.
We have a model for regulating guns: automobiles
Gun enthusiasts often protest: Cars kill about as many people as guns, and we dont ban them! No, but automobiles are actually a model for the public health approach Im suggesting.
We dont ban cars, but we work hard to regulate them and limit access to them so as to reduce the death toll they cause. This has been spectacularly successful, reducing the death rate per 100 million miles driven to less than one-seventh of what it was in 1946.
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled 8 1968 First federal safety standards for cars 6 4 2021 1.33 2 1946 2021 Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled 1968 1950 First federal safety standards for cars First seatbelt offered in an American car 8 1974 55 m.p.h. national speed limit 1993 Car safety ratings introduced 6 1978 Tennessee is first to require child safety seats 1999 Airbags, invented in 1951, become mandatory 4 2000 Mandatory reporting of defects by carmakers 2021 1.33 2 16 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Note: Data for 2021 is preliminary.
The liberal approach is ineffective. Use a public health approach instead.
Frankly, liberal opposition to guns has often been ineffective, and sometimes counterproductive. The 10-year ban on assault weapons accomplished little, partly because definitions were about cosmetic features like bayonet mounts (and partly because even before the ban, such guns were used in only 2 percent of crimes).
The left sometimes focuses on gun control, which scares off gun owners and leads to more gun sales. A better framing is gun safety or reducing gun violence, and using auto safety as a modelconstant efforts to make the products safer and to limit access by people who are most likely to misuse them.
What would a public health approach look like for guns if it were modeled after cars? It would include:
Background checks 22 percent of guns are obtained without one. Protection orders Keep men who are subject to domestic violence protection orders from having guns. Ban under-21s A ban on people under 21 purchasing firearms (this is already the case in many states). Safe storage These include trigger locks as well as guns and ammunition stored separately, especially when children are in the house. Straw purchases Tighter enforcement of laws on straw purchases of weapons, and some limits on how many guns can be purchased in a month. Ammunition checks Experimentation with a one-time background check for anybody buying ammunition. End immunity End immunity for firearm companies. Thats a subsidy to a particular industry. Ban bump stocks A ban on bump stocks of the kind used in Las Vegas to mimic automatic weapon fire. Research smart guns Smart guns fire only after a fingerprint or PIN is entered, or if used near a particular bracelet.
If someone steals my iPhone, its useless, and the same should be true of guns. Gun manufacturers made child-proof guns back in the 19th century (before dropping them), and its time to advance that technology today. Some combination of smart guns and safe storage would also reduce the number of firearms stolen in the U.S. each year, now about 200,000, and available to criminals.
We also need to figure out whether gun buybacks, often conducted by police departments, are cost-effective and help reduce violence. And we can experiment more with anti-gang initiatives, such as Cure Violence, that have a good record in reducing shootings.
Fewer guns = fewer deaths
It is true that guns are occasionally used to stop violence. But contrary to what the National Rifle Association suggests, this is rare. One study by the Violence Policy Center found that in 2012 there were 259 justifiable homicides by a private citizen using a firearm.
Estimated share of households with guns, by state Hawaii Mass. U.S. AVERAGE: 32% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE GUNS R.I. N.J. N.Y. Del. States in red have gun death rates above the national average of 10.5 per 100,000 people. Conn. Ill. Calif. Fla. Md. Wash. N.H. Ind. Ohio Co. Pa. Iowa Minn. Ariz. Nev. N.D. Mich. Va. Ore. N.M. N.C. Tex. S.C. Neb. Kan. Ga. Mo. Okla. Wisc. La. Ky. Utah Ala. Maine Tenn. S.D. W. Va. Ark. Alaska Vt. Miss. Idaho Mont. Wyo. 20% 40% 60% 80% Estimated share of households with guns, by state Hawaii Massachusetts Rhode Island U.S. AVERAGE: 32% OF HOUSEHOLDS HAVE GUNS New Jersey New York Delaware States in red have gun death rates above the national average of 10.5 per 100,000 people. Connecticut Illinois California Florida Maryland Washington New Hampshire Indiana Ohio Colorado Pennsylvania Iowa Minnesota Arizona Nevada North Dakota Michigan Virginia Oregon New Mexico North Carolina Texas South Carolina Nebraska Kansas Georgia Missouri Oklahoma Wisconsin Louisiana Kentucky Utah Alabama Maine Tennessee South Dakota West Virginia Arkansas Alaska Vermont Mississippi Idaho Montana Wyoming 20% 40% 60% 80% Note: There is no hard data on gun ownership in the United States. This household gun ownership proxy was created by taking a weighted average of the percentage of suicides committed with a firearm a widely used proxy for firearm ownership and the hunting license rate in each state. It improves upon earlier models by accounting for the prevalence of hunting rifles, which are typically not used in suicides. The new proxy improves the correlation with survey-measured gun ownership from 0.80 to 0.95, suggesting increased accuracy. Source: Michael Siegel, Boston University School of Public Health
Lax laws too often make it easy not only for good guys to get guns, but also for bad guys to get guns. The evidence is overwhelming that overall more guns and more relaxed gun laws lead to more violent deaths and injuries. One study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that a gun in the house was associated with an increased risk of a gun death, particularly by suicide but also apparently by homicide.
Gun law grades and gun death rates The Giffords Law Center finds that states where guns are more regulated tend to have lower gun death rates. In its grading system, the strongest gun regulations get an A; the weakest, an F. Gun deaths per 100,000 people AK 25 States with F gun law grades MS WY NM AL LA MO SC TRENDLINE 20 AR MT TN OK WV GA NV AZ 15 KY IN KS CO OH ID MD TX OR ND MI UT FL VA SD NC PA WA NH ME IL WI DE NE 10 VT MN IA CA Stronger gun laws are correlated with lower death rates CT RI 5 HI NJ MA NY 0 10 20 30 40 50 Stronger laws Weaker laws Gun law strength (rank) Gun deaths per 100,000 people AK 25 States with F gun law grades MS WY NM AL LA MO SC TRENDLINE 20 AR MT TN OK WV GA NV AZ 15 KY IN KS CO OH ID MD TX OR ND MI UT FL VA SD NC PA WA NH ME IL WI DE NE 10 VT MN IA CA Stronger gun laws are correlated with lower death rates CT RI 5 HI NJ MA NY 0 10 20 30 40 50 Stronger laws Weaker laws Gun law strength (rank) Gun deaths per 100,000 people AK 25 States with F gun law grades MS WY NM LA AL MO SC 20 AR MT TRENDLINE TN OK WV GA NV AZ 15 KY IN KS CO OH ID TX MD FL ND OR UT MI SD NC VA PA NH NE ME IL WA WI 10 DE VT MN IA CA Stronger gun laws are correlated with lower death rates CT RI 5 HI NJ MA NY 0 10 20 30 40 50 Gun law strength (rank) Stronger laws Weaker laws Source: Giffords Law Center Data as of March 2021.
In 2015, Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas tweeted that he was embarrassed that his state was ranked second (behind California) in requests to buy new guns, albeit still with one million requests. Lets pick up the pace Texans, he wrote.
Abbott apparently believes, along with the N.R.A., that more guns make a society more safe, but statistics dispute that. Abbott should look at those charts.
Mass shootings are not the main cause of loss of life
Critics will say that the kind of measures I cite wouldnt prevent many shootings. The 2017 shooting in Las Vegas, for example, might not have been prevented by any of the suggestions I make.
Thats true, and theres no magic wand available. Yet remember that although it is mass shootings that get our attention, they are not the main cause of loss of life. Much more typical is a friend who shoots another, a husband who kills his wife or, most common of all, a man who kills himself. Skeptics will say that if people want to kill themselves, theres nothing we can do. In fact, it turns out that if you make suicide a bit more difficult, suicide rates drop.
Here are the figures showing that mass shootings are a modest share of the total, and the same is true of self-defense despite what the N.R.A. might have you believe.
EACH SYMBOL REPRESENTS 500 GUN DEATHS IN 2016 AN ESTIMATED 22,000 GUN SUICIDES ABOUT 11,760 HOMICIDES OTHER CAUSES DEATHS IN MASS SHOOTINGS: 456 VICTIMS KILLING PERPETRATORS IN SELF-DEFENSE: 589 1.6% 1.2% SHARE OF ALL GUN DEATHS: EACH SYMBOL REPRESENTS 500 GUN DEATHS IN 2016 AN ESTIMATED 22,000 GUN SUICIDES ABOUT 11,760 HOMICIDES OTHER CAUSES VICTIMS KILLING PERPETRATORS IN SELF-DEFENSE: 589 DEATHS IN MASS SHOOTINGS: 456 1.6% 1.2% SHARE OF ALL GUN DEATHS: Source: Gun Violence Archive
Tightening gun laws lowered firearm homicide rates
For skeptics who think that gun laws dont make a difference, consider what happened in two states, Missouri and Connecticut. In 1995, Connecticut tightened licensing laws, while in 2007 Missouri eased gun laws.
The upshot? After tightening gun laws, firearm homicide rates dropped 40 percent in Connecticut. And after Missouri eased gun laws, gun homicide rates rose 25 percent.
Connecticut after 1995 law tightening licensing requirements Estimated change in rate of gun homicide 40% Estimated change in rate of gun suicide 15% Missouri after 2007 repeal of license requirements Estimated change in rate of gun homicide +25% Estimated change in rate of gun suicide +16% Connecticut after 1995 law tightening licensing requirements Missouri after 2007 repeal of license requirements Estimated change in rate of gun homicide 40% +25% Estimated change in rate of gun suicide 15% +16% Source: Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
One of the lessons of gun research is that we often focus just on firearms themselves, when it may be more productive to focus on who gets access to them. A car or gun is usually safe in the hands of a 45-year-old woman with no criminal record, but may be dangerous when used by a 19-year-old felon with a history of alcohol offenses or domestic violence protection orders.
Yet our laws have often focused more on weapons themselves (such as the assault weapons ban) rather than on access. In many places, there is more rigorous screening of people who want to adopt dogs than of people who want to purchase firearms.
In these two states, the laws affected access, and although theres some indication that other factors were also involved in Connecticut (and correlations dont prove causation), the outcomes are worth pondering.
There is a shocking lack of research on guns
Theres simply a scandalous lack of research on gun violence, largely because the N.R.A. is extremely hostile to such research and Congress rolls over. When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did try to research gun violence, Congress responded by cutting its funding.
Here is the American toll from four diseases and firearms over the years 1973-2012 and the number of National Institutes of Health research grants to explore each problem over that same time.
N.I.H. research awards Disease Number of cases Rabies 65 56 Polio 266 212 Cholera 400 129 Diphtheria 1,337 89 Firearms injuries 3 >4 million Number of cases Disease N.I.H. research awards Rabies 65 89 Polio 266 129 Cholera 400 212 Diphtheria 1,337 56 Firearm Injuries 3 >4 million Source: University of Chicago Crime Lab
The right type of training could go a long way
One approach that could reduce the abuse of guns is better training. As a 13-year-old farm boy in Oregon, I attended a N.R.A. gun safety class (which came with a one-year membership to the N.R.A., making me an N.R.A. alum who despises what that organization has become). These classes can be very useful, and audits found that more than 80 percent cover such matters as checking the gun to see if its loaded, keeping ones finger off the trigger until ready to fire and being certain of the target.
Yet the audits also suggest that trainers are more likely to advocate for the N.R.A. or for carrying guns than for, say, safe storage. This is a missed opportunity, for all classes should cover the risks of guns and alcohol, the risks of abuse with suicide and domestic violence, the need for safe storage, and so on. Heres what researchers found that the gun classes they audited between 2014 and 2016 actually covered:
NOT DISCUSSED PERCENT OF CLASSES WHERE DISCUSSED Trainers encouraged gun carrying 81% 19 Encouraged gun ownership 76 24 Prevent unsupervised access by children 70 30 Encouraged gun use for self-defense 69 31 60 40 Ricochet 60 40 Theft prevention Encouraged membership in gun-rights group 56 44 Legal ramifications of shooting in self-defense 55 45 53 47 Child access laws Recommendation: when not in use, store unloaded 50 50 Recommendation: use gun only as last resort 45 55 Young children and gun accidents 55 45 70 30 Decision-making in crises Theft is important source of firearms used in crime 80 20 Techniques for de-escalating threats 85 15 Recommendation: report stolen firearms 90 10 Watch for signs of suicide in household members 90 10 90 10 Domestic violence risk Topic discussed Percent of classes where discussed Not discussed Trainers encouraged gun carrying 19 81% Encouraged gun ownership 24 76 Prevent unsupervised access by children 30 70 Encouraged gun use for self-defense 31 69 Ricochet 40 60 Theft prevention 40 60 Encouraged membership in gun-rights group 44 56 Legal ramifications of shooting in self-defense 45 55 Child access laws 47 53 Recommendation: when not in use, store unloaded 50 50 Recommendation: use gun only as last resort 55 45 Young children and gun accidents 55 45 Decision-making in crises 70 30 Theft is an important source of firearms used in crime 80 20 Techniques for de-escalating threats 85 15 Recommendation: report stolen firearms 90 10 Watch for signs of suicide in household members 90 10 Domestic violence risk 90 10 Source: David Hemenway, Injury Prevention The classes studied, some of which were required by law, took place in 7 Northeast states.
A way forward: On some issues, majorities agree
It may sometimes seem hopeless to make progress on gun violence, especially with the N.R.A. seemingly holding Congress hostage. But Im more optimistic.
Look, we all agree on some kinds of curbs on guns. Nobody believes that people should be able to drive a tank down Main Street, or have an anti-aircraft gun in the backyard. Ive been to parts of northern Yemen where one could actually buy a tank or an anti-aircraft gun, as well as fully automatic weapons and that areas now embroiled in a civil war but fortunately in America we have agreed to ban those kinds of weaponry.
So the question isnt whether we will restrict firearms, but where to draw the line and precisely which ones to restrict.
Check out these polling numbers as a basis for action on gun safety:
Agree with the following: Households with no guns Gun households 50% Background checks for all gun buyers 93% 96% Preventing mentally ill from buying guns 89 89 Nationwide ban on the sale of guns to people convicted of violent crimes 88 85 Barring gun purchases by people on no-fly or watch lists 82 84 Background checks for private sales and at gun shows 77 87 Federal mandatory waiting period on all gun purchases 72 89 Ban on modifications that make a semi- automatic gun work like an automatic gun 67 79 A ban on the sale of guns to people convicted of violent crimes would reduce gun violence 61 75 New gun laws will not interfere with the right to own guns 57 71 Congress is not doing enough to reduce gun violence 56 81 Creating a federal database to track gun sales 54 80 A ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines (10+ bullets)* 52 77 Households with no guns Gun households Agree with the following: 50% 93% Background checks for all gun buyers 96% 89 Preventing the mentally ill from buying guns 89 Nationwide ban on the sale of guns to people convicted of violent crimes 88 85 Barring gun purchases by people on no-fly or watch lists 82 84 Background checks for private sales and at gun shows 77 87 Federal mandatory waiting period on all gun purchases 72 89 A ban on modifications that make a semi- automatic gun work like an automatic gun 67 79 A ban on the sale of guns to people convicted of violent crimes would reduce gun violence 61 75 New gun laws will not interfere with the right to own guns 57 71 Congress is not doing enough to reduce gun violence 56 81 Creating a federal database to track gun sales 54 80 A ban on the sale of high-capacity ammunition magazines (10+ bullets)* 52 77 Sources: Pew Research Center survey conducted in March and April (questions on mental illness, no-fly lists, background checks for private sales and federal database); Quinnipiac University National Poll conducted Oct. 5-10 (all other questions) *A Pew Research Center survey found only 44 percent of gun owners favored such a ban.
Looking ahead, Im optimistic that there can be progress at the state level, and some of the necessary research funding will come from private foundations. Maybe some police departments will put in orders for smart guns to help create a market.
But the real impetus for change will come because the public favors it. In particular, note that 93 percent of people even in gun households favor universal background checks for gun purchases.
This is the blunt, damning truth: The latest shooting was 100 percent predictable.
After each such incident, we mourn the deaths and sympathize with the victims, but we do nothing fundamental to reduce our vulnerability.
Some of you will protest that the immediate aftermath of a shooting is too soon to talk about guns, or that it is disrespectful to the dead to use such a tragedy to score political points. Yet more Americans have died from gun violence, including suicides, since 1970 (about 1.4 million) than in all the wars in American history going back to the Revolutionary War (about 1.3 million). And its not just gang-members: In a typical year, more pre-schoolers are shot dead in America (about 75) than police officers are.
Yes, making America safer will be hard: There are no perfect solutions. The Second Amendment is one constraint, and so is our polarized political system and the power of the gun lobby. Its unclear how effective some of my suggestions will be, and in any case this will be a long, uncertain, uphill process.
But automobiles are a reminder that we can chip away at a large problem through a public health approach: Just as auto safety improvements have left us far better off, it seems plausible to some gun policy experts that a sensible, politically feasible set of public health steps could over time reduce firearm deaths in America by one-third or more than 10,000 lives saved each year.
So lets not just shed tears for the dead, give somber speeches and lower flags. Lets get started and save lives.
What will be the pay hike:
The government is clear that the pay hike would be raised from Rs 18,000 to Rs 21,000. Employees want the hike to be at Rs 26,000. However the economy has been hit badly post GST and demonetisation. Hence there is no proposal as of now to hike the basic minimum pay to Rs 26,000.
Arun Jaitley is last resort:
Soon, the CG employees would meet with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Only he can give some clarity on the matter, the employees feel. Jaitley was the one who in fact assured the employees that the matter regarding the hike would be looked into following which the NAC was formed.
Will pay hike come in January:
There is no date that has been fixed for the NAC meet as yet. However if the government wants to go ahead with the pay hike by January, then the NAC will have to meet. Only once the NAC clears the proposal and suggests to the government can the pay hike be implemented.
Will it be a happy new year for CG employees:
While 2017 was a bad year for the CG employees thanks to the poor recommendations made by the 7th Pay Commission, 2018 could be a better year. The government wants to give the pay hike by January, reports indicate.
OneIndia News
Indian Navy is totally secular, every ship is a microcosm of India, says Admiral RK Dhowan
Admiral Lanba says Navy is aiming at doubling aircraft fleet to 500 in next decade
Admiral Sunil Lanba in France, to hold talks with top military brass
India
oi-Oneindia
By Oneindia Staff Writer
Admiral Sunil Lanba is on a 6-day bilateral visit to France during which he will hold talks with the top defence authorities there and seek to deepen bilateral military ties.
The visit aims to consolidate cooperation between the Armed Forces of both India and France and also to explore new avenues of defence cooperation.
During his visit, the Chairman, will hold bilateral discussions with Her Excellency Florence Parly, defence minister of France, General Francois Lecointre and others.
In-addition to holding important bilateral discussions, the Admiral will be visiting the Maritime Prefectures at Brest and Cherbourg, and be conducted around the Maritime Operations Centre. He will also visit the French Airbase at Landivisiau, where he will be briefed on the operational employability of the Rafale aircraft by the French Air Force, and also visit the French Submarine Facility at Cherbourg.
India and France have traditionally maintained close and friendly relations. The two countries established a Strategic Partnership in 1998, thereby significantly enhancing bilateral cooperation in strategic areas such as defence, nuclear energy and space. The Defence relationship between the two countries has been one of mutual trust and confidence.
India has been importing critical defence technologies from France; the latest being the Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Forces and the Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.
The Indian Navy cooperates with the French Navy on many issues, which include operational interactions such as the VARUNA series of bilateral exercises, training exchanges, exchange of White Shipping Information and Subject Matter Experts in various fields through the medium of Staff Talks.Warships from Indian Navy have been regularly visiting ports at France, with IN ships Mumbai, Trishul and Aditya making port call at Toulon from 24 to 27 April 2017.
The French Navy ship Auvergne, a FREMM Class Frigate, also visited the Indian Naval Base at Karwar from 02 to 06 October 2017.
The Indian Army and Air Force also maintain robust cooperation with the French Army and Air Force. The Indian Army conducts the biennial exercise SHAKTI with the French Army, whilst the Indian Air Force conducts the GARUDA series of exercises annually.
OneIndia News
Belgian royal couple arrives on seven-day maiden visit to India
India
oi-PTI
New Delhi, November 6: With an aim of boosting overall cooperation between India and Belgium, with a focus on further ramping up trade and investment ties, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium arrived in New Delhi. The Royal couple is on a seven-day visit to India.
This is King Philippe's first state visit to India after his ascension to the throne in 2013. He is accompanied by a business delegation of nearly 90 people comprising CEOs of Belgian companies.
The royal couple was received at the airport by Union Urban Development Minister and former diplomat Hardeep Singh Puri, according to an official of the Belgian Embassy.
India is Belgium's second largest export destination and the third largest trading partner outside the European Union.
According to official data, in 2016-17, bilateral trade amounted to USD 13.28 billion of which exports from India to Belgium accounted for USD 5.65 billion while imports from Belgium accounted for USD 6.62 billion.
The royal couple will travel to Agra tomorrow to visit the iconic Taj Mahal. According to the official schedule, the King will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday. On Wednesday, he will attend an India-Belgium Business Forum meeting. On Thursday, he will leave for Mumbai on a two-day visit.
In Mumbai, he will attend a round-table of businessmen of the diamond industry and pay a visit to the memorial of the victims of the 2008 terrorist attack. He will also attend a conference which will focus on solutions for smart cities. The royal couple will leave for Belgium on Saturday.
PTI
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 9:26 [IST]
A policy shift in Kashmir: Youth will be the focus
J&K residents would be able to speak to Dineshwar Sharma directly
Guns and Roses: The job of the next Governor in Jammu and Kashmir
Talks a priority in Valley, but only within framework of Indian Constitution
BJP-PDP expect 'good results' from Dineshwar Sharma's visit, Separatists scorn
India
oi-Vikas
By Vikas
With Union Government's special representative Dineshwar Sharma set to begin talks to resolve the Kashmir issue on Monday, the ruling BJP-PDP coalition in the state welcomed the move while the Separatists remained apprehensive.
Sharma had earlier said that he is open to meeting with the political leadership and other prominent voices in the Valley in a bid to ensure that peace returns in the state.
"This is a very sincere effort and should be seen as a very serious move by the Government of India," news agency ANI quoted senior PDP leader and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Naeem Akhtar as saying.
"He is an experienced person and we expect good results out of the process," said Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh.
Kashmiri separatists have already made it clear that they are not keen on engaging with the former IPS officer from the Kerala cadre.
"We outrightly reject the role of an interlocutor in resolving the Kashmir issue," Separatist leader Hilal War told ANI.
According to reports, Sharma will be in Kashmir for three days and would head for a two day visit to Jammu region.
[J&K: Dineshwar Sharma to visit valley, talks to begin today]
Hardline Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Sunday rejected to offer to talk to Centre's special representative.
Meanwhile, Sharma has maintained that he did not have a magic wand, but wanted to be judged by his actions when he starts the process.
He said that no one should jump to conclusions before the process of talks with various stakeholders in Kashmir begins.
OneIndia News
Cong for Muslims, BJP for Hindus: Did Rahuls temple visits in Guj help to bust the myth?
My meet with Rahul would have prevented BJP's Gujarat win: Hardik Patel
BJP will win Gujarat elections, rout Congress: former UP Minister
India
pti-PTI
Former Uttar Pradesh minister Kumar Ashok Pandey on Monday said that the BJP would win the Gujarat elections and rout the Congress from the state.
Pandey, the BJP's Uttar Pradesh in-charge for public services and disaster management, will be attending campaigns for the party in the western state where polls will be held on December 9 and 14.
"The propaganda of (Congress vice president) Rahul Gandhi on GST and demonetisation is not going to earn him any dividend as I envisage a complete rout of the Congress in the Gujarat Assembly elections," the former minister said.
There is more relaxation in the GST in the offing and the common man has benefited from demonetisation, he claimed.
The country needed GST to get rid of corrupt people, since they were "jeopardising" welfare measures of the government, Pandey said.
He claimed that the prime minister had broken the nexus of "power brokers" and said that the BJP was a party of the people.
Critics of Centre should know that unless corruption is uprooted, speedy development would remain a dream, the BJP leader said.
"Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had confessed that only 10 per cent of government money is utilised in development, owing to rampant corruption
"Now, the passage for development has been cleared, since corruption has been controlled through e-digital systems," he claimed.
Earlier, Pandey with over two dozen BJP workers offered prayers at the Daan Ghati temple, Goverdhan, for the party's victory in Gujarat.
PTI
Rajnath Singh wanted to join Indian Army, but couldn't; know why
Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Make in India, Make for the World, says Rajnath Singh
China see red over Indian Defence Minister's visit to Arunachal Pradesh
India
oi-Amitava
By Amitava
In line with its controversial stand on Arunachal Pradesh, China has objected to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to Arunachal Pradesh.
Sitharaman on Sunday had visited forward army posts in Arunachal Pradesh. Reacting to her visit Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying reportedly stated "There is a dispute in the eastern section of the Indian-China boundary" adding that the visit is not conducive for the peace and tranquility in the region.
Incidentally the Indian Defence Minister had visited the forward army posts in the Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh.
She was accompanied by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna and other front rung army officers.
The Minister who had arrived on a two day visit of the State on Saturday also interacted with the jawans and lauded their dedication in service in such remote areas.
The Minister also visited the air force base in Chabua in Tinsukhia district of Assam. Minister Sitharaman took stock of the operational preparedness and infrastructure development in the forward bases she visited.
Interestingly Minister Sitharaman had visited Nathula border in Sikkim in the first week of October and had even interacted with the Chinese soldiers. However this visit had not invited flak from China.
Interestingly though China considers Sikkim as a part of India it claims Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of Chinese Territory.
China had also objected to the visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader HH the Dalai Lama's week long visit to Arunachal Pradesh in April this year and even threatened to take "necessary measures." China had lodged a protest with Indian Ambassador Vijay Gokhale in Beijing over Dalai Lama's visit.
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 14:13 [IST]
Demonetisation anniversary: Union minister to highlight crackdown on black money
India
pti-PTI
New Delhi, Nov 6: Ministers in the Modi government will fan across the country over the next two days to highlight the crackdown on black money to mark the first anniversary of demonetisation on November 8 which the BJP will observe as 'anti-black money day' and Congress as 'black day'.
Many of them will speak to media tomorrow in major cities, while BJP leaders, including ministers, MPs and MLAs, will hold several events to highlight the Modi dispensation's policies to curb illicit money, party sources said.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will interact with journalists in the national capital tomorrow, while Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi will speak in Bhopal and Patna respectively.
On November 8, Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Ananth Kumar, Nirmala Sitharaman, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Suresh Prabhu and Smriti Irani will speak in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Lucknow respectively. Prakash Javadekar will speak to media in Bengaluru and Piyush Goyal in Ahmedabad.
Union minister Jayant Sinha has also been drafted for the exercise, sources said. BJP chief Amit Shah will be in Gujarat that day. With the BJP and the Congress involved in a war of words over demonetisation's implications, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned up the heat on the opposition party over the issue of black money and corruption during his election rallies. The Congress too has planned a nation-wide exercise to project demonetisation as a "failure".
PTI
Money transfer between India, Singapore may be via UPI soon: Report
Demonetisation blues? Why everyone is cribbing about #DearMoney
India
oi-Oneindia
By Oneindia
New Delhi, Nov 6: Just two days before India is all set to mark the first anniversary of demonetisation announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8 last year, everyone was literally cribbing about money on Monday.
The hashtag--#DearMoney--was a top trend on Twitter. Is India still suffering from demonetisation blues in spite of the passage of one year of its announcement?
Probably, yes as people are still cribbing about cash and missing its presence in their lives as it happened last November when due to note ban high-value currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 suddenly disappeared into thin air.
While announcing demonetisation, PM Modi told India that the "unpopular" step is to fight against black money, corruption and terror funding.
One year down the line, promises remained unfulfilled as nearly 99 per cent of scrapped notes came back into the system after creating massive chaos across various sectors.
As India did some money talk on Twitter, they expressed their angst of having not enough cash with some hard-hitting and equally funny lines. Here we bring you a few:
#DearMoney our hearts goes out to your family that lost 1 of its members a year back....
1st death anniversary of 1000 rupee note. Sonu (@fromRANCHI) November 6, 2017
#DearMoney i love you like anything! marry me! Kiran Kapoor (@Kiran_Kapor) November 6, 2017
#DearMoney, I am unable to do without you even for a single day Hardik (@phardik342) November 6, 2017
#DearMoney, I am not able to find you. Kindly get in touch. Chaitanya Kulkarni (@chai2kul) November 6, 2017
#DearMoney you are the most important need in our life. Mr Tranquil (@ajayyadav7383) November 6, 2017
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 14:09 [IST]
Government hopeful of an early solution to the Nagaland impasse
India
oi-Amitava
By Amitava
Both the Union Government and the Nagaland State Government are positive of an early solution to the decade old Naga impasse. Most are optimistic that the solution will be worked out before the State goes to Assembly polls early next year.
A statement issued by the Nagaland Chief Minister's Office claims that National Security Advisor of India Ajit Doval has expressed hope that the political problem will be resolved soon.
The statement comes on the heels of TR Zeliang, CM, Nagaland and his cabinet colleagues meeting Doval in Delhi recently and requesting the Union Government for an early solution.
The statement claims that Doval in Delhi stated "Everyone wishes for an early solution and everyone needs to play their part in achieving it."
Incidentally on August 3, 2015 the Union Government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Issac Muivah) had signed the framework agreement. However the details of the agreement have not been made public.
The Nagaland CM expect that the solution will be in place before the State goes to Assembly polls early next year. "Given the progress made and specially with the involvement of sic Naga national political groups along with the NSCN (IM) in the talk, this is the most opportune time for a solution" stated the CM.
The release stated that Doval had invited suggestions on what all the Union Government can do to find a solution to the impasse before Government adding that the Union Government will definitely consider the State Government's suggestion.
"It has to be a win-win situation for all. We have to create a congenial atmosphere for acceptance of the agreement between the Government of India and the Naga National groups so that one can move ahead on the path of development and leave the history of clashes and violence behind" stated Doval.
Nagaland Governor PB Acharya had earlier expresses hope that the solution would be found soon. "At this juncture, the Naga people, specially the civil society and political parties should be prepared to accept the solution and to implement it" the Governor had stated earlier.
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 13:10 [IST]
PM Modi, Xi Jinping greet each other at G-20 dinner in first meet after Galwan clash
Hyana min compares Cong to kuttey, Modi to sher, predicts BJPs win in Gujarat polls
India
oi-Oneindia
By Oneindia
Chandigarh, Nov 6: Controversial Haryana Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) minister Anil Vij, known for his hate speech, does it again by using unparliamentary language to target the Opposition.
This time in regard to the upcoming Gujarat Assembly elections, Vij ended up comparing the Congress and its allies to kuttey (dogs) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a sher (tiger). On Sunday, Vij also predicted that the ruling BJP will win the Gujarat elections scheduled on December 9 and 18.
"There is an old saying that even 100 dogs together can't compete with a tiger. Modi is a tiger. In Gujarat, the BJP will win. (Purani kahavat hai-100 kuttey mil kar bhi ek sher ka muqabla nhi kar skte, Modi sher hai. Gujarat mein BJP jeetegi)," Vij was quoted as saying by ANI.
Purani kahavat hai-100 kuttey mil kar bhi ek sher ka muqabla nhi kar skte, Modi sher hai. Gujarat mein BJP jeetegi:Anil Vij,Haryana Minister pic.twitter.com/0wqdEunzkf ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2017
The BJP leader said the alliance being stitched up by the opposition parties and other groups in Gujarat cannot defeat the BJP in the assembly polls in the western state next month.
The "Modi wave" continues in the country and the saffron party will form the government again in that state, he added. The health minister lashed out at Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala for comparing Modi to the whimsical 14th-Century monarch Muhammad Bin Tughlak.
Talking to media persons in Ambala, he said Surjewala was a "liar". He accused Congress leaders of always leveling false allegations to divert the attention of people.
Modi has become the symbol of progress and now the India is being recognised throughout the world because of the prime minister, Vij said.
Last month, when the Taj Mahal controversy was at its peak, Vij said the Taj Mahal was a "khoobsurat kabristan," or a "beautiful graveyard".
"Taj Mahal ek khoobsurat kabristan hai. Yahi kaaran hai ki isko ashubh maante huye iska model log apne gharon men nahi rakhte hain (The Taj Mahal is a beautiful graveyard. This is why it is considered inauspicious, and why people don't keep a model of it in their homes)," ANI quoted Vij as saying.
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 7:48 [IST]
Why NOTA, a blank vote, is a waste with no impact on election results
How BJP's win in Gujarat, HP is spreading happiness in the Indian market
In new Himachal Assembly, 52 out of 68 MLAs are crorepatis
Instead of boosting tourism, Congress encouraged mafia raj in HP: Yogi
India
oi-Vikas
By Vikas
Launching a scathing attack on the Virbhadra Singh-led government in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday said the Congress encouraged "mafia raj" in the state instead of boosting tourism and medical facilities.
Urging the electorate to uproot the Congress from Himachal Pradesh, Adityanath said that the grand old party had already conceded defeat in the hill state.
"The excitement in public ahead of the election has already proved their defeat. Now you voters will have to make Congress realise the power of your constitutional rights on November 9," ANI quoted the UP Chief Minister as saying at a rally in Solan.
He also hinted that crime against women was on a rise in Himachal Pradesh and held the ruling Congress responsible for it.
"These mafias, criminals who are enjoying the throne while playing with the honour of our women, should be in the prison instead of the government. To send them behind the bars, to give them the treatment they deserve, you need to bring Bharatiya Janata Party in the government," he added.
At another rally in Baddi, Adityanath said that the BJP government at the Centre had done more for the state than the 10-years of UPA regime.
"In 10 years Congress gave only Rs 20,000 Crore to Himachal Pradesh. In just 3 years BJP gave Rs 40,600 Crore to this state," he said.
He said that the Congress had no concern for the farmers, the women and the youth, adding, "Congress toyed with this nation".
The polling for all 68 constituencies of Himcahal Pradesh will be held in a single-phase on November 9. The result would be declared on December 18.
Congress' chief ministerial candidate for Himachal pradesh is the six time and incumbent CM Virbhadra Singh, while the BJP CM candidate is two-time CM Prem Kumar Dhumal.
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 15:24 [IST]
ISRO planning to double launches, stresses on outsourcing
India
pti-PTI
Hyderabad, Nov 6: With an aim to meet he growing demand, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to double the launch frequency of satellites built by it by scaling up outsourcing to industry.
Mylswamy Annadurai, the director of ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), the prime agency for realising satellites for the Indian space programme, said ISRO now launches nine to 10 spacecraft built by it per year.
"Requirements have gone up. We also have to fill up the backlog. We are targeting to double the launch frequency to 18 per year from 2018-19," Annadurai told PTI.
He said ISRO's experience with the industry has been reasonably good, and vendors are "very enthusiastic" in increasing their contribution in the space programme. According to ISRO, the participation of the industry in realisation of space systems such as spacecraft, launch vehicles, establishment and operations of ground support systems and facilities, and implementation of application programmes for the benefit of end users have been steadily growing.
ISRO Chairman A S Kiran Kumar said the space agency does as much activity as possible with the industry.
"Wherever it's possible to get the things done through the industry, we are doing and it will only increase in the coming days because we need to do more frequent activities. There will be an increase in the usage of industry for the activities," he told PTI.
The chairman said 80 per cent of work relating to launch vehicles (rockets) is done by the industry, whose contribution in building of satellites is in the range of 30 to 35 per cent.
"Effort will be to keep increasing it. Finally, (eventually) we feel (only) eight to ten per cent of activities will have to be done within the organisation (and the rest outsourced to industry)," he said.
"Depending on the capability of the industry to take up more and more job (work), it will be done, and as they become more and more capable, the activities will shift to them," he said.
The ISRO, Kiran Kumar said, is also looking at the possibility of building a PSLV in a joint venture with a set of industry partners by 2020-21.
"Processes are on. We have to go through a number of clearances...submitting to the government and getting clearances. We are working on that," he said.
He said ISRO is addressing to resolve bottlenecks in increasing the launch frequency of satellites.
"If we have to do 12 to 18 launches per year, progressively we will see what's limiting that and then work on it. Right now, second (launch) vehicle (rocket) assembly building is what is causing that, and that's getting ready and by the end of this year, it should become operational," he added.
ISRO has been associated with more than 500 small, medium and large-scale industries while implementing various space programmes. So far it has transferred about 300 technologies to Indian industries for commercialisation.
PTI
MHA asks employees to travel only by Air India for any official tour
India
pti-PTI
New Delhi, Nov 6: The Union Home Ministry has asked its employees to travel only by national carrier Air India whenever they go on official tours and tickets should be purchased from the airline's website or from the three authorised travel agents.
Quoting a finance ministry circular, it said in an order that provision has been made for all cases of air travel where the Government of India bears its cost. The rule stipulates purchase of air ticket directly from the airline booking counter, website or by utilising the services of the three authorised agents.
"Despite this, the home ministry is frequently in receipt of proposals for relaxation of above rules citing reasons of ignorance and unawareness of these guidelines," the order circulated to all the divisions of the ministry said.
The Department of Expenditure has clarified to the home ministry that henceforth, relaxation on account of ignorance and unawareness of the guidelines would not be considered.
"It is accordingly stressed upon all the offices and divisions under the ambit of integrated finance division of the home ministry to scrupulously follow the guidelines related to the air travel," it said.
PTI
After Mamata, Meghalaya CM expresses his opposition to Aadhaar over privacy issue
Mukul Sangma is in outlawed group HNLC's 'hit-list'
India
oi-Vikas
By Vikas
Blaming the Chief Minister for Meghalaya's "economic downfall", the outlawed group Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has, in an e-mail statement, said that Mukul Sangma is in its "hit-list".
Warning Sangma of dire consequences if he he did not change his "dictatorial" mind set, the HNLC said that they have been recieving several complaints against Sangma.
The statement further said that if Sangma loses the 2018 Meghalaya assembly elections, it will be easy for them to "hunt him down".
The outlawed group has also issued warning to senior politician HS Shylla, said reports. The group termed Shylla as a "backstabber".
The statement issued by HNLC Publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw says that Sangma gave them the "hope of peace talks" and went back on his words. It said that a peson who has gone back on his words does not deserve to live.
It said Sangma's 'dictatorial attitude' will be the reason of the Congress regimes' downfall in the state, reported The Northeast Today.
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 11:11 [IST]
In a first, Transgenders can now apply for jobs in Karnataka police for PSI
No transgender jobs in Air India: SC seeks governments reply
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Civil Aviation ministry among on a petition by transgenders which alleged that they were not considered for airline jobs.
The petitioners said that 400 posts were advertised by the ministry in Air India, but not a single person from their community got a job. The court has given the ministry four weeks time to respond.
The petitioners also said that a transgender who had worked as a ground staff for a private agency in an airport too was not considered for the job.
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 13:14 [IST]
In Madras HC papers go missing like vessels at the Bermuda Triangle
Paradise papers: Data leak reveals offshore activities of many, Jayant Sinha too named
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
Recommended Video
Paradise Paper leaks: Civil Aviation minister Jayant Sinha named | Oneindia News
A host of documents called the Paradise Papers were released late Sunday night by the International Consortium of Journalists.
The leaked documents, dubbed the Paradise Papers, show how deeply the offshore financial system is entangled with the overlapping worlds of political players, private wealth and corporate giants, including Apple, Nike, Uber and other global companies that avoid taxes through increasingly imaginative bookkeeping maneuvers.
A trove of 13.4 million records exposes ties between Russia and U.S. President Donald Trump's billionaire commerce secretary, the secret dealings of the chief fundraiser for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the offshore interests of the queen of England and more than 120 politicians around the world.
The name of Civil Aviation Minister, Jayant Sinha also finds a mention in the papers.
One offshore web leads to Trump's commerce secretary, private equity tycoon Wilbur Ross, who has a stake in a shipping company that has received more than $68 million in revenue since 2014 from a Russian energy company co-owned by the son-in-law of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In all, the offshore ties of more than a dozen Trump advisers, Cabinet members and major donors appear in the leaked data.
The new files come from two offshore services firms as well as from 19 corporate registries maintained by governments in jurisdictions that serve as waystations in the global shadow economy. The leaks were obtained by German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and a network of more than 380 journalists in 67 countries.
OneIndia News
'Medicine can also be studied in Tamil medium!' - CM Stalin's efforts are getting a growing response
Mayor Priya is not the puppet but the savior - How did Chennai recover from the floods?
Medias responsibility as important as that of elected govt: Modi in Chennai
India
oi-Deepika
By Deepika
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PM Modi in Chennai : Media is as responsible as elected government | Oneindia News
Prime minister Narendra Modi arrived in Chennai on Monday to attend a couple of events. It will be a one-day trip and he will return to the capital on the same day.
Speaking at the 75th year celebrations of Daily Thanthi, PM Modi said that media helps transforming society. "This is why we refer to the media as the fourth pillar of democracy," he said.
Actor Rajinikanth, who has been dropping hints of taking the political plunge, is also present in the audience.
Hailing media as the fourth pillar of democracy, the prime minister stressed on the importance of vernacular media. The prime minister also spoke about the social accountability of the media. Modi said media's responsibility is as important as that of the elected government."
Modi is his speech also focusses on importance of media's 'social responsibility': Fake news, vernacular media.
"Editorial freedom must be used wisely in public interest. The freedom to write, does not include the freedom to be 'factually incorrect', he said.
Mahatma Gandhi said, 'The press is called the Fourth Estate. It is definitely a power, but, to misuse that power is criminal," he added.
Further the prime minister said that "Even though media may be owned by private individuals, it serves a public purpose. As scholars say, it is an instrument to produce reform through peace, rather than by force. Hence, it has as much social accountability as the elected government or the judiciary"
"Natural calamities seem to be occurring with increasing frequency across the world. Can media take a lead in the battle against climate change? Can media devote just a little space to report or increase awareness about what we can do to combat climate change?" he questioned.
The prime minister will be meeting DMK President M Karunanidhi. Both the BJP and the DMK said. The two leaders are scheduled to meet at 12.30 PM at Karunanidhi's Gopalapuram residence.
During his visit to Tamil Nadu, PM Modi ji will visit senior most leader from the state and former CM M Karunanidhi: P Muralidhar Rao,BJP ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2017
PM Modi will be honoring a list of dignitaries acknowledging their services in various fields like Literature and Culture. Business Tycoon and Owner of VGP Group V G Santhosham will be honored with Special achievement award as he started off his career with Daily Thanthi Group as a News Paper vendor and went on to become a successful Business Mogul in his life.
According to the website, the prime minister will also attend the wedding of an IAS officer's daughter in Chennai on Monday. The officer, TV Somanathan, works in the Prime Minister's Office, it was reported.
Tight security arrangements are being made for the prime minister's visit and it is learnt that Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy CM O Panneerselvam among other top officials will welcome Modi at the airport.
The PM is expected to visit Chennai in December too, to attend the valedictory of the birth centenary celebrations of former chief minister and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran (MGR).
OneIndia News
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PM Modi in Chennai, assures all possible help for rain-hit Tamil Nadu
India
oi-Deepika
By Deepika
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a one-day tour to Chennai met the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister and discussed the situation arising due to heavy rains and floods in Chennai and other parts of the state.
The prime minister assured them of all assistance from the Centre with regard to situation arising due to heavy rain, floods in TN.
PM Modi discussed the situation arising due to heavy rains & floods in Chennai & other parts of Tamil Nadu with the CM & Dy CM of the state ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2017
Modi landed in Chennai at 9 PM to participate in a Tamil newspaper's 75th anniversary function and also in the marriage of a senior IAS officer's daughter.
In a surprise detour to his itinerary, Modi has decided to call on the senior DMK leader.
"During his visit to Tamil Nadu today, PM Modi will visit senior most leader from the state and former CM M Karunanidhi," tweeted party spokesperson P Muralidhar Rao.
Torrential rains which have lashed coastal Tamil Nadu, including state capital Chennai, over the last week, are likely to subside in the coming days.
In the next 24 hours, light spells of rains are expected in many places over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry while heavy rains have been forecast in one or two places in south Tamil Nadu, the Cauvery delta region and Puducherry, he said. "However, there is a possibility of rains gradually reducing in the coming days.
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 11:08 [IST]
M Karunanidhi was kept under house arrest for 2 years, TN govt to probe
Karunanidhi's 98th birth anniversary: BSY says he played important role in creating harmony between two states
Karunanidhi fought for the Right to hoist tricolour for chief ministers and made this idea a reality
PM Modi meets Karunanidhi, invites him to 7 RCR
India
oi-Deepika
By Deepika
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PM Modi meets DMK chief Karunanidhi in Chennai, invites him to 7 Lok Kalyan Marg | Oneindia News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met DMK chief Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence in Chennai during his visit to the city on Monday.
On his arrival at Gopalpuram residence, PM Modi was greeted by MK Stalin at the entrance.
PM Modi invited Karunanidhi to his residence in Delhi. "Come and stay in my New Delhi residence and take rest," Modi told Karunanidhi.This is seen as a grand gesture by PM Modi whom DMK opposes vehemently.
The meeting between Modi and Karunanidhi was reportedly for 10 minutes setting off speculation of a possible alliance ahead of 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
PM Narendra Modi's visit to the city comes amid buzz in the state of veteran actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan taking the political plunge.
Karunanidhi fell ill in October, 2016 due to a drug-induced allergy. In December last, he was admitted to the Kauvery Hospital here twice. The veteran leader was admitted to the hospital for "optimisation of nutrition and hydration" in the first week of December and later, due to a throat and lung infection. He had undergone tracheostomy, a procedure to optimise breathing.
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi had called on the DMK patriarch at his residence in December, 2016.
The nonagenarian leader had made his first public appearance on October 19 this year, the first since his illness, when he visited an exhibition here held to showcase the 75-year journey of DMK's mouthpiece, 'Murasoli'.
During the 2014 elections, Karunanidhi had played a key role in forming an alliance against the NDA. Though Narendra Modi has visited Chennai after becoming Prime Minister, this is the first time that he has reached out to the DMK chief.
Modi is in this city to attend the platinum jubilee function of a vernacular daily.
The prime minister will also attend the wedding of the daughter of Dr TV Somanathan, a senior official in the PMO, at Raja Annamalaipuram.
OneIndia News
Delhi returns to old liquor policy from tomorrow: All you need to know
Poor liquor sales? Name the brand after a woman says Maharashtra minister
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
This minister from Maharashtra had some unique advise for a brand of liquor which was lagging in terms of sales. Name it after a woman and it will sell was the advise handed out by Maharashtra Medical Education Minister and senior BJP leader Girish Mahajan.
The comment did not go down well with women activists and they have demanded an apology from him. The minister however defended himself and said that the statement was made in lighter vein in response to the complaints by the factory members about poor sales.
Mahajan made the comment while he was inaugurating the crushing season of Satpuda sugar factory in Nandurbar, about 300 km northeast of the state capital. Sugar factories often set up distilleries for the production of liquor from the molasses generated in the process of producing sugar.
Citing examples of the brands by some of the factories in western Maharashtra, the minister said the Satpuda factory should have named its liquor brand as Maharani instead of Maharaja. He said factories in Kolhapur and Sangli have named their liquor brands Julie, Bhingari and Bobby, and were doing good business.
Mahajan however clarified by saying that he has personally seen the response to the brands of the factories run by senior politicians such as Shankarrao Kale and Kolhe in western Maharashtra. Having said that, I admit it was an unintentional mistake and I should not have said it. I am issuing an apology tomorrow," Mahajan told HT.
OneIndia News
Pradyuman murder: Why is the juvenile being tried as an adult accused
Ryan International School murder case: Court to decide if juvenile accused to be tried as adult
Ryan school murder: Accused juvenile to be tried as an adult
Pradyuman Thakur murder: SC grants interim bail to Pinto family
India
oi-Chennabasaveshwar
By Chennabasaveshwar
The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim bail to Pinto family, the trustees of Ryan International school, in connection with the murder of 7-year-old Pradyuman Thakur.
While granting the bail the apex court directed the Punjab and Haryana High Court to decide the matter within 10 days.
Augustine Pinto, his wife Grace Pinto and their son Ryan are the trustees of the school.
Varun Thakur, the father of Pradyuman Thakur, had filed a plea seeking cancellation of interim bail granted to Ryan school owners.
On September 8, the body of the class II student Pradyuman was found inside the toilet of the school, with his throat slit. A bus conductor of the institution was arrested in the incident.
In September, the Haryana government had ordered a CBI probe into the murder and announced that it would take over the administration of the school for three months.
OneIndia News
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 16:11 [IST]
When this mom got a surprise gift, her reaction was 'gold' | Watch
'Poor' no more: 'Moderate' Delhi air to improve further with strong winds
Robbers loot gold worth Rs 1 crore in Delhi
India
oi-Chennabasaveshwar
By Chennabasaveshwar
A jewellery shop was looted in Delhi's Karol Bagh market on Sunday. Gold valued at Rs 1 crore was looted from the shop.
The owner of the shop has claimed that one of his staff members might be involved in the robbery, reported ANI.
The police have registered a case and initiated investigation in connection with the robbery.
It may be recalled that, in of the biggest jewellery heists, five men made away with jewellery worth Rs 12 crore from two manufacturing units in central Delhi's Karol Bagh on October 21. According to police, the theft was caught on a CCTV camera inside the unit. Police registered two FIRs at Prasad Nagar police station. Based on the CCTV footage, they identified the accused.
OneIndia News
SC to look into secret investigation report by CBI against Karti Chidambaram
India
pti-PTI
New Delhi, Nov 6: The Supreme Court decided to peruse a confidential report submitted by the CBI on its probe against Karti Chidambaram, son of former Union Minister P Chidambaram, regarding alleged irregularities in FIPB clearance given to INX Media Ltd.
The top court said it will examine the documents submitted in a sealed cover by the agency in the open court to allay any apprehension of Karti Chidambaram and others. A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud asked Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to place the documents before it on November 9.
The top court agreed to examine the documents after Mehta, appearing for CBI, said it will be "travesty of justice" if the court does not see the papers and form an opinion. "Does the investigating agency have to plead to the court to look into the evidence before forming any opinion? My insistence is that please have a look before the court forms any opinion," Mehta said.
The CBI FIR, lodged on May 15, had alleged irregularities in Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to INX Media for receiving overseas funds to the tune of Rs 305 crore in 2007 when Karti's father was the Union Finance Minister. At the outset, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Karti, urged the court to pass any order saying the case with regard to the Look Out Circular (LOC) has been lingering on for over three months now. He said that Karti has to go for a lecture at a UK university on the 'rule of law in Pakistan' on November 10, but due to this case, his passport has been impounded.
Mehta opposed the arguments, saying it was beyond his understanding as to how important the lecture on "Rule of Law in Pakistan" would be and urged that Karti cannot be allowed to travel abroad pending investigation. While reading the affidavit filed by Karti, Mehta said the CBI cannot be "so irresponsible" as to incorporate media reports as its evidence.
"There are evidence of transaction to INX Media through Indrani Mukherjea and through Peter Mukherjea and Advantage Strategic Consulting Private Limited," he alleged. Sibal opposed the charge and said the court should not peruse the report as it will enable the judges to form an opinion. "They (CBI) say I will tamper with evidence if I go abroad but now I have only one bank account with State Bank of India left with me. The bank is now saying that I can't operate this account even. They interrogated me on October 23 and 28 and then they did not said any thing," Sibal said. He said if the court looks into the documents submitted by CBI, then it will form an opinion which will be against the principles of natural justice.
Mehta said the judges could peruse the report at their residence if they wished before forming an opinion. This was opposed by Sibal who said the court should put the matter for arguments and pass an order. To this, the bench observed that whatever be the apprehension of the parties, CBI will handover the documents and court would see whether Karti can be allowed to travel abroad or what conditions need to be imposed.
Sibal again opposed the court's suggestion and said there were earlier apex court verdicts holding that materials cannot be seen. "Why can't we see? We can see the documents to ascertain the facts. You are apprehensive. We will see what could be done," the bench said and listed the matter for November 9.
On October 11, the apex court had said it would first decide whether it was entitled to see the documents which CBI, before taking a call on other issues. Karti had argued that documents cannot be filed by CBI in the apex court in an SLP that has arisen out of an order of the Madras High Court on a writ petition. The agency had earlier claimed that Karti had "tampered" with evidence relating to the case against him during his visits abroad in the months of May, June and July this year.
The top court is hearing CBI's appeal challenging Madras High Court order staying the government's LoC against Karti. The CBI had on September 1 told the top court that there were "good, cogent" reasons for issuing the LoC. Earlier, the apex court had said that Karti would not be allowed to leave India without subjecting himself to investigation in the case.
The court had then stayed the high court order putting on hold the LoC against Karti. The FIR was registered on May 15 before the special CBI judge here and the registration of the case was followed by searches at the residences and offices of Karti and his friends the very next day.
PTI
The importance of nabbing ISIS recruiter Abu Zaid
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
The arrest of Abu Zaid, an alleged recruiter for the Islamic State is a major breakthrough for security agencies. He was arrested on Sunday on arrival from Riyadh and will now be questioned for his alleged links with the ISIS and also recruitments undertaken in India.
Police sources say that Zaid was an important player. He was recruiting and radicalising Muslims in India. He had formed a social media group through which he would get in touch with the youth and radicalise them.
A resident of Uttar Pradesh, Zaid was involved in the recruitment for the ISIS since the past two years. He had landed in Dubai a couple of years back. He is alleged to got in touch with a few like minded persons out there, following which he decided to recruit for the ISIS.
On the social media groups he would speak with the youth and radicalise them. He would also post sensitive material backing the ISIS and why the youth should join the outfit, police sources also informed. From Dubai he had moved to Saudi Arabia recently, the police also said.
OneIndia News
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 7:01 [IST]
Those speaking of Hindu terror are anti-nationals, says Yogi referring to Kamal Hassan
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
Recommended Video
Yogi Adityanath hits out at Kamal Hassan, calls his Anti-national | Oneindia News
In an oblique reference to Kamal Hassan, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath branded individuals talking about Hindu terrorism as anti-nationals.
Those who market their intellectual wisdom for making money talk about intolerance in the country and those who talk about Hindu terrorism are surviving on hand-out of foreigners. They are anti-nationals and people of this country will never forgive them," Yogi said at Lucknow.
Sanatan dharm is the only religion in India. Rest are followers of different cults and beliefs. There is nothing called secularism in the country. It is the biggest lie in Independent India. Everyone has a right to follow their own cult or religion but above them is the nation and one cannot betray nation by raising their heads in the name of intolerance and Hindu terrorism," said Yogi Adityanth.
"Hinduism is a culture and way of living. This Hindu country has given shelter to Muslims, Zoroastrians, Christians, Jews and so many others. India has given tolerance to the world and we respect all religions. But it does not mean we will allow anyone to call Hindus terrorists," he said in an obvious reference to ongoing controversy over Kamal Hassan's statement.
He said that one cannot impose their religious practices on others. "A Brahmin would remain a Brahmin even if he does not wear vermilion and ponytail," the UP CM further said.
OneIndia News
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 6:12 [IST]
Uttar Pradesh: German arrested for travelling with forged visa
India
pti-PTI
Lucknow, November 6: A German national, who was involved in an altercation with a railway employee at Robertsganj Railway Station in Sonbhadra district, has been arrested for allegedly travelling on a forged visa, the police said.
Holger Erik Misch, a resident of Berlin, had on November 3 entered into an altercation with railway employee Aman Kumar and had also allegedly attacked two policemen with a stick, they said. "The German national has been arrested. First of all he did not have a tourist visa and secondly he was carrying a forged visa," Superintendent of Police, Sonbhadra, RP Singh told PTI over phone.
An FIR has been registered against him under 14A Foreigners Act (for entry in restricted areas without valid documents), 419 IPC (cheating by personation) and IPC 420 (fraud), he said. The railway employee alleged that when he greeted Erik by saying "welcome to India", the German hit him, though Erik alleged he was beaten up by Aman.
Circle Officer, GRP, Monika Chadha told PTI that non cognisable reports (NCR) were registered on the complaint from both the sides. "According to reports, the railway supervisor enquired the German national about his well being, which angered him.
The German hit the railway employee, who might have pushed him in retaliation.
Based on complaints of two sides, non- congnisable reports have been registered. Their medical examination has been conducted," ADG (Law and Order) Anand Kumar had told reporters yesterday.
The German, according to police officials, may have "anger management issues, depression or some aberration as he was aggressive with a railway employee and also with the police." Erik, who was taken to GRP police station in Mirzapur on November 3, had also attacked two policemen with a stick and tried to flee.
"Sub-inspectors Harikesh Ram Azad and Mithilesh Yadav were beaten up with a stick by Erik when he got off the police vehicle.
Since he is a foreign tourist, he is our guest and that is why we decided not to file a case in this regard against Erik," Inspector, GRP, Mirzapur Samar Bahadur Singh told PTI. Police said that earlier an FIR was lodged against the German national on July 5 in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, for allegedly attacking a person with sharp-edged weapon.
"His passport and visa are deposited in the Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Kullu," the police said, quoting Erik.
Uttar Pradesh was in the news recently when on October 22, two tourists from Switzerland, Quentin Jeremy Clerc (24) and Marie Droz (24), were chased and attacked with stones and sticks by a group of five youths in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra triggering widespread outrage.
Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Sulkhan Singh has issued a list of guidelines to prevent misbehaviour with foreign tourists.
PTI
When will Modi talk to China showing his 'red eyes', asks Congress
India
pti-PTI
New Delhi, Nov 6: Taking potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the claims made by him in his election speeches, the Congress asked when will he talk to China showing his "red eyes".
To a question on China objecting to Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's visit to Anurachal Pradesh, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "We are waiting and the country is thinking when will Modi ji talk to China showing red eyes, as he used to speak in his big speeches earlier." Sitharaman yesterday visited forward army posts in remote Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh bordering China to take stock of the defence preparedness.
The Congress leader said Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and will remain so and no foreign entity has any power to raise objections to our defence minister's visit to the state. On China mulling a 1,000-km tunnel to divert Brahmaputra water from in Tibet close to Arunachal Pradesh to the parched Xinjiang region, he asked, "When will India wake up and take action?" Surjewala asked whether the Modi government will take action after the Brahmaputra river water is diverted and its waters stopped by China as it is planning to build the tunnel.
He said the government should raise the issue bilaterally or at the international fora as such a step by China will thwart the economy of India's northeastern states which lie on the banks of the Brahmaputra river.
PTI
26 dead in Texas Church mass shooting
International
oi-Deepika
By Deepika
At least 26 people were killed in yet another incident of mass shooting reported in the United States. A gun man went into a Baptist Church in Texas and shot dead dozens of people during the Sunday morning services.
The motive behind the shooting was not known when reports last came in. The worshippers were gunned down at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, a small rural community about 50 kilometers southeast of San Antonio.
The gunman reportedly walked into the church shortly before noon -- at a morning service that witnesses said was normally attended by some 50 people -- and opened fire.
The dead included the 14-year-old daughter of pastor Frank Pomeroy, the church leader told ABC News. Other victims included a six-year-old boy named Rylan who was in surgery after being shot four times, his uncle told CBS News. A two-year-old was also shot and wounded, The Dallas Morning News reported.
President Donald Trump, who is traveling in Asia, tweeted: "May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan."
OneIndia News
India's stand on Rohingyas gracious so far but housing them would be risky
The Rohingya influx continues as Tripura police nets seven of them
Bdesh asks Commonwealth countries to pressurise Myanmar for repatriation of Rohingyas
International
oi-Oneindia
By Oneindia
Dhaka, Nov 6: On Sunday, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged the Commonwealth countries to exert pressure on the Myanmar government to "stop persecution of Rohingya citizens and their early repatriation from Bangladesh", stated media reports.
According to Hasina, at least 622,000 Rohingya refugees have taken shelter in Bangladesh since violence broke out in Rakhine State of Myanmar on August 25.
"I would like to request you all to discuss the Rohingya issue with utmost importance and exert pressure on the Myanmar government to stop the persecution of its citizens and take them back at the earliest," Hasina said in her inaugural speech at the 63rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference or CPC in Dhaka.
The PM stressed that the persecution of Rohingya population in Rakhine State and their forceful expulsion from their homeland have created instability in the region and beyond.
Hasina stated that Bangladesh has been already giving shelter to 400,000 Rohingya refugees before the latest episode of exodus that started after violence broke out in Myanmar on August 25.
These are the refugees who have been staying in Bangladesh after they left Myanmar since 1978 in various episodes of violence and persecution over the years.
Hasina said that Bangladesh wants friendly relations with its neighbours. The PM cited the progress made on the Ganges Water sharing issue and the land boundaries with India and Myanmar.
Hasina reaffirmed Bangladesh's commitment to the CPA, democratic practices and values. "We parliamentarians, as the people's representatives, have the first and foremost obligations to preserve and maintain the faith of the people in democracy and parliamentary institutions," she said.
The Myanmar government has recently stated that it was ready to take back at least 150 to 300 Rohingyas per day provided they have valid documents to show.
Even talks are on between the Myanmar and Bangladesh governments over the repatriation of millions of Rohingyas currently staying in various refugee camps in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district.
OneIndia News
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Story first published: Monday, November 6, 2017, 6:37 [IST]
Tibet Airlines plane catches fire after it veers off runway at China's Chongqing airport: Watch video
Chinese military pledges total loyalty to Xi Jinping
International
pti-PTI
The Chinese military will be absolutely loyal, pure, reliable, and resolutely follow the orders of Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping, China's highest military authority has said.
63-year-old Xi heads the Communist Party of China as its general-secretary, and the military besides the presidency.
"The Chinese military will be absolutely loyal, pure, reliable, and resolutely follow the orders of Central Military Commission (CMC) Chairman Xi Jinping," China's highest military authority has said.
The eight-member CMC is the overall high command of the 2.3 million strong People's Liberation Army (PLA). Xi is the only civilian in the CMC.
Xi commenced his second term as the head of the party after the conclusion once-in-a-five-year Congress of the CPC on October 24.
The Congress also included Xi's political philosophy on China the party's new Constitution, making him the only leader after Mao and Deng Xiaoping to have that honour.
Following his election, the CMC recently issued a document on fully implementing the chairperson's responsibility system in the PLA.
The amendment to the CPC Constitution clarified that the chairperson of the Central Military Commission assumes overall responsibility for the work of the commission and that the CMC is responsible for party work and political work in the armed forces, state-run China Daily reported today.
The military has to support the responsibility system in politics, thought, organisation, institutions and behaviour.
The entire military has to be "absolutely loyal, absolutely pure, absolutely reliable, resolutely follow Xi's orders, be responsible to Xi, and let Xi rest assured", it said.
Fully implementing the system is crucial to the fundamental direction of military construction, as well as building a strong nation with a strong military in the new era, the document said. The document was published amid Xi's visits to various military departments and related events.
In the crackdown against corruption during his first tenure since 2012, over 1,3000 military of officials were reported to have been punished. This included over 40 top generals.
On October 25, a day after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Xi held the first executive meeting of the CMC, where he called for the military to function under the authority of the party and be ready to fight and win wars.
PTI
Pakistan will welcome US mediation in easing tension with India: Khawaja Asif
International
pti-PTI
Islamabad, Nov 6: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif said his country will welcome the US' mediation in easing tensions with India but is opposed to President Donald Trump's proposal to give a bigger role to New Delhi in war- torn Afghanistan.
Addressing the media after the fourth round of Pakistan- US Track-II diplomatic talks here, Asif said giving more role to India in Afghanistan would result in more chaos there. President Trump had sought bigger role for India in his new South Asia policy, but Pakistan is against giving India an expanded role in Afghanistan.
The minister said that the US has assured Pakistan that New Delhi's role in Afghanistan will be limited to economic assistance only. "Pakistan welcomes mediation by the United States in easing its ties with India as Pakistan has always opted for comprehensive dialogue for peaceful neighbourhood," he said addressing the US-Pakistan Bilateral Dialogue - 'Convergence amid Divergence: Identifying Pathways to Cooperation in a Challenging Environment'.
India has maintained that there is no role for a third party in resolving the Kashmir issue which Pakistan says is the "core issue" in the Indo-Pak relations. He also said that Afghanistan should deal with the issue of terrorists safe havens which are used to launch attack in Pakistan.
The minister also emphasised that SAARC should be made active and steps be taken for promotion of regional trade as the region has long been suffering due to instability in Afghanistan. Asif said Pakistan's effective counter-terrorism efforts have dismantled the surge of terrorist networks. He said that with self defence and self-interest being our first priority, we are fully committed to protect the sovereignty of our motherland. Asif said Pakistan would not allow its soil to be used against any other country. In the era of challenging and complex international relations, states should focus on long-term partnerships and cooperation, he said.
The minister said Pakistan has also reached out to other regional countries and regional fora like SAARC in its efforts for peace in Afghanistan. Stressing that intelligence sharing is imperative for improving border management with Afghanistan, Asif said that the US should share timely intelligence and Pakistan will take action.
"With peace and stability in Afghanistan as our ultimate goal, we have been and are ready to extend every possible cooperation to achieve that end," he said. Asif also said it is unfair to blame Pakistan for whatever ails Afghanistan today as his country has eliminated terrorism from its soil after great sacrifices and now there are no terrorist safe havens here.
Talking to media, the minister said differences in Pak-US bilateral relations were only misperceptions which are being put aside by continued dialogue. He said that the recent high-level exchanges between the two countries have cleared the air and "we look forward to confidence building to achieve the goal of peace in the region".
PTI
Paradise papers: Leaks reveal Queen Elizabeth II's offshore investments
International
pti-PTI
Washington, Nov 6: The Paradise Papers released by the US-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) have revealed US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross' business ties to a shipping firm linked to Vladimir Putin's inner circle and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's investments in tax havens.
It was also revealed that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's top fundraiser and senior advisor Stephen Bronfman, heir to the Seagram fortune, moved some USD 60 million to offshore tax havens with ex-senator Leo Kolber.
The findings have emerged as part of the Paradise Papers released by the US-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which was behind the Panama Papers made public last year.
There is no suggestion that Ross, Bronfman or the queen's private estate acted illegally. But Ross's ties to Russian entities raise questions over potential conflicts of interest, and whether they undermine Washington's sanctions on Moscow. The revelations about Bronfman could spell trouble for Trudeau, who was elected two years ago riding on the coattails of promises to reduce economic inequality and tax avoidance.
In the case of Queen Elizabeth's private estate, critics may question whether it is appropriate for the British head of state to invest in offshore tax havens. Ross, a billionaire investor, holds a 31 percent stake in Navigator Holdings through a complex web of offshore investments detailed in the documents examined by nearly 100 news organizations as part of an international collaboration. The 79-year-old reduced his stake when he took public office, according to public filings.
Navigator Holdings runs a lucrative partnership with Russian energy giant Sibur, which is partially owned by Putin's son-in-law Kirill Shamalov and Gennady Timchenko, the Russian president's friend and business partner who is subject to US sanctions. The US imposed sanctions on Russian entities and individuals following its annexation of Crimea and aggression in Ukraine. Ross's private equity firm has been the biggest shareholder in Navigator. His personal share of the firm's stake was reduced when he took office in February, but the commerce chief's investment is still valued at between USD 2 million to USD 10 million, according to his security filings and government ethics disclosure. The New York Times reported that Ross's stake in Navigator has been held by companies in the Cayman Islands. His wealth, estimated to exceed USD 2 billion, is said to be tied to similar arrangements in various tax havens like the Cayman Islands. "Secretary Ross was not involved with Navigator's decision to engage in business with Sibur, a publicly traded company, which was not under sanction at the time and is not currently," said James Rockas, a Commerce Department spokesman. "Moreover, Secretary Ross has never met the Sibur shareholders referenced in this story and, until now, did not know of their relationship." The documents also show around 10 million pounds (USD 13 million) of the Queen's private money was placed in funds held in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, first reported in Britain by the BBC and the Guardian newspaper. They reported the funds reinvested the money in an array of businesses, including controversial rent-to-buy retailer BrightHouse, which has been accused of exploiting the poor, and a chain of alcohol stores that later went bankrupt. A spokeswoman for the Duchy of Lancaster, which provides the monarch with an income and handles her investments, said: "All of our investments are fully audited and legitimate." "We operate a number of investments and a few of these are with overseas funds," she added. The spokeswoman added that one of the fund investments represents only 0.3 per cent of the total value of the Duchy. The Paradise Papers contain 13.4 million documents mainly from Appleby, an offshore law firm with offices in Bermuda and beyond. The files were first obtained by the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, and shared with the ICIJ and partner media outlets. (AFP) CHT
Sutherland Springs massacre: Trump calls Texas shooting 'an act of evil'
International
pti-PTI
Donald Trump has called the massacre at a Texas Baptist church, 'an act of evil'.
A gunman, with a ballistic vest strapped to his chest and a military-style rifle in his hands, opened fire on worshippers at a Sunday service at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs in rural Texas. Twenty six people were killed in the masscre.
Trump, who is in Japan on the first leg of a 12-day Asia tour, said, "This horrible act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of sacred worship. We cannot put into words the pain and grief we all feel, and we cannot begin to imagine the suffering of those who lost the ones they loved."
Texas Governor Greg Abbott told reporters that at least 26 people were killed in the mass shooting to date. The FBI is assisting local law enforcement officials in investigations. Authorities have not described this as a terrorist incident. "In dark times such as these, Americans do what we do best: we pull together. We join hands. We lock arms. And through the tears and the sadness, we stand strong," Trump said.
He said his administration is providing its full support to the state and local authorities investigating this horrible crime. "I have spoken with Governor Abbott, and we offer our thanks to the first responders who ultimately stopped the suspect and rendered immediate and lifesaving aid to the victims of this shooting. I will continue to follow developments closely," he said. "All of America is praying to God to help the wounded and the families we will never leave their side," said the US President who has been constantly been in communication with Texas officials and other federal authorities.
PTI
Read original here
This article was written for the Unz Review
"Do you think his assessment is accurate?" was the subject line of an email I got from a good friend recently. The email referred to the article by Paul Craig Roberts "One Day Tomorrow Won't Arrive" which claimed that "the US military is now second class compared to the Russian military." The article then went on to list a number of Russian weapons systems which were clearly superior to their US counterparts (when those even existed). My reply was short "Basically yes. The USA definitely has the quantitative advantage, but in terms of quality and training, Russia is way ahead. It all depends on on specific scenarios, but yes, PCR is basically spot on."
This email exchange took place after an interesting meeting I had with a very well informed American friend who, in total contrast to PCR, insisted that the USA had total military supremacy over any other country and that the only thing keeping the USA from using this overwhelming military might was that US leaders did not believe in the "brutal, unconstrained, use of force." So what is going on here? Why do otherwise very well informed people have such totally contradictory views?
First, a disclaimer. To speak with any authority on this topic I would have to have access to a lot of classified data both on the US armed forces and on the Russian ones. Alas, I don't. So what follows is entirely based on open/public sources, conversations with some personal contacts mixed in with some, shall we say, educated guesswork. Still, I am confident that what follows is factually correct and logically analyzed.
To sum up the current state of affairs I would say that the fact that the US armed forces are in a grave state of decay is not as amazing by itself as is the fact that this almost impossible to hide fact is almost universally ignored. So let's separate the two into "what happened" and "why nobody seems to be aware of it."
What happened
Let's begin at the beginning: the US armed forces were never the invincible military force the US propaganda (including Hollywood) would have you believe they have been. I looked into the topic of the role of the western Allies in my "Letter to my American friend" and I won't repeat it all here. Let's just say that the biggest advantage the USA had over everybody else during WWII is a completely untouched industrial base which made it possible to produce fantastic numbers of weapon systems and equipment in close to ideal conditions. Some, shall we kindly say, "patriotic" US Americans have interpreted that as a sign of the "vigor" and "superiority" of the Capitalist economic organization while, in reality, this simply was a direct result of the fact that the USA was protected by two huge oceans (the Soviets, in contrast, had to move their entire industrial base to the Urals and beyond, as for the Germans, they had to produce under a relentless bombing campaign). The bottom line was this: US forces were better equipped (quantitatively and, sometimes, even qualitatively) than the others and they could muster firepower in amounts difficult to achieve for their enemies. And, yes, this did give a strong advantage to US forces, but hardly made them in any way "better" by themselves.
After WWII the USA was the only major industrialized country on the planet whose industry had not been blown to smithereens and for the next couple of decades the USA enjoyed a situation to quasi total monopoly. That, again, hugely benefited the US armed forces but it soon became clear that in Korea and Vietnam that advantage, while real, did not necessarily result in any US victory. Following Vietnam, US politicians basically limited their aggression to much smaller countries who had no chance at all to meaningfully resist, nevermind prevail. If we look at the list of US military aggressions after Vietnam (see here or here) we can clearly see that the US military specialized in attacking defenseless countries.
Then came the collapse of the Soviet Union, the first Gulf War and the Global War on Terror when US politicians clearly believed in their own propaganda about being the "sole superpower" or a "hyperpower" and they engaged in potentially much more complex military attacks including the full-scale invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. These wars will go down in history as case studies of what happens when politicians believe their own propaganda. While Dubya declared victory as soon as the invasion was completed, it soon became clear to everybody that this war was a disaster from which the USA has proved completely unable to extricate themselves (even the Soviets connected the dots and withdrew from Afghanistan faster than the US Americans!). So what does all this tell us about the US armed forces: (in no special order)
They are big, way bigger than any other They have unmatched (worldwide) power projection (mobility) capabilities They are high-tech heavy, which gives them a big advantage in some type of conflicts They have the means (nukes) to wipe-off any country off the face of the earth They control the oceans and strategic chokepoints
Is that enough to win a war?
Actually, no, it is not. All it takes to nullify these advantages is an enemy who is aware of them and who refuses to fight what I call the "American type of war" (on this concept, see here). The recent wars in Lebanon, Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq have clearly shown that well-adapted tactics mostly deny the US armed forces the advantages listed above or, at the very least, make them irrelevant.
If we accept Clausewitz's thesis that "war is the continuation of politics by other means" then it becomes clear that the US has not won a real war in a long long time and that the list of countries willing to openly defy Uncle Sam is steadily growing (and now includes not only Iran and the DPRK, but also Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, Venezuela and even Russia and China). This means that there is an emerging consensus among the countries which the USA tries to threaten and bully into submission that for all the threats and propaganda the USA is not nearly as formidable enemy as some would have you believe.
Why nobody seems to be aware of it
The paradoxical thing is that while this is clearly well understood in the countries which the USA is currently trying to threaten and bully into submission, this is also completely ignored and overlooked inside the United States themselves. Most Americans, including very well informed ones, sincerely believe that their armed forces are "second to none" and that the USA could crush any enemy which would dare disobey or otherwise defy the Anglo-Zionist Empire. Typically, when presented with evidence that the USAF, USN and NATO could not even defeat the Serbian Army Corps in Kosovo or that in Afghanistan the US military performance is very substantially inferior to what the 40th Soviet Army achieved (with mostly conscripts!), my interlocutors always reply the same thing: "yeah, maybe, but if we wanted we could nuke them!" This is both true and false. Potential nuclear target countries for the USA can be subdivided into three categories:
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From Consortium News
The New York Times has finally detected some modern-day McCarthyism, but not in the anti-Russia hysteria that the newspaper has fueled for several years amid the smearing of American skeptics as "useful idiots" and the like. No, the Times editors are accusing a Long Island Republican of McCarthyism for linking his Democratic rival to "New York City special interest groups." As the Times laments, "It's the old guilt by association."
Yet, the Times sees no McCarthyism in the frenzy of Russia-bashing and guilt by association for any American who can be linked even indirectly to any Russian who might have some ill-defined links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On Monday, in the same edition that expressed editorial outrage over that Long Island political ad's McCarthyism, the Times ran two front-page articles under the headline: "A Complex Paper Trail: Blurring Kremlin's Ties to Key U.S. Businesses."
The two subheads read: "Shipping Firm Links Commerce Chief to Putin 'Cronies'" and "Millions in Facebook Shares Rooted in Russian Cash." The latter story, which meshes nicely with the current U.S. political pressure on Facebook and Twitter to get in line behind the New Cold War against Russia, cites investments by Russian Yuri Milner that date back to the start of the decade.
Buried in the story's "jump" is the acknowledgement that Milner's "companies sold those holdings several years ago." But such is the anti-Russia madness gripping the Establishment of Washington and New York that any contact with any Russian constitutes a scandal worthy of front-page coverage. On Monday, The Washington Post published a page-one article entitled, "9 in Trump's orbit had contacts with Russians."
The anti-Russian madness has reached such extremes that even when you say something that's obviously true -- but that RT, the Russian television network, also reported -- you are attacked for spreading "Russian propaganda."
We saw that when former Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile disclosed in her new book that she considered the possibility of replacing Hillary Clinton on the Democratic ticket after Clinton's public fainting spell and worries about her health.
Though there was a video of Clinton's collapse on Sept. 11, 2016, followed by her departure from the campaign trail to fight pneumonia -- not to mention her earlier scare with blood clots -- t he response from a group of 100 Clinton supporters was to question Brazile's patriotism: "It is particularly troubling and puzzling that she would seemingly buy into false Russian-fueled propaganda, spread by both the Russians and our opponents about our candidate's health."
In other words, the go-to excuse for everything these days is to blame the Russians and smear anyone who says anything -- no matter how true -- if it also was reported on RT.
Pressing the Tech Companies
Just as Sen. Joe McCarthy liked to haul suspected "communists" and "fellow-travelers" before his committee in the 1950s, the New McCarthyism has its own witch-hunt hearings, such as last week's Senate grilling of executives from Facebook, Twitter and Google for supposedly allowing Russians to have input into the Internet's social networks.
Trying to appease Congress and fend off threats of government regulation, the rich tech companies displayed their eagerness to eradicate any Russian taint.
Twitter's general counsel Sean J. Edgett told the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on crime and terrorism that Twitter adopted an "expansive approach to defining what qualifies as a Russian-linked account."
Edgett said the criteria included "whether the account was created in Russia, whether the user registered the account with a Russian phone carrier or a Russian email address, whether the user's display name contains Cyrillic characters, whether the user frequently Tweets in Russian, and whether the user has logged in from any Russian IP address, even a single time. We considered an account to be Russian-linked if it had even one of the relevant criteria."
The trouble with Twitter's methodology was that none of those criteria would connect an account to the Russian government, let alone Russian intelligence or some Kremlin-controlled "troll farm." But the criteria could capture individual Russians with no link to the Kremlin as well as people who weren't Russian at all, including, say, American or European visitors to Russia who logged onto Twitter through a Moscow hotel.
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(This is a reprint from NewsBred)
Bipin Pal: The revolutionary who united Bengal
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The popular history has Indian National Congress-Mahatma Gandhi-Ahimsa-Independence as a sequential thread embedded in the mind of free Indians. The disruptive truth of 1905-1920 is hardly in circulation; the parallel flow of revolutionaries beginning with Lal-Bal-Pal and extending till Subhas Chandra Bose are like distant relatives we haven't been keeping in touch with.
Between 1905-1920, India buzzed with the cry of Purna Swaraj, Swadeshi, boycott and the educational reforms. The triumvirate of Lala Lajpati Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal shook the conscience of the masses with oratory, vision and action. The Moderates, who had controlled the levers of Congress from its inception since 1885, became a side story in people's mind for this decade and a half.
The years 1905-1920 are not just about Congress in modern India ; these are years where you could trace back the roots of Muslim appeasement and the horrors of the Partition.
The birth anniversary of Bipin Chandra Pal (November 7, 1858) affords us an occasion to view these times through the prism of this man who for his magnificent oratory was called the "Burke of India" and whom Sri Aurobindo was apt to refer as one of the "Mightiest Prophets of Nationalism ." His wealthy background in his birthplace Sylhet (now in Bangladesh); the remarkable pen he wielded as an editor and author; and his commitment for improving the lot of women--Pal married widows twice--pale in significance to his role in India's freedom struggle, beginning 1905.
This catalyst of a year was when Bengal was partitioned between commercially rich but largely Hindu West Bengal and economically weak and largely Muslim East Bengal . British clearly had Hindu-Muslim divide in mind as Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, wrote in a letter to the then Secretary of State for India , St. John Brodrick on February 2, 1905:
" Calcutta is the centre from which the Congress party is manipulated throughout the whole of Bengal; and indeed the whole of India . Its best wire-pullers and its most frothy orators all reside here. The perfection of their machinery"are truly remarkable." Curzon further wrote in the letter that if Bengal was divided, it would dethrone Calcutta "from its place as the center of successful intrigue." Curzon assured the secretary that Indians "always howl until a thing is settled; then they accept it." (1)
Pal, along with Lalaji and Tilak, was instrumental in ensuring ruling British didn't meet with their objective and were forced to reunite Bengal only six years later in 1911. He travelled around the country and unleashed a wave of resistance from the masses with his subliminal oratory. Boycott wasn't limited to British goods alone; it extended to even British public institutions. Groups and committees, gatherings and demonstrations, mass pamphleteering and rousing speeches had the country inflamed. The more British tried to repress the wave; the more it gained in intensity. Its froth extended to expressions in culture, literature and science. Rabindranath Tagore wrote Banglar Mati Banglar Jolas, a rallying cry to advocates of annulment of Bengal Partition. (2)
The fervour of this national response evoked anxiety and not a little envy from the Moderates who still controlled the Congress and who had believed all along in the philosophy of "prayers, petitions and protests." Most of the Moderates were on good terms with the high-ranking British officials in 1905 and had also held cushioned jobs.
Six months after the Bengal Partition, The Congress session was held in Banares in December 1905. The division between Moderates and Extremists was out in the open. The Extremists wanted the visit of Prince of Wales to be boycotted in protest to the Partition; the Moderates opposed this move. Moderates invited one of staunchest in its ranks, Dadabhai Naoroji, a founder of Congress, a former MP in British Parliament and then living in England , to come and preside over the session in 1906. However, Extremists prevailed in the session and "Swaraj" was declared the aim of the Congress (against the wishes of Moderates who still preferred Constitutional reforms).
The Surat Session in 1907 was a monumental moment for Congress and India 's future. Moderates stood in opposition to Purna Swaraj and Swadeshi; Bal Gangadhar Tilak was not even allowed to speak by none other than Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya. The Extremists thereafter were debarred and ruling British moved in for the kill. (3 )
British unleashed a brutal crackdown on the Extremists. Their newspaper was closed; Tilak was banished to Mandalay Jail for six years; Pal was arrested for not giving evidence against Sri Aurobindo and compelled to opt out to England between 1908-1911. British followed up this measure by snuggling up to Muslims and the Moderates and took the wind out of India 's resistance.
Pal returned to Congress in 1916 but by then the stage was set for the advent of Mahatma Gandhi on another moderate Gopalkrishna Gokhale's invitation. Gandhi's subsequent movement of non-cooperation, as an allied action to Khilafat Movement, was seen as fanning the Pan-Islamism, and introducing the religious element in India's politics by the likes of Pal. Khilafat Movement, to the uninitiated, was launched by Muslims in support of restoration of Ottoman Sultan in faraway Turkey, fully backed by Gandhi and Congress in a bid to promote Hindu-Muslim Unity.
The envisioned unity was a pipe-dream and start of Muslim appeasements by Gandhi-led Congress. It fanned the ambition of Mohammad Ali Jinnah for a separate Muslim state. The resultant Partition and rivers of blood which flowed in its wake still carries scars and repercussions for India 's future. As for the British, they were all too happy to introduce "separate electorates" and fan the communal divide between Hindu and Muslims.
Pal turned his back on Congress but not before he made a scathing attack on Gandhi in the 1921 session. "You wanted magic. I tried to give you logic. But logic is in bad odor when the popular mind is excited. You wanted mantaram, I am not a Rishi and cannot give mantaram"I have never spoken a half-truth when I know the truth"I have never tried to lead people in faith blind-folded." He was critical of Gandhi for his "priestly, pontificating tendencies." Comparing Gandhi with Leo Tolstoy, Pal noted that Tolstoy "was an honest philosophical anarchist," while Gandhi to him was a "papal autocrat." (4)
Pal, who kept out of public life between 1921-1932, died in a state of penury.
Vietnam War Era Photo
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Now that the smoke has cleared and the frenzy incited by Ken Burns' and Lynn Novick's self-proclaimed "definitive" documentary on the Vietnam War has subsided (somewhat), there still remains many issues regarding the war, reconciliation, and healing that requires further thought, discussion, and clarification. Much has already been written critiquing and commenting upon the strengths and weaknesses of the filmmakers' presentation of the "many truths" they believed necessary to "tell the story" of the American War in Vietnam. This essay will be less critique and more discussion of the issues and concerns that occurred to me, and I believe are shared by many veterans, as I watched, perhaps endured is better, the 18 hours of archival film, much of it gut-wrenching combat footage, and the testimony of a myriad of participants and observers. Then, as has been my practice, I will shift from a veteran's perspective and what I can only describe as emotional overload, to that of a philosopher, my alter ego, and discuss how I processed this information. It is my hope that this discussion will motivate others to introspect and perhaps, rethink, their interpretation of the Vietnam War experience and its aftermath.
Documentary as Therapy
As I discussed in a previous article anticipating the release of the documentary, I thought it naive or better, misguided, (I am now tempted to say "malicious"), of the filmmakers to suggest to (promise?) vulnerable veterans, as Burns and Novick did repeatedly in a myriad of pre-broadcast interviews and sneak previews, that the aim of the documentary was reconciliation and veteran "healing." Though I had hoped otherwise, I fear my concern and skepticism regarding this claim proved warranted. As I relived the Vietnam experience in great detail for 90-120 minutes on 10 nights with only a two-day respite midway through, other than a familiar, though sickening, release of adrenalin, I experienced no healing, no catharsis. In fact, I felt extremely overwhelmed, exploited, frustrated, outraged, and even re-traumatized. I know some will respond, that if it affected me so profoundly, why didn't I just turn the TV off or switch the station to the "Emmys" or to "Young Sheldon." But after being subjected to all the pre-broadcast hype selling the documentary as curative and as the "definitive" history of the American War in Vietnam, an event that in many respects defined my life, I never felt that option available to me.
On Hate
As I watched and attempted to distance myself from the carnage, I listened to the testimony of John Musgrave, a United States Marine, as he spoke of fearing and hating the enemy. I would add a third response as well, anger. This triad of emotions -- fear, anger, and hatred -- is inevitable in war, an understandable response to the struggle for survival on the battlefield and to the programming and indoctrination warriors are subjected to in Boot Camp/Basic Training, including being conditioned to devalue and dehumanize the "other". As made clear by Army historian General S.L.A. Marshall in his seminal study of warriors returning from battle, human beings have a natural aversion to killing members of their own species and at the moment of truth will become conscientious objectors. Young men and women are not killers by nature, Marshall concludes, not born killers. Warriors who will kill have to be created.
This triad of emotions experienced by warriors in battle is the intended response sought after by tyrants, imperialists, and war profiteers, to accomplish their ends, and for the most part, an important reason warriors continue to fight, die, and kill the "enemy." And the more they fight, and the more they die, the more they hate . . . and the more they kill.
Because this hatred runs deep (how could it not given the horror of battle) and the lies, deception, and mythology so pervasive and continues even till today, what many fail to realize in the heat of the battle is that this hatred, while understandable, is misdirected. The warriors' actual enemy, and the enemy of the state, is not those they face on the battlefield as they are struggling for their freedom against invaders and occupiers. Rather it is our own government, our political leaders who use warriors as instruments of conquest and oppression placing them in extreme situations where they must struggle for their survival . . . making fear, anger, and hatred inevitable.
This process of creating warriors who will kill, of value manipulation and character perversion, foisted on vulnerable young men and women during Boot Camp/Basic Training and reinforced by the intense survival experiences of the battlefield, is foundational to what has recently been recognized as perhaps the signature wound of war, Moral Injury. To achieve healing, if healing is even possible, warriors must re-evaluate their experiences and ultimately realize both their own culpability and how they were, and in many cases continue to be, exploited by those who benefit and profit from their sacrifices and from the blood of innocents.
The Myth of Defending Democracy
As I watched the horror of family members suffering the loss of a child, the slaughter of defenseless civilians by soldiers who have lost their humanity and moral compass, a young child running from a napalmed village shedding her clothes and her skin, I thought about the claim we hear so often (then and now) that the suffering and sacrifice was necessary to defend democracy and a small nation's right to self-determination. As I also alluded to in the earlier article, "South Vietnam" was the product of nation-building, an illegal construct made possible by the intervention of the United States in violation of the provisions of the Geneva Accords that forbade foreign intervention during the interim period of national reconciliation following the defeat of the American funded French colonialists at Dien Bien Phu. Also required by the Accords was a democratic election to unite all of Vietnam within two years -- an election that was prevented from occurring by Saigon's puppet regime and its American overlords.
If the goal of the killing and dying was truly to defend democracy in Vietnam as was and continues to be alleged, why wasn't the 1956 reunification election allowed to occur? The reason, of course, was that Ho Chi Minh would've won hands down . . . and Ho was a Communist. But democracy is a b*tch like that, the people, not the colonialists/imperialists/occupiers, get to choose who wins. You don't truly support democracy by calling off an election for fear that your favored candidate may lose. Millions of lives and billions of dollars, not to mention the heartache and sacrifice suffered by so many on all sides, could've been saved and avoided had we not intervened and instead, let democracy work.
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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.
Seventeen days after the Twin Towers fell in an apocalyptic mushroom cloud of smoke and ash, Congress passed with a single dissenting vote an "Authorization for Use of Military Force," or AUMF, stating:
"That the President is authorized to use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, or harbored such organizations or persons, in order to prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations, organizations, or persons."
Sixteen years later, in the wake of four American military deaths at the hands of an ISIS-affiliated terror group in the lawless borderlands of Niger and Mali, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. They were there to assure the senators that, as the Washington Post reported, "there was no need for a new war authorization to replace the one passed immediately after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks."
It didn't matter that, so many years later, the U.S. was embroiled in wars and conflicts of every sort from the Philippines to Syria, Yemen to Niger, often involving groups that had nothing to do with either al-Qaeda or the attacks of 9/11. As Micah Zenko recently commented, it's "depressing how frequently senators and Mattis say 'the enemy' to describe dozens of distinct groups in 19 countries." For the leading officials of the Trump administration, however, Congress did its bit more than a decade and a half ago and anything else, as the secretary of defense testified, "could only signal to our enemies and our friends that we are backing away from this fight." The repeal of that now-ancient AUMF, he added, would "create significant opportunities for our enemies to seize the initiative."
In other words, both Mattis and Tillerson were telling the senators that, when it came to Congress's constitutional duty to declare war, they should go home, get a good night's sleep, and leave the well-AUMFed experts of the U.S. military to deal with the situation as brilliantly as they have for the last decade and a half. However, as TomDispatchregular Army Major Danny Sjursen, author of Ghost Riders of Baghdad, points out today, in their advice the two Trump officials are actually well behind the times. When it came to Congress's war powers, those senators had long ago gone home.
If you need evidence of this, you only have to consider Senator Lindsey Graham's comment, typical of those of his congressional colleagues, in the wake of the deaths in Niger. "I didn't know there were 1,000 troops in Niger," he said. He meant, of course, American forces, adding that Congress simply doesn't "know exactly where we're at in the world, militarily, and what we're doing." (If he had been reading TomDispatch when it came to the U.S. military in Africa, he would, of course, have known.) And consider that he's a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Assumedly, Graham and the other senators didn't know, for instance, that the 8,400 U.S. military personnel supposedly left in Afghanistan at the end of the Obama administration were actually 11,000-12,000 in number or that, in recent months-long fighting in the Philippine city of Marawi, taken by ISIS-affiliated guerillas, U.S. Special Operations advisers and American drones had played quiet but important roles. And on Afghanistan, thanks to new Trump-era military policies, the senators are soon likely to know even less. I could go on, but you get the idea. As Sjursen makes clear today, for the U.S. it's now presidential wars to the end of time. Tom
Congress's Romance with Cowardice
War Without War Powers (the Not-So-New American Way)
By Danny Sjursen On September 1, 1970, soon after President Nixon expanded the Vietnam War by invading neighboring Cambodia, Democratic Senator George McGovern, a decorated World War II veteran and future presidential candidate, took to the floor of the Senate and said, "Every Senator [here] is partly responsible for sending 50,000 young Americans to an early grave... This chamber reeks of blood... It does not take any courage at all for a congressman or a senator or a president to wrap himself in the flag and say we are staying in Vietnam, because it is not our blood that is being shed." More than six years had passed since Congress all but rubber-stamped President Lyndon Johnson's notoriously vague Tonkin Gulf Resolution, which provided what little legal framework there was for U.S. military escalation in Vietnam. Doubts remained as to the veracity of the supposed North Vietnamese naval attacks on U.S. ships in the Tonkin Gulf that had officially triggered the resolution, or whether the Navy even had cause to venture so close to a sovereign nation's coastline. No matter. Congress gave the president what he wanted: essentially a blank check to bomb, batter, and occupy South Vietnam. From there it was but a few short steps to nine more years of war, illegal secret bombings of Laos and Cambodia, ground invasions of both those countries, and eventually 58,000 American and upwards of three million Vietnamese deaths. Leaving aside the rest of this country's sad chapter in Indochina, let's just focus for a moment on the role of Congress in that era's war making. In retrospect, Vietnam emerges as just one more chapter in 70 years of ineptitude and apathy on the part of the Senate and House of Representatives when it comes to their constitutionally granted war powers. Time and again in those years, the legislative branch shirked its historic -- and legal -- responsibility under the Constitution to declare (or refuse to declare) war. And yet, never in those seven decades has the duty of Congress to assert itself in matters of war and peace been quite so vital as it is today, with American troops engaged -- and still dying, even if now in small numbers -- in one undeclared war after another in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, and now Niger... and who even knows where else. Fast forward 53 years from the Tonkin Gulf crisis to Senator Rand Paul's desperate attempt this September to force something as simple as a congressional discussion of the legal basis for America's forever wars, which garnered just 36 votes. It was scuttled by a bipartisan coalition of war hawks. And who even noticed -- other than obsessive viewers of C-SPAN who were treated to Paul's four-hour-long cri de coeur denouncing Congress's agreement to "unlimited war, anywhere, anytime, anyplace upon the globe"? The Kentucky senator sought something that should have seemed modest indeed: to end the reliance of one administration after another on the long-outdated post-9/11 Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) for all of America's multifaceted and widespread conflicts. He wanted to compel Congress to debate and legally sanction (or not) any future military operations anywhere on Earth. While that may sound reasonable enough, more than 60 senators, Democratic and Republican alike, stymied the effort. In the process, they sanctioned (yet again) their abdication of any role in America's perpetual state of war -- other than, of course, funding it munificently.
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"As a school of CHOICE, you CHOOSE to be here and are expected to productively and respectfully resolve problems. You have options. Clearly, you are either a very satisfied customer who appreciates the roles you have as an employee, union steward, parent, and committee member, or"."
- Johnathan Williams, The Accelerated Schools
Charter administrators are not the only ones guilty of creating climates where anyone who questions a school's operations are ostracized, harassed or threatened. Ignoring the welfare of their own children, there are parents who are willing to ignore any evidence of wrongdoing at these publicly funded private schools in order to worship at the altar of "school choice". This was probably best exemplified when news broke last year that David Fehte, the Executive Director of El Camino Real Charter High School, had used his publicly financed school credit card to charge "$15,500 at Monty's" Prime Steaks & Seafood, "first-class airfare and luxury hotel rooms". Arguing that an attack on Fehte was an attack on the entire school, one parent attempted to shut down my coverage of this story by threatening to make people aware of "dirty laundry" that they had constructed. It was alleged that a male teacher was threatened by a mother, after a Governing Board meeting, that if he did not end his opposition she would have her teenage daughter file a claim against him. Someone else sent a letter to an employer of a parent who criticized Fehte alleging that she was "involved in an attempt to destroy the reputation of a charter school here in Los Angeles" and cautioning the employer that "this kind of behavior [by his employee affects] the image of your business". Was El Camino a cult or an institution of learning?
In the case of Granada Hills Charter High School (GHCHS), a group of parents has rallied to protect the school's enrollment practices that appear to have the effect of discouraging the enrollment of students with special needs. They have argued in successive meetings of the Northridge East Neighborhood Council's Education Committee, which I chair, that the Council should not urge passage of the "Holding GHCHS Accountable to Their Charter" resolution. Ignoring the education code, they argued that not every school should be required to handle every type of special need and it is, therefore, acceptable that only 6% of students at GHCHS receive special education services while the California average is 11.5%. These parents have accepted the argument that adding the word "voluntary" allows GHCHS to ignore their charter which states that they "shall not requestor require submission of a student's IEP, 504 Plan, or any other record or related information prior to admission, participation in any admissions or attendance lottery, or pre-enrollment event or process, or as a condition of admission or enrollment"
In an effort to resolve the conflict, these parents did offer at the October meeting of the Education Committee to arrange a meeting between committee members and the GHCHS' Executive Director, Brian Bauer, who they claimed has an open door policy. However, at the November meeting they explained that they were not able to follow through with promise because I had exercised my right as a private citizen under the GHCHS charter and state law to ask for documents under the Public Records Act (PRA). They agreed with Bauer that this act of oversight somehow exempted someone whose salary is paid for with public funds from meeting with members of the public.
There were actually two PRA requests made during the time between the two meetings. One simply asked for "any current enrollment form or similar documents provided to parents of prospective students" and "the most current form used for entry into Granada's lottery." Since they were documents that were already being provided to the public, Bauer was probably more concerned with the request for "any Notice of Violation issued to Granada Hills Charter High School from January 1, 2016, through October 5, 2017, inclusive." This exposed the allegations that the GHCHS had endangered "the health and safety of students, staff and other individuals." While the issues outlined in the proposed Holding GHCHS Accountable to Their Charter does not directly affect these parents, one has to wonder how they feel about their own children eating lunch under an overhang that is in danger of a "partial/total collapse".
____________________________________________
Carl Petersen is a parent and special education advocate, elected member of the Northridge East Neighborhood Council and was a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race. During the campaign, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action and Dr. Diane Ravitch called him a "strong supporter of public schools." His past blogs can be found at www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com.
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Mel E. Lindsey no longer believes the American people are represented by their government. The 90-year-old resident of Long Beach, California--who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and who spent more than 50 years in education--is concerned for the future of the nation he fought for and for the children he taught. Wanting to do something about it, Mel petitioned the government on behalf of all Americans and demanded a Voter's Bill of Rights amendment to the Constitution to provide everyone with the right to cast effective votes for their representatives.
The First Amendment to the Constitution gives citizens the right to petition their government. It is the first time in American history that anyone has filed a constitutional petition for redress of grievances on behalf of every citizen of the United States. In a supporting declaration outlining his grievances, Mel said, "Our government should be primarily concerned with educating our children, nurturing the People, and helping them with matters such as housing and health care. Instead, our government is continually interfering in the affairs of other nations and fighting unnecessary internal political battles that deprive us of the leadership we need to properly care for our citizens, young and old."
Mel is not alone in his concerns. A recent Washington Post-University of Maryland poll revealed that almost three-quarters of Americans believe political problems "have reached a dangerous low point." Eight in ten said that Congress is dysfunctional, and less than 15 percent had a positive view of the ethics and honesty of their elected representatives.
Before Mel dies, he wants to see the United States transformed into a more nurturing and caring society, which will be less likely to start costly undeclared wars. He believes that change will only occur if the People achieve the right to vote, effectively--which is not presently included in the Constitution. His petition demands that the Congress consider and enact the U.S. Voters' Rights Amendment.
On November 1st, Mel Lindsey mailed 578 copies of his petition, supporting declaration, and a copy of Transforming America: A Voter's Bill of Rights to the President, the Vice President, every member of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the justices of the Supreme Court, the members of the presidential cabinet, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of California, his state assemblyperson and senator, and the Mayor and members of the Long Beach City Council.
Mel Lindsey is being assisted by college students involved in the Youth for the Voters' Rights Amendment organization (Y4VRA), who helped him prepare the massive mailing, which cost $4,600. The post office receipt for mailing the priority mail packages was more than 50-foot long! The California nonprofit USVRA.US--publisher of Transforming America--supplied the books.
Alejandra Molina, a student representative of the Y4VRA on the Long Beach City College campus, says, "The Youth for the Voters' Rights Amendment is important to me because it gives me the opportunity to become actively involved in political change. As I struggle to understand our political system, the Y4VRA provides me with first-hand information about who's who and what's what. Otherwise, I would be seeking change without an effective way to connect with others and to make a difference. I believe that more and more young people will join in our movement, but even if we do not immediately succeed, our effort will be a torch to light the way, as we try and try again until we achieve a government that fairly represents the People instead of corporations."
Working with Liam Newman, an eighteen-year-old website designer in Wales, England, the Y4VRA has updated its website, Y4VRA.org to make it easy for visitors to sign their own supporting petitions and to have them forwarded to their congressional representatives.
Mel Lindsey filed his petition "in memory of my wife, Joan, and it is dedicated to our daughters, to all of the great children we cared for and educated over the years, and to the People of this great nation." He prays that "I will live long enough to see the Voters' Bill of Rights ratified."
The USVRA.US, is convinced that the Voter's Bill of Rights can only result from a mass political movement, and if it is led by the young people of America. "The future is in the hands of the millennials; they are the ones who will have to drink the water, breath the air, and live under whatever kind of government they elect."
The packages have been delivered to Mel's representatives. Will he be ignored? Certainly, unless he is joined by millions of Americans who want to do something more than voting for unreliable and unresponsive "representatives." We can follow Mel's lead and join together in petitioning our government for a redress of our grievances. If enough of us take action, our voices will be heard, and we will make a difference.
A video of the mailing can be viewed at https://youtu.be/Xc8286Q4t78
Click http://www.y4vra.org to file your petition with your elected representatives in Congress.
From Washington Post
The Republican leadership has outsourced its economic agenda to a handful of billionaires and corporate donors. From attempting to kick millions off of health insurance to rolling back rules protecting worker health and safety, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) have relentlessly pursued their donors' interests at the expense of working families. The Republican tax plan unveiled Thursday is the latest example.
American families are already on the ropes. Booming corporate profits have not translated to higher wages for workers. The result is a middle-class squeeze: Most workers barely make more than what they did 30 years ago, while the costs of necessities such as housing, transportation, health care and education have risen sharply. If Congress tackled the middle-class squeeze head-on, it could provide more financial security for America's families and produce faster economic growth.
But the Republican Party's rich donors want tax giveaways, and the party is happy to oblige. According to estimates based on the original outline of the Republican tax plan, it showers $2.5 trillion on big corporations. Fewer than 10 years after sparking a devastating financial crisis and receiving billions of dollars in taxpayer bailouts, big banks would reap billions from the Republican plan. Wells Fargo is projected to receive a bigger tax handout than any other U.S. company.
Wealthy foreign investors also win big. By slashing the corporate tax rate, the Republican plan could put as much as $700 billion in the pockets of the foreign investors who now hold nearly 35 percent of the stock in U.S. companies. Is that what President Trump means by America first?
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I'm really amazed at how so many politicians and government officials from both major political parties have been so upset about Russian propaganda coming from social media. During recent Senate committee hearings, it was mentioned that some of this propaganda was paid for in Russian rubles. What occurs to me is that most official US government propaganda isn't paid for in dollars or rubles" it's free.
For instance, one only must look at the phrases that come from the celebrated journalist/anchor on CNN, the celebrated Wolf Blitzer. It really is amazing how many times I have heard him consistently describe the president of Syria as a dictator. I have also heard him remark on how the people fighting against the Assad as regime as "freedom fighters". I have also seen Scott Pelley of CBS describe Assad as a dictator fighting his own people and how he has brutally put down a popular Democratic uprising against his brutal regime.
We now know that most of these freedom fighters were supplied weapons by the United States, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, among others, through Jordan and Turkey. We now know that the CIA and the State Department supplied weapons for the so-called "freedom fighters. They"were funneled from Libya. We also know that these weapons were stockpiled before the demonstrations that started in Syria at the beginning of the Arab spring.
If you would like to see how this was done, I have included a video below.
tu.be/zGEc-CMsrQs
I have also heard the President of the United States decry what he calls "fake news". I get a chill when I think of how Donald Trump, along with the mainstream media and members of Congress all seem to be on the same page when it comes to stopping information that reaches the American public. It boggles the mind when you hear these people talk about how the American people are being fed "propaganda" especially coming from Russia.
I'm glad that everyone is finally waking up to the fact that we hear things there just not true coming from social media.My wish is that people would start talking about how we hear things that are also not true coming from all media and in reality, also coming from our own government. I have heard misinformation on CNN, MSNBC and Fox and other media outlets, and US government officials for a long time.. I have heard misinformation on CNN, MSNBC and Fox and other media outlets, and US government officials for a long time.
This is one of the main reasons that I started writing politically. During the run-up to the Iraq war the people of the United States were saturated with misinformation, and we have been saturated ever since. The demonization of Russia is a prime example. The actions that the Russian government took in Ukraine and the Crimea and how United States described the events leading up to the coup in Ukraine, are prime examples of misinformation. I put a podcast that I did myself below.
tu.be/ZCziDcTl6Ds
In this this article are just mentioned two areas in which the government and the media has lied to us continuously. I could have included many more instances where the media and the government have misinformed the American people but if I put them all into one document it wouldn't be an article" it would be a book. I don't believe half the things I see on social media and I don't believe half of what I hear from the mainstream media, and I don't believe most of the things that come from the government spokespeople and politicians.
What scares me more than anything else, is the idea that you can somehow control what comes out on social media. I would rather see is a free and open social media that allows the people who use it, to separate the truth from lies. Once social media is censored it won't be too long until the government decides to censor mainstream media and alternative media.
In a free and open society, any type of censorship is wrong. We chastised other countries for censoring their media, yet politicians in United States talk openly of putting limits on our media. The American people should see through this and understand that any type of censorship is wrong. If people don't like what they're hearing they can always change the channel or just ignore a post on Facebook that they don't agree with or obviously comes from someone with a political agenda. The government can ask its people to scrutinize what they hear and decide for themselves what is, or is not, the truth, but they should not decide what we see and hear.
(Article changed on November 5, 2017 at 23:41)
(Article changed on November 5, 2017 at 23:50)
Shop Small and Celebrate Neighborhood Toy Store Day Nov. 11
www.astratoy.org
www.bavarianinn.com
http://www.logos-communications.com/bavarianinn/
FRANKENMUTH, Mich. Nov. 3, 2017 Make your holiday shopping a fun experience, while at the same time supporting the 7th annual "Neighborhood Toy Store Day," a national event, on Saturday, Nov. 11. Holiday shoppers will discover a collection of unique gifts for kids of all ages at the Bavarian Inn Restaurants Doll & Toy Shop and Mother Earths Toy Jungle two toy stores participating in this event.From 9 a.m. 9:30 p.m. the Doll & Toy Shop will offer a chance to win prizes, play games, see new product demonstrations, and get access to special Toy Store Day pricing and more! Shoppers will also get the chance to visit with Olaf from 2 4 p.m. In addition, shoppers purchasing more than $25 in merchandise at the Doll & Toy Shop will be eligible to enter a grand prize drawing.At the nearby Frankenmuth River Place Shops, Mother Earth's Toy Jungle, a store where shoppers can walk through a jungle and play with animals from around the world, will also be participating in this daylong event from 10 a.m. 9 p.m. This store will have giveaways all day, wheel of prizes, new toy demonstrations, face painting, free stickers, treats and a visit from a special guest. The store will also be collecting "Toys for Tots" donations.The Neighborhood Toy Store Day is sponsored by the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association, which represents smaller, independent toy dealers, and supports those merchants committed to providing children with healthy, quality products that have high play value. To learn more, visitAbout Bavarian InnCelebrating 125 years of service in 2013, the Bavarian Inn Restaurant has become a Michigan landmark. Generations of diners, lodgers and tourists from around the globe have discovered true Bavarian hospitality thanks to Dorothy and her late husband William "Tiny" Zehnder. Guests experience the old-world European charm of the Bavarian Inn whether its the famous chicken dinners, fresh baked goods or Michigans greatest selection of German beer. Bavarian Inn also prides itself on being one of the top consumers of Pure Michigan agricultural products. Nestled within a backdrop of authentic German architecture, a variety of shops and other fun activities, a trip to Frankenmuth would not be complete without a visit to the Bavarian Inn. Learn more atBavarian Inn online press room:713 S. Main StreetFrankenmuth, MI
Nov 6, 2017: Corrugated Coaxial Cable Market Forecast 2023 Jiangsu Hengxin Technology, Zhuhai Hansen Technology
Corrugated Coaxial Cable Market
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http://www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-corrugated-coaxial-cable-sales-market-2017-demand-insight-key-players-segmentation-and-forecast-to-2022
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Corrugated Coaxial Cable Market Research 2017A market study Global Corrugated Coaxial Cable Market examines the performance of the Corrugated Coaxial Cable market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Corrugated Coaxial Cable market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Corrugated Coaxial Cable market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Corrugated Coaxial Cable Market 2017 report includes Corrugated Coaxial Cable market Revenue, market Share, Corrugated Coaxial Cable industry volume, market Trends, Corrugated Coaxial Cable Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Corrugated Coaxial Cable Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Corrugated Coaxial Cable Market 2017 : Jiangsu Hengxin Technology Zhuhai Hansen Technology Trigiant technology Andrew Tianjin Ascend JiangXi Lianovation KingsignalFirstly, the report covers the top Corrugated Coaxial Cable manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Corrugated Coaxial Cable report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Corrugated Coaxial Cable industry, Corrugated Coaxial Cable industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Corrugated Coaxial Cable Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Corrugated Coaxial Cable research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Corrugated Coaxial Cable market revenue worldwide.Finally, Corrugated Coaxial Cable market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Daytime Running Lamp Market Forecast 2023 Hella, Philips, Valeo, Magneti Marelli
Daytime Running Lamp Market
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Daytime Running Lamp Market Research 2017A market study Global Daytime Running Lamp Market examines the performance of the Daytime Running Lamp market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Daytime Running Lamp market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Daytime Running Lamp market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Daytime Running Lamp Market 2017 report includes Daytime Running Lamp market Revenue, market Share, Daytime Running Lamp industry volume, market Trends, Daytime Running Lamp Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Daytime Running Lamp Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Daytime Running Lamp Market 2017 : Hella Philips Valeo Magneti Marelli Osram General Electric Koito Manufacturing Hyundai Mobis ZKW Group Ring Automotive Bosma Group Europe PIAA Lumen Fuch JYJ Canjing Skeenway Electronics Oulondun YCL Wincar Technology Ditaier Auto Parts YD Dian Electronic YEATS Wenqi Vehicle Accessories JXDFirstly, the report covers the top Daytime Running Lamp manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Daytime Running Lamp report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Daytime Running Lamp industry, Daytime Running Lamp industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Daytime Running Lamp Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Daytime Running Lamp research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Daytime Running Lamp market revenue worldwide.Finally, Daytime Running Lamp market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Desiccant Dryer Market Forecast 2023 Atlas Copco, Ingersoll Rand, SPX FLOW
Desiccant Dryer Market
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http://www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-desiccant-dryer-sales-market-2017-demand-insight-key-players-segmentation-and-forecast-to-2022
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Desiccant Dryer Market Research 2017A market study Global Desiccant Dryer Market examines the performance of the Desiccant Dryer market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Desiccant Dryer market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Desiccant Dryer market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Desiccant Dryer Market 2017 report includes Desiccant Dryer market Revenue, market Share, Desiccant Dryer industry volume, market Trends, Desiccant Dryer Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Desiccant Dryer Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Desiccant Dryer Market 2017 : Atlas Copco Ingersoll Rand SPX FLOW Kaeser Compressors Sullair KAWATA Gardner Denver MATSUI Rotorcomp BEKO Van Air Aircel Parker Hannifin Corp SMC Star Compare Fusheng RishengFirstly, the report covers the top Desiccant Dryer manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Desiccant Dryer report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Desiccant Dryer industry, Desiccant Dryer industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Desiccant Dryer Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Desiccant Dryer research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Desiccant Dryer market revenue worldwide.Finally, Desiccant Dryer market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Drain Cleaners Market Forecast 2023 Cobra Products, General Wire Spring, American Standard
Drain Cleaners Market
http://bit.ly/2zzktWG
http://www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-drain-cleaners-sales-market-2017-demand-insight-key-players-segmentation-and-forecast-to-2022
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Drain Cleaners Market Research 2017A market study Global Drain Cleaners Market examines the performance of the Drain Cleaners market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Drain Cleaners market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Drain Cleaners market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Drain Cleaners Market 2017 report includes Drain Cleaners market Revenue, market Share, Drain Cleaners industry volume, market Trends, Drain Cleaners Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Drain Cleaners Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Drain Cleaners Market 2017 :Cobra ProductsGeneral Wire SpringAmerican StandardFirstly, the report covers the top Drain Cleaners manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Drain Cleaners report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Drain Cleaners industry, Drain Cleaners industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Drain Cleaners Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Drain Cleaners research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Drain Cleaners market revenue worldwide.Finally, Drain Cleaners market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Kiosk Market Forecast 2023 NCR Corporation, Kiosk Information Systems, Diebold
Kiosk Market
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http://www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-kiosk-sales-market-2017-demand-insight-key-players-segmentation-and-forecast-to-2022
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Kiosk Market Research 2017A market study Global Kiosk Market examines the performance of the Kiosk market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Kiosk market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Kiosk market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Kiosk Market 2017 report includes Kiosk market Revenue, market Share, Kiosk industry volume, market Trends, Kiosk Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Kiosk Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Kiosk Market 2017 : NCR Corporation Kiosk Information Systems Diebold Slabb Kiosks Olea Kiosks Phoenix Kiosk Kontron Wincor Nixdorf Meridian Kiosks Fujitsu Optical Phusion RedyRef ZIVELOKiosk Market : By ApplicationHospitalsBanksAirportsOthersKiosk Market : By TypeIndoor KioskOutdoor KioskFirstly, the report covers the top Kiosk manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Kiosk report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Kiosk industry, Kiosk industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Kiosk Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Kiosk research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Kiosk market revenue worldwide.Finally, Kiosk market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Liquid Roofing Materials Market Forecast 2023 BASF SE, DOW Chemical Company, Saint-Gobain S.A.
Liquid Roofing Materials Market
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http://www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-liquid-roofing-materials-sales-market-2017-demand-insight-key-players-segmentation-and-forecast-to-2022
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Liquid Roofing Materials Market Research 2017A market study Global Liquid Roofing Materials Market examines the performance of the Liquid Roofing Materials market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Liquid Roofing Materials market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Liquid Roofing Materials market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Liquid Roofing Materials Market 2017 report includes Liquid Roofing Materials market Revenue, market Share, Liquid Roofing Materials industry volume, market Trends, Liquid Roofing Materials Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Liquid Roofing Materials Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Liquid Roofing Materials Market 2017 : BASF SE DOW Chemical Company Saint-Gobain S.A. 3M Company Akzonobel N.V. Sika AG Kraton Performance Polymers Inc. GAF Materials Johns Manville Corporation Kemper System IncFirstly, the report covers the top Liquid Roofing Materials manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Liquid Roofing Materials report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Liquid Roofing Materials industry, Liquid Roofing Materials industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Liquid Roofing Materials Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Liquid Roofing Materials research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Liquid Roofing Materials market revenue worldwide.Finally, Liquid Roofing Materials market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Market Forecast 2023 Bosch, BWI, Continental, Honda
Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Market
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http://www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-motorcycle-anti-lock-braking-system-sales-market-2017-demand-insight-key-players-segmentation-and-forecast-to-2022
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Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Market Research 2017A market study Global Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Market examines the performance of the Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Market 2017 report includes Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking market Revenue, market Share, Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking industry volume, market Trends, Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Market 2017 : Bosch BWI Continental Honda ZF TRWFirstly, the report covers the top Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking industry, Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking market revenue worldwide.Finally, Motorcycle Anti-Lock Braking market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Organic Tobacco Market Forecast 2023 Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Hi Brasil Tobacco
Organic Tobacco Market
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http://www.spiremarketresearch.com/global-organic-tobacco-sales-market-2017-demand-insight-key-players-segmentation-and-forecast-to-2022
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Organic Tobacco Market Research 2017A market study Global Organic Tobacco Market examines the performance of the Organic Tobacco market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Organic Tobacco market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Organic Tobacco market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Organic Tobacco Market 2017 report includes Organic Tobacco market Revenue, market Share, Organic Tobacco industry volume, market Trends, Organic Tobacco Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Organic Tobacco Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Organic Tobacco Market 2017 : Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company Hi Brasil Tobacco Bigaratte & Co. Vape Organics Mother Earth TobaccoFirstly, the report covers the top Organic Tobacco manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Organic Tobacco report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Organic Tobacco industry, Organic Tobacco industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Organic Tobacco Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Organic Tobacco research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Organic Tobacco market revenue worldwide.Finally, Organic Tobacco market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Compressor Controller Market Forecast 2023 Emerson Climate Technologies, Ingersoll-Rand
Compressor Controller Market
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Compressor Controller Market Research 2017A market study Global Compressor Controller Market examines the performance of the Compressor Controller market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Compressor Controller market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Compressor Controller market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Compressor Controller Market 2017 report includes Compressor Controller market Revenue, market Share, Compressor Controller industry volume, market Trends, Compressor Controller Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Compressor Controller Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Compressor Controller Market 2017 : Emerson Climate Technologies Compressor Controls Corporation Ingersoll-Rand AirMaster Gardner Denver Enovation CONTROLS Logix Kaeser BOGE Atlas Copco Danfoss The Grasso System Control Shenzhen Plot DA YU ELECTRIC POLYTRON TECHNOLOGIES CHFNAD MEGMEET KangkeerFirstly, the report covers the top Compressor Controller manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Compressor Controller report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Compressor Controller industry, Compressor Controller industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Compressor Controller Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Compressor Controller research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Compressor Controller market revenue worldwide.Finally, Compressor Controller market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Nov 6, 2017: Electric Cigar Humidor Market Forecast 2023 Liebherr, EuroCave, VIGILANTINC
Electric Cigar Humidor Market
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Electric Cigar Humidor Market Research 2017A market study Global Electric Cigar Humidor Market examines the performance of the Electric Cigar Humidor market 2017. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Electric Cigar Humidor market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Electric Cigar Humidor market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Electric Cigar Humidor Market 2017 report includes Electric Cigar Humidor market Revenue, market Share, Electric Cigar Humidor industry volume, market Trends, Electric Cigar Humidor Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report.It shows manufacturing capacity, Electric Cigar Humidor Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Electric Cigar Humidor Market 2017 : Liebherr EuroCave VIGILANTINC Vinocave AUCMA KeTeo SICAO Raching Bacchus BULLDOG ArsenboFirstly, the report covers the top Electric Cigar Humidor manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Further, the Electric Cigar Humidor report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Electric Cigar Humidor industry, Electric Cigar Humidor industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Electric Cigar Humidor Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Electric Cigar Humidor research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Electric Cigar Humidor market revenue worldwide.Finally, Electric Cigar Humidor market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USAWeb:Email: sales@spiremarketresearch.com
Text Analytics to Contribute to the Growth of the Global Market for Content Analytics During the Period of Assessment
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The content analytics market is currently experiencing a meteoric growth to reach a significant valuation by the end of the assessment year. Market Research Report Search Engine (MRRSE) has added a new research study portraying a clear market picture along with key insights in a research report titled Content Analytics Market: Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2017-2022 . The research study unveils essential aspects impacting the growth of the global content analytics market. This significant growth pace of the market is assessed taking into consideration the various trends, developments, drivers, challenges as well as restraints across key regions in the globe. Additionally, the report offers future market projections for a period of five years, from 2017 to 2022, based on the historical data and the current market scenario. With an in-depth market segmentation, all angles of the market have been covered and analyzed and actionable acumen in a systematic form is presented in this research study that can be used by the reader to make informed decisions and slate expansion strategies.Free Copy of Sample Report @Global Content Analytics Market: OutlookSince last couple of years, the global market for content analytics has witnessed astonishing growth owing to rising importance of content analytics in economic dynamics. Moreover, rising competition in various key application areas is expected to be a major driving aspect impacting the growth of the content analytics market in the years to come. Emerging economies in the Southeast Asia region as well as the Middle East and Africa region are anticipated to play a vital role in the development of the content analytics market.Global Content Analytics Market: Forecast AnalysisAs per the fact intensive market research report on global content analytics, the global market was estimated at around US$ 2 Bn in 2017 and is expected to reach a market valuation of more than US$ 8 Bn by the end of the assessment year (2022). During the 2017-2022 period, the global content analytics market is projected to grow at a stellar 26.1% CAGR.Read Full Report with TOC @Global Content Analytics Market: Segmental AcumenThe global content analytics market has been segmented by vertical, by application, by deployment and by region.By region, North America is estimated to be the largest region and highly lucrative for the content analytics market. The content analytic market in North America is projected to grow at a high CAGR of 26.5% throughout the period of forecastBy vertical, the government segment is expected to contribute to a large extent to the growth of the content analytics market in the years to comeBy application, text analytics segment is poised to lead the global market in terms of value. Growing use of content analytics in local media analytics and SMS is triggering the growth of the text analytics segment. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 23.5% to reach a market valuation of around US$ 1.7 Bn by the end of 2022.Global Content Analytics Market: Competitive ScenarioThe global content analytics market research report covers a detailed competitive analysis that covers key players in the content analytics market. Key companies such as Nice Systems, OpenText Corporation, HPE, Adobe Systems, Oracle Corporation, SAP, SAS, IBM, Microsoft Corporation and Google Inc., are analyzed in this study.Enquire About this Report @About MRRSEMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
High Pressure Grinding Roller Market: Present Scenario and the Growth Prospects with Forecast 2020
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Transparency Market Research (TMR) recently announced the publication of a new research report on the global high pressure grinding roller (HPGR) Market. TMR, a market intelligence company based in the U.S., states that the global HPGR market was worth US$247.7 million in 2013 and will exhibit moderate progress at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2014 to 2020. The report, titled High Pressure Grinding Roller (HPGR) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020, is available on the company website for sale.Browse the full High Pressure Grinding Roller (HPGR) Market (By Application - Diamond Liberation, Base Metal Liberation, Precious Metal Beneficiation and Pellet Feed Preparation; By Power Rating - 2 x 100 kW - 2 x 650 kW, 2 x 650 kW - 2 x 1900 kW, 2 x 1900 kW - 2 x 3700, 2 x 3700 kW and above; By Processed Material Type - Ferrous Metals and Ferroalloys Processing, Non-Ferrous Metals Processing) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 2020 report atTMR analysis reveals that demand for higher throughput and energy-efficient comminution solutions from the mining industry is the primary factor driving the HPGR market. Since as much as 50% energy in mining operations is taken up by grinding and crushing processes, HPGRs offer optimal energy efficiency solutions.Further, additional features offered by HPGR technology over conventional Ball mills and SAG mils, such as preferential liberation for beneficiation of precious metals and micro-cracks, is encouraging the adoption of the technology.Get A Brochure Of Report @Owing to decline in ore grades worldwide, HPGR technology appears to be a lucrative solution to recover maximum value from the mining of precious metals, as per the study findings. The use of HPGR does not cause flattening of gold particles and also allows large and rare diamonds to be obtained more easily. Moreover, benefits such as longer life of wearable parts give HPGRs an edge for comminution undertakings of hard ore mining. However, in the last few years, the mining sector has encountered challenges such as investment constraints, overcapacity, and slowdown in goods markets, which is indirectly restraining the HPGR market.The TMR report segments the global HPGR market as per power rating, application, processed material type, and geography. The major applications of high pressure grinding rollers are base metal liberation, diamond liberation, precious metal liberation, and pellet feed preparation. As per the study findings, precious metal beneficiation accounted for the largest share 29.8% in 2013. The rising use of HPGRs for copper and ferrous ore mining accounts for the growth of the base metal liberation application at a CAGR of 6.9% for the forecast period. Diamond liberation is also a significant application segment of the HPGR market.Make An Enquiry @Based on processed material types, TMR segments the HPGR market into ferrous metals and ferroalloys processing and non-ferrous metals processing. As per the research study, increased use of HPGRs for diamond, gold, and copper processing will help the non-ferrous material processing segment to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% in the forecast period. On the other hand, application of high pressure grinding rollers in ferrous metals and ferroalloys processing is expected to grow at a slightly inferior CAGR of 5.4% in the forecast period.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e 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, 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 wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
APEJ to Register a Significant Growth Rate in the Global CT Scanners Market
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The CCTV camera market has experienced a huge growth in the past few years. This is a result of more safety conscious people and also increase in the crime rate. Also the scope of usage has increased with the use of CCTV cameras in shopping malls, streets, banks, hotels etc. With the course of time and demand for CCTV cameras has resulted in improvement of technology. The CCTV camera global market includes different types of cameras with varied software and hardware.Request Free Sample Report:Recently, a new report has been added to the repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE), titled CCTV Camera Market Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 2025. The report consists of CCTV camera global markets detailed overview including the market analysis for the forecast period, pricing analysis, key player profiles, revenue share, growth structure and much more. The report gives an insight to the strong competition and investment trends of CCTV camera global market. The major drivers of the market are increasing demand from the hospitality services and retail outlets. The research anticipated the CCTV camera market to experience an impressive CAGR of over 12.5% during the forecast period and reach at a revenue of US$ around 24 bn by the end of 2025.Global CCTV Camera Market: SegmentationThe wide CCTV camera global market is divided on the basis of various segments. These segments include bifurcation on the basis of model type, end-use application, technology, mode and region. The model type segment includes box camera, PTZ camera, bullet camera, dome camera, etc. The segmentation on the basis of technology includes, wireless CCTV systems, hybrid CCTV systems, analog CCTV systems and IP-based CCTV systems. Based on end-use, the segmentation includes government, home security, retail, BFSI, hospitality etc.Browse Full Report with TOC:Among the mentioned segments, model type segment includes dome camera which shows the maximum share of around 45% with the help of increasing number of investments. Among the technology type segments, analog CCTV camera system contributes the maximum market share according to the 2016 analysis of the CCTV camera global market.The geographical segmentation includes South America, North America, MEA, Europe and Asia Pacific. These regions are analyzed on the basis of their CCTV camera global market revenue. The report also includes country level data of various segments. Among the regional segments, North America and Asia Pacific dominates the market with maximum sales of CCTV cameras. Asia Pacific is ahead of all other regional segments with a robust CAGR of around 15%, which includes China and India as the key markets.Global CCTV Camera Market: Competitive ScenarioThe research report has all the necessary information that is required by the competitors of the CCTV camera global market. It includes market analysis with upcoming growth opportunities for existing business in the industry and new entrants. It also provides brief on major players in the CCTV camera global market like Zhejiang Dahau Technology Co. Ltd., Axis Communications AB, Toshiba Corporation, Bosch Security Systems, Geovision Inc, Pelco Inc, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co Ltd, Panosonic System Network Co. Limited, Hanwha Techwin Co. Ltd and Honeywell International Inc.Enquire About this Report:About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:
Cloud Based BPO Global Market Key Players Accenture, Cognizant, IBM, SAP, TCS - Analysis and Forecast to 2021
Cloud Based BPO Market 2017
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Cloud Based BPO Market 2017Over the years, enterprises worldwide have become increasingly dependent on technology and various software products to run their business and drive revenue growth. This trend is expected to intensify, and therefore the role of outsourcing the business processes to third party vendors has become vital and it directly contributes to the organizations agenda.Cloud computing has powered many SMEs business with remote workforces to be competitive in the market. It has provided enterprises with an opportunity to work together without any geographical constraints. In addition, it has also helped many organization to strengthen their customer base through modern innovative infrastructure that aids them to perform business operations real-time without any bandwidth limitation and latency.The increased need for cost effective business process is playing a significant role in shaping the future of the global cloud-based BPO market. Recently, most of the business enterprises are looking forward to incorporate their various business process to cloud to gain a competitive advantage across all major verticals in emerging market. Moreover, the integration of various business process in cloud is predicted to amplify the growth of the business further, while ensuring the compliance and regulatory standards.The analysts forecast the global cloud-based BPO market to grow at a CAGR of 11.39 percent over the period 2014-2019.Covered in this reportThis report covers market segmentation by services: HR, finance and accounting, payments, customer management, e-commerce, and others (such as advertising, supply management and industry operations) and by geography. In addition, it covers the information about the overview of cloud market and its deployment models and sub-segments: IaaS, PaaS and SaaS.Request a Sample Report @The report, Global Cloud-based BPO Market 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the global cloud-based BPO market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. It also includes profile of key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors Accenture Cognizant IBM SAP TCSOther prominent vendors ADP Atos CA Technologies Capgemini CSC Firstsource Fujitsu Genpact HCL Technologies HP Infosys NGA Human Resources Oracle Sungard Wipro WNS XeroxMarket driver Increased focus toward cost effective business operation For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Security and data privacy issues For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Cloud brokerage services For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be? What are the key market trends? What is driving this market? What are the challenges to market growth? Who are the key vendors in this market space? What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Any Query, Submit Here @Table of Contents Analysis of Key PointsPART 01: Executive summaryHighlightsPART 02: Scope of the reportMarket overviewTop-vendor offeringsPART 03: Market research methodologyResearch methodologyEconomic indicatorsPART 04: IntroductionKey market highlightsPART 05: Market landscapeMarket overviewMarket size and forecastAdvantages of cloud-based BPOGlobal BPO marketGlobal cloud computing marketFive forces analysisPART 06: Overview of cloud computingOverviewCloud service segmentationPART 07: Market segmentation by servicesHR services marketE-commerce services marketPayment services marketCustomer management services marketF&A services marketOthers services marketPART 08: Geographical segmentationSegmentation of global cloud-based BPO market by geography 2014Market segmentation by geography 2014-2019PART 09: Market driversPART 10: Impact of driversPART 11: Market challengesPART 12: Impact of drivers and challengesPART 13: Market trendsPART 14: Vendor landscape....ContinuedABOUT US: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.Address:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Smart Demand Response: Industry Insights, Outlook and Forecast upto 2025
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Industry-leading analysis firm Transparency Market Research has announced a new market report, detailing the global smart demand response market. The report, titled Smart Demand Response Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2025, explains key trends in the market.The report estimates the smart demand response market to reach a total valuation of US$51,479 million by the end of the forecast period at a CAGR of 21.6%.The report forecasts that the constantly increasing amount of power required in the modern world will inevitably lead to demand response programs. Government policies for smart demand response will aid the global market; the increasing deployment of smart grids all over the world is a factor expected to boost the global smart demand response market.Browse the full Smart Demand Response Market (By End User - Residential, Commercial, and Industrial) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2025 report atDemand response refers to technologies and devices used to reduce the peak electricity consumption of a consumer. This is more economically beneficial than adding electricity generators to supplement the existing supply. During peak demand periods, smart demand response systems manage the electricity consumption of a device or set of devices to minimize the amount of electrical power consumed by that unit.So far, the market for demand response has largely been limited to voluntary participation from the consumer, but the advent of smart grids is expected to revolutionize the process, automating demand response and thus boosting the global smart demand response market.Get A Brochure Of Report @The major end-use sectors of smart demand response are industrial, commercial, and residential. Due to its high volume of electricity consumption, the industrial sector led the total demand for smart demand response in 2013. The rising application of smart grids in the developed world will help expand the volume of residential end users of smart demand response systems in the forecast period.Growing awareness about smart demand response among responsible citizens has the potential to overcome price barriers restraining the global smart demand response market at present. Since smart technology is a recent innovation, it is currently prohibitively expensively for much of the developing world.Make An Enquiry @Awareness of the environmental impact as well as the long-term economic benefits of smart demand response will thus help gain demand from currently uninitiated sections of the global population.The report analyzes all these driving and restraining factors acting on the global smart demand response market and describes the potential impact on the market in the forecast period.Regionally, the global market is segregated in the report into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. Within the national markets in Asia Pacific, the markets for smart demand response in Indonesia, Malaysia, India, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and the Philippines are examined in detail. Due to high consumer prosperity and acknowledgment of the need to conserve energy, North America, led by the U.S. and Canada, accounted for a whopping 80% of the global market for smart demand response in 2013 and is expected to keep up its high share in the forecast period.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e 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, 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 wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
System Integration Market: Trends, outlook and Opportunity Analysis 2020
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According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research System Integration Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020, the global system integration market was valued at USD 191.36 billion in 2013 and is expected to reach USD 377.59 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020.In terms of revenue, North America was the largest regional market for system integration which accounted for 33.0% of the total system integration market in 2013. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing regional market for system integration during the forecast period, growing at a CAGR of 13.5% from 2014 to 2020.Browse the full System Integration Market (Infrastructure Integration Service, Application Integration Service and Consulting Service) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020 report atAvailability of resources and emerging local players in Asia Pacific are expected to drive the system integration market over the forecast period. Additionally, rapidly growing economies, globalization of various firms in Asia Pacific and large end user base is propelling the demand of system integration in Asia Pacific.The global system integration market is expected to be driven by high investment in information technology (IT) infrastructure boosting the demand for integrated systems, emerging technologies such as cloud and big data analytics and high investment in automation solutions. Despite these driving forces, high implementation cost and time and less number of integration standards in IT domain are some restraining factors for the growth of system integration market.Get A Brochure Of Report @Today, local firms are aiming to go global and global firms are looking forward to penetrate deeper in the market. In face of rising operational cost, various small, medium and large enterprises are demanding for system integration service as they aim to reduce the overall operational cost.Out of all major market segments, infrastructural system integration was the largest segment in terms of revenue generation in 2013 and is forecast to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. This is mainly due to the expected development of network management and cloud based integration services in coming years. In 2013, data integration was the largest segment in application integration service segment which held the share of 28.2% of the total application integration services market.Make An Enquiry @However, integrated social software segment is expected to grow at fastest CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020. Banking, financial services and insurance sector generated the maximum revenue for global system integration market in 2013 and is expected to maintain its dominant position throughout the forecast period. System integration market is expected to grow significantly in defense sector in coming years.Geographically, North America dominated the global system integration market in 2013, accounting for the share of 33.0%. Emerging economies in Asia Pacific such as China, India and Japan are expected to be the fastest growing markets for system integration. Many local players in this region are emerging as global market leaders and are expected to drive system integration market in coming years.The global system integration market is fragmented in nature and players such Accenture Plc, BAE Systems Plc, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Computer Science Corporation (CSC), Fujitsu Limited, Harris Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, IBM Corporation, Infosys Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Oracle Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited among others hold the distinguishable share in the global 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. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e 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, 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 wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Formic Acid Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.94%
Formic Acid Market
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Synopsis of Formic AcidFormic acid is a colorless liquid with high pungent odor and is soluble in alcohols, acetone, and ether. It belongs to carboxylic group and also known as methanoic acid. Formic acid can be synthetically produced as well as naturally found in ant venom. According to concentration grade, formic acid is available 85%, 90%, 94% and 99%. Global formic acid market has witnessed significant growth over the forecasted period on account of increasing application including animal feed, preservatives, cleaning agents and leather production among others. Growing usage of formic acid as antibacterial agent in animal feed along with usage as silage preservative in agriculture is expected to augment the formic acid market growth.Segment Analysis:The global formic acid market is segmented on the basis of production method, application and region. On the basis of production method, global formic acid is segmented into carbonylation of methanol, and oxalic acid. Based on application, the global formic acid market is segmented into animal feed, preservatives, cleaning agents, dyeing and finishing textiles, rubber & leather production and others.Request a Sample Report @Formic acid is available naturally in ants venom though it can be synthesized chemically, through carbonylation of methanol and oxalic acid. Carbonylation of methanol process is used extensively and is projected to grow at CAGR of 4.97% as this preparation method is used by major players such as BASF SE and Perstorp AB.Agriculture industry is growing at tremendous rate in emerging economies on account of growing population, thereby rising demand of food grains, vegetable and meat production. Thus, rapidly growing demand of preservatives along with high pH level of formic acid has resulted in increased demand for formic acid in feed additive. It is also used to regulate pH in various chemical processes. With powerful pH of formic acid, it is used in leather industry to maintain the properties. Growing demand of leather in automobile, textile and footwear industry is further fuel the demand of formic acid. Formic acid principal usage is for lowering depletion of decay process in silage preservatives, thus, maintaining nutritional value in food. Rising consumption of meat and preservative products owing to rapidly changing lifestyle is further expected to augment the market growth. Moreover, acidic nature of formic acid and pH regulation makes it excellent usage for production of textile. This acid has advantages such as precise pH control, no contaminants and excellent reliable. Europe is addressable market in leather and tanning industry. In 2016, dyeing & textile segment pegged at 82.6 000 tons. In terms of value the segment was valued at USD 67.0 million by 2016 end.Formic acid is used in industrial and household cleaning applications. It also helps efficient removal of mineral scale such as calcium and iron. Other acids like acetic and phosphoric acid are used as chemical disinfectants releasing toxic gases in environment. However, formic acid does not release any kind of harmful gases, thus leading to increase usage in cleaning and disinfectant products. Formic acid is also used in paper and pulp production owing to lowering degree of polymerization. The most important upcoming usage of salts of formic acid is for deicing of roads and airport runways. Salts like potassium formate removes easily ice from runways helping smooth and efficient flow of airplane. With increasing regulation from environment bodies towards rising global warming from harmful gases has resulted in eco-friendly and compatible usage of formic acid in numerous application.Make an Enquiry before Buying this Report @Formic acid is the most powerful pH regulator in various chemical process and with high absorbing capability helps formic acid to be prominent application in leather production. It also best coagulant which useful in rubber manufacturing. Changing lifestyle of consumer has resulted in growing demand of formic acid in dyeing and textile industry. However, rising standard of living has increased the consumption of meat which resulted for high demand of formic acid in animal feed and silage preservative. Moreover, ban on antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feedstock is expected to drive the demand of formic acid over the forecasted period. North America are on the verge to ban on antibiotics in animal feed as growing public awareness towards health thereby, shifting the trend to alternate products. Europe, banned the usage of antibiotics in the year 2006. Changing climatic conditions are negatively impacting application industries such as animal feed, preservatives and leather & rubber industry. Additionally, higher toxicity levels in higher grades of formic acid are also expected to hamper the global formic acid market. However, product diversification and improved technology in feed additive substantially provide opportunities to players in market. BASF opened a new formic acid production plant in Geismar, Louisiana with annual capacity of 50,000 tons. Further, expansions and investments in formic acid development by major key players is expected to provide opportunities across the value chain.Global Formic acid market is segmented according to production method and applications. According to production method carbonylation of methanol accounts for highest percentage of share. Though hydrolysis process step is complex and need competing technologies, carbonylation of methanol process are associated with companies such as Kemira and BASF. According to application, formic acid is used in silage preservative, animal feed, dyeing and finishing textiles, rubber & leather production and others. One of the prominent application of formic acid is animal feed owing to its natural antibacterial properties. These is followed by preservative such as silage, rubber & leather production and so on. According to MRFR analysis, cumulatively the global formic acid market was valued at USD 516.9 million in 2016 and is expected to be valued at USD 878.7 million by the end of 2027, expanding at a CAGR of 4.94%.Ask for Discount @The formic acid market in the North America market witnessed healthy growth rates. Substantial in many parts of the region production of formic acid has stopped owing to regulations but recently EPA U.S. has approved formic acid as active ingredient in pesticides, thus, opening growth opportunities for few manufacturers in the region. Moreover, with further upcoming safety regulation in production of formic acid will provide lucrative opportunity for players in the market.The major players profiled in the global formic acid market includes: BASF SE, Perstorp AB, Eastman Chemical Company, Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers& Chemicals Limited, Feicheng Acid Chemical, Chongqing Chuandong Chemical (Group) Co., Ltd and LUXI Group CO., LTD among others.Key Points from Table of Content:10 Company Profiles10.1 BASF SE (Germany)10.1.1 Company Overview10.1.2 Product/Business Segment Overview10.1.3 Financial Update10.1.4 Key Developments10.2 Perstorp Holdings A.B (Sweden)10.2.1 Company Overview10.2.2 Product/Business Segment Overview10.2.3 Financial Updates10.2.4 Key Developments10.3 Eastman Chemical Company (U.S)10.3.1 Company Overview10.3.2 Product/Business Segment Overview10.3.3 Financial Updates10.3.4 Key Developments10.4 Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers& Chemicals Limited (India)10.4.1 Company Overview10.4.2 Product/Business Segment Overview10.4.3 Financial Update10.4.4 Key DevelopmentsBrowse Complete 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 Market Research Future:Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
SaaS-Based SCM Market Trends,Share,Size, Status and Forecast 2022
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Research Beam has added a report on Global SaaS-Based SCM Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022SaaS-Based SCM Market is provided in the report based on product scope and market status & outlook. The market is segmented on the basis of type, end-users/application, and geography. The report provides information about the production, price, revenue, market share, and growth rate of each type. Geographically, the market has been analyzed across North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and India. The status and prospect through 2012-2022 for each of these regions are listed in the report.Get Sample@The report entails the qualitative and quantitative analysis of current and future market estimations. It also divulges details about the mode of research methodology used for the study. It includes data from primary as well as secondary resources. The report is a useful resource for industry players, new entrants in the marketplace, and investors as it helps them plan their business to gain fruitful and meaningful outcomes. It makes them aware of the production, capacity, revenue, supply, consumption, export, import, the challenges and risks associated with the industry, and much more. Factors that drive the growth of the market are detailed in the study. Key players are profiled in the report and their developments in recent years are mentioned, which helps in understanding the competitive outlook of the Global SaaS-Based SCM MarketGet 15% discount on this report @The SaaS-Based SCM Market report has a mention of the industrial chain, sourcing strategy, and downstream buyers. This incorporates the overall industrial chain analysis, upstream raw materials sourcing, raw materials sources of the product major manufacturers in 2015, and downstream buyers.The report also throws light on the marketing strategy used for the study. It includes marketing channel (direct marketing, indirect marketing, and marketing channel development trend) and market positioning (pricing strategy, brand strategy, and target client).The Global SaaS-Based SCM Market report also covers an analysis of the market effect factors. This includes the technology progress/risk (substitutes/threat and technology progress in the related industry), consumer needs/customer preference change, and economic/political environmentalThe key players which provide solutions in the Global SaaS-Based SCM Market Descartes Systems Infor JDA Software SAP Epicor GT Nexus HighJump Software IBM Inspur Kewill Kinaxis Logility Manhattan Associates Oracle TOTVSCheck Full Report With TOC@About Us:Research Beams 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. With the arsenal of different search reports, we help you here to look and buy research reports that will be helpful to you and your organization. Our research reports have the capability and authenticity to support your organization for growth and consistency.Contact Us:Global Head Quarters5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United Statesphone+1 (800) 910-6452mail help@researchbeam.com
Rice Flour 2017 Global market outlook, research, trends, parameters and forecast to 2023
Rice Flour Market
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Rice Flour MarketReportsMonitor Publish a New Market Research Report on - Global Rice Flour Market Analysis 2011-2017 and Forecast 2018-2023SummaryRice flour (also rice powder) is a form of flour made from finely milled rice. It is distinct from rice starch, which is usually produced by steeping rice in lye. Rice flour is a particularly good substitute for wheat flour, which causes irritation in the digestive systems of those who are gluten-intolerant. Rice flour is also used as a thickening agent in recipes that are refrigerated or frozen since it inhibits liquid separation.The global Rice Flour market will reach xxx Million USD in 2017 and CAGR xx% 2011-2017. The report begins from overview of Industry Chain structure, and describes industry environment, then analyses market size and forecast of Rice Flour by product, region and application, in addition, this report introduces market competition situation among the vendors and company profile, besides, market price analysis and value chain features are covered in this report.If you want a sample of this ReportProduct Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Company of Product Type etc.):Rice FlourBrown Rice FlourGlutinous Rice FlourOthersCompany Coverage (Sales Revenue, Price, Gross Margin, Main Products etc.):Thai Flour Industry, Burapa Prosper, Rose Brand, CHO HENG, Koda Farms, BIF, Lieng Tong, Bobs Red Mill Natural Foods, Pornkamon Rice Flour Mills, HUANGGUOApplication Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Different Demand Market by Region, Main Consumer Profile etc.):Rice Noodle and Rice PastaSweets and DessertsSnacksBreadThickening AgentRegion Coverage (Regional Output, Demand & Forecast by Countries etc.):North AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificSouth AmericaMiddle East & AfricaIf you want to Check Discount on this ReportTable of ContentGlobal Rice Flour Market Analysis 2011-2017 and Forecast 2018-20231.1 Rice Flour Industry1.1.1 Overview1.1.2 Development of Rice Flour1.2 Market Segment1.2.1 Upstream1.2.2 Downstream1.3 Cost Analysis2 Industry Environment2.1 Policy2.2 Economics2.3 Sociology2.4 Technology3 Rice Flour Market by Type3.1 Segment Overview3.1.1 Rice Flour3.1.2 Brown Rice Flour3.1.3 Glutinous Rice Flour3.1.4 Others3.2 Market Size3.3 Market Forecast4 Major Companies List4.1 Thai Flour Industry (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.2 Burapa Prosper (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.3 Rose Brand (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.4 CHO HENG (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.5 Koda Farms (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)ContinueFull Report AccessReports Monitor is a platform to meet the market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights.Address: Office C & D - 4th Floor, Siddhi Towers, Above Rupee Bank, Kondhwa Road, Pune 411048, Maharashtra, India
Cluster Computing Market Global Trends, Key Vendors Analysis, Import & Export, Revenue by Forecast 2022
Cluster Computing Market
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Market Scenario:Factors such as economic competitiveness and new product developments are the key drivers for the raising demand for cluster computing market. Moreover, recent developments such as cloud based approach in cluster computing market are captivating small to medium-sized enterprises in the market. With the use of high performance computers by SMEs this would minimize the initial investments for building infrastructure, hardware implementation and thus the high performance computing market is expected to grow exponentially in near future.Cluster Computing or High Performance computing is defined as an addition of processes for delivering higher and efficient performance as compared to other desktop workstation or computer. It helps the companies to solve problems related to engineering, business, or science. Cluster computing help to solve problems of recurring and complex operations as individual nodes work together and hence can solve problem more efficiently than one computer.This market is expected to grow at CAGR of ~5% and will rose to the market size of USD 44 billion by the end of forecast period.Request a Sample Report @Major Key Players: Cray, Inc. (U.S.) Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (U.S.) Intel Corporation (U.S.) Cisco Systems Inc. (U.S.), Silicon Graphics International Corp. (U.S.) Microsoft Corporation (U.S.) Hewlett Packard, Inc. (U.S) Google Inc. (U.S.) Dell (U.S.) Amazon Web Services, Inc. (U.S.)Study Objectives of Cluster Computing Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Cluster Computing Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the Cluster Computing market based on various factors- supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue 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 Service Type, by Deployment, by Organization Size, by Vertical and sub-segments. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Cluster Computing MarketSegments:Global Cluster Computing Market has been segmented on the basis of service type, deployment, organization size and vertical. The Cluster Computing has been identified as- HPC IAAS, HPC PAAS, Data Organization and Workload Management, Cluster Software and Analytical Tool and Professional Services.Deployment consists on cloud and on premise whereas the organization size has been identified as SBU and LBU among others. The Verticals has been identified as- Life Science, Industrial Manufacturing, Banking, Defense, Gaming Industry, Retail and among others.Intended Audience HPC Hardware Vendors HPC Software Vendors HPC Service Solution Vendors HPC Service Vendors Network and Systems Integrators Research Organization Software ProvidersRegional Analysis:North America is dominating the market of Cluster Computing due to the presence of the global players in this region as well as high technological advancement. North America is expected to dominate the market throughout the forecast period whereas Asia-Pacific has emerged as fastest growing market and expected to be the second biggest market by the end of forecast period. Currently Europe holds second position in the market but expected to be dominated by Asia-Pacific by the end of forecast period.Browse Full Report Details @Table of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market StructureContinuedAbout 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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Automotive LIDAR Sensors Market 2017 Growth, Opportunities, Analysis and Forecast to 2021
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Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensing is a technology that measures the distance between the source and the target with the help of the laser light. In the automotive market, the main purpose of LIDAR sensors is to automate the detection of obstacles, which will increase the safety of using navigation system. There are two outputs from the LIDAR sensors, which determine the existence of obstacles. They are cost map and point cloud.Publisher's analysts forecast the global automotive LIDAR sensors market to grow at a CAGR of 37.38% during the period 2017-2021.For more information about this report:Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global automotive LIDAR sensors market for 2017-2021. The report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:-Americas-APAC-EMEAPublisher's report, Global Automotive LIDAR Sensors Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors-Continental-LeddarTech-Quanergy Systems-Velodyne LIDARRequest Sample Copy atOther prominent vendors-Bosch-Delphi Automotive-DENSO-First Sensor-HELLA-Ibeo Automotive Systems-Novariant (AgJunction)-Phantom Intelligence-PulsedLight (Garmin)-Teledyne Optech-Trilumina-Valeo-Innoviz-Facet Technology (Google)-Xenomatix-Princeton Lightwave-Neptec Design Group-TetraVueMarket driver-Rapid progress in autonomous vehicles-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge-Lower volume of production of LIDAR sensors resulting in higher cost-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend-Intelligent transportation-For a full, detailed list, view our reportInquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.Pune, India
Development of Technologically Advanced Blood Pressure Transducers to Propel the Growth of Blood Pressure Transducer Market in Future, According to Research Nester.
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The global blood pressure transducer market is segmented into product type such as reusable transducers and disposable transducers. Among these segments, disposable transducers segment is expected to grow at highest CAGR in overall blood pressure transducer market during the forecast period. Rising incidents of cross-contamination is anticipated to raise the demand for disposable blood pressure transducer. Furthermore, hospitals are increasingly adopting disposable blood pressure transducers to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. This factor is expected to swell the demand for disposable blood pressure transducer over the forecast period.Global blood pressure transducer market is expected to flourish at a significant CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period. Moreover, the global blood pressure transducer market is expected to garner USD 1.96 Billion by the end of 2021. Factors such as rising incidences of hypertension, low blood pressures and high blood pressures among aged population are expected to considerably increase the market size of global blood pressure transducer market.North America held the largest market share of blood pressure transducer in 2016. Further, North America is projected to continue its dominance over the forecast period owing to the high percentage of adults with high blood pressure in the region. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, currently, about 75 million adults are estimated to be suffering from high blood pressure. Asia Pacific is projected to grow at highest CAGR growth during the forecast period. Rising healthcare expenditure and continuous development in healthcare infrastructure is expected to fuel the growth of blood pressure transducer market in Asia Pacific region.Rising Number of People with High Blood PressureIncreasing prevalence of hypertension among elderly people is anticipated to drive the growth of the blood pressure transducer market during the forecast period. Further, factors such as rising geriatric population, transition from agrarian life to wage earning life due to urbanization are anticipated to increase the number of people with high blood pressure which further, is expected to raise the demand for blood pressure transducer.Request For Sample Pages:Surging Adoption of Smartphone-based Blood Pressure TransducersIncreasing awareness about the mobile based blood pressure transducers is driving the growth of blood pressure transducer market. Moreover, rising preference for technologically advanced blood pressure monitors is expected to boost the growth of blood pressure transducer market during the forecast period.However, factors such as inaccuracy in the reading, lack of reimbursement policies are likely to inhibit the growth of the global blood pressure transducer market in the near future.The report titled Blood Pressure Transducer Market: Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2021 delivers detailed overview of the global blood pressure transducer market in terms of market segmentation by product type, by technology, by end users and by region.Further, for the in-depth analysis, the report encompasses the industry growth drivers, restraints, supply and demand risk, market attractiveness, BPS analysis and Porters five force model.This report also provides the existing competitive scenario of some of the key players of the global blood pressure transducer market which includes company profiling of Utah Medical Products Inc., MEMSCAP, Argon Medical Devices, Inc., Omron Healthcare, BIOPAC Systems Inc., ADInstruments, ICU Medical, Inc., World Precision Instruments, LLC, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation and GENEQ Inc. The profiling enfolds key information of the companies which encompasses business overview, products and services, key financials and recent news and developments. On the whole, the report depicts detailed overview of the global blood pressure transducer market that will help industry consultants, equipment manufacturers, existing players searching for expansion opportunities, new players searching possibilities and other stakeholders to align their market centric strategies according to the ongoing and expected trends in the future.Request For TOC Pages:Request For Buy Now:Research Nester is a leading service provider for strategic market research and consulting. We aim to provide unbiased, unparalleled market insights and industry analysis to help industries, conglomerates and executives to take wise decisions for their future marketing strategy, expansion and investment etc. We believe every business can expand to its new horizon, provided a right guidance at a right time is available through strategic minds. Our out of box thinking helps our clients to take wise decision so as to avoid future uncertainties.For Table of Content & Free Sample Report Contact:Name:-Ajay DanielEmail: ajay.daniel@researchnester.comU.S. +1 646 586 9123U.K. +44 203 608 5919Website:-
Growth of Release Liner Market Projected to Amplify During 2015 to 2021
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Release liner is a carrier web material made up of paper or plastic. Release liners are coated on one or both the sides with release agent (chemical used to prevent one material from bonding to surfaces of another material). These releasing agents provide a releasing effect when kept in contact with any kind of stick materials. Adhesive (substance when applied to the surfaces of any materials binds them together and resists separation) and mastic (kind of gum) are of the stick material used for releasing agents. Release liners are available in different colors in the market; it can be a printed or non-printed release liner. Commercial coating companies are engaged in the manufacturing of release agent, providing unique solutions to their clients, based on a wide variety of substrates used to manufacture releasing agents. Commonly used releasing agents for release liner are cross linkable silicone and other coating materials that have low surface energy.A sample of this report is available upon request @On the bases of materials used to manufacture release liner, global release liner market can be fragmented into paper release liner (super calandered kraft paper, clay coated kraft paper, machine finished kraft paper and machine glazed paper), plastic film release liner and others (poly coated kraft papers and poly coated BO-PET film). Release liner can be used as pressure-sensitive labels and pressure-sensitive tape. Release liners have major application in label stocks industry and packaging industry. Other major application of release liners are in the field of graphic arts, envelopes, medical, tapes and hygiene.North America has the largest market share for release liner products, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The U.S. and China are the largest markets for release liner in the global market owing to increased food and pharmaceutical business in these countries. North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecasted period with Europe showing marginal growth. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness highest growth in the coming future owing to increasing domestic demand by the food and pharmaceutical industry in the developing countries such as India and China.Increasing demand from the end-user industry for better labeling is driving the global release liner market. Additionally, with increasing investment in the food and pharmaceutical industry, demand for better quality packaging is expected to increase, in turn demand for release liner is expected to increase. Also, with increasing population paired with rising international trade, demand for quality packaging and labeling is expected to increase, further increasing the demand for release liner products in the global market.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Owing to increasing demand from the food and pharmaceutical companies paired with increasing demand from the other end-user industry for better packaging and labeling. The multinational players operating in the market are influenced to invest in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific. Also, the regional players have increased their production to some extent to compete in the market. Global release liner market is dominated by multinational companies. However, there are some companies operating in the market, but at niche level. Some of the major companies operating in the global release liner market are Gascogne Laminates, 3M Company, Rayven Inc and Sil TechAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsAbhishek BudholiyaPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Instant Beverage Premix Market: Owing to Coffee being one the most Preferred Beverages
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The research report on global instant beverage premix market presents a comprehensive analysis of the market including the historical data and forecast figures. The report further elaborates on the demand and supply approach, manufacturing capacities, product segmentation, recent developments, and vendor analysis of the global instant beverage premix market. The study also includes market drivers, opportunities, restraints, and challenges to be faced in the global market.Download exclusive Sample of this report:According to the research study, the growing awareness among the population regarding health is one of the major factors that is projected to fuel the growth of the global instant beverage premix market in the coming years. The booming online retail industry has given the global instant beverage premix market a steep boost in recent years. As a result, the global instant beverage premix market is growing at a significant rate.The research study has also added valued inputs and strategic recommendations from professionals and industry experts, coupled with the use of various analytical tools such as Porters five forces analysis, SWOT analysis, and value chain analysis, to determine the growth factors and opportunities of the global instant beverage premix market.Overview of the Instant Beverage Premix MarketIn 2014, the global market for instant beverage premix market was worth US$59.38 bn and is estimated to reach a value of US$85.80 bn by the end of 2021. The market is projected to register a healthy 5.70% CAGR between 2015 and 2021. Currently, Asia Pacific holds the largest market share in the global instant beverage premix market, followed by Europe. The Asia Pacific market is expected to remain in this position between 2015 and 2021.Obtain Report Details @Based on the product type, the global market for instant beverage premix has been divided into instant health drinks, instant tea, instant milk, instant coffee, soup, and others. Among all these types, in 2014, the instant coffee segment accounted for the largest share in the overall market in terms of revenue, followed by the instant tea segment. This hierarchy is expected to remain the same throughout the forecast period. The high demand for instant coffee can be attributed to the health benefits it provides. Moreover, the fresh and energetic feeling attained after consuming coffee is another factor driving the instant coffee segment. In terms of volume, in 2014, the instant tea segment accounted for the largest share in the global market, followed by the soup segment.The growing online retail industry has played a crucial role in enhancing the distributing channels for several instant beverage premix products. The easy availability of these products on several websites such as Wal-Mart, eBay, and Amazon is further fueling the growth of the global instant beverage premix market. Innovative packaging designs and marketing strategies are other factors attracting several consumers, resulting in high growth of the market. Moreover, increasing disposable income in emerging economies and hectic schedule of consumers are also augmenting the growth of the market. However, entry of cheaper products is a key factor hampering the growth of the global instant beverage premix market.Companies mentioned in the research reportThe prominent companies operating in the global instant beverage premix market are The Republic of Tea, Inc., Suntory Beverage & Food Limited, PepsiCo Inc., Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., Ajinomoto General Foods Inc., Starbucks Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, Dunkin Brands Group, Inc., and Monster Beverage Company, to name a few.Key Segments of the Global Instant Beverage Premix Market:Global Instant Beverage Premix Market: By Product TypeInstant TeaInstant MilkInstant Health DrinksInstant CoffeeSoupOthersAbout 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:
Cloud API Market: SMEs End User Segment Anticipated to Register Relatively High CAGR over the Forecast Period
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The emergence of the Internet of Things is driving the global Cloud API marketPersistence Market Research forecasts that the global Cloud API market is expected to be valued at US$ 295.0 Mn by 2016 end and will reach US$ 1773.9 Mn by 2026, representing a CAGR of 19.6% between 2016 and 2026. One of the major factors driving this market is the emergence of the Internet of Things, which has increased the number of connected devices exponentially. Connected devices enable developers to integrate data with APIs to identify and collect relevant information from vast amounts of accumulated data.Browse Market Research Report @Market dynamicsSome of the major factors driving the growth of the global Cloud API market are increasing usage of mobile and cloud platforms, growing adoption of micro services based architecture, and the change in methodology for development of applications. However, the growth of the market is hampered by factors such as financial constraints due to stringent IT budgets and improper documentation of cloud APIs.Rapid adoption of mobile and cloud platforms for back-end services among the small and medium scale enterprises is increasing the use of Cloud API management platformsThe global cloud API market is classified on the basis of end user and vertical. Further on the basis of end user, the market is segmented as SMEs and large enterprises. The large enterprises segment was valued at nearly US$ 180 Mn in 2015. Whereas, the SMEs segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 21.9% during the forecast period.Pertinent market numbers regarding the small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) segmentPersistence Market Research forecasts that revenue from the SMEs segment in the global Cloud API market is expected to be valued at more than US$ 75 Mn by 2016 end and to reach nearly US$ 660 Mn by 2026 end, representing a CAGR of 9% from 2016 to 2026High adoption of mobile and cloud platforms for back-end services such as web applications and mobile applications is expected to significantly increase the use of cloud API management platforms by SMEsFill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @The SMEs segment is estimated to create incremental $ opportunity of nearly US$ 570 Mn between 2016 and 2026In terms of revenue, the large enterprise segment is projected to be the most attractive segment in the global Cloud API market during the assessment periodHowever, the SMEs segment is expected to register high Y-o-Y growth rates throughout the forecast periodIn 2015, the large enterprises segment was valued at nearly US$ 1,200 Mn and is expected to witness steady growth in terms of revenue throughout the assessment periodLarge enterprises are majorly investing in Cloud API platformsIn the recent past, larger enterprises across various sectors such as telecommunication, retail, healthcare, BFSI and others have been heavily investing in cloud API platforms as it enables leveraging the existing back-end applications, services and data to accelerate the time-to-market process and also benefits different aspects of the business including sales, procurement, and finance in various ways. Additionally, many large enterprises currently offer their own cloud APIs, providing application developers tools to focus on building innovative and user-friendly applications. Apple Inc. provides iCloud API store, enabling application developers to store their application documents and valuable data in iCloud. The API allows developers to access the sync and backup services and wirelessly transfer documents to the user's device automatically.Small and medium enterprises are rapidly adopting Cloud APIs to find better ways to innovate their business and gain a competitive advantageThe growing trend amongst consumers and businesses of integrating web and mobile applications into their daily routine is encouraging small and medium enterprises across industries to adopt new technologies. This helps SMEs to innovate and transform their businesses faster than competitors, thereby strengthening their footprint in the market. SMEs are basically adopting Cloud API technology as it provides new ways to engage and serve customers, streamline operations, and modernize IT infrastructure.About PMRPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Ourresearch model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.Contact PMR305 Broadway,7th FloorNew York City, NY 10007United StatesT: +1-646-568-7751Tollfree: +1 800-961-0353
North America Likely to Emerge as the Largest Maternity Care Market by 2023
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The maternity care market in North America is expected to grow more than $3 billion.The US is going to emerge as one of the largest maternity care markets globallyMaternity Care Market Global Outlook and Forecast 20172023 is the latest report published by Arizton Advisory & Intelligence. The report includes an in-depth analysis of the global maternity care market including major trends and opportunities, market drivers, restraints, leading geographies, and major vendors in the global market.View Report: Maternity Care Market Global Outlook and Forecast 20172023According to the report the maternity care market in North America is going to witness huge growth and will emerge as the largest market worldwide. Analysts at Arizton Advisory & Intelligence say that although the birth rates are declining in the region, the penetration of maternity apparels, personal care, and vitamins is high in North America.Maternity Apparels Market in North AmericaWith increased trend of women going to work till the end of third trimester, the demand for formal pregnancy wear is increasing in the region. A majority of prominent vendors such as ASOS, Destination Maternity, and Topshop are present in the region and hence there is an intense competition among vendors in the region. Several pregnancy daywear manufacturers also provide nightwear and innerwear.Personal Care Market in North AmericaMany consumers are demanding organic or natural products due to increased awareness about the harms caused by chemicals used in various creams. Several global and local manufacturers of organic pregnancy personal care products are available in the region. The personal care products segment constitutes more than 12% of the maternity care market in North America.Maternity Vitamins Market in North AmericaIncreasing awareness about the ill-effects caused due to the deficiency of vitamins and minerals among pregnant women is expected to drive the demand for pre-natal and post-natal vitamins in the region. Major vendors such as Honest, Deva, New Chapter, Nature Made, and others are present in the market.View Report: Maternity Care Market Global Outlook and Forecast 20172023US Dominates the Maternity Care Market in North AmericaThe US is one of the largest maternity care markets with penetration of almost 98% compared to 90% in Western Europe and less than 5% in APAC. The US dominated the maternity care market in North America with 86% of the market share in 2016. Women in the US are more fashion conscious, and the demand for pregnancy clothing is high among pregnant women. The penetration rate of pre and post-pregnancy personal care and vitamins market is higher in the region than other countries globally. Women are more aware of various maternity vitamins and care products available in the market and their benefits. Thus, the demand for personal care and vitamins market is high.View report on Maternity Apparels Market:View report on Maternity Vitamins Market:About Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceArizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.Arizton has gained a paramount standpoint in the market research arena as it offers top of the line solutions to clients to assess the market landscape and finalize foolproof business strategies. We are committed to provide inclusive market research reports and consulting services to clients from diversified industries including Consumer Goods & Retail Technology, Automotive and Mobility, Smart Tech, Healthcare and Lifesciences, Industrial Machinery, Chemicals and Materials, IT and Media, Logistics and Packaging.Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered in generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.Arizton Advisory & IntelligenceChicago, Illinois, 60605Mail: enquiry@arizton.comCall: +1-312-465-7864
Intrusion Detection System Market Key Players McAfee, Check point, Corero, Dell by Forecast to 2022
Intrusion Detection System Market
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Market Scenario:IDS or Intrusion Detection System is a technology which can be deployed as a device or a software to monitor the network activity and system of an organization. This activity includes monitoring the malicious activity, policy violations, unauthorized access to the system among others. As the security proliferation in the organizations are increasing, the market of IDS is also increasing.Global IDS market has been valued at USD in billion in the year 2015 which is growing with the CAGR high and expected to reach market size of USD billion by the end of forecasted period. Security loopholes and week IT infrastructure in the organization are some major factor which is giving fuel to the market of IDS.Request a Sample Report @Major Key Players: McAfee (California) Check point (Israel) Corero (Massachusetts) Dell (U.S.) IBM (U.S.) Cisco (U.S.) Extreme Networks (U.S.) Symantec (U.S.) Metaflows, Inc. (U.S.) Hewlett-Packard (U.S.)Study Objective of Intrusion Detection System Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Intrusion Detection System Market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the Intrusion Detection System market based on various factors- value chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue 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 deployment, by components, by end users and sub-segments To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Intrusion Detection System MarketMarket Segmentation:Segmentation by Deployment: Cloud based and Infrastructure based.Segmentation by Components: Hardware & Software.Segmentation by End Users: BFSI, IT& Communication, Aerospace & Defense, Software Industry, Manufacturing, Government, Healthcare among others.Regional AnalysisNorth America accounted for largest market share in the year 2015 which has been valued at USD in billion. Technological advancement and advantage of existence of global players in this region are some key factor which is supporting the market of IDS in North America.Asia-Pacific and Europe market has been growing rapidly as the economies of countries in this region is under developing phase.Industry News: In August 2016, Symantec Corp announced the acquisition of Blue Coat a leading provider of web securities for the expansion of future cyber security system. In July 2016, Symantec Corp announced the partnership with SSL Store for quick encryption of websites.Browse Full Report Details @Target Audience SMEs Cloud Security Providers Infrastructure Security Providers Security System Providers Cloud Service ProvidersTable of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Type2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size EstimationContinued..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:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Natural Fragrances Market is expected to Generate Huge Profits by 2023: Vendors- Givaudan SA, Firmenich SA, Symrise AG, International Flavors and Fragrance, Sensient Flavors and Fragrances
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Market OverviewNatural fragrances refer to composite blend of synthetic and/or natural ingredients which are added to the product in order to provide a unique smell. Natural fragrances comprise of natural aromatic raw materials such as essential oils, fractions of essential oils, isolates, and exudates such as resins, distillates, extracts and volatile concentrates. Natural fragrances are gaining traction with the increase in demand for personal care and other consumer products.Global Natural Fragrances Market is projected to grow owing to the massive demand of personal care and cosmetic products. This is attributed to the rising per capita disposable income of the consumer which resulted to use high price products by the consumers. The demand of the natural fragrances is growing due to the increasing awareness of the consumer regarding the benefits of using natural products that in turn escalates the sales of natural fragrances during the forecast period. Also, the cosmetic products especially in the skin care products, fragrances are used widely which in turn accelerates the sales of natural fragrances during the forecast period of 2017-2023.Competitive Analysis-The Major Key Players in the Natural Fragrances Market are International Flavors and Fragrance (U.S.) Sensient Flavors and Fragrances (U.S.) Takasago International (Japan) T.Hasegawa Co., Ltd (Japan) Givaudan SA (Switzerland) Firmenich SA (Switzerland) Symrise AG (Germany)Global Natural Fragrances Market is highly concentrated in Europe. Asia Pacific has a massive potential for natural fragrances, as there is an increasing demand of cosmetic products along with the demand of various other personal care products.Request a Sample Report @Downstream Analysis-Flower based segment is estimated to account for major market proportion in the global Natural Fragrances market in the year of 2017. However, fruit based segment is expected to witness a maximum growth rate during the forecast period of 2017-2023 owing to the increasing consumer inclination towards the various fruits which include Mango, Guava, Peaches, Blueberries. The fruit based fragrances are mainly used in the perfumes. Among the application, fine chemicals is expected to hold major market share in the natural fragrances market. Among the distribution channel, store based segment is estimated to account for 70% market proportion in the global natural fragrances market in the year of 2017 and it is estimated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period.Regional AnalysisNatural Fragrances Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world (RoW). Among these, Europe region is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period of 2017-2023. The growth in Europe is attributed to the massive awareness of cosmetic products among the consumers. Also, the increasing marketing campaign in European countries is expected to upsurge the demand of natural fragrances product in the European countries during the forecast period of 2017-2023. North America is also estimated to account for more than one fourth of the market proportion in the global natural fragrances market. Among the North America, U.S. is estimated to account for the maximum market proportion in the global natural fragrances market. Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at a fast pace during the forecast period of 2017-2023.Table of ContentChapter 1. Methodology and ScopeChapter 2. Executive SummaryChapter 3 Natural Fragrances Industry InsightsChapter 4 Natural Fragrances Source InsightsChapter 5 Natural Fragrances Application InsightsContinued..Access Report Details @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.ContactMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com
Superhard Material Market to Remain Lucrative During 2015 to 2021
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A superhard material is a material with a hardness level exceeding 40 gigapascals. Superhard materials are highly incompressible solids with high electron density and high bond covalency.The various products of superhard material include cemented carbides, tool steels, ceramics and diamond. Cement carbide is generally used in industrial applications for machining tough materials such as carbon steel or stainless steel. The superhard material market is segmented in the following three categories: monocrystalline superhard, composite superhard materials and super-hard materials and tools. Monocrystalline superhard materials include diamond and cubic boron nitride.A sample of this report is available upon request @Composite superhard materials include clad sheet for oil and gas, clad sheet for cutting tools, clad sheet and wire drawing die blanks used for coal and mining. Super-hard materials and tools include polycrystalline diamond drawing dies, diamond saw blades, diamond drill bits, diamond discs and diamond cutting tools.Due to their incomparable hardness, superhard materials can scratch and shape any object, hence it used in a wide range of industrial operations related to turning, cutting, drilling, boring and grinding. Superhard materials are used in many industries including aerospace, alternative energy, automotive, chemical processing, infrastructure and construction, die & mold, electronic, general machining, mining, oil & gas, paper & pulp, power generation, railroads and shipbuilding. Application of superhard material in these industries includes abrasive, coating, cutting tool, general medical, precision part, refractory parts, sensors, semiconductor fabrication, subsystem components and wear parts polishing.In 2013, affected by the insufficient demand from downstream petroleum, construction and metal cutting machine tool and due to the sluggish economy, superhard material and products industrys growth was slowed down and many companies were facing high operating costs due to this reason. In view of this, SF Diamond Co., Ltd, BOSUN Tools Co., Ltd, Henan Huanghe Whirlwind Co., Ltd, and some other companies adopted number of measures to expand their existing production capacity and extend their industrial chain to enhance their operational capabilities.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Asia-Pacific is the largest market for superhard material. China contributes the largest share of superhard material market in Asia-Pacific region generating about 90% of global output and become the top producer of manmade diamond. The superhard material market in China reached about USD 2 billion in 2013, accounting about 21.8% of global market share in superhard material. Market of superhard material in North America and Europe region is driven by improving economy, intensifying manufacturing activity and the ensuing rise in demand for machine tools that used for various industrial operations.Major companies operating in global superhard material market are Zhongnan Diamond Co.,Ltd, Zhengzhou Sino Crystal Diamond Co., Ltd, Henan Huanghe, SF Diamond Bosun Tools, KingDream Public, Advanced Technology & Materials Co., Ltd, Zhengzhou New Asia Superhard Material Composite Co., Ltd., Henan Yalong Diamond Tools Co., Ltd, Shenzhen Haimingrun Industrial Co., Ltd., Zhengzhou Research Institute for Abrasives & Grinding, Monte Bianco Diamond Applications Co., Ltd., King strong Material Engineering Ltd, CR Gems Diamond Co., Ltd, Anhui Hongjing New Material Co., Ltd, Funik Ultra hard Material Co., Ltd, Henan Yalong Superhard Materials Co.,Ltd, Zhengzhou Realy Superabrasives Co.,Ltd and BOSUN Tools Co., Ltd.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsAbhishek BudholiyaPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Designer DNA Nanocages Market - global industry analysis, competitive insight and key drivers; research report 2016 : 2024
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DNA nanocages are designed to enable transport of medications to the target diseased cells. The design is engineered with eight unique, natural DNA molecules which are mixed together and aggregated in a usable form. The entrapment of drugs using the DNA nanocages methodology released a bold pathway of delivering the biomolecules to the target cells without the disintegration of extra molecules. It is one of the modern aids of drug delivery to the targeted cells which is going to fetch a good response in the pharma market due to increasing rate of numerous cancer cases and hereditary diseases among the population.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional & Technical industry insights:According to an article published by Elsevier in 2014, design of nanocages is quite important for the mode of drug delivery, which describes the 3D-structure of the DNA. Few structures such as Wireframe Polyhedra, DNA-Origami, and DNA-Brick can be used for chemical reaction, direct material arrangement and bio molecular interaction that can be implemented by various drug manufacturing and nanotechnology based companies. The demand for effective and curative drugs are in progress where the DNA nanocages research seems to be a boon in the market.Designer DNA Nanocages Market: TrendsDNA nanocages is still on the verge of introduction into the market and other research areas.The designer DNA nanocages can be segmented based on application, which are as follows:Drug deliveryDrug therapyImagingDiagnosticsBased on the findings of a number of studies, the drug delivery methods can be of the following types:Pills/capsulesSprayLithographyAbsorptionOthersDesigner DNA nanocages can be characterized inside the body by various tests and methods. Also, various devices and techniques are used for its detection, such as:Transmission electron microscopyGel electrophoresisSingle molecule fluorescenceDesigner DNA Nanocages Market: SegmentationThe DNA nanocages market can be divided into two segments: Methods and devices as the delivery of drugs needs the final detection methodology to know about the disintegration of drugs inside the body.By geography, the designer DNA nanocages market can be segmented into: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. North America leads the market followed by the European nations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved numerous Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for nano formulation, and clinical trials for lungs, lymphoma, solid tumor, etc. which have set a good example regarding the authorization and approval of DNA nanocages in the market.Big pharma giants such as Enzon are vigorously involved in new product development and expected to have a good market penetration with the existing therapies by 2024. According to the Arizona State University news press releases, there are a number of products under the research pipeline which can probably drive the growth of the designer DNA nanocages market in the U.S. North America can be estimated as the largest market due to the numerous research projects in the U.S., gross revenue generation and presence of a number of research units as well as the increase in number of cancer patients.Request for Report ToC:The global market for cancer drugs has touched US$100 billion, according to Forbes and IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. Asia Pacific is expected to see the highest growth during the forecast period due to expansion of research labs and ongoing research on drug delivery results. In addition, increase in patient population and growth in industrialization in the Asia pacific region would drive the growth of the market in the upcoming years.As designer DNA nanocages are yet to prove their potential in the market, not many players are operating in the designer DNA nanocages market as of now.About UsTransparency Market Research 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. We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700Albany NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453E-mail: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Worldwide Cancer Immunotherapy with Artificial Intelligence for Hospitals Market: Study Forecasts Shipment Value to reach $49.4 billion dollars by 2023
Market Research HUB
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The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has benefitted the medical sector in several ways. It has an impact on patients, doctors, hospitals, clinical facilities, and the healthcare industry overall. Analysts find that the future is bright in the field of cancer research and treatment. Immunotherapy is currently revolutionizing cancer treatment and it has the potential to improve patient outcomes significantly in the future and is now used with artificial intelligence technology. Recently, Market Research Hub (MRH) has broadcasted a new study to its mega-repository, which is titled as Cancer Immunotherapy with Artificial Intelligence for Hospitals: Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2017 to 2023. The study entirely focuses on the worldwide market of pancreatic cancer diagnostics, analyzing its trends, understanding market dynamics and forecasting its future growth from 2017 to 2023.Request Free Sample Report@Immunotherapy works better for certain types of cancer over others. It is sometimes used as the only treatment and other times in conjunction with other treatments. New strategies are being developed by companies to bring A.I. to healthcare, which as a result contributing to its market growth. The study further adds that automated cancer immunotherapies from IBM Watson are employed with artificial intelligence that looks at patient samples to detect the genetic characteristics of cancer and isolate the immune particularities of the patient.According to the study key findings, Cancer immunotherapy hospital artificial intelligence market system shipments were valued at $7.4 billion in 2017, and are forecast to reach $49.4 billion dollars, worldwide by 2023. Some of the prime factors currently driving worldwide market growth include the benefits of artificial intelligence software which increases diagnostic excellence, saving lives and lowering care delivery costs. These artificial intelligence systems represent a very specialized type of care delivery. Also, personalized medicine is driving this market opportunity.Cancer therapy research institutions that use artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms are proliferating. It has been analyzed in the study that Immunotherapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) has been making enormous progress in the treatment of cancer. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, immunotherapy is one of the most promising ways to treat, cure, and ultimately prevent cancer. Immunotherapy at MSK has evolved new immune-based treatments for cancer, thus contributing towards market growth.Browse Full Report with TOC@Moreover, a thorough and insightful analysis of the key companies operating in the global pancreatic cancer diagnostics using artificial intelligence for hospitals market has been offered to the readers. At present, market leaders include IBM and General Electric. Other market participants are Quest Diagnostics, Alphabet / Google, Prognos, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Zebra, Merck and Safeguard Scientifics.Enquire About this Report@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 Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: - 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email:- press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:-Read Industry News at:-
Retailing in Romania Market 2017- Revenue, Price and Gross Margin Research Report 2017
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SUMMARYWiseGuyReports published new report, titled Service Station Retailing in Romania"Service Station Retailing in Romania 2017", a Sector Report by provides an executive-level overview of the Romanian service station market today, with values and volumes up to 2017. It delivers quantitative and qualitative insight into the fuel market, based on in depth interviews with major fuel operators across Europe and proprietary data from service station retail databases. It provides: National Fuel Volumes and Values. Breakdown of the top five fuel retailers shop, car wash, company owned, motorway and unmanned sites. Company Fuel Volumes, Values and Market Shares. Major competitor analysis by country.Total fuel consumption in Romania increased by 4.5% in 2016 compared to the previous year. Petrom has the largest service station network, at 399 sites, amounting to 19.8% of the national network. The top five fuel retailers in Romania accounted for 79.5% of the number of service station shops in the country. OMV has the largest number of service stations with a car wash in the country, at 82 sites, amounting to 23.9% of the national network.GET SAMPLE REPORT @Scope- Total fuel consumption in Romania increased by 4.5% in 2016 compared to the previous year.- Petrom has the largest service station network, at 399 sites, amounting to 19.8% of the national network.- The top five fuel retailers in Romania accounted for 79.5% of the number of service station shops in the country.- OMV has the largest number of service stations with a car wash in the country, at 82 sites, amounting to 23.9% of the national network.Key points to buy- Identify who are the top five players in Romania and how many fuel outlets, motorway & unmanned sites, shops & car wash they have.- Plan effect market strategies by uncovering market share and average fuel throughput per site of the top five players in the market.- Understand how the service station network evolving and which players are opening new outlets as well as increasing forecourt shops and car washes.- Identify what strategies the key players have across their fuel and non- fuel offerings in terms of products sold, branding, promotions, partnerships and suppliers used.Table of ContentsService Station Competitor OverviewService Station Market OverviewCompetitor ranking in 2015 compared to 2016Market Size - PetromMarket Size - LUKOILMarket Size - MOLMarket Size - RompetrolMarket Size - OMVService Station Shop NetworkService Station Shops - PetromService Station Shops - LUKOILService Station Shops - MOLService Station Shops - RompetrolService Station Shops - OMV..CONTINUEDFor accessing accurate and deep understanding and to gain latest insights and key developments in the area of your interest, we also have a list of conferences in which you will be interested in, for more information, cordially checkFor updating knowledge or for thoroughly understanding various terminologies, we also have vast list of seminars for your reference, for more information cordially checkWise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe.WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
2017-2023 global 18650 Lithium Batteries market analysis, manufacturers: reports monitor 18650 Lithium Batteries Market
Snapshot:
Reports Monitor Publish a New Market Research Report on Global 18650 Lithium Batteries Market Analysis 2011-2017 and Forecast 2018-2023.
18650 Lithium Battery is one kind of lithium-ion battery, which size is 18650.
The global 18650 Lithium Batteries market will reach xxx Million USD in 2017. 99Strategy said Electric Vehicles dominates the largest Application share in 2017. The report begins from overview of Industry Chain structure, and describes industry environment, then analyses market size and forecast of 18650 Lithium Batteries by Purity, region and Application, in addition, this report introduces market competition situation among the companies and company profile, besides, market price analysis and value chain features are covered in this report.
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Product Type Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Major Vendors of Purity etc.):
By Purity
LiCoO2 Battery, NMC/NCA, LiFePO4 Battery
Vendors Coverage (Sales Revenue, Price, Gross Margin, Main Products etc.):
Panasonic (Sanyo), Samsung SDI, LG Chem, Sony, Johnson Controls, Hitachi, Tianjin Lishen, Hefei Guoxuan, LARGE, OptimumNano, DLG Electronics, Zhuoneng New Energy, CHAM BATTERY, Padre Electronic
Application Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Different Demand Market by Region, Main Consumer Profile etc.):
Electric Vehicles, Power Banks, Laptop Battery Packs, Flashlights, Cordless Power Tools
Region Coverage (Regional Output, Demand & Forecast by Countries etc.):
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa
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Table of Contents
1 Industry Overview
1.1 18650 Lithium Batteries Industry
1.1.1 Overview
1.1.2 Development of 18650 Lithium Batteries
1.2 Market Segment
1.2.1 Upstream
1.2.2 Downstream
1.3 Cost Analysis
2 Industry Environment
2.1 Policy
2.2 Economics
2.3 Sociology
2.4 Technology
3 18650 Lithium Batteries Market by Purity
3.1 Segment Overview
3.1.1 LiCoO2 Battery
3.1.2 NMC/NCA
3.1.3 LiFePO4 Battery
3.2 Market Size
3.3 Market Forecast
4 Major Companies List
List of Tables and Figures
Table Upstream Segment of 18650 Lithium Batteries
Table Application Segment of 18650 Lithium Batteries
Table Global 18650 Lithium Batteries Market 2012-2017, by Application, in USD Million
Table Major Vendors List of LiCoO2 Battery
Table Major Vendors List of NMC/NCA
Table Major Vendors List of LiFePO4 Battery
Table Global 18650 Lithium Batteries Market 2012-2017, by Purity, in USD Million
Table Global 18650 Lithium Batteries Market 2012-2017, by Purity, in Million Units
Continued...
Browse Detailed TOC, Tables, Figures, Charts and Companies Mentioned in 18650 Lithium Batteries Market Research Report @ https://www.reportsmonitor.com/global-18650-lithium-batteries-market-analysis-2012-2017-and-forecast-2018-2023/
In a word, the report provides major statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.
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In vitro Diagnostics Market Popular Trends and Technological advancements to Watch Out for Near Future; Global Industry Analysis 2024
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In vitro diagnostics (IVD) is a suite of diagnostic tests performed using analytical instruments and reagents, on samples such as blood, stools, urine, tissues, and other body fluids. These samples are derived from patients or healthy individuals, to detect diseases or infections. Some of the significant technologies incorporated in in vitro diagnostics are polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunoassays, and sequencing technologies. In vitro diagnostics play significant role in risk assessment, and disease monitoring. Great advances have been achieved lately, particularly in the field of clinical immunology Recombinant allergens have been investigated in diagnosing asthma and food, pollen-induced and insect allergies, in in vitro testing.Get PDF Brochure for more Professional & Technical industry insights:In Vitro Diagnostics Market: SegmentationThe market can be segmented across different categories such as product types, applications, end users and geography. Based on product types, the market is segmented into, instruments, data management systems and reagents & kits. Based on application, the market is further segmented into, diabetes, infectious diseases, oncology, cardiology, nephrology, HIV, and other applications. Laboratories, standalone clinics, hospitals and patients form the major end-users of the market.The in vitro diagnostic market comprises several tests such as thyroid function tests, renal function tests, lipid profiling, liver function tests, basic metabolism tests, immunoassays, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), radio Immunoassay (RIA), florescent Immunoassay (FIA), hematology, full blood count (RBC, WBC, and platelets), bone marrow testing, blood coagulation tests, biopsy, microbiology, and other IVD techniques.In Vitro Diagnostics Market: Regional InsightOn basis of geography, the market has been segmented into five countries Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The BRICS IVD market is expected to have a healthy growth rate owing to the booming healthcare industry, thus driving the in vitro diagnostics market. China is expected to have the major share and is likely to remain the largest regional segment of BRICS countries, followed by Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa.Rampant economic growth observed in BRICS countries and emerging markets enabling patient base to afford diagnostic services has resulted in steady increase in healthcare expenditure. This is likely to remain an important driver for the BRICS IVD market in coming years. Increased awareness of diseases and personalized medicines, and rising health conscious urban population, combined with growing incidences of infections and diseases, has led to rise in demand for in vitro diagnostics in BRICS countries. Large aging population and prevalence of chronic diseases, combined with government support for healthcare market will drive the in vitro diagnostics market in China.Brazil Chamber of Laboratory Diagnostics (BCLD) study demonstrated that out of the total in vitro diagnostics market, laboratories comprised 88%, followed by blood banks at 11%, whereas Point of Care (POC) testing centers comprised only 1%. Increasing healthcare budgets along with rising number of private hospitals, and income levels backed by huge untapped population base offer interesting growth opportunities for IVD market in Brazil. However lack of proper reimbursement policies and a stringent regulatory framework may hamper the market growth. IVD market in South Africa has reached a stable phase with growth concentrated around infectious diseases diagnostics. However price sensitivity, lack of reimbursement policies and labor shortages continue to prove a hindrance to the growth of IVD market in South Africa.Request for Report ToC:The in vitro diagnostics market is competitive in nature and hence possesses higher threat to new entrants. Some major players of in vitro diagnostics market comprises Roche diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare, Danaher, Abbott Laboratories, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, and Bio Rad laboratories, Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research 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. We are privileged with highly experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700Albany NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453E-mail: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
With turnout for the 48th annual Caritas Macau Charity Bazaar set to surpass last years, the organization expects proceeds from the event to increase accordingly.
Yesterday [Saturday] we had a good number of participants. If we compare to last year, we can see that the number of participants was better [this year], secretary general Paul Pun told the Times yesterday.
Around 13,000 people attended the weekend event when it opened on Saturday at the Nam Van Nautical Center, with Pun attributing the crowds to the sunny weather.
Pun said he expected another 20,000 yesterday the second day of the event with more people taking their day off, which would bring the total number of attendees to about 33,000.
On the projected donations, he said, We havent counted yet. We usually dont count right away. It usually takes a few days [after the event to have a total figure] but I believe that we will have a little bit more than last year.
We are not looking at the income in the final report, we look at the happiness of parents and children coming together the parent-child relationship is the main point here and also activities for young people.
Attending families at the Bazaar strolled and took in the sights of the Nam Van area, while others joined games, recreational activities and raffle contests. There were also several stage performances by local school bands and groups.
Local resident Alice Chan attended the Bazaar to support [her] kids school [at the event].
Chan has participated in the event every year for a long time, even in her student days. In her opinion, the Bazaar is important as it gets children involved in meaningful activities and enables them to support others in need.
Another mother, who wished to be known only as Janice, was present at the Bazaar with her husband and two children.
Contrary to most of the other days, when there [are] not a lot of things to do [outside], there are many games [] and raffles here, she told the Times, adding that our kids are still too young to play but they enjoy the environment [of the event].
We also know that the money here goes [to] a good cause, said her husband, which he said was one of the reasons why so many people attend the event every year.
Most of the stalls in the packed Nautical Center belonged to Caritas-related organizations and schools, mainly Catholic institutions, but several government departments, bureaus and gaming concessionaires had also set up booths.
An opportunity to raise awareness
Several volunteers from the Caritas Macau WelAnser Centre were spotted among the crowds at the Caritas Macau Charity Bazaar, in addition to operating their own food stall.
According to one member, who was distributing the groups latest newsletter to passers-by, the Caritas Macau WelAnser Centre was one of several organizations that viewed the annual Bazaar as an opportunity to raise awareness about important social issues.
She explained that the Bazaar is attended by many OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) and other non-resident workers on their day off.
Its an opportunity for us to raise awareness [of] several issues that are [related to] their interests too, she said.
This time, the Centre is addressing labor rights and interests, namely those concerning the basic rules regarding the dismissal compensation for non-resident workers and what these workers can do in case these rules are not followed by their employers.
The groups also took the opportunity to spread the word about their upcoming events, which include social gatherings and training sessions on diverse topics, ranging from Chinese cooking to caring for infants and the elderly.
Infant Formula Sales Global Report Research 2017
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"Global Infant Formula Sales Market Report 2017" The Report covers current Industries Trends, Worldwide Analysis, Global Forecast, Review, Share, Size, Growth, Effect.. .Description-' '-- In this report, the global Infant Formula market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.-- Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Infant Formula for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEurope. .Get Sample Report With TOC @' 'JapanSoutheast AsiaIndia-- Global Infant Formula market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Infant Formula sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingMead JohnsonNestleDanoneAbbottFrieslandCampinaHeinzBellamyTopferHiPPPerrigoArlaHolleFonterraWestland DairyPinnacleMeijiYiliBiostimeYashiliFeiheBrightdairyBeingmateWondersonSynutraWissun-- On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoFirst ClassSecond ClassThird Class-- On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Infant Formula for each application, including0-6-Month-Old Infant6-12 Month-Old InfantInfants Over 12 Months-- -- If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.. .Report Enquiry and Other Query @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
Global Automotive Interior Materials Market to Rake in Nearly US$ 145.3 Bn by 2025
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A proficiently crafted new research study titled Automotive Interior Materials Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Forecast (2017-2025) by Persistence Market Research focuses on various aspects revolving around automotive interior material. Key trends, opportunities, developments, drivers and restraints impacting growth of the global automotive interior material market have been arranged in a systematic manner providing convenience to the reader to gauge the magnitude of impact from each factor. A detailed market segmentation is carried out to present analysis on the entire market across various regions.The global automotive interior material market is anticipated to show robust growth during the assessment period. The global market was valued at around US$ 94 Bn in 2017 and is estimated to be valued at US$ 145.3 Bn by 2025. This increase in revenue can be attributed towards its high growth rate, as the market is poised to register a CAGR of 5.6% throughout the period of forecast.Need more information about Report methodology ?Global Automotive Interior Materials Market: Segmental SnapshotThe global automotive interior material market is segmented by vehicle type (passenger cars, HCV, LCV), material type (fabric, genuine leather, synthetic leather, thermoplastic) and region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East and Africa).Thermoplastics segment by material type to grow at the highest growth rate during the forecast period to register a CAGR of 6.5% during 2017-2025. This segment can be inferred to as a high potential segment with a significant market share after fabrics segmentFabrics segment by material type is estimated to be the largest segment in terms of market value as it reflects an estimation of about US$ 76.8 Bn by 2025, growing at a steady 5.4% CAGR throughout the period of forecastAsia Pacific region is the most lucrative region for automotive interior material. This regions is expected to grow at the highest rate to reflect a CAGR of 6.1% during 2017-2025 period, to reach a high market evaluation by end of 2025. The growth of automotive material market in APAC region can be attributed to the growing automotive production and adoption of thermoplastics and synthetic leather in this regionA sample of this report is available upon request @Passenger cars segment by vehicle type is expected to dominate the global market and also reflect a high growth rate during the period of assessment 2017-2025Global Automotive Interior Materials Market: Competitive ScenarioThe global automotive interior material market research study includes analysis on key market players such as Faurecia S.A., Lear Corporation, Johnson Controls International PLC, Seiren Co., Ltd., Yanfeng Automotive Trim Systems Co., Ltd., Toyota Boshoku Corporation, Sage Automotive Interiors, Inc., Benecke-Kaliko AG, GST AutoLeather, Inc., DK Leather Corporation, Grupo-Antolin Irausa, S.A., Mayur Uniquoters Ltd., WOLLSDORF LEDER SCHMIDT & Co. Ges.m.b.H., Adient PLC, TS Tech Co., Ltd., Magna International Inc., Tachi-S Co., Ltd., Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., Guelph Manufacturing Group and NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Buy Full Report@About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based 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.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales Market Expand Their Businesses with New Investments
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales to its huge collection of research reports.Aspiring to provide a comprehensive assessment the global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales market, this report explores of all the factors, such as trends, drivers, and restraints that may influence the in the near future, positively or negatively. Developed by a group of professional market research analysts, this QY Research report also takes stock of all major opportunities that are presenting themselves in current scenario and their eventual effect on the market has been estimated. This business and commerce report has been prepared using proven research methodologies, is a summation of primary and secondary research, and includes inputs from industry experts, and aspires to contribute as a credible business document for the stakeholders connected to the value chain of the global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales market.The report focuses on gauging the current status of the Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales market. The study is very essential to enhance business productivity as well as for anticipating the forecasts. Primarily, this report on global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales market displays the overview of the industry, which consists of definitions, classifications, applications, and the industry chain structure. The report also provides competitive analysis, development history, and leading players in respective regions and countries.Get free sample copy of the report with TOC at:The report does the analysis of Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales market and invests greater time on explain the competitive landscape with a focus on top leading industry players. In addition to this, the Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales report also provides information on company profiles, capacity, product description, production cost, market revenue, and contact details. The report also includes product types, price, gross margin according to regions and Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales market growth rate of each segment of product. It is also possible to add other regions within a few working days. Then, the global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales market report includes development plans and policies of industry leaders, price structures and the development processes. The report also covers import or export details, industry supply chain and utilization figures.Global Cosmetic UV absorbers market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Cosmetic UV absorbers sales volume, Price (USD/MT), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingCroda InternationalAshlandBASF3V SigmaUnipromaLycus LtdEverlight ChemicalLabeyond ChemicalsOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoUVA ProtectionUVB ProtectionUVA+UVB ProtectionRead Complete Table of Content of the Report at:Table of ContentsGlobal Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales Market Report 20171 Cosmetic UV absorbers Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Cosmetic UV absorbers1.2 Classification of Cosmetic UV absorbers by Product Category1.2.1 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 UVA Protection1.2.4 UVB Protection1.2.5 UVA+UVB Protection1.3 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Sun care1.3.3 Skin care1.3.4 Colour cosmetics1.4 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Market by Region1.4.1 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Cosmetic UV absorbers Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Cosmetic UV absorbers Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Cosmetic UV absorbers Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Cosmetic UV absorbers Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Cosmetic UV absorbers Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Cosmetic UV absorbers (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4 Global Cosmetic UV absorbers (Volume) by Application3 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales Volume and Market Share by Players3.3 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 China Cosmetic UV absorbers (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Cosmetic UV absorbers Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Cosmetic UV absorbers Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)...About QYReseachReports.comQYReseachReports.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 US:Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Lightweight Automotive Materials Market to Reach US$ 76,200 Mn in the Year 2022
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The prospects of growth of the global lightweight automotive materials market are positively influenced by the recent increase in the automotive regulatory requirements. Due to the growing menace of rising levels of air pollution, governments all across the world have enacted stringent laws and requirements pertaining to the reduction in the emissions of carbon dioxide from the vehicles. A reference can be made of the Kyoto Protocol that commits the countries that have signed this protocol to restrict the emissions of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Due to such factors, the automotive manufacturers are increasingly turning to use lightweight materials in the vehicles they manufacture. Such kind of lightweight materials reduce the overall weight of the vehicles, thereby improving the fuel efficiency of such vehicles and cutting the emissions of greenhouse gases. However, the high cost of such lightweight materials is hampering the growth of this market.Need more information about Report methodology ?The global lightweight automotive materials market is slated to touch a value of about US$ 76,200 Mn in the year 2022 and grow at a steady CAGR during the assessment period.4 Forecast Highlights on Global Lightweight Automotive Materials MarketAs per the forecast of Persistence Market Research, the HSS additive type segment is slated to touch a value of nearly US$ 10,000 Mn in the year 2022. This represents a moderate CAGR growth during the assessment period of 2017-2022. The HSS additive type segment is estimated to account for more than one-tenth of the revenue share of the additive type segment by the year 2017 and is forecasted to lose market share by 2022 over 2017.As per the forecast of Persistence Market Research, the mid-sized passenger cars segment will reach a value of about US$ 12,500 Mn in the year 2017. This represents a robust CAGR growth during the forecast period. The mid-sized passenger cars segment is forecasted to account for more than one-fifth of the total revenue share of the vehicle type segment by the end of the year 2017 and is expected to gain in market share by 2022 as compared with the year 2017.A sample of this report is available upon request @As per the forecast of Persistence Market Research, the body-in white application type segment is slated to reach a value of nearly US$ 18,700 Mn in 2022. The body-in white application type segment is expected to gain market share by the end of the year 2022. The largest share is contributed by the APEJ region in the body-in white application type segment.Persistence Market Research forecasts the China lightweight automotive materials market to exhibit a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 5% from 2017 to 2022.The report has also included the profiles of some of the leading companies in the lightweight automotive materials market like ArcelorMittal SA, Owens Corning, BASF SE, ThyssenKrupp AG, Covestro AG., PPG Industries, Inc., LyondellBasell Industries NV, Alcoa Inc., Novelis, Inc. and Toray Industries, Inc.Buy Full Report@About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based 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.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Polymeric Plasticizer Market 2017 - Eastman Chemical Company (US), BASF SE (Germany), E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (US)
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Market Overview:Polymeric Plasticizer is used in various industry such as paints, packaging, automotive, construction, electronics, and other but the polymeric plasticizer market is especially driven by packaging industry. In addition, the growing packaging and construction industry is driving the Polymeric Plasticizer Market. Furthermore, it is highly used in various application such as adhesive, pigment, films, membranes, cables, and others. Films are among the largest contributors in the polymeric plasticizers market which are mainly driven by increasing consumer base and growing purchasing power in the developing countries. On the basis of geography, market share of Polymeric Plasticizer is high in Asia Pacific region and is also expected to increase at a high growth rate as compared to other regions such as North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle East.Competitive Analysis:Key players of the Global Polymeric Plasticizer Market are Eastman Chemical Company (US), BASF SE (Germany), E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (US), LANXESS (Germany), Hallstar (US), Exxon Mobil Corporation (US), Evonik Industries AG (Germany), Teknor (US), Aekyung Petrochemical Co., Ltd. (South Korea), UPC Technology Corp (Taiwan), and others.Request a Sample Report @Market Segmentation:Global Polymeric Plasticizer Market is segmented by applications, and end user industry, and region. On the basis of applications the polymeric plasticizer market is divided by adhesive, pigment, films, membranes, cables, and others. Polymeric plasticizers enhance the performance of adhesives by providing more optimizing viscosity, low-temperature efficiency, elasticity, and impact resistance. Furthermore, the use of Polymeric Plasticizers with low toxicity and good compatibility in several polymer applications has become more attractive especially in films applications. The use of Polymeric Plasticizer reduced the tensile strength of all the films. Using a polymeric plasticizer can lead to smoother films, increase adhesion to the tablet surface, reduce logo bridging, and actually reduce cracking or chipping by improving film toughness. Next, in the membrane application, polymeric plasticized membranes are a new perspective to solve the stability problems of supported liquid membranes to perform the simultaneous separation, concentration and purification of valuable species from aqueous solutions. Polymeric Plasticizer are widely used in protective materials or insulation of wires and cables in electronics, appliances, and communications systems.On the other hand, on the basis of end user the polymeric plasticizer market is segmented into paints, packaging, automotive, construction, electronics, and other. Among all industry packaging industry occupied the highest market share. Polymeric Plasticizer well-suited for critical uses where the PVC compound are approved for food contact applications especially in packaging industry due to having extraction and migration resistance which make suitable for these applications. In addition to this, Polymeric Plasticizer highly applicable in appliance gasket, cap liners and seals, food hoses, tubing, oil and grease resistant insulation, and others. The increasing consumption of Polymeric Plasticizer in various industry such as paints, packaging, automotive, construction and electronics among others will drive the Global Polymeric Plasticizer Market in the forecasted period.Regional Analysis:Geographically, Asia Pacific is the biggest market of Polymeric Plasticizer due to huge of polymeric plasticizer consumption in packaging industry. In addition, rising demand for construction, packaging, and paint industry in China, India, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea has made Asia Pacific largest consumer of the Global Polymeric Plasticizer Market followed by increasing in the consumption of Polymeric Plasticizer Market in North America region. In North America region, polymeric plasticizer market is drive by automotive, electrical and others industry. Furthermore, the third biggest market of Polymeric Plasticizer is Europe region due to large consumption in paints, packaging, and construction industry. Moreover, Latin America and Middle East also witnessed in growth of Polymeric Plasticizer market due to various end user industry such as paints, packaging, automotive, construction, electronics, and other.Make an Enquiry before Buying @Key Points from Table of Contents:11. Company Profiles11.1 Eastman Chemical Company11.1.1 Company Overview11.1.2 Product/Business Segment Overview11.1.3 Financial Updates11.1.4 Key Developments11.2 BASF SE11.2.1 Company Overview11.2.2 Product/Business Segment Overview11.2.3 Financial Updates11.2.4 Key Developments11.3 E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company11.3.1 Company Overview11.3.2 Product/Business Segment Overview11.3.3 Financial Updates11.3.4 Key Developments11.4 LANXESS11.4.1 Company Overview11.4.2 Product/Business Segment Overview11.4.3 Financial Updates11.4.4 Key DevelopmentsBrowse Full Report Details @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. 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HCS Software and Services Market is Expected to Reach USD 1.1 Billion by 2022
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A new report added to the repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine HCS Software and Services Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2022 is a comprehensive repository of information, providing market share, size, and forecast.Get Free Sample Report@The global high content screening (HCS) software and services market is foreseen to invite a host of promising opportunities while riding on technological developments in HCS solutions, cost containment in pharma research and development, and cellular research funding. Developed regions such as North America could propel the demand for HCS software and services with high government support, swelling presence of large life sciences companies, and rising research and development expenditure. HCS software and services could find application in lead specificity, the assessment of bioavailability, and qualitative assays to omit compounds with unintended modes of action.The global HCS software and services market is foretold to expand at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast timeframe 20172022. By the end of 2022, the market could be valued at a US$1,164.8 mn. In 2017, it held a valuation of US$832.7 mn.HCS Services as Top Product Amassing Vast Share by 2022As stated by the authors of the report, the world HCS software and services market is envisaged to be classified according to product, industry, and application. In terms of product, the market could see a classification into two segments, viz. HCS services and HCS software. Amongst these, HCS services are prophesied to secure a larger share of 71.6% in the market by 2022 end. The absolute growth achieved by HCS services could surpass that of any other segment of the market under the same classification.View Full Report At@According to industry, the world HCS software and services market is forecasted to be segmented into bio, educational institutions, government organizations, independent contract research organizations (CROs), and pharmaceutical and healthcare.By application, toxicity studies, target identification and validation, primary and secondary screening, and compound profiling could be important segments of the world HCS software and services market.North Americas Dominance that Rests on Loftier Revenue GrowthOn the geographical front, the international HCS software and services market is envisioned to be divided into different regions such as North America, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), Latin America, Europe, and Asia Pacific except Japan (APEJ) and Japan. The analysts are of the opinion that North America could possibly lead the market with a revenue of US$426 mn expected to be achieved by the end of the forecast period.Europe followed by Japan could be another market for HCS software and services with a strong revenue growth anticipated to be garnered by 2022. Europe is projected to reach a valuation of US$301.2 mn by the final forecast year. However, the MEA is envisaged to be on the slower side of growth throughout the course of the forecast period. Between 2017 and 2022, APEJ could create an absolute revenue prospect of US$66.3 mn.The worldwide HCS software and services market could witness the presence of crucial and prominent industry players such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., General Electric Company, Becton, Dickinson & Company, PerkinElmer, Inc., Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Merck & Co., Inc., Thorlabs, Inc., Sysmex Corporation, and Danaher Corporation.Enquire About this Report@About MRRSEMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of Market Research Reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.Contact UsState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United States Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Read More Industry News At:
Hydrogen Sulphide Market Report 2017-Bayer, Dow Chemical, Linde, Industrial Scientific Corporation
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Apex Research, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Hydrogen Sulphide Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Hydrogen Sulphide Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Hydrogen Sulphide industry, and estimates the future trend of Hydrogen Sulphide market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Hydrogen Sulphide Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportBayerDow ChemicalLindeIndustrial Scientific CorporationMonitorTechHydrite ChemicalAir LiquideDuPontEvonik IndustriesBASFThe market research report explores the Hydrogen Sulphide market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Hydrogen Sulphide Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Hydrogen Sulphide market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Hydrogen Sulphide. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Hydrogen Sulphide market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Hydrogen Sulphide is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Hydrogen Sulphide market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Hydrogen Sulphide market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Hydrogen Sulphide market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Hydrogen Sulphide production volume, data pertaining to demand and Hydrogen Sulphide supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Hydrogen Sulphide along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Hydrogen Sulphide across the world.About UsApex Market Reports offers elevating market research globally. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different categories. Apex Market Reports provides you to best services, weather youre searching for new trends in market or competitive scenario in emerging market.Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank ValadezCorporate Sales Specialist155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Phone: +17739042683Email id - sales@apexmarketreports.comWebsite -
Cloud Computing in Education Market - Detailed Analysis and Forecast upto 2025
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Global Cloud Computing in Education Market: SnapshotAs the rapidly expanding education sector faces sustainability issues and budget restrictions, cloud computing is increasingly being seen as one approach to relieve these pressures. As capacity requirements of an educational institution begin to fluctuate and as new services and applications become available, the association with cloud allows institutions to meet the needs of their constituents in a cost effective and quick manner. As the trend of the greater usage of mobile computing devices gathers strength, cloud computing becomes a more obvious choice for educational institutions as it provides users the access to storage, applications, and a vast number of other resources from almost any device.Moreover, cloud computing provides an economical and highly flexible means to make the limited resources more useful for a larger set of consumers. The rising set of institutional sourcing options makes it necessary for IT leaders to analyze and integrate more providers and options. Cloud computing presents itself as a viable tool in the scenario owing to the several monetary and flexibility benefits it provides.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Real-life classroom experiences show that cloud is a good tool for collaboration and teaching. As the technology is still emerging, it presents the need for implementation of customized and standardized services. Evaluation in the sector could help bring vast changes in the rural education sector, an application area that presents vast untapped opportunities that companies in the cloud computing sector should consider for promising returns. This report analyzes and discusses the present and the prospective future growth opportunities in the field of cloud computing in education.Global Cloud Computing in Education Market: OverviewThe international market for cloud computing in education is envisioned to leverage the booming opportunities originated from the loud acceptance of upgradable cloud services in the education industry. A countable number of educational institutions have given the green light for cloud computing to meet the requirement of streamlining academic procedures such as evaluation, administration, and most importantly, learning. The global cloud computing in education market is prophesied to win lucrative perks from the demand to implement centralized systems for the purpose of effectively managing academic administration processes, thus curbing the burden on the management staff.Request TOC of the Report @The report offered here on the global cloud computing in education market could see a segmentation pattern which introduces classification criteria such as deployment model, service model, and end user.The global cloud computing in education market report is a crucial guide for businesses wanting to ensure a visible progress in the industry. With customizations procured as per the needs of the interested parties, the publication holds the potential to rightly direct the existing as well as budding players to penetrate the global market.Global Cloud Computing in Education Market: Trends and OpportunitiesAcross the world, the cloud computing in education market is anticipated to gain a strong impetus due to the elevating adoption of the technology in higher education and K-12. For the forecast period, higher education is predicted to mark a larger share in the global market amongst other end users. The domination of this possible end user segment could continue until the end of the forecast period.Get Discount @Since most end users prefer the services offered by platform as a service (PaaS) providers, this service model market is expected to gain traction over markets in the category. The important change in the cloud ecosystem is principally attributed to the implementation of PaaS. However, software as a service (SaaS) is foreseen to hold a significant percentage of share in the global cloud computing in education market.Owing to the amplified number of security features offered at a reasonable price, the community cloud as a probable deployment type segment is foretold to grasp a marked share in the world cloud computing in education market.Global Cloud Computing in Education Market: Regional OutlookSpecifically in the developed countries of Canada and the U.S., the demand for cloud computing in education is prognosticated to move levels higher as they look to ride on the elevating focus on production innovations. Most innovations in this field are judged to receive a strong push from the rigorous research and development activities performed in the cloud computing sector. As a result, North America is expected to leave no doubts in the minds of the research analysts for coming forth as a larger revenue holder in the global cloud computing in education market.The Asia Pacific market is forecasted to be propelled by the shift toward cloud solutions for sophisticated services such as tracking, sharing, and collaborating sundry variants of a document. Much of this demand is expected to birth from end users such as universities and schools.There could be a few challenges that the top regions of the cloud computing in education market could face, i.e. rigidly designed cloud-based systems and account management and data protection risks. Nevertheless, such constraints are estimated to lose their effect eventually with the advent of momentous opportunities such as developing potential markets, employment of adaptive cloud services, and application of cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.Global Cloud Computing in Education Market: Companies MentionedAmong others, the sovereign brands operating in the worldwide cloud computing in education market could be Ellucian, Amazon Web Services, NetApp Inc., NEC Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, VMware Inc., IBM Corporation, Cisco System Inc., and Adobe System Inc. With the intention of popularizing their offerings at a global platform, the major vendors in the market are envisaged to take advantage of acquisitions and mergers and inauguration of novel products.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Global Plastics Packing Market 2017 Crown Holdings, Owens-Illinois, Mondi, Smurfit Kappa
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ReportsMonitor.com has added Global Plastics Packing Report 2017 to its database of market research reports.Major Manufacture Analysis Of Plastics Packing Market 2017. The report presents a Depth Research of the market growth factors and drivers. A Deep research of the Plastics Packing Market limitations and the opportunities enable the user to make the future projection. The report also includes Company Profile, based on the manufacturing methods, technological advancements, and innovations.GET SAMPLE REPORT @The report has been prepared based on the competitive analysis, and interpretation of information about the global Plastics Packing market future trends. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. Company profile, product portfolio, new project launched, recent development analysis are the parameters included in the profile.The study provides a decisive view on the Plastics Packing by segmenting the market based on applications. All the application segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2017 to 2022.To Enquiry about report @Key ApplicationsPackagin-non food contactPackaging-food contactConstructionAutomotiveOtherKey ProductsPETHDPELDPEPPOtherKey VendorsBallCrown HoldingsOwens-IllinoisMondiSmurfit KappaSealed AirInternational PaperStora EnsoAmcorWestRockReynolds GroupTable of ContentsPart 1. Exclusive SummaryPart 2. Methodology2.1 Research Methodology2.2 Geographic Scope2.3 Years ConsideredPart 3. Introduction3.1 Product Overview3.2 Applications of Plastics Packing3.3 Manufacturing Process3.3.1 Raw Materials3.3.2 Cost AnalysisView Entire Report @About UsReports Monitor is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact UsJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Global and United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Market Shares and Forecast 2017-2022 - BioEnable, Techshino, Miaxis, Nymi, Sonavation, Fujitsu
United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global and United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The report is based on the market historical data from 2012 to 2016 and forecast the market trend from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses on the U.S. market and presents volume and value of market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also changes in prices. As an in-depth report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinions in Automotive Biometric Access Systems industry.Major CompaniesBioEnable (India)Techshino (USA)Miaxis (China)Nymi (Canada)Sonavation USA)Fujitsu (USA)BIODIT (Bulgaria)KeyLemon (Keymon)Denso (USA)EyeLock (USA)FPC (Sweden)HID Global (USA)IriTech (USA)NEC (USA)Nuance (USA)VOXX International Corporation (USA)Olea Sensor Networks (USA)Safran (France)Synaptics (USA)To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain types of productsAutomotive Biometric Access Systems Market, by TechnologyFingerprint RecognitionVoice RecognitionIris RecognitionFacial RecognitionGesture RecognitionAutomotive Biometric Access Systems Market, by Sensor TypesPhysiological Characteristics & SensorBehavioral Characteristics & SensorBiometric IdentificationAutomotive Biometric Access Systems Market, by Biometric WearablesBiometric Vehicle Access SystemEngine Start-Stop SystemDriver Fatigue & Drowsiness Monitoring SystemMemory SteeringMemory SeatsAutomotive Biometric Access Systems Market, by Fleet Managemnt ServiceElectronic Logging DeviceEye Tracking/Blink MonitoringDriver Behavior MonitoringHeart Rate MonitoringDrowsiness MonitoringAutomotive Biometric Access Systems Market, by Key ConsumersElectric VehicleNormal CarTable of ContentsGlobal and United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022Chapter One Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Market Overview1.1 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20171.2 Automotive Biometric Access Systems, by Technology 2012-20171.2.1 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Technology 2012-20171.2.2 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Technology 2012-20171.2.3 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Technology 2012-20171.2.4 Fingerprint Recognition1.2.5 Voice Recognition1.2.6 Iris Recognition1.2.7 Facial Recognition1.2.8 Gesture Recognition1.3 Automotive Biometric Access Systems, by Sensor Types 2012-20171.3.1 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Sensor Types 2012-20171.3.2 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Sensor Types 2012-20171.3.3 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Sensor Types 2012-20171.3.4 Physiological Characteristics & Sensor1.3.5 Behavioral Characteristics & Sensor1.3.6 Biometric Identification1.4 Automotive Biometric Access Systems, by Biometric Wearables 2012-20171.4.1 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Biometric Wearables 2012-20171.4.2 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Biometric Wearables 2012-20171.4.3 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Biometric Wearables 2012-20171.4.4 Biometric Vehicle Access System1.4.5 Engine Start-Stop System1.4.6 Driver Fatigue & Drowsiness Monitoring System1.4.7 Memory Steering1.4.8 Memory Seats1.5 Automotive Biometric Access Systems, by Fleet Managemnt Service 2012-20171.5.1 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Fleet Managemnt Service 2012-20171.5.2 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Fleet Managemnt Service 2012-20171.5.3 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Fleet Managemnt Service 2012-20171.5.4 Electronic Logging Device1.5.5 Eye Tracking/Blink Monitoring1.5.6 Driver Behavior Monitoring1.5.7 Heart Rate Monitoring1.5.8 Drowsiness MonitoringChapter Two United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Market Overview2.1 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20172.2 Automotive Biometric Access Systems, by Technology 2012-20172.2.1 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Technology 2012-20172.2.2 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Technology 2012-20172.2.3 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Technology 2012-20172.2.4 Fingerprint Recognition2.2.5 Voice Recognition2.2.6 Iris Recognition2.2.7 Facial Recognition2.2.8 Gesture Recognition2.3 Automotive Biometric Access Systems, by Sensor Types 2012-20172.3.1 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Sensor Types 2012-20172.3.2 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Sensor Types 2012-20172.3.3 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Sensor Types 2012-20172.3.4 Physiological Characteristics & Sensor2.3.5 Behavioral Characteristics & Sensor2.3.6 Biometric Identification2.4 Automotive Biometric Access Systems, by Biometric Wearables 2012-20172.4.1 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Biometric Wearables 2012-20172.4.2 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Biometric Wearables 2012-20172.4.3 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Biometric Wearables 2012-20172.4.4 Biometric Vehicle Access System2.4.5 Engine Start-Stop System2.4.6 Driver Fatigue & Drowsiness Monitoring System2.4.7 Memory Steering2.4.8 Memory Seats2.5 Automotive Biometric Access Systems, by Fleet Managemnt Service 2012-20172.5.1 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Fleet Managemnt Service 2012-20172.5.2 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Fleet Managemnt Service 2012-20172.5.3 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Fleet Managemnt Service 2012-20172.5.4 Electronic Logging Device2.5.5 Eye Tracking/Blink Monitoring2.5.6 Driver Behavior Monitoring2.5.7 Heart Rate Monitoring2.5.8 Drowsiness MonitoringChapter Three Automotive Biometric Access Systems by Regions 2012-20173.1 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.2 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.3 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Price by Regions 2012-20173.4 North America3.4.1 United States3.4.1.1 California3.4.1.2 Texas3.4.1.3 New York3.4.1.4 Others in United States3.4.2 Canada3.5 Latin America3.5.1 Mexico3.5.2 Brazil3.5.3 Argentina3.5.4 Others in Latin America3.6 Europe3.6.1 Germany3.6.2 United Kingdom3.6.3 France3.6.4 Italy3.6.5 Spain3.6.6 Russia3.6.7 Netherland3.6.8 Others in Europe3.7 Asia & Pacific3.7.1 China3.7.2 Japan3.7.3 India3.7.4 Korea3.7.5 Australia3.7.6 Southeast Asia3.7.6.1 Indonesia3.7.6.2 Thailand3.7.6.3 Philippines3.7.6.4 Vietnam3.7.6.5 Singapore3.7.6.6 Malaysia3.7.6.7 Others in Southeast Asia3.8 Africa & Middle East3.8.1 South Africa3.8.2 Egypt3.8.3 Turkey3.8.4 Saudi Arabia3.8.5 Iran3.8.6 Others in Africa & Middle EastChapter Four Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems by Companies 2012-20174.1 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20174.2 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20174.3 Global Top Companies Automotive Biometric Access Systems Key Product Model and Market Performance4.4 Global Top Companies Automotive Biometric Access Systems Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Five United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems by Companies 2012-20175.1 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20175.2 United States Automotive Biometric Access Systems Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20175.3 United States Top Companies Automotive Biometric Access Systems Key Product Model and Market Performance5.4 United States Top Companies Automotive Biometric Access Systems Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Six Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems by Consumer 2012-20176.1 Global Automotive Biometric Access Systems Sales Market Share by Consumer 2012-20176.2 Electric Vehicle6.3 Normal Car6.4 Consuming Habit and PreferenceContinue...Browse Detail Report With TOC @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.ResearchMozState 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 @
Brussels prosecutors said yesterday that ousted Catalan president Carles Puigdemont and four ex-regional ministers were taken into custody to start the process of their possible extradition to Spain.
The five presented themselves to federal police at around 9 a.m.,
Brussels prosecutors office spokesman Gilles Dejemeppe said the five presented themselves to federal police yesterday morning (afternoon, Macau time), that they have not been arrested and that an investigative judge will shortly hear them.
The Belgian judge will have to decide within 24 hours what comes next for the five separatist politicians wanted in Spain on suspicion of rebellion for pushing through a declaration of independence for the northeastern Catalonia in violation of Spains Constitution.
Dejemeppe said the judges options range from refusal to execute the European arrest, arresting the people involved, releasing them on conditions or under bail. He said if they are arrested then they will be sent to jail as the extradition process continues. Dejemeppe said that the entire process from arrest to extradition, could take more than 60 days.
That delay could give Puigdemont time to participate, albeit from afar and in largely a symbolic capacity, in the snap regional election called by Spains government for Catalonia on Dec. 21.
A senior official of Puigdemonts party, the center-right Democratic Party of Catalonia, said yesterday that the party wanted Puigdemont to repeat as its candidate. Spanish government spokesman Inigo Mendez de Vigo has said that any politician can run in the election unless he or she has been convicted of a crime.
Puigdemont and the four ex-ministers fled to Belgium this past week after being removed from power by Spanish authorities as part of an extraordinary crackdown to quash the regions illegal secession claim.
Political forces in Catalonia are hurriedly jockeying for position to start a campaign that promises to be as bitter as it is decisive to Spains worst institutional crisis in nearly four decades.
While pro-union parties try to rally support to win back control of the regional parliament in Barcelona, pro-secession parties are debating whether or not to form one grand coalition for the upcoming ballot.
Spains Constitution says the nation is indivisible and that all matters of national sovereignty pertain to the countrys parliament.
In all, Spanish prosecutors are investigating 20 regional politicians for rebellion and other crimes that could be punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Another two leaders of pro-secession grassroots groups are also in jail while an investigation continues into suspicion of sedition.
Fueled by questions of cultural identity and economic malaise, secessionist sentiment has skyrocketed to reach roughly half of the 7.5 million residents of Catalonia, a prosperous region that is proud of its Catalan language spoken along with Spanish.
Hundreds of pro-secession Catalans gathered in town squares across the region yesterday to put up posters in support of independence and to demand the release of the jailed separatists.
People came today because we want to send a message to Europe that even if our president is still in Brussels and all our government now is in Madrid jailed, that the independence movement still didnt finish and people are still striving to get independence in a peaceful and democratic way, said 24-year-old protester Adria Ballester in Barcelona. MDT/AP
basque
solidarity
SEVERAL THOUSAND people marched in Spains Basque Country to protest the Spanish governments takeover of Catalonias affairs to impede the regions secession and to punish the politicians promoting it. The march held Saturday under steady rain in the city of Bilbao also was organized as a show of support for Catalan separatists who claim the regions people have the right to self-determination. The Basque region in northern Spain has its own separatist movement, one with a decades-long history of armed conflict and violence. An armed separatist group, ETA, has been blamed for the deaths of more than 800 Spanish law enforcement officers, soldiers and civilians people. The group disarmed earlier this year.
New Study | Global and United States Oral Irrigator Market Analysis, Growth and Forecast 2017-2022
United States Oral Irrigator
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global and United States Oral Irrigator In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The report is based on the market historical data from 2012 to 2016 and forecast the market trend from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses on the U.S. market and presents volume and value of market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also changes in prices. As an in-depth report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinions in Oral Irrigator industry.Major CompaniesWaterPik(US)PHILIPS(Netherlands)Panasonic(Japan)Oral-B(US)Aquapick(Korea)Cleanpro(US)Prooral(China)JETPIK(China)h2ofloss(China)Waterpulse(China)Candeon(China)To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key RegionsNorth AmericaUnited StatesCaliforniaTexasNew YorkOthersCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain types of productsOral Irrigator Market, by Oral Irrigator ClassificationFixed FrequencyFrequency ConversionPortableOtherOral Irrigator Market, by Oral Irrigator PressureSelf-contained PumpWater PressureOral Irrigator Market, by Key ConsumersHome UseDental HospitalTable of ContentsGlobal and United States Oral Irrigator In-Depth Research Report 2017-2022Chapter One Global Oral Irrigator Market Overview1.1 Global Oral Irrigator Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20171.2 Oral Irrigator, by Oral Irrigator Classification 2012-20171.2.1 Global Oral Irrigator Sales Market Share by Oral Irrigator Classification 2012-20171.2.2 Global Oral Irrigator Revenue Market Share by Oral Irrigator Classification 2012-20171.2.3 Global Oral Irrigator Price by Oral Irrigator Classification 2012-20171.2.4 Fixed Frequency1.2.5 Frequency Conversion1.2.6 Portable1.2.7 Other1.3 Oral Irrigator, by Oral Irrigator Pressure 2012-20171.3.1 Global Oral Irrigator Sales Market Share by Oral Irrigator Pressure 2012-20171.3.2 Global Oral Irrigator Revenue Market Share by Oral Irrigator Pressure 2012-20171.3.3 Global Oral Irrigator Price by Oral Irrigator Pressure 2012-20171.3.4 Self-contained Pump1.3.5 Water PressureChapter Two United States Oral Irrigator Market Overview2.1 United States Oral Irrigator Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20172.2 Oral Irrigator, by Oral Irrigator Classification 2012-20172.2.1 United States Oral Irrigator Sales Market Share by Oral Irrigator Classification 2012-20172.2.2 United States Oral Irrigator Revenue Market Share by Oral Irrigator Classification 2012-20172.2.3 United States Oral Irrigator Price by Oral Irrigator Classification 2012-20172.2.4 Fixed Frequency2.2.5 Frequency Conversion2.2.6 Portable2.2.7 Other2.3 Oral Irrigator, by Oral Irrigator Pressure 2012-20172.3.1 United States Oral Irrigator Sales Market Share by Oral Irrigator Pressure 2012-20172.3.2 United States Oral Irrigator Revenue Market Share by Oral Irrigator Pressure 2012-20172.3.3 United States Oral Irrigator Price by Oral Irrigator Pressure 2012-20172.3.4 Self-contained Pump2.3.5 Water PressureChapter Three Oral Irrigator by Regions 2012-20173.1 Global Oral Irrigator Sales Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.2 Global Oral Irrigator Revenue Market Share by Regions 2012-20173.3 Global Oral Irrigator Price by Regions 2012-20173.4 North America3.4.1 United States3.4.1.1 California3.4.1.2 Texas3.4.1.3 New York3.4.1.4 Others in United States3.4.2 Canada3.5 Latin America3.5.1 Mexico3.5.2 Brazil3.5.3 Argentina3.5.4 Others in Latin America3.6 Europe3.6.1 Germany3.6.2 United Kingdom3.6.3 France3.6.4 Italy3.6.5 Spain3.6.6 Russia3.6.7 Netherland3.6.8 Others in Europe3.7 Asia & Pacific3.7.1 China3.7.2 Japan3.7.3 India3.7.4 Korea3.7.5 Australia3.7.6 Southeast Asia3.7.6.1 Indonesia3.7.6.2 Thailand3.7.6.3 Philippines3.7.6.4 Vietnam3.7.6.5 Singapore3.7.6.6 Malaysia3.7.6.7 Others in Southeast Asia3.8 Africa & Middle East3.8.1 South Africa3.8.2 Egypt3.8.3 Turkey3.8.4 Saudi Arabia3.8.5 Iran3.8.6 Others in Africa & Middle EastChapter Four Global Oral Irrigator by Companies 2012-20174.1 Global Oral Irrigator Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20174.2 Global Oral Irrigator Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20174.3 Global Top Companies Oral Irrigator Key Product Model and Market Performance4.4 Global Top Companies Oral Irrigator Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Five United States Oral Irrigator by Companies 2012-20175.1 United States Oral Irrigator Sales Volume Market Share by Companies 2012-20175.2 United States Oral Irrigator Revenue Share by Companies 2012-20175.3 United States Top Companies Oral Irrigator Key Product Model and Market Performance5.4 United States Top Companies Oral Irrigator Key Target Consumers and Market PerformanceChapter Six Global Oral Irrigator by Consumer 2012-20176.1 Global Oral Irrigator Sales Market Share by Consumer 2012-20176.2 Home Use6.3 Dental Hospital6.4 Consuming Habit and PreferenceContinue...Browse Detail Report With TOC @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.ResearchMozState 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 @
Conformal Coatings Market, Application Development Potential, Industry Analysis & Forecast by 2017 - 2024.
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Global conformal coatings market size was worth over USD 3 billion in 2014 and is likely to be valued at USD 5.2 billion by 2023, growing at CAGR of above 6.2%.Electronics based conformal coatings market size was the largest and accounted for over 35% of the total demand in 2014. This application generated revenue exceeding USD 1.6 billion in 2014 and is likely to register above USD 2.5 billion by 2023. Other major applications include aerospace, medical devices and automotive.Acrylic resin conformal coatings accounted for more than 65% of the total demand in 2014 and are likely to witness moderate growth rate over the forecast period. Silone resins accounted for more than 25% of the total revenue share in 2014 and are likely to grow at significant rate till 2023. Other major resin types include silicone, polyurethane (PU), epoxy and paralyne.Make an Inquiry before buying @North America, in particular U.S. conformal coatings market share and accounted for 30% in 2014 and is likely to grow at significant rate over the forecast period. Asia Pacific is likely to witness highest gains over the forecast period owing to electronics industry growth in China, India and South Korea.Increase in electronic devises sales such as home appliances, laptops and cell phones coupled with demand for proper functioning of PCBs (printed circuit boards) even in harsh environments is likely to drive conformal coatings market. Its main function is to act as protective barrier for PCBs against factors such as corrosive gases, humidity, fungi, dust and solvents.They also act as stress relief agents for PCB insulation resistance and reduce dendritic growth and metal electro migration between conductors. Conformal coatings are usually applied in the form of thin layers and posses properties such as dielectric and abrasion & thermal resistance.Browse complete summary of this report @Increasing application scope in automobile industry is likely to drive conformal coatings demand over the forecast period. Automotive industry specifies its use in protecting circuitry against gasoline vapor, brake fluid and salt spray. Electronic system application in the form of GPS & parking systems is growing rapidly and protection against aforementioned factors is vital for ensuring long term reliability. They are used in automotive applications such as under the hood systems and passenger compartments systems such as onboard computers.Prevention against rapid compressions & decompressions for circuitry performance under harsh conditions in aerospace applications is likely to drive conformal coatings industry growth. They are used in both depressurized and pressurized areas.They are also used in medical industry. Its application involves tool protection in storage areas for corrosion prevention, pacemakers for continuous performance and hospital food carts.Different resin used serve as base materials and every type has used has different properties, performance characteristics and application issues associated with them. Their choice in depends upon operation and environmental conditions present at time of different applications.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @Acrylic coatings are widely used in different applications such as electronics, automotive and aerospace. They are traditionally solvent based formulations which provide tough and transparent coatings exhibiting low moisture absorption, short drying cycles and good pot life. Acrylic conformal coatings have excellent physical & electrical properties helpful in resisting fungal growth.Acrylic coatings being solventborne are sometimes associated with VOC content and face stringent government regulations over health, safety & environmental concerns. Some formulations available contain no VOC & also urethane acrylic hybrids and waterborne acrylics are available in market.The global conformal coatings market share is concentrated with few large industry participants such as Cytec Industries, Chase Corp, Dymax Corp, Dow Corning and Glenro Inc. Other prominent players include Epoxies Etc, Electrolube, Henron Manufcaturing, ITW Chemtronics, and Master Bond Inc.About Global Market Insights, Inc.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 UsArun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1 888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.com
Oil Filter Market 2017 Key Manufacturers Analysis
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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Oil Filter Industry Market Research Report 2017-2021 The report focuses on Global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.The report firstly introduced Color-Coated Steel Insulation Sandwich Board basic information including Color-Coated Steel Insulation Sandwich Board definition classification application and industry chain overview; Oil Filter Industry policy and plan, Color-Coated Steel Insulation Sandwich Board product specification, manufacturing process, cost structure etc. Then we deeply analyzed the world's main region market conditions that including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc.Get complete access of this report2017 Market Research Report on Oil Filter Industry was a professional and depth research report on Oil Filter Industry that you would know the world's major regional market conditions of Oil Filter Industry, the main region including North American, Europe and Asia etc., and the main country including United States, Germany, Japan and China etc..In the end, the report introduced Color-Coated Steel Insulation Sandwich Board new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis and Oil Filter Industry.In a word, it was a depth research report on Oil Filter Industry. And thanks to the support and assistance from Oil Filter Industry chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.The report including six parts, the first part mainly introduced the product basic information; the second parts mainly analyzed the Asia Oil Filter Industry; the third part mainly analyzed the North American Oil Filter Industry; the fourth part mainly analyzed the Europe Oil Filter Industry; the fifth part mainly analyzed the market entry and investment feasibility; the sixth part was the report conclusion chapter.Market SegmentsMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (Global, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Table of Content1 Oil Filter Industry Definition2 Asia Oil Filter Industry Product History of Development3 Asia Oil Filter Industry Key Manufacturers Analysis3.1 Company A4 Asia Oil Filter Industry Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis5 Oil Filter Industry Development Trend6 North American Oil Filter Industry Product History of Development7 North American Oil Filter Industry Key Manufacturers Analysis8 American Oil Filter Industry Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis9 Oil Filter Industry Development Trend10 Europe Oil Filter Industry Product History of Development11 Europe Oil Filter Industry Key Manufacturers Analysis12 Europe Oil Filter Industry Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis13 Oil Filter Industry Development Trend14 Oil Filter Industry Marketing Channels Analysis15 Oil Filter Industry Development Environmental Analysis15.1 China Economic Environment Analysis15.1.1 China GDP Analysis15.1.2 China CPI Analysis15.2 European Economic Environmental Analysis15.3 United States Economic Environmental Analysis15.4 Japan Economic Environmental Analysis15.5 Global Economic Environmental Analysis16 Oil Filter Industry SWOT Analysis and New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis17 Global Oil Filter Industry Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis18 Oil Filter Industry Development TrendContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.Pune:505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Global Medical Device Cleaning Market Worth 5.3% of CAGR by 2024 and Focuses on Top Key Manufacturers by 2031
Medical Device Cleaning Market
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In this region, global Medical Device Cleaning market projected to USD 1.54 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024.Global Medical Device Cleaning Market is segmented into presoak, manual cleaning, automatic cleaning and disinfection. On the basis of type, global medical device cleaning market is segmented into enzymatic and non-enzymatic detergent.Download Sample Copy@The research report examines the market, demand, competitive landscape and trends of the top 5 Global markets of the Medical Device Cleaning market. It provides an all-round analysis of overall number of patients with diabetes and insulin users. It offers information on users of insulin pens, specifically focusing on Global users. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2017 through 2030. Also, a five-year historic analysis is provided for these markets. The report also explores detailed description of growth drivers and barriers of the Medical Device Cleaning market.The Medical Device Cleaning market is characterized by constant technological innovation to keep pace with the changing industrial needs. This Medical Device Cleaning Market report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for Medical Device Cleaning from 2012-2017 and provides extensive market forecasts 2017-2022 by region/country and subsectors.Key Companies Covered in the Report are as follows:3M, Advanced Sterilization Products, Ruhof Corporation, STERIS plc, Getinge AB, Ecolab, Cantel Medical, Metrex Research, LLC, BODE Chemie GmbH, Sklar Surgical Instruments, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Oro Clean Chemie AG, Biotrol, G9 Chemicals Ltd., Pharmax Limited, Simaxo Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.On the basis of application,Surgical Instruments, Endoscope And Ultrasound Probe.On the basis of end user,Hospitals, Clinic And Diagnostic Centers.Make More Inquiry@This Study on the Global Medical Device Cleaning Market is an all-inclusive study of the business sectors up-to-date outlines, industry enhancement drivers, and manacles. It provides market projections for the coming years. It contains an analysis of late augmentations in innovation, Porters five force model analysis and progressive profiles of hand-picked industry competitors. The report additionally formulates a survey of minor and full-scale factors charging for the new applicants in the Medical Device Cleaning market and the ones as of now in the market along with a systematic value chain exploration.Table of Content1.1. OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL MEDICAL DEVICE CLEANING MARKET1.2. CURRENCY AND PRICING1.3. LIMITATION1.4. MARKETS COVERED2 MARKET SEGMENTATION2.1. KEY TAKEAWAYS2.2. ARRIVING AT THE GLOBAL MEDICAL DEVICE CLEANING SIZE2.2.1 VENDOR POSITIONING GRID2.2.2 TECHNOLOGY LIFE LINE CURVE2.2.3 MARKET TIME LINE2.2.4 MARKET GUIDE2.2.5 COMPANY POSITIONING GRID2.2.6 COMAPANY MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS2.2.7 MULTIVARIATE MODELLING2.2.8 STANDARDS OF MEASUREMENT2.2.9 TOP TO BOTTOM ANALYSIS2.2.10 VENDOR SHARE ANALYSIS2.2.11 DATA POINTS FROM KEY PRIMARY INTERVIEWS2.2.12 DATA POINTS FROM KEY SECONDARY DATABASES2.3. GLOBAL MEDICAL DEVICE CLEANING MARKET: RESEARCH SNAPSHOT2.4. ASSUMPTIONS3 MARKET OVERVIEW3.1. DRIVERS3.2. RESTRAINTS3.3. OPPORTUNITIES3.4. CHALLENGES4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY5 PREMIUM INSIGHTS5.1. VENDOR POSITIONING GRID AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIESView Complete Report@In this region, global Medical Device Cleaning market projected to USD 1.54 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 5.3% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024.Global Medical Device Cleaning Market is segmented into presoak, manual cleaning, automatic cleaning and disinfection. On the basis of type, global medical device cleaning market is segmented into enzymatic and non-enzymatic detergent.Download Sample Copy@The research report examines the market, demand, competitive landscape and trends of the top 5 Global markets of the Medical Device Cleaning market. It provides an all-round analysis of overall number of patients with diabetes and insulin users. It offers information on users of insulin pens, specifically focusing on Global users. Annual estimates and forecasts are provided for the period 2017 through 2030. Also, a five-year historic analysis is provided for these markets. The report also explores detailed description of growth drivers and barriers of the Medical Device Cleaning market.The Medical Device Cleaning market is characterized by constant technological innovation to keep pace with the changing industrial needs. This Medical Device Cleaning Market report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for Medical Device Cleaning from 2012-2017 and provides extensive market forecasts 2017-2022 by region/country and subsectors.Key Companies Covered in the Report are as follows:3M, Advanced Sterilization Products, Ruhof Corporation, STERIS plc, Getinge AB, Ecolab, Cantel Medical, Metrex Research, LLC, BODE Chemie GmbH, Sklar Surgical Instruments, Integra LifeSciences Corporation, Oro Clean Chemie AG, Biotrol, G9 Chemicals Ltd., Pharmax Limited, Simaxo Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.On the basis of application,Surgical Instruments, Endoscope And Ultrasound Probe.On the basis of end user,Hospitals, Clinic And Diagnostic Centers.Make More Inquiry@This Study on the Global Medical Device Cleaning Market is an all-inclusive study of the business sectors up-to-date outlines, industry enhancement drivers, and manacles. It provides market projections for the coming years. It contains an analysis of late augmentations in innovation, Porters five force model analysis and progressive profiles of hand-picked industry competitors. The report additionally formulates a survey of minor and full-scale factors charging for the new applicants in the Medical Device Cleaning market and the ones as of now in the market along with a systematic value chain exploration.Table of Content1.1. OVERVIEW OF THE GLOBAL MEDICAL DEVICE CLEANING MARKET1.2. CURRENCY AND PRICING1.3. LIMITATION1.4. MARKETS COVERED2 MARKET SEGMENTATION2.1. KEY TAKEAWAYS2.2. ARRIVING AT THE GLOBAL MEDICAL DEVICE CLEANING SIZE2.2.1 VENDOR POSITIONING GRID2.2.2 TECHNOLOGY LIFE LINE CURVE2.2.3 MARKET TIME LINE2.2.4 MARKET GUIDE2.2.5 COMPANY POSITIONING GRID2.2.6 COMAPANY MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS2.2.7 MULTIVARIATE MODELLING2.2.8 STANDARDS OF MEASUREMENT2.2.9 TOP TO BOTTOM ANALYSIS2.2.10 VENDOR SHARE ANALYSIS2.2.11 DATA POINTS FROM KEY PRIMARY INTERVIEWS2.2.12 DATA POINTS FROM KEY SECONDARY DATABASES2.3. GLOBAL MEDICAL DEVICE CLEANING MARKET: RESEARCH SNAPSHOT2.4. ASSUMPTIONS3 MARKET OVERVIEW3.1. DRIVERS3.2. RESTRAINTS3.3. OPPORTUNITIES3.4. CHALLENGES4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY5 PREMIUM INSIGHTS5.1. VENDOR POSITIONING GRID AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIESView Complete Report@About us:Reports Monitor is a platform to meet the market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. 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Global Connected Homes Market Analysis and Forecasts 2021
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ReportsWeb.com published Connected Homes Market from its database. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.2017 Market Research Report on Connected Homes was a professional and depth research report on Connected Homes that you would know the world's major regional market conditions of Connected Homes, the main region including North American, Europe and Asia etc., and the main country including United States, Germany, Japan and China etc.The report firstly introduced Connected Homes basic information including Connected Homes definition classification application and industry chain overview; Connected Homes policy and plan, Connected Homes product specification, manufacturing process, cost structure etc. Then we deeply analyzed the world's main region market conditions that including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc.For more information about this report atIn the end, the report introduced Connected Homes new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis and Connected Homes.In a word, it was a depth research report on Connected Homes. And thanks to the support and assistance from Connected Homes chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.The report including six parts, the first part mainly introduced the product basic information; the second parts mainly analyzed the Asia Connected Homes; the third part mainly analyzed the North American Connected Homes; the fourth part mainly analyzed the Europe Connected Homes; the fifth part mainly analyzed the market entry and investment feasibility; the sixth part was the report conclusion chapter.Request a sample copy atTable of ContentsPart I Connected Homes Industry OverviewChapter One Connected Homes Industry OverviewPart II Asia Connected Homes IndustryChapter Two Asia Connected Homes Product History of DevelopmentChapter Three Asia Connected Homes Key Manufacturers AnalysisChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Connected Homes Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast AnalysisChapter Five Connected Homes Industry Development TrendPart III North American Connected Homes IndustryChapter Six North American Connected Homes Product History of DevelopmentChapter Seven North American Connected Homes Key Manufacturers AnalysisChapter Eight 2012-2017 North American Connected Homes Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast AnalysisChapter Nine Connected Homes Industry Development TrendPart IV Europe Connected Homes Industry AnalysisChapter Ten Europe Connected Homes Product History of DevelopmentChapter Eleven Europe Connected Homes Key Manufacturers AnalysisChapter Twelve 2012-2017 Europe Connected Homes Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast AnalysisChapter Thirteen Connected Homes Industry Development TrendPart V Connected Homes Marketing Channels and Investment FeasibilityChapter Fourteen Connected Homes Marketing Channels AnalysisChapter Fifteen Connected Homes Development Environmental AnalysisChapter Sixteen Connected Homes SWOT Analysis and New Project Investment Feasibility AnalysisPart VI Global Connected Homes Industry ConclusionsChapter Seventeen 2012-2017 Global Connected Homes Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast AnalysisChapter Eighteen Connected Homes Industry Development TrendChapter Nineteen Global Connected Homes Industry Research SummaryInquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer Bauxite Mining and our customer support Bauxite Mining is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
CLOUD ERP MARKET GLOBAL TRENDS, SEGMENTS, SIZE, SHARE AND GROWTH BY FORECAST TO 2021
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ReportsWeb.com has announced the addition of the Global Cloud ERP Industry Market Research Report 2017-2021 The report focuses on Global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.The report firstly introduced Color-Coated Steel Insulation Sandwich Board basic information including Color-Coated Steel Insulation Sandwich Board definition classification application and industry chain overview; Cloud ERP Industry policy and plan, Color-Coated Steel Insulation Sandwich Board product specification, manufacturing process, cost structure etc. Then we deeply analyzed the world's main region market conditions that including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc.Get complete access of this report2017 Market Research Report on Cloud ERP Industry was a professional and depth research report on Cloud ERP Industry that you would know the world's major regional market conditions of Cloud ERP Industry, the main region including North American, Europe and Asia etc., and the main country including United States, Germany, Japan and China etc..In the end, the report introduced Color-Coated Steel Insulation Sandwich Board new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis and Cloud ERP Industry.In a word, it was a depth research report on Cloud ERP Industry. And thanks to the support and assistance from Cloud ERP Industry chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.The report including six parts, the first part mainly introduced the product basic information; the second parts mainly analyzed the Asia Cloud ERP Industry; the third part mainly analyzed the North American Cloud ERP Industry; the fourth part mainly analyzed the Europe Cloud ERP Industry; the fifth part mainly analyzed the market entry and investment feasibility; the sixth part was the report conclusion chapter.Market SegmentsMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (Global, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Table of Content1 Cloud ERP Industry Definition2 Asia Cloud ERP Industry Product History of Development3 Asia Cloud ERP Industry Key Manufacturers Analysis3.1 Company A4 Asia Cloud ERP Industry Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis5 Cloud ERP Industry Development Trend6 North American Cloud ERP Industry Product History of Development7 North American Cloud ERP Industry Key Manufacturers Analysis8 American Cloud ERP Industry Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis9 Cloud ERP Industry Development Trend10 Europe Cloud ERP Industry Product History of Development11 Europe Cloud ERP Industry Key Manufacturers Analysis12 Europe Cloud ERP Industry Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis13 Cloud ERP Industry Development Trend14 Cloud ERP Industry Marketing Channels Analysis15 Cloud ERP Industry Development Environmental Analysis15.1 China Economic Environment Analysis15.1.1 China GDP Analysis15.1.2 China CPI Analysis15.2 European Economic Environmental Analysis15.3 United States Economic Environmental Analysis15.4 Japan Economic Environmental Analysis15.5 Global Economic Environmental Analysis16 Cloud ERP Industry SWOT Analysis and New Project Investment Feasibility Analysis17 Global Cloud ERP Industry Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast Analysis18 Cloud ERP Industry Development TrendContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.Pune:505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Collagen Market Trends, Industry Analysis & Forecast by 2017 - 2024.
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Global collagen market size was valued at more than USD 3 billion in 2015 and is likely to exceed USD 5 billion by 2023, growing at a CAGR of more than 7% from 2016 to 2023.Gelatin market size, which is a collagen by product, dominated overall revenue and accounted for more than 60% of the total collagen market share in 2015, it was valued at more than USD 2.5 billion and is expected to exceed USD 2.8 billion by 2023. Collagen peptides market size was valued at more than USD 0.75 billion in 2015 and is likely to be worth around USD 1.25 billion by the end the forecast period.Marine collagen market size was valued at more than USD 200 million in 2015; minimal disease transmission risk and relaxed regional and social regulations are expected to be the key factors driving growth. In terms of application, cosmetics were the major contributor, with total volume of over 4.2 kilo tons in 2015 owing to benefits such as anti aging properties and personal & hygiene products demand.Make an Inquiry before buying @U.S. collagen market was the dominant region due to the growth in cosmetics and increasing awareness pertaining to the benefits from gelatin & peptides derived products. The gelatin market was dominated by Europe is likely to grow at a significant rate due to the growth in end-use industries such as food & beverages and pharmaceuticals. Asia Pacific is anticipated grow at a high rate due to increase in per capita income and fast-paced industrialization. Countries such as India, Pakistan and Indonesia where beef & pork consumption is religiously prohibited are expected to be attractive food-grade sheep collagen markets.Increasing consumer consciousness towards health and personal care coupled with rising trend for nutraceutical products are expected to fuel growth. Improving standard of living and growing fitness consciousness are likely to be the key drivers to propel demand.Applications can be segmented into cosmetics, food & beverages, nutraceuticals, healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Food & beverages can be further bifurcated into beer, wine, cakes, jellies, ice-creams, refined sugar, and non-dairy creamer. Increase in consumption and growing food industry is likely to contribute to industry growth.Browse complete summary of this report @Nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical sector is anticipated to grow at a higher rate owing to the vast applications in these segments. Healthcare includes orthopedic, dental and surgery procedures, wherein collagen helps in constructing artificial skin in order to heal burns and wounds. Increasing geriatric population accompanied by increasing problems related to the skin and bones is expected to the boost demand. Increasing healthcare spending among consumers accompanied by FDA & IMA approvals for gelatin to be used in drugs and food preservatives has also fueled growth.The collagen industry is characterized by increasing R&D activities for drug development, rising social awareness about personal health, and growing wound healing & regenerative medicines industry. Increasing food grades prices and huge importing cost is likely to restrain growth.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @The global collagen market share is consolidated and dominated by selective players. Rousselot International, Gelita AG, and Nitta Gelatin are key players and accounted for more than 60% of the total gelatin market in 2015. Large production capacity, effective products and strong distribution network were among key strategic initiatives. Other participants include Norland Products, Sterling Gelatin, Roxlor LLC, Holista Colltech Limited, InterHealth Nutraceuticals, Weishardt International Group, and Weishardt Gelatines. Regional expansion as well as strengthening the product portfolio is likely to be important strategy.About Global Market Insights, Inc.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 UsArun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1 888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.com
Weather Radars market set for rapid growth and trend 2017-2022
Weather Radars Market
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ReportsMonitor.com has added United States Weather Radars Market Report 2017.Weather Radars Market Report communicates about the manufacturing process. The process is analysed thoroughly with respect three points, viz. raw material and equipment suppliers, various manufacturing associated costs (material cost, labour cost, etc.) and the actual process of whole Enterprise Weather Radars market.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global Weather Radars market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer AERODATA, ANHUI SUN CREATE ELECTRONICS, ASC SIGNAL, Honeywell, Caledonian Airborne Systems, EASAT ANTENNAS, Garmin International, GLARUN TECHNOLOGY, INTELCAN, M.A.V. AVIONIC, MICROSTEP-MIS, NEC CORPORATION, RAMET, TELEPHONICS, VITROCISET, VNIIRA.Get Your Free Sample Report @The Weather Radars Market presents critical information and factual data about the global Weather Radars Market, providing an overall statistical study of this market on the basis of market drivers, market limitations, and its future prospects. The widespread global Weather Radars opportunities and trends are also taken into consideration in Weather Radars industry.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each Type, primarily split into Airports, Aircraft.By Application, the market can be split into Military, Civil.This report studies Weather Radars market, especially in The West, Southwest, The Middle Atlantic, New England, The South, The Midwest, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.Have a query on this report? @All aspects of the Weather Radars industry report are quantitatively as well as qualitatively assessed to study the global as well as regional market comparatively. The basic information such as the definition, prevalent chain and the government regulations pertaining to the Weather Radars market are also discussed in the report.About UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact Us:Office C & D - 4th Floor,Siddhi Towers,Above Rupee Bank,Kondhwa Road,Pune 411048,Maharashtra,IndiaIndia: +91 2069535353Jay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Seafood Processing Machine Market Reports 2017: Economic Indicators and Product Offerings Worldwide With Future Prospects by 2022
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ReportsMonitor.com has added Global Seafood Processing Machine Market Research Report 2017.The research article entitled Worldwide Seafood Processing Machine Market offers very useful reviews into the generic market trends and also the features that propel this Universal market place. This sector analyse deeply covers the main features of the Global Seafood Processing Machine Market about the Industry structure including landscaping plan, the issues, require opportunities, including the anticipated industry success.This report studies Seafood Processing Machine market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in Global Seafood Processing Machine markets covering GRANDBELL, Marel, GEA Group, Manitowoc Company, YANAGIYA, Baader, Optimar Fodema, United Food & Beverage, Bettcher, Neofood, Guangdong Peninsula Group.Get Your Free Sample Report @The Seafood Processing Machine Market, presents critical information and factual data about the Global Seafood Processing Machine Market, providing an overall statistical study of this market on the basis of market drivers, market limitations, and its future prospects. The widespread Global Seafood Processing Machine opportunities and trends are also taken into consideration in Seafood Processing Machine industry.Seafood Processing Machine Market Types primarily split into Fish Processing Machinery, Shrimp Processing Machinery, Shellfish and Algae Processing Machinery, Others.Seafood Processing Machine market Applications can be split into Food & Beverages, Pharma & Healthcare, Feed, Others.Have a query on this report? @All aspects of the Seafood Processing Machine industry report are quantitatively as well as qualitatively assessed to study the Global as well as regional market comparatively. The basic information such as the definition, prevalent chain and the government regulations pertaining to the Seafood Processing Machine market are also discussed in the report.Some points from TOC:1 Global Seafood Processing Machine Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)2 Global Seafood Processing Machine Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20163 Global Seafood Processing Machine Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)4 Global Seafood Processing Machine Market Competition by Players/Suppliers5 Global Seafood Processing Machine Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)6 Global Seafood Processing Machine Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data7 Seafood Processing Machine Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9 Global Seafood Processing Machine Market Size (Value and Volume) Forecast (2017-2022)Check Discount For this Report @About UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact UsJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Traction Locomotive Market 2017 Global Kay Players: General Electric, Brush Traction, AEG, EMD, ALCO, Lima Locomotive, K. Porter, English Electric Archive, Brookville, NRE, J. Corman Railpower,..
Traction Locomotive Market
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Traction Locomotive Market:WiseGuyReports.com adds Traction Locomotive Market 2017 Global Analysis, Growth, Trends and Opportunities Research Report Forecasting to 2022reports to its database.Executive SummaryGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Traction Locomotive in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Traction Locomotive market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingGeneral ElectricBrush TractionAEGEMDALCOLima LocomotiveK. PorterEnglish Electric ArchiveBrookvilleNREJ. Corman RailpowerRailserveBOMBARDIERCaterpillarVosslohMetsoUnilokClayton EquipmentKrauss_MaffeiSCILH GROUPSiemensDLWBHELCLWCSRGCCNRRequest Sample Report @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoElectric Traction LocomotiveDiesel LocomotiveGasoline LocomotiveOn the basis of the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate for each application, includingMining IndustryOil & GasOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.For further information on this report, visit -Table of ContentsGlobal Traction Locomotive Market Research Report 20171 Traction Locomotive Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Traction Locomotive1.2 Traction Locomotive Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Traction Locomotive Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Traction Locomotive Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Electric Traction Locomotive1.2.4 Diesel Locomotive1.2.5 Gasoline Locomotive1.3 Global Traction Locomotive Segment by Application1.3.1 Traction Locomotive Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Mining Industry1.3.3 Oil & Gas1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Traction Locomotive Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Traction Locomotive Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Traction Locomotive (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Traction Locomotive Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Traction Locomotive Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Traction Locomotive Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Traction Locomotive Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Traction Locomotive Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Traction Locomotive Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Traction Locomotive Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Traction Locomotive Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Traction Locomotive Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Traction Locomotive Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Traction Locomotive Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Traction Locomotive Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Traction Locomotive Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Traction Locomotive Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Traction Locomotive Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Traction Locomotive Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Traction Locomotive Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Traction Locomotive Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Traction Locomotive Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Traction Locomotive Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Traction Locomotive Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Traction Locomotive Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Traction Locomotive Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Traction Locomotive Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Traction Locomotive Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Traction Locomotive Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Traction Locomotive Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Traction Locomotive Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Traction Locomotive Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Traction Locomotive Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesContinuousBuy this Report @Contact Us:Norah Trentsales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US); +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us: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.Addres:WISEGUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone :+91 841 198 5042
For Yu Kaiguang, harsh new United Nations sanctions on North Korea are a disaster.
The trader in the Chinese border city of Dandong has seen business all but dry up, and he spends his days scrambling to obtain payment from the suddenly broke North Korean state companies to whom he sold on credit.
They have no money to pay us in cash, and the worst is that because of sanctions they cant settle the bill with goods such as coal, as they did in the past, said Yu, reached by telephone at the offices of his Dandong Gaoli Trading Company.
Yu said hes owed about USD1 million in all for deliveries of toothpaste, instant noodles and other household items. Hes trying to avoid laying off staff by continuing to export foodstuffs such as pine nuts and red beans. If they become unemployed, it would be bad for both the state and society.
Yus plight appears increasingly commonplace across Dandong, where the bulk of the cross-border trade is handled. Interviews with four trading companies and recent media reports indicate Chinese companies are hurting in a city where North Korean trucks used to rumble across the Yalu River bridge several times a week delivering metal scrap and returning with everything from televisions to toilet bowls.
The owner of another firm, Dandong Baoquan Commerce and Trade Co., which used to import iron ore and coal and export basic consumer goods, said he was still owed around $200,000 by his North Korea clients.
I had to lay off about 10 staffers, but I had no other choice because it was the government policy, Han Lixin said, referring to the sanctions. Im still in business hoping to trade with other countries, but it takes a lot of time and efforts to develop customers.
Large-scale trade involving North Korean resources such as iron ore and coal has been banned entirely under the sanctions, dealing a big blow to Dandongs port, whose operator defaulted on a $150 million corporate bond this week in part because of cratering revenues.
The sanctions have a broad effect, and both the economies of North Korea and China are suffering a lot, said Jin Qiangyi, professor at the Institute of Northeast Asia Studies at Yanbian University in Northeast China. Chinese companies doing business with North Korea may see quite a lot of losses, and the companies that have already invested in North Korea will suffer more.
Dealing with North Korean companies was never easy. Wang Chengpeng, former manager of Dandong Hongwei Trading Company, quit doing business with the North entirely because of hassles, restrictions and low- profit margins, even before the latest sanctions began to bite.
Despite that, China has long been the Norths biggest economic partner. Beijing accounted for more than 90 percent of its neighbors foreign trade of about $6.5 billion in 2016, according to the South Korean-owned Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency. China continues to be a key source of food and fuel aid to help keep North Koreas weak economy from collapsing, and Chinese officials say they wont agree to measures that could cut off basic life necessities and possibly cause Kim Jong Uns dictatorship to topple.
Chinas patience with Kim has grown increasingly thin, however, and Beijing has lent its support to increasingly tough resolutions unanimously approved by the Security Council this year that target North Koreas economy in response to its ballistic missile launches and latest nuclear test.
China has said it sees sanctions purely as a means of inducing North Korea to return to nuclear disarmament talks and has rejected unilateral measures not approved by the Security Council, of which it is one of the five veto-wielding permanent members.
Still, despite some allegations of cheating, China appears to be seeking to enforce the sanctions that also ban exports of lead, textiles and seafood, prohibit joint ventures, and bar any country from authorizing new permits for North Korean workers all sources of hard currency for Pyongyang.
The sanctions have also blacklisted a number of firms in the extraction and financial industries, imposed travel bans and frozen the assets of some government officials, banned the import of natural gas liquids and condensates, and capped the countrys crude oil imports.
Its hard to gauge the exact impact of sanctions on the North Korean economy because the crucial food and energy sectors are less likely to be hurt by external conditions, said Lee Seok-ki, a senior researcher at the South Korean government-run Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade.
However, while the Norths economy has been expanding by 3.9 percent in 2016, according to an estimate by the Bank of Korea in South Korea that rate almost certainly cant be sustained if sanctions continue, Lee said.
China for its part is watching North Korea to see how its ally will respond to the new measures, eager for signs of a shift in tactics by Kim and an improvement in relations between Beijing and Pyongyang that have sunk into a standstill, as Jin puts it.
In that context, Kims message of congratulation to President Xi Jinping upon his reappointment as leader of Chinas ruling Communist Party last week is being cautiously viewed as a possible indication of change.
There has been a calm from the North Korean side for about a month, and we are not sure whether it is because of the excessive pressure they are under or their miscalculation on Chinas determination, Jin said. Its still too early to say. Christopher Bodeen, Beijing, AP
Global Industrial Fan Heater Market 2017 Covering USA, Europe, China, Japan, India, South East Asia
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ReportsMonitor.com has added Global Industrial Fan Heater Market Professional Survey Report 2017.The research article entitled Worldwide Industrial Fan Heater Market offers very useful reviews into the generic market trends and also the features that propel this Universal market place. This sector analyse deeply covers the main features of the Global Industrial Fan Heater Market about the Industry structure including landscaping plan, the issues, require opportunities, including the anticipated industry success.This report studies Industrial Fan Heater market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in Global Industrial Fan Heater markets covering Dimplex, Sinus-Jevi Electric Heating, Soler & Palau, Lm-therm, GAUMER, Kerone, Sealey, Kingavon, HAWK, Honeywell, Trueshopping.Get Your Free Sample Report @The Industrial Fan Heater Market, presents critical information and factual data about the Global Industrial Fan Heater Market, providing an overall statistical study of this market on the basis of market drivers, market limitations, and its future prospects. The widespread Global Industrial Fan Heater opportunities and trends are also taken into consideration in Industrial Fan Heater industry.Industrial Fan Heater Market Types primarily split into 2 KW, 3 KW, Others.Industrial Fan Heater market Applications can be split into Machinery & Equipment, Warehouse, Construction, Others.Have a query on this report? @All aspects of the Industrial Fan Heater industry report are quantitatively as well as qualitatively assessed to study the Global as well as regional market comparatively. The basic information such as the definition, prevalent chain and the government regulations pertaining to the Industrial Fan Heater market are also discussed in the report.Some points from TOC:1 Global Industrial Fan Heater Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)2 Global Industrial Fan Heater Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20163 Global Industrial Fan Heater Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)4 Global Industrial Fan Heater Market Competition by Players/Suppliers5 Global Industrial Fan Heater Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)6 Global Industrial Fan Heater Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data7 Industrial Fan Heater Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9 Global Industrial Fan Heater Market Size (Value and Volume) Forecast (2017-2022)Check Discount For this Report @About UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact UsJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Industrial Food Dryer Market Production Growth and Industry Analysis 2017 to 2022
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ReportsMonitor.com has added Global Industrial Food Dryer Market Professional Survey Report 2017.The research article entitled Worldwide Industrial Food Dryer Market offers very useful reviews into the generic market trends and also the features that propel this Universal market place. This sector analyse deeply covers the main features of the Global Industrial Food Dryer Market about the Industry structure including landscaping plan, the issues, require opportunities, including the anticipated industry success.This report studies Industrial Food Dryer market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in Global Industrial Food Dryer markets covering Buhler, GEA Group, OKAWARA, SPX FLOW, Turatti Group, AGRIDRY DRYERS, ANDRITZ, BINDER Dehydration, Boda Microwave, Bucher, Carrier Vibrating Equipment, Comessa, Excel Plants & Equipment, HEINKEL Drying and Separation Group, Heinzen Manufacturing International, IPEC, Juran Technologies, Lanly, MechaTech Systems, New AVM Systech, Plasma Kraft, SSP, CPM Wolverine Proctor.Get Your Free Sample Report @The Industrial Food Dryer Market, presents critical information and factual data about the Global Industrial Food Dryer Market, providing an overall statistical study of this market on the basis of market drivers, market limitations, and its future prospects. The widespread Global Industrial Food Dryer opportunities and trends are also taken into consideration in Industrial Food Dryer industry.Industrial Food Dryer Market Types primarily split into Spray Dryers, Freeze Dryers, Fluidized-Bed Dryers, Drum Dryers, Vacuum Dryers, Tray Dryers.Industrial Food Dryer market Applications can be split into Food, Grains, Medicines, Others.Have a query on this report? @All aspects of the Industrial Food Dryer industry report are quantitatively as well as qualitatively assessed to study the Global as well as regional market comparatively. The basic information such as the definition, prevalent chain and the government regulations pertaining to the Industrial Food Dryer market are also discussed in the report.Some points from TOC:1 Global Industrial Food Dryer Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)2 Global Industrial Food Dryer Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20163 Global Industrial Food Dryer Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)4 Global Industrial Food Dryer Market Competition by Players/Suppliers5 Global Industrial Food Dryer Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)6 Global Industrial Food Dryer Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data7 Industrial Food Dryer Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9 Global Industrial Food Dryer Market Size (Value and Volume) Forecast (2017-2022)Check Discount For this Report @About UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact UsJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Marine Propulsion Engines 2017 Global Key Players Wartsila (Finland), MAN Diesel (Germany), Rolls Royce (UK), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan), Cummins (USA) Market Analysis And Forecast To 2022
Marine Propulsion Engines Market
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Marine Propulsion Engines Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Marine Propulsion Engines -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.Description:This report mainly introduces volume and value market share by players, by regions, by product type, by consumers and also their price change details. As a Detailed Analysis report, it covers all details inside analysis and opinion in Marine Propulsion Engines industry.This report splits Marine Propulsion Engines market by Fuel, by Number of Loop Stroke, by Ignition Method, by Number of Cylinders, by Air Intake Mode, which covers the history data information from 2012 to 2016 and forecast from 2017 to 2022.This report focuses Global market, it covers details as following:Major Companies:Wartsila (Finland)MAN Diesel (Germany)Rolls Royce (UK)Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)GE (USA)Caterpillar (USA)Cummins (USA)Yanmar (Japan)Daihatsu (Japan)Volvo Penta (Sweden)SCANIA (Sweden)DeereCompany (USA)Doosan Infracore (USA)CSIC (China)CSSC (China)Weichai (China)YUCHAI (China)SDEC (China)Request for Sample Report@Main Regions:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaLatin AmericaMexicoBrazilArgentinaOthersEuropeGermanyUnited KingdomFranceItalySpainRussiaNetherlandOthersAsia & PacificChinaJapanIndiaKoreaAustraliaSoutheast AsiaIndonesiaThailandPhilippinesVietnamSingaporeMalaysiaOthersAfrica & Middle EastSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaIranOthersMain Product Type:Marine Propulsion Engines Market, by FuelDiesel EngineGasoline EngineNatural Gas EngineOthersMarine Propulsion Engines Market, by Number of Loop StrokeTwo-stroke EngineFour-stroke EngineMarine Propulsion Engines Market, by Ignition MethodCompression Ignition EngineIgnition EngineMarine Propulsion Engines Market, by Number of CylindersSingle Cylinder EngineMulti - cylinder EngineMarine Propulsion Engines Market, by Air Intake ModeNaturally Aspirated EngineSupercharged EngineMain Applications:Working VesselTransport VesselMilitary VesselOthersEnquiry before Buying @If you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of Contents:Global Marine Propulsion Engines Detailed Analysis Report 2017-2022Chapter One Marine Propulsion Engines Market Overview1.1 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Market Sales Volume Revenue and Price 2012-20221.2 Marine Propulsion Engines, by Fuel 2012-20221.2.1 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Market Share by Fuel 2012-20221.2.2 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Revenue Market Share by Fuel 2012-20221.2.3 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Price by Fuel 2012-20221.2.4 Diesel Engine1.2.5 Gasoline Engine1.2.6 Natural Gas Engine1.2.7 Others1.3 Marine Propulsion Engines, by Number of Loop Stroke 2012-20221.3.1 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Market Share by Number of Loop Stroke 2012-20221.3.2 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Revenue Market Share by Number of Loop Stroke 2012-20221.3.3 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Price by Number of Loop Stroke 2012-20221.3.4 Two-stroke Engine1.3.5 Four-stroke Engine1.4 Marine Propulsion Engines, by Ignition Method 2012-20221.4.1 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Market Share by Ignition Method 2012-20221.4.2 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Revenue Market Share by Ignition Method 2012-20221.4.3 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Price by Ignition Method 2012-20221.4.4 Compression Ignition Engine1.4.5 Ignition Engine1.5 Marine Propulsion Engines, by Number of Cylinders 2012-20221.5.1 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Market Share by Number of Cylinders 2012-20221.5.2 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Revenue Market Share by Number of Cylinders 2012-20221.5.3 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Price by Number of Cylinders 2012-20221.5.4 Single Cylinder Engine1.5.5 Multi - cylinder Engine1.6 Marine Propulsion Engines, by Air Intake Mode 2012-20221.6.1 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Market Share by Air Intake Mode 2012-20221.6.2 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Revenue Market Share by Air Intake Mode 2012-20221.6.3 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Price by Air Intake Mode 2012-20221.6.4 Naturally Aspirated Engine1.6.5 Supercharged EngineChapter Three Marine Propulsion Engines by Players 2012-20173.1 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Market Share by Players 2012-20173.2 Global Marine Propulsion Engines Revenue Share by Players 2012-20173.3 Global Top Players Marine Propulsion Engines Key Product Model and Market Performance3.4 Global Top Players Marine Propulsion Engines Key Target Consumers and Market Performance..Chapter Five Global Top Players Profile5.1 Wartsila (Finland)5.1.1 Wartsila (Finland) Company Details and Competitors5.1.2 Wartsila (Finland) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.1.3 Wartsila (Finland) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.1.4 Wartsila (Finland) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.2 MAN Diesel (Germany)5.2.1 MAN Diesel (Germany) Company Details and Competitors5.2.2 MAN Diesel (Germany) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.2.3 MAN Diesel (Germany) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.2.4 MAN Diesel (Germany) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.3 Rolls Royce (UK)5.3.1 Rolls Royce (UK) Company Details and Competitors5.3.2 Rolls Royce (UK) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.3.3 Rolls Royce (UK) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.3.4 Rolls Royce (UK) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.4 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan)5.4.1 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) Company Details and Competitors5.4.2 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.4.3 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.4.4 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.5 GE (USA)5.5.1 GE (USA) Company Details and Competitors5.5.2 GE (USA) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.5.3 GE (USA) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.5.4 GE (USA) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.6 Caterpillar (USA)5.6.1 Caterpillar (USA) Company Details and Competitors5.6.2 Caterpillar (USA) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.6.3 Caterpillar (USA) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.6.4 Caterpillar (USA) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.7 Cummins (USA)5.7.1 Cummins (USA) Company Details and Competitors5.7.2 Cummins (USA) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.7.3 Cummins (USA) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.7.4 Cummins (USA) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.8 Yanmar (Japan)5.8.1 Yanmar (Japan) Company Details and Competitors5.8.2 Yanmar (Japan) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.8.3 Yanmar (Japan) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.8.4 Yanmar (Japan) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.9 Daihatsu (Japan)5.9.1 Daihatsu (Japan) Company Details and Competitors5.9.2 Daihatsu (Japan) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.9.3 Daihatsu (Japan) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.9.4 Daihatsu (Japan) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.10 Volvo Penta (Sweden)5.10.1 Volvo Penta (Sweden) Company Details and Competitors5.10.2 Volvo Penta (Sweden) Key Marine Propulsion Engines Models and Performance5.10.3 Volvo Penta (Sweden) Marine Propulsion Engines Business SWOT Analysis and Forecast5.10.4 Volvo Penta (Sweden) Marine Propulsion Engines Sales Volume Revenue Price Cost and Gross Margin5.11 SCANIA (Sweden)5.12 DeereCompany (USA)5.13 Doosan Infracore (USA)5.14 CSIC (China)5.15 CSSC (China)5.16 Weichai (China)5.17 YUCHAI (China)5.18 SDEC (China)Continued..Buy now @Contact US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)About Us: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.Addres:: Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt Ltd: Pune 411028: Maharashtra,: Ph: +91 841 198 5042
Global Industrial Gas Generator Market Growth, Analysis, Key Players and Forecast 2022
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ReportsMonitor.com has added Global Industrial Gas Generator Market Professional Survey Report 2017.The research article entitled Worldwide Industrial Gas Generator Market offers very useful reviews into the generic market trends and also the features that propel this Universal market place. This sector analyse deeply covers the main features of the Global Industrial Gas Generator Market about the Industry structure including landscaping plan, the issues, require opportunities, including the anticipated industry success.This report studies Industrial Gas Generator market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in Global Industrial Gas Generator markets covering Caterpillar, Ge, Generac, Himoinsa, Kohler, Cummins, Rolls-Royce, Multiquip, Zibo Diesel Engine, Slpm, Jdec.Get Your Free Sample Report @The Industrial Gas Generator Market, presents critical information and factual data about the Global Industrial Gas Generator Market, providing an overall statistical study of this market on the basis of market drivers, market limitations, and its future prospects. The widespread Global Industrial Gas Generator opportunities and trends are also taken into consideration in Industrial Gas Generator industry.Industrial Gas Generator Market Types primarily split into 20 Kw To 100 Kw, 101 Kw To 500 Kw, 501 Kw To 1 Mw, 1 Mw To 2 Mw, 2 Mw To 5 Mw.Industrial Gas Generator market Applications can be split into Chemical Industry, Breeding Industry, Petroleum And Gas Industry, Mining Industry, Other.Have a query on this report? @All aspects of the Industrial Gas Generator industry report are quantitatively as well as qualitatively assessed to study the Global as well as regional market comparatively. The basic information such as the definition, prevalent chain and the government regulations pertaining to the Industrial Gas Generator market are also discussed in the report.Some points from TOC:1 Global Industrial Gas Generator Market Size (Sales Volume) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)2 Global Industrial Gas Generator Market Size (Sales Volume) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20163 Global Industrial Gas Generator Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)4 Global Industrial Gas Generator Market Competition by Players/Suppliers5 Global Industrial Gas Generator Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) by Type (Product Category) (2012-2017)6 Global Industrial Gas Generator Players/Suppliers Profiles and Sales Data7 Industrial Gas Generator Manufacturing Cost Analysis8 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9 Global Industrial Gas Generator Market Size (Value and Volume) Forecast (2017-2022)Check Discount For this Report @About UsReports Monitor (ReportsMonitor.com) is a platform for companies looking to meet their market research and business intelligence requirements. Our aim is to change the dynamics of the Market Research industry by providing quality intelligence backed by data. Your requirement for market forecasting is fulfilled by our exclusive quantitative and analytics driven intelligence. We have a vast collection of reports, covering maximum industries worldwide. Our process is meticulously planned and executed in order to use maximum resources and explore the market for getting genuine insights. The prime focus is to get reliable data, Decision makers can now rely on our distinct data gathering methods to get factual market forecasting and detailed analysis.Contact UsJay MatthewsDirect: +1 513 549-5911Email: sales@reportsmonitor.comWebsite:
Launch of the worlds first online platform for digital accessibility
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DeveloperSpace serves as a community, exchange platform, and a source of ideas both for developers and for companiesThe worlds first online platform for digital accessibility has been launched. As part of the EUs Prosperity4All project, DeveloperSpace is where interested parties, developers, companies, and the scientific community come together. The aim is to develop simple, cost-effective and efficient solutions for assistive technologies.Over one billion people have no ready access to information and communication technologies (ICT) as a result of personal barriers, (digital) illiteracy or age-related restrictions. In order to offer this large group of people access to digital technologies, the partners involved in the EU's Prosperity4All project have now developed a unique online platform, DeveloperSpace, which is available at s.gpii.net.DeveloperSpace the hub and community for assistive technologiesDr. Matthias Peissner, who is heading this EU project, explains the scientists vision: Our primary goal is not about developing entirely new solutions for persons facing barriers to ICT. Instead we want to provide a platform that brings together elements that already exist: a place where developers, for example, can find modules, codes, diagrams and ideas from other developers or scientists and can use these themselves. We want to bring together existing research findings to create new solutions that actually work in a market context. So developers, companies and anyone who is interested in putting accessibility into practice can find tools, business models, applications, and much more on the platform.Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure (GPII) to make digital accessibility easier, faster, and more cost-effectiveThe online DeveloperSpace platform is the first of its kind in the world and is geared towards developers of assistive technologies, researchers, companies that install assistive functions in existing products, public institutions, and political decision-makers. It is one of the three pillars of the Global Public Inclusive Infrastructure, or GPII for short. Its about people creating new solutions for other people. Its the only place to offer new developers the whole range of resources and information on accessibility that is available online. It allows them to understand accessibility and turn their ideas into reality, says Professor Gregg Vanderheiden, co-director of the GPII and co-founder of Raising the Floor International, a non-profit organization responsible for the development of GPII.Developed by assistive technology experts and companies in Europe, Canada and the U.S., the aim of the GPII is to create simpler, faster and more cost-effective accessibility solutions. Another of its goals is to facilitate the customization of digital technologies for all users. In this way, for example, digital technologies (e.g. computers, smartphones, televisions, ticket machines, etc.) can be tailored to the individual needs of the user. Each users personalized settings are stored in the cloud and can be transferred from there to any device, anytime and anywhere.EU project Prosperity4All to run until January 2018The GPII and DeveloperSpace were developed as part of the EUs Prosperity4All project, which was launched in February 2014 and will run until the end of January 2018. It is coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO in Stuttgart and jointly implemented with 24 partners in 13 countries. The GPII is an initiative headed by the non-profit organization Raising the Floor International.For further information, visitorThe basis for all work undertaken at the Fraunhofer IAO is a deep conviction that business success in a globalised arena is contingent on an ability to profitably leverage new high-tech potentials. In order to optimally exploit these opportunities, companies must be capable of developing and implementing customer and employee-oriented technologies faster than their competitors. Work organisation concepts must be simultaneously innovative and anthropocentric. A systematic design, in other words, is the outcome of pooled management and technical expertise. This holistic perspective when it comes to project processing ensures that equal consideration is given to commercial success, employees' interests and social consequences.Dr. Matthias PeissnerHead of Business Unit Human-Technology InteractionFraunhofer IAONobelstrae 1270569 StuttgartPhone +49 711 970-2311matthias.peissner@iao.fraunhofer.de
Cancer immunotherapy - Sleeping Beauty Minicircles enable production of CAR-T cells
Bielefeld, October 2017.PlasmidFactory, the leading contract manufacturer for plasmid and minicircle (MC) DNA, once again highlights the cooperation with the University Hospital of Wurzburg and the MD-CEL Helmholtz Innovation Lab at the Max Delbruck Centre (MDC) Berlin in the area of cancer immunotherapy. This cancer therapy uses CAR-T cells that recognise and destroy cancer cells. The patients own immune cells are removed, genetically modified, and then re-introduced into the body. In conventional immunotherapies, which have shown remarkable efficacy in clinical trials, T cells are modified by retroviral vectors. However, the potential for insertional mutagenesis and genotoxicity of viral vectors poses a safety risk, and the cost and regulatory requirements will stand in the way of a fast and broad clinical application. In late August, the first CAR-T cell therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) was approved in the US.Unlike this therapy, the genetically modified CAR-T cells are produced in a virus-free method based on Sleeping Beauty Minicircle in cooperation with PlasmidFactory. The Sleeping Beauty (SB) system includes a transposon, which is used in gene and cell therapy, in order to introduce therapeutic sequences into the genome of patient cells. Through chromosomal integration, these sequences are firmly anchored there and used, for example, to complement the genetic characteristics or to make the cell identifiable.In collaboration with the University Hospital of Wurzburg and the MD-CEL, we have created an opportunity for the MC-based SB transposition of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) transgenes using this innovative system. Because of the rapid production of CAR-T cells for clinical use, this allows an improved transposition compared with conventional plasmids, explains PlasmidFactorys Managing Director, Dr Martin Schleef.Minicircles are small, circular DNA molecules that contain almost only the desired expression cassette. Because of the missing bacterial backbone, minicircles have now become established as alternative vectors for the transfection of eukaryotic cells. The modification of cells based on minicircle technology is combined with a transposon system. By including a transposition cassette on a minicircle, higher transposition rates of the desired gene segment can be achieved than with conventional vectors. Such minicircle-based therapies also promise a lower safety risk.About PlasmidFactory:PlasmidFactory GmbH & Co. KG is a biopharmaceutical company founded in 2000 in Bielefeld. It has since developed into an international company. In addition to custom manufacturing of plasmid and minicircle DNA, PlasmidFactory focuses its research and development efforts on its core competencies in the production, analysis, application, and storage of plasmid and minicircle DNA.PlasmidFactory GmbH & Co. KGTatjana Buchholz, M.Sc.Meisenstrasse 9633607 BielefeldGermanyT.: +49 521 299 7350E.: info@plasmidfactory.comWeb: PlasmidFactory.com
Process Liquid Analyzers Market worth 2.39 Billion USD by 2024
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The global market for process analyzers for liquids can be segmented based on geographical regions, on the type of analyzer, and by application or end use. The key geographical segments of the market are: North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. North America currently represents the largest regional market for process liquid analyzers. The region, which is home to large industrial bases, will likely continue to exhibit a high demand for process liquid analyzers. Moreover, the massive manufacturing sectors in countries such as India and China will also boost sales in the global process liquid analyzers market.Click Here For Sample Report @Countries in Europe are expected to fare well as far as demand for process liquid analyzers is concerned. The strong performance of the pharmaceutical and allied industries can be credited for this. The report analyzes the market for process analyzers for liquids in a detailed manner to help readers uncover emergent trends and opportunities.The market is characterized by a remarkably high number of vendors operating both locally and internationally. Top companies that have been profiled in the report include: Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan), Cemtrex Inc. (U.S), Emerson Electric Co. (U.S), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), AMETEK Process Instruments (U.S.), 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.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder 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)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketMake An Enquiry @Market Research Reports Search Engine(MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.State Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite :Read More Industry News At:
Stretch Packaging 2017 Global Market Expected to Grow at CAGR of 4.7% percent and Forecast to 2023
Stretch Packaging Market 2017
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Stretch Packaging Market 2017Summary:Global Stretch Packaging Market Information Report by Material (Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and others), by Application (Food & Beverages, Industrial goods, Consumer product, and Others) and By Region - Global Forecast To 2023Key PlayersThe key players of Global Stretch Packaging Market report include-Bemis Company, Inc. (U.S.)Berry Global, Inc. (U.S.)Amcor Ltd (Australia)Sigma Plastics Group, Inc. (U.S.)AEP Industries Inc. (U.S)DUO PLAST AG (Germany)Unnati Industrial Corporation (Inda)S. Packaging & Wrapping LLC (U.S.)Grafix Arts (U.S.)Global stretch packaging market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period.Market ScenarioOn the basis of regions, global stretch packaging market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World (RoW). Asia-Pacific dominates the global stretch packaging market. It is expected to be the fastest growing region for the market. Rapid growth in food and beverage industry drives the market growth here. Growing industrialization and urbanization in developing countries such as China and India, coupled with the growth in the Asia-Pacific region, provides boost to the market. Additionally, the availability of raw materials and low labor cost, together form a positive influence on the market growth. North America is also expected to contribute significantly during the forecast period. Increased consumption of beverages fuels the growth of the market. Latin America and Middle-East & Africa regions are also expected to show a positive growth over the forecast period due to rising demand from the manufacturing sector.Global stretch packaging market has been segmented based on material, application and region. On the basis of material, the market is segmented as Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Poly vinyl chloride (PVC). Low Density Polyethylene dominates the material segment of the market. Majority of the end users use LDPE for stretch packaging. LLDPE is expected to be the fastest growing material segment. PVC is a dense material. It is considered a common material in India, when clarity is an important selection criterion, particularly for consumer packaging. On the basis of application, the market is segmented as food & beverages, industrial product, consumer product, and others. Food & Beverages segment dominates the application segment of the market. Increased consumption of food & beverages across the globe, drives the demand of beverages.Stretch packaging is used where goods should be tightly held together and secured for transportation.Request For Sample Report @The report for Global Stretch Packaging Market of Market Research Future comprises extensive primary research findings along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain deeper insight into the market and industry performance. The report gives a clear picture of current market scenario, which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides detailed information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Complete Report Details @Table of Contents1 Executive Summary2 Research Methodology2.1 Scope Of The Study2.1.1 Definition2.1.2 Research Objective2.1.3 Assumptions2.1.4 Limitations2.2 Research Process2.2.1 Primary Research2.2.2 Secondary Research2.3 Market Size Estimation2.4 Forecast Model3 Market Dynamics3.1 Market Drivers3.2 Market Inhibitors3.3 Supply/Value Chain Analysis3.4 Porters Five Forces Analysis4 Global Stretch Packaging Market, By Material4.1 Introduction4.2 Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)4.3 Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)4.4 Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)4.5 Others5 Global Stretch Packaging Market, By Application5.1 Introduction5.2 Food & Beverages5.3 Industrial Goods5.4 Consumer Product5.5 OthersContinued.About Us: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 the prime objective to provide optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies depending on products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments enables our clients to know more consequently do more, which gives them answer for their each and every important question. In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industryCONTACT US:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Cetrimide Report on Global and United States Market Status and Forecast 2022 by Players
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "2017-2022 Cetrimide Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications" to its huge collection of research reports.This report on the Global and United States Cetrimide market has been compiled by research analysts of the industry, with a primary aim to offer relevant information on the current market conditions for the Global and United States Cetrimide. Its objective is to talk about the growth prospects of the market and reach out to a wider range of audience such as government agencies, manufacturers of Cetrimide, and multiple consultancy services. The research report offers comprehensive analysis of the vital driving factors that will have a huge impact on the Global and United States Cetrimide market. It also studies the impeding or restraining aspects, upcoming and latest trends in the Global and United States Cetrimide market which the prominent players in the Global and United States Cetrimide market should make a note of to enhance their market presence. The potential of other factors of the Cetrimide market can be assessed by studying its multiple segments such as products, end users, types, application, services, and others, whichever are applicable. The report also studies the future conditions of the Global and United States Cetrimide market in all the important regions across the world, such as Latin America, Middle East and Africa (MEA), North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific.The report of the Global and United States Cetrimide market gives out the projection of the market size in terms of its revenue (USD billion). Top-down as well as Bottom-up approaches are applied in the study report to give an estimate and confirm the size of the Global and United States Cetrimide market and of its other different sub-segments. The research report also extensively discusses the opportunities that may arise in the Global and United States market for Cetrimide by type and application in the manufacturing countries, and provides a prediction for the period of 2017-2022.The major players in global and United States Cetrimide market, including Smaart Pharmaceutticals, Hawk Petroleum Pte Ltd, CLEARSYNTH, Signet Chemical Corporation Private Limited, Kunze-Indopharma BV, Heterochem (Dist) Ltd, Tatva Chintan Pharma Chem Private Limited, Kemcolour International, Advent Chembio Pvt Ltd, Curechem India, Curechem China Ltd., F. & A. PHARMA-Handels-GmbH, Siddharth International, Simagchem Corp.Request for the Free Report Sample:Some of the prominent companies in the Global and United States Cetrimide market have been mentioned to attract the market shareholders. These companies are profiled respectively so as to give out their product portfolio, recent strategic decisions, and overall market share. The chapter also tries to grasp the possibility of the entry of upcoming players in the Global and United States Cetrimide market. The leading companies of the Global and United States market have been spotted with the help of secondary research methodologies and their dominance in respective areas have been evaluated with the help of detailed primary as well as secondary research.Table of Contents1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source1.3 Disclaimer2 Cetrimide Market Overview2.1 Cetrimide Product Overview2.2 Cetrimide Market Segment by Type2.3 Global Cetrimide Product Segment by Type2.4 United States Cetrimide Product Segment by Type7 Cetrimide Players/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales Data7.1 Smaart Pharmaceutticals7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.1.2 Cetrimide Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.3 Smaart Pharmaceutticals Cetrimide Sales (K Ton), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Ton) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Hawk Petroleum Pte Ltd7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.2.2 Cetrimide Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.3 Hawk Petroleum Pte Ltd Cetrimide Sales (K Ton), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Ton) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business OverviewObtain Table of Content @List of Tables and FiguresTable Research Programs/Design for This ReportFigure Bottom-up and Top-down Approaches for This ReportFigure Global Cetrimide Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure United States Cetrimide Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global 99% Purity Sales (K Ton) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global Above 99% Purity Sales (K Ton) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global Others Sales (K Ton) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. 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Global and United States WIFI Chipsets Market Status and Forecast by Players, Applications 2017-2022
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "2017-2022 WIFI Chipsets Report on Global and United States Market, Status and Forecast, by Players, Types and Applications" to its huge collection of research reports.The in-depth study of the Global and United States WIFI Chipsets market can be done with sources such as the internet or web. However, it is extremely difficult to pick important data and leave out the rest of the information that may not be important, because the internet is full of information and humungous amount of data is available regarding the Global and United States WIFI Chipsets market. The market reports added in QY research reports presents just the perfect data, discarding anything that is unnecessary, whereas inclusive of all important aspects of the Global and United States WIFI Chipsets market. The key segments of the Global and United States WIFI Chipsets market is studied. Moreover, the WIFI Chipsets market is studied from a Global and United States perspective as well as regional perspective.In addition to this, the report presents an unbiased analysis of the various factors that will hamper or challenge the growth of the WIFI Chipsets market. The impact analysis of the restricting factors is also given. The important growth drivers and the various macro and micro economic factors that have a hand in fueling the growth of the Global and United States WIFI Chipsets market is also discussed. The degree of competition and the threat of substitutes have been analyzed in the report. In addition to this, the threat of new entrants and the bargaining power of buyers and suppliers are also given in the report.The major players in global and United States WIFI Chipsets market, including Broadcom, Qualcomm Atheros, MTK, Marvell, Intel, Texas Instruments, Realtek, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Blu Wireless, Celeno, Hitachi, XRONet, HelloSoft, Envara, Infineon, ADMtek, SiBeam, MicroChip, SMSC.For More Info Download Free PDF Brochure :The competitive landscape of the Global and United States WIFI Chipsets market is given in much detail. It comprises a detailed analysis of the leading players within the Global and United States WIFI Chipsets market and their collective share in the market. The recent developments by leading players and the challenges faced by them over the course of period have also been revealed in the report.Table of Contents1 Methodology and Data Source1.1 Methodology/Research Approach1.1.1 Research Programs/Design1.1.2 Market Size Estimation1.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation1.2 Data Source1.3 Disclaimer2 WIFI Chipsets Market Overview2.1 WIFI Chipsets Product Overview2.2 WIFI Chipsets Market Segment by Type2.3 Global WIFI Chipsets Product Segment by Type2.4 United States WIFI Chipsets Product Segment by Type3 WIFI Chipsets Application/End Users3.1 WIFI Chipsets Segment by Application/End Users3.2 Global WIFI Chipsets Product Segment by Application3.2.1 Global WIFI Chipsets Sales (K Units) and CGAR (%) by Applications (2012, 2016 and 2022)3.2.2 Global WIFI Chipsets Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2012-2017)3.3 United States WIFI Chipsets Product Segment by Application7 WIFI Chipsets Players/Manufacturers Profiles and Sales Data7.1 Broadcom7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.1.2 WIFI Chipsets Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.3 Broadcom WIFI Chipsets Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Qualcomm Atheros7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors7.2.2 WIFI Chipsets Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.3 Qualcomm Atheros WIFI Chipsets Sales (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business OverviewGet more information from Table of Content:List of Tables and FiguresTable Research Programs/Design for This ReportFigure Bottom-up and Top-down Approaches for This ReportFigure Global WIFI Chipsets Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure United States WIFI Chipsets Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global 802.11a/b/g Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global 802.11n Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)Figure Global 802.11ac Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. 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British and French troops have seized control of two major ports in Egypts Canal Zone and declared a ceasefire.
This evening, an official statement said Port Said was in allied hands and the town had suffered little damage.
There was a sense of relief at the United Nations headquarters in New York as the Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold announced the allies had accepted the terms of the UN ceasefire and had ordered troops to stop fighting. The Israelis have also announced a ceasefire in the Sinai.
At dawn today, French commandos sent over from Cyprus landed at Port Fuad and advanced south along the banks of the Suez Canal.
Yesterday, the British Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade, were brought into Port Said by naval helicopter.
They captured Gamil airfield after what Sir Charles Keightley, the allied commander-in-chief described as some very tough fighting with Egyptian troops armed with guns, mortars and tanks.
Allied casualties are reported to be light with 30 members of the 16th Parachute Brigade injured. Some 70 Egyptians soldiers have been killed.
Last week, the Soviet leader Nikolai Bulganin proposed sending his troops to the Middle East to restore peace to the region.
The suggestion was rejected in a statement issued by the White House as unthinkable and an obvious attempt to divert world attention from the Hungarian tragedy.
The next major task for the allies is to restore order to the two ports and to clear the entrance to the Suez Canal currently blocked by ships sunk by the Egyptians.
The canal was nationalized on 26 July by Egypts President Abdel Nasser after the US turned down a previous offer to fund a new dam at Aswan.
The move outraged the canals Anglo-French owners as well as the British Prime Minister, Anthony Eden, who has compared President Nasser to Adolf Hitler.
The present military action began on 29 October, when Israel invaded the Sinai.
British and French planes entered the fray two days later after President Nasser refused their offer of creating a buffer zone between Israel and Egypt. They began by destroying most of the Egyptian air force on the ground.
Courtesy BBC News
In context
President Abdel Nasser not only angered British and French companies by nationalising the Suez Canal, he also blockaded the Straits of Tiran Israels main outlet into the Red Sea.
So Britain and France joined forces with Israel to take control of Suez, although this alliance was denied for years afterwards.
US President Eisenhower and delegates at the United Nations feared the USSR would use the crisis as a way of gaining power in the Middle East and deflecting attention from its invasion of Hungary.
They put pressure on Britain, France and Israel to withdraw from Egypt and a UN emergency force took over.
Britain failed to get control of Suez and this, along with condemnation by Commonwealth leaders of military action not sanctioned by the UN, led to the resignation of Anthony Eden in January 1957.
His successor, Harold Macmillan, was quick to restore damaged relations with the United States.
Israel finally withdrew from Sinai in March 1957 after receiving assurances from the US that it would have access through the Straits of Tiran.
Global Stainless Blade Knife Market Professional Survey Report 2017 : Baucor, Marttiini
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Stainless Blade Knife Market Professional Survey Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The business landscape of the global Stainless Blade Knife market is undergoing dynamic changes. In order to facilitate a complete understanding of the complex industry scenario for clients and thus enhance their decision making process, the study on the global Stainless Blade Knife market presents a methodological explanation of this dynamic market scenario. The research study also offers the growth prospects of the global Stainless Blade Knife market in the coming few years.The research study begins with a brief overview of the industry and enlists details such as the definition, specifications, and classification of the global Stainless Blade Knife market. This section of the report provides to business professionals the key historical developments of the industry with details such as applications of Stainless Blade Knife and industry policy analysis. The manufacturing cost structure evaluation in the research study delivers an extensive analysis of the labor costs, equipment suppliers, and raw material suppliers, and manufacturing cost. In-depth segmentation analysis of the global Stainless Blade Knife market by key criteria with the growth prospects of the key segments paints a clear picture of the growth framework of the market.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringCaseBaucorWinchester DeluxeMarttiiniUnited CutleryGet Complimentary Research Summary Of The Report:A strategic business forecast for the volume and value of the global Stainless Blade Knife market is covered in the report. The global and regional trends that will impact the growth of the various segments of the market further give insights to readers into the market scenario. Description of key strategies of the major companies operating in the global Stainless Blade Knife market allows readers to estimate the competitive framework of the market. Further, the study offers details such as each key companys profile, contact information, sales, sales price, sales revenue, and gross margin analysis. Actionable insights from expert analysts on the new project investment feasibility of the global Stainless Blade Knife market will support clients in forming sound business decisions to boost ROI.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Stainless Blade Knife1.1 Definition and Specifications of Stainless Blade Knife1.1.1 Definition of Stainless Blade Knife1.1.2 Specifications of Stainless Blade Knife1.2 Classification of Stainless Blade Knife1.3 Applications of Stainless Blade Knife1.4 Market Segment by Regions2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Stainless Blade Knife2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Stainless Blade Knife2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Stainless Blade Knife2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Stainless Blade Knife3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Stainless Blade Knife3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Stainless Blade Knife Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Stainless Blade Knife Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Stainless Blade Knife Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Stainless Blade Knife Major Manufacturers in 20168 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Stainless Blade Knife8.1 Case8.1.1 Company Profile8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.1.3 Case 2016 Stainless Blade Knife Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.1.4 Case 2016 Stainless Blade Knife Business Region Distribution Analysis8.2 Baucor8.2.1 Company Profile8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications8.2.3 Baucor 2016 Stainless Blade Knife Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis8.2.4 Baucor 2016 Stainless Blade Knife Business Region Distribution AnalysisRead Complete Table of Content @List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Stainless Blade KnifeTable Product Specifications of Stainless Blade KnifeTable Classification of Stainless Blade KnifeFigure Global Production Market Share of Stainless Blade Knife by Type in 2016Figure Global Consumption Volume Market Share of Stainless Blade Knife by Application in 2016Table Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Stainless Blade Knife Major Manufacturers in 2016Table Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Stainless Blade Knife Major Manufacturers in 2016About 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 US:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Bone Graft Substitute Market 2027: Comprehensive Research Study
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World market of Bone Graft Substitute is expected to reach $ 5,031.0 million by the end of 2027, this market is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~ 6.52% during the forecast period 2017-2027.The Bone Graft Substitute Market offers great opportunities in the form of technological advancements in the orthopaedic industry, opportunities for investments, and consolidation for big healthcare providers in the U.S. among others. Synthetic material used in manufacturing of bone graft substitutes, for instance, hydroxyapatite are devoid of organic and biological agents, which hinder osteoconduction, osteoinduction, and osteogenesis. Thus, technological advancement in the form of recombinant DNA technology is use to eliminate these drawbacks by mixing these materials with growth factors to enhance grafts and stem cell-based auto grafts. The greater use of biotechnology is expected to increase the characteristics of synthetic bone graft such as osteoconduction, osteoinduction and osteogenesis, etc.Bone grafting is a surgical procedure carried out fix facture bones and bone injury. The procedure involves transplantation of bone tissues to augment and regenerate bones that are lost due to diseases or an injuries. Autografts have been used for decades for the grafting purposes. Autografts is one of the greatest available surgical procedure for the bone grafting. However, due to the double incision required during the autograft procedure, the pain associated with the procedure, and the post-operative pain on both the sites have encouraged the scientists to look for the alternatives. With the changing trends, use of the allografts, xenografts, and synthetic bone grafts is on the rise. Thus, with the development of these innovative products as a substitute for the real bones, the global market for bone graft substitute is growing.Increased use of bone grafting procedure in the fixation of the damaged/ broken bones, high demand of the bone graft substitutes in the military medical units, rising geriatric population with increasing orthopaedic problems, and increasing need for the reconstructive orthopaedic treatments drive the growth of the market. Additionally, increased usage of the bone graft substitutes in the field of dentistry and technological advancements from the leading market players with innovative bone graft products add fuel to the market growth. Furthermore, patient safety due to the risk of disease transmission in allografts and xenograft, risk of graft rejection, improper fixation and weak bonding, and unmet medical needs in the low income countries may hamper the growth of the market.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players in the Global Bone Graft Substitute Market ACE Surgical Supply Company, Inc. BioHorizons IPH, Inc. Dentium Co., Ltd. Dentsply Sirona Institut Straumann AG Medtronic plc Stryker Corporation Zimmer BiometKey Findings:Americas accounted for the largest market share in 2016, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast periodEurope was the second-largest market in 2016 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.76%Asia Pacific is projected to show the fastest growth at the CAGR of 6.85% during the forecast period 2017-2027Browse Full Report Details @SegmentsThe global bone graft substitute market has been segmented on the basis of type and application. Based on type, the market has been segmented as autograft, demineralized bone matrix, synthetic bone grafts, bone morphogenetic protein, and others. Based on the application, the market has been segmented as a spinal fusion, joint reconstruction, long bone, dental, foot & ankle, and others.Regional analysisThe US accounts for the significant market share due to extensive use of medications and greater expenditure on health care. The fastest uptake of new technology and devices in the US is also an important driver of the global bone graft substitute market. The concentration of the major medical device manufacturers in the developed regions is also adding fuel to the market.Europe is the second largest market due to a high disposable income and rising awareness regarding bone graft substitutes.Asia Pacific region is expected to grow rapidly and is estimated that China and India will lead the market.Gulf nations, particularly, Saudi Arabia and UAE drives the Middle East & African market. The African region is expected to witness a moderate growth owing to poor economic and political conditions, and poor healthcare penetration.Get Discount @The report for Global Bone graft substitute market by Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain a deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives a clear picture of the current market scenario which includes past and estimated future market size with respect to value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides detail information about and strategies used by top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Bone Graft Substitute Market Research Report- Global Forecast till 2027 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.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.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Infusion System Market 2025: Complete Research Study
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Globally the market for infusion system is expected to grow at the rate of about 4.9% from 2017 to 2025 & is expected to reach $44.33 billion by 2025.Infusion System Market is growing at a steady pace. The various factors that influence the growth of the market are increased use of infusion pumps for the delivery of drugs and other fluids, rising prevalence of chronic and fatal diseases, high demand of the infusion systems in the military medical units, technological advancements from the leading market players. Furthermore the factors such as patient safety concerns and improper infusion leading to the severe consequences, unmet medical needs in the low income countries are hampering the growth of the market.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key Players for Infusion System Market: 3M B. BRAUN MELSUNGEN AG Baxter Becton Dickinson and Company Fresenius Kabi AG ICU Medical, Inc Smiths Medical Terumo Medical Corporation.Key FindingThe infusion system global market is expected to reach $44.33 billion by 2025.IV disposable holds the largest share of 66.7% of the market.North America holds the largest market share of Infusion System market and is anticipated to reach $15.79 billion by the end of forecast period.Globally, Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing region and expected to grow at the rate of 5.3% during the forecast period.Browse Full Report Details @Segments:Infusion System market has been segmented on the basis of product type which comprises of IV disposable, Infusion pump, and others. IV disposable accounted for the largest market share of the total market in 2016. On the basis of application, market is segmented into Chemotherapy, diabetes, gastrointestinal diseases, pediatrics, and others. Chemotherapy segment accounted for the largest market share of the total market in 2016. On the basis of end user, market is segmented into hospitals, specialty oncology wards, homecare, and others. Hospitals dominated the global market with the largest market share in 2016.Regional Analysis of Infusion System Market:Globally, North America is the largest market for Infusion System and is expected to commands the largest market share due to advanced technologies are continuously on rise in these countries. Europe accounts for the second largest market, where as Asia Pacific with lots of opportunity and continuously growing economies, is expected to be the fastest growing segment. This rapid growth is majorly due to recent developments in healthcare and improving economies and disposable income per individual. Middle East and Africa with less economic developments and extremely low income accounts for least market share in 2016 but is expected to grow with better infusion treatment in the countries.Get Discount @The report for Infusion System market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides detail information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different markets segments and regions.ContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Infusion System Market Research Report- Global Forecast To 2025 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.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.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Market Research Report 2017 : Biomrieux Sa, Merck Kgaa
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Market Research Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.The thorough report here assembles different perspectives having a place with the general Food Diagnostics Equipment market which verbalizes the present-day data and future exposures with reference to the dynamic powers at play. The prime reason for the examination report is to offer the endorser with a sweeping format and make accessible the gainful certainties and records. The quantifiable and testing illuminations behind the examination other than executes data on issues, for example, drivers, shackles, and projections to gage the postponed outcome of the general Food Diagnostics Equipment market through the cross of the said gage period in the examination report. The report in like course passes on a brief and world class record of the predefined market follows, which joins a couple of occasions of the veritable fixations at work which are concentrated to trigger change in the market or may cause any negative effect.This report other than stations into the general Food Diagnostics Equipment market by in a general sense examining the thing and industrialized chain of the market. This is required to moreover help in passing on good 'ol fashioned information and data on compound parts of the fitting market, for example, material relating to methodologies for the directing body in the standard and general strata, transport and transmission structure, targets, and purposes behind premium got for the contributed mean.Global Food Diagnostics Equipment market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players including3M CompanyBioconrtol SystemsBiomrieux SaDanaher CorporationE. I. Du Pont De Nemours And CompanyFoss A/SMerck KgaaOrder A Free Copy of Sample Report @The report utilizes a couple of demonstrated industry examination and whole contraptions. They permit the examination collect pass on an uncovered fundamental assessment of the general Food Diagnostics Equipment market and help endorser and market troupes to be advised with respect to theory and business judgments. The wide thinking of the examination gives a market position on an obvious and minute scale. It amasses key and optional research structures thusly. The administrators have figured the recorded encounters and rose it from the forward and thus around change parade circumstance to plan a structure for the general Food Diagnostics Equipment market in the years ahead.Table of Contents1 Food Diagnostics Equipment Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Food Diagnostics Equipment1.2 Food Diagnostics Equipment Segment by Type (Product Category)1.3 Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Segment by Application1.4 Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Market by Region (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Food Diagnostics Equipment (2012-2022)2 Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Food Diagnostics Equipment Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Food Diagnostics Equipment Market Competitive Situation and Trends7 Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 3M Company7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Food Diagnostics Equipment Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.3 3M Company Food Diagnostics Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Bioconrtol Systems7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Food Diagnostics Equipment Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.3 Bioconrtol Systems Food Diagnostics Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business OverviewView TOC (table of content) of the Report:List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Food Diagnostics EquipmentFigure Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Production (K Units) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Types (Product Category) (2012-2022)Figure Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Production Market Share by Types (Product Category) in 2016Figure Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Consumption (K Units) by Applications (2012-2022)Figure Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Consumption Market Share by Applications in 2016Figure Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Figure Global Food Diagnostics Equipment Capacity, Production (K Units) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)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 US:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Europe CBCT Dental Imaging Market is To Hike USD 325.5 Million by 2023, CAGR of ~ 11.41%
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Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography or CBCT is a special type of X-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial X-rays are not sufficient. This technology is used to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of the teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bones in a single scan.Increasing funding for research is leading to new and innovative device development that is driving the market growth. Rapid adoption of advanced devices by dental professionals for accurate and effective diagnosis is also important for the market growth. The use of 3D radiographic imaging in orthodontics is growing rapidly which has fueled the market demand. Changing technology and healthcare practices also play major role in the growth of this market. Some other factors include growing aging population, rising awareness, investment made by hospitals for technology up gradation, increasing cases of gum diseases and sport injuries that are spurring the market growth.Government support to encourage research and development also plays an important role here. Academic and research institutes are leading new researches that are expanding the application of CBCT imaging devices. Increasing use of CBCT imaging in cosmetic dentistry treatments is another key driving force for the market.However, some factors are inhibiting the growth of Europe CBCT Dental Imaging market such as lack of awareness for the use of advanced technologies which results in slow adoption of advanced technologies in many European countries, risk of radiations in children and teens etc.CBCT dental imaging industry is growing rapidly and is expected to continue its growth during 2017-2023. Europe CBCT Dental Imaging market is expected to grow at the CAGR of ~ 11.41% during the forecast period and is estimated to reach USD 325.5 million by 2023.Get a Copy of Sample Report @Key players for Europe CBCT Dental Imaging market: Carestream Health (US) Dentsply Sirona (US) FONA Dental S.R.O. (Slovak Republic) Gendex (Danaher Corporation) (US) Imaging Sciences International, LLC. (Danaher Corporation) (US) J.MORITA MFG.CORP (Japan) KaVo Dental GmbH (Danaher Corporation) (Germany) NewTom (Italy) Planmeca OY (Finland)Key Findings: France CBCT dental imaging market is expected to reach USD 4.5 million by 2023. Flat panel detector accounted for the largest market share in 2016, with a market value of USD 302.5 million by 2023. Orthodontics was the second-largest market by application and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.61% during 2017-2023.Segments:Europe CBCT Dental Imaging market has been segmented on the basis of type of detector which comprises of flat panel detector and image intensifier. Flat panel detector is sub-segmented into indirect conversion flat panel detectors and direct conversion flat panel detectors.On the basis of application, it is segmented into dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, and others. Dental Implants is sub-segmented into endosteal implants and subperiosteal implants.On the basis of end user, this market is segmented into hospitals & dental clinics, academics and research institutes, and others.Browse Full Report Details @Regional analysis of Europe CBCT Dental Imaging market:Considering the scenario of the market, in 2016, Germany accounted for the largest market in Europe CBCT dental imaging market. The highest number of CBCT machines are sold each year in Germany among other European countries. Innovation and technologically advanced product development is leading the market growth. Germany is expected to reach 93.8 million by 2023. Some other factors such as growing aging population, funding for research, and availability of advanced imaging products are driving the market growth.Italy holds second position in Europe CBCT dental imaging market due to rapid adoption of advanced imaging devices and top class medical facilities. This market was valued around USD 29.0 million in 2016 and expected to continue its growth during the forecast period. Availability of advanced healthcare facilities, large amount of money invested for technology up gradation, and high awareness among the medical professional as well as people are spurring the market growth.UK is expected to grow at fastest CAGR of 11.89% during 2017-2023. Some major factors are driving the market growth such as government support to encourage research and new product development, growing aging population, increasing cases of various dental problems, increasing number of people suffering from gum problems etc.Rest of Europe is expected to grow slower than other European countries in this market and this lag can be attributed to slow adoption of advanced devices, low investment for research and technology up gradation, slow economic growth, traditional approach toward the healthcare etc.The report for Europe CBCT Dental Imaging Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain deeper insight to the market and industry performance. The report gives a clear picture of the current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regionsContinueWe are thankful for the support and assistance from Europe CBCT Dental Imaging Market Research Report - Forecast till 2023 chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.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.Media Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Research Report Analysis: Global Depth Filtration Market 2017 focusing on Application , Market Overview and Growth Rate 2024
Global Depth Filtration Market ? Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024
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Global Depth Filtration Market accounted to USD 1.50 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024. About "depth filtration ", Filtration is either carried out by depth filters or surface filters. Depth filtration utilizes the thickness (depth) of a cellulose based filter media. This depth matrix is used to trap suspended particles; separating them from their carrying fluid.Price Of Report: -$4,200 (Single User)Speak to Analyst for More Details @Depth Filtration Market Market Segmentation:By Media Type the market for depth filtration is segmented into Diatomaceous Earth, Activated Carbon, and Cellulose.By product type the depth filtration market is segmented Filter Cartridge, Capsule Filter.On the basis of application the market is segmented into final product processing, cell clarification. Final product processing segment is further segmented into small molecules, biologics.Request For Free Sample Report @:Based on geography, the market is segmented into five geographical regions: North America Europe Asia-Pacific South America Middle East and AfricaThe geographical regions are further segmented into 29 major countries such as U.S. Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Belgium, Switzerland, Belgium, Turkey, Japan, China, Singapore, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa and others.Purchase Full Report of Global Depth Filtration Market @Some of the major players operating in this market are :Some of the major players operating in depth filtration market are Merck KGaA, Pall Corporation, Sartorius Stedim Biotech S.A.,Parker Hannifin Corporation, 3M Company, Hangzhou Anow Microfiltration Co. Ltd.,Amazon Filters Ltd, and Eaton Corporation, Graver Technologies, LLC, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastic, Trinity Filtration Technology Pvt. Ltdamong others.Inquiry before Buying @Related ReportGlobal Hemostats Market- Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Hemostats Market, By Product Type (Thrombin Based, Combination, Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Based, Gelatin Based, Collagen Based Hemostat), By Indication (Wound Closure, Surgery), By End-User (Hospitals, Clinics, Ambulatory Centers, Community Healthcare, Others), By Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa) Trends and Forecast to 2024About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Vishal DixitData Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: Sales@databridgemarketresearch.comInvestor: investors@databridgemarketresearch.comVisit Blog
Global Gear Oil Market Expected to Reach at CAGR of 2.70% | Industry Research Report 2017-2024
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The Global Gear Oil Market accounted for USD 7.34 billion in 2016 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.70% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024.For In depth Information Get Free Sample Copy of this Report @Global Gear Oil Market By Base Oil {Mineral Oil, Synthetic Oil (PAO, PAG, Group III (Hydrocracking), Esters), Semi-Synthetic Oil, Bio-Based Oil)}, Application {General Industrial (Manufacturing, Mining, Construction, Agriculture, Oil & Gas, Others), Transport (Automotive, Marine, Railway, Aviation)}, Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa)Complete report on Global Gear Oil Market Research Report 2017-2024 spread across 350 Pages, profiling Top companies and supports with tables and figuresTop Key Players: Exxon Mobil Corporation Chevron Corporation Royal Dutch Shell Plc BP p.l.c. Lukoil Total Lubrifiants PetroChina Company Limited Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd Sinopec Corp. CITGO Petroleum Corporation Apar Industries Ltd. FUCHS and The Lubrizol CorporationRequest for Detaild TOC:Key Questions Answered in Global Gear Oil Market Report:-Our Report offers:- What will the market growth rate, Overview and Analysis by Type of Global Gear Oil Market in 2024? What are the key factors driving, Analysis by Applications and Countries Global Gear Oil Market? What are Dynamics, This Overview Includes Analysis of Scope, and price analysis of top Vendors Profiles of Global Gear Oil Market? Who are Opportunities, Risk and Driving Force of Global Gear Oil Market? Who are the opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in Global Gear Oil Market? Business Overview by Type, Applications, Gross Margin and Market Share What are the Global Gear Oil Market opportunities, market risk and market overview of the Market?Major market drivers: Global Gear Oil Market Rising demand from power industry Improved quality of gear oils Growingautomotive industryMarket Restraint: Strict environmental regulations restricting the use of gear oilsRigid environmental regulations pertaining to the sustainability of structuresFor more insightful information visit @Customize report of " Global Gear Oil Market" as per customers requirement also available.Market Segmentations:Global Gear Oil Market is segmented on the basis of Type Application Geography.Market Segmentations in Details:On the basis of Type, global gear oil market is segmented into mineral oil, synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil and bio-based oil. Synthetic oilis sub segmented into poly-alpha-olefin(PAO),polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and Group III (hydrocracking).On the basis Application global gear oil market is segmented into general industrial and transportation. General industrial is sub segmented into manufacturing, mining, construction, agriculture, oil & gas and others, whereas transportation is sub segmented into automotive, marine, railway, and aviation. Transportation segment accounts for the highest consumption due to increasing usage gear oils in the automotive industry.On the basis of geography North America South America Europe Asia-Pacific Middle East & AfricaGlobal Gear Oil Market Company Share Analysis:The Global Gear Oil Market Report is consolidated due to the presence of limited number of players concentrated in few countries. These major players have adopted various organic as well as inorganic growth strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, and others to strengthen their position in this market.Speak to Author of the Report @Other ReportGlobal Fitness Equipment Market Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Global Fitness Equipment Market, By Type (Cardiovascular Training Equipment (Treadmills, Elliptical Trainers, Stationary Cycles, Rowing Machines, Stair Steppers, Others), Strength Training Equipment (Single Stations, Plate Loaded Equipment, Free Weights, Benches and Racks, Multistations, Accessories), Body Composition Analyzers (Bioimpedance Analyzer, Skinfold Caliper, Dual Emission X-Ray Absorptiometry (Dexa), Hydrostatic Weighing, Air Displacement Plethysmography), Fitness Monitoring Equipment), By End-User (Health Clubs, Gyms, Home Settings, Corporate Settings, Apartments, Hotels, Hospitals, Clinics), By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa, Rest of the World) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024.Report Access:About Data Bridge Market ResearchData Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Vishal DixitData Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: Sales@databridgemarketresearch.comInvestor: investors@databridgemarketresearch.comVisit BlogFollow us on LinkedIn:
Austin American-Statesman Names Watkins Insurance Group A Winner of the Greater Austin Area 2017 Top Workplaces Award
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Watkins Insurance Group, one of the largest full-service, locally owned independent insurance agencies in central Texas, has been awarded a 2017 Top Workplaces honor by The Austin American-Statesman. The Top Workplaces lists are based solely on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by Energage, LLC (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including Alignment, Execution, and Connection, just to name a few.The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest. And oftentimes, people assume its all about fancy perks and benefits. says Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every daythe employees. Time and time again, our research has proven that whats most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how its going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Claffey adds, Without this sense of connection, an organization doesnt have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.We are so proud to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in Austin for seven consecutive years. This ranking means so much to us because it reaffirms that were fostering an atmosphere where our employees know that they are valued. said Patrick Watkins, President, Watkins Insurance Group. During our agencys 68 years, weve seen first-hand that success in business depends on providing the very best in client care. To provide that level of care, each employee must strive in their individual efforts to meet that group goal. Simply put, I believe that an organization that provides the best for its team will have a team that provides the best for its customers.Watkins Human Resources Manager, Kimberly Martinez, adds: Our employees are the cornerstone to our success. We strive to provide a fun and family environment that people want to work in. This facilitates a team mentality that helps everyone deal with the day-to-day stresses. All work and no play doesnt exist at Watkins.About Watkins Insurance GroupFounded in Austin in 1949, Watkins Insurance Group is now one of the largest and fastest-growing locally-owned independent insurance agencies in central Texas. Recognized as an IIABA Best Practices Agency and headquartered in Austin, Watkins Insurance Group has six locations throughout Texas including offices in Longview, Marble Falls, Mineola, Tyler, and Waco. The agency provides tailored insurance, employee benefit, and bond solutions for business and personal risks of all sizes.For more information about the Watkins Insurance Group, please visitWatkins Insurance Group3834 Spicewood Springs Rd Ste 100Austin TX 78759Contact: Dshanya Reese, Brand Marketing AdministratorDReese@WatkinsInsuranceGroup.com
Liquid Fertilizers Market 2023: Segmented on the basis of product type, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and micronutrients
Liquid Fertilizers Market, Liquid Fertilizers Industry, Liquid Fertilizers Market 2017, Liquid Fertilizers Market 2023, Liquid Fer
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Global Liquid Fertilizers Market ReportThe global liquid fertilizers market is growing due to increasing population as well as increasing demand for food. With the growing consumer awareness and support from government to maximize the agriculture production, the demand for liquid fertilizers has increased recently.Fertilizers are a chemical or natural substance which is added to the soil or land so as to increase fertility. Liquid fertilizers are substances used, to boost the crop production as plants are easily able to absorb these and can offer faster outcomes. Liquid fertilizers is an active way of providing the essential nutrients to plants at the right time and in ideal concentration.Request for Sample Report @On the basis of crop, this market is segmented into oilseeds & pulses, cereals & grains, fruits & vegetables, and others. Fruits & vegetables is the high growth segment in the liquid fertilizers market due to technological advancements as well as its growing demand.Key Players:Some of the key players in the liquid fertilizers market: Compo Expert GmbH (Germany), Kugler Company (U.S.), Yara International ASA (Norway), Agroliquid (U.S.), Agrium Inc. (Canada), Israel Chemical Ltd. (ICL) (Israel), Haifa Chemicals Ltd. (Israel)Key Findings:Growing fertilizers industry is the reason for growing demand for liquid fertilizers.Asia Pacific dominates the liquid fertilizers market in comparison to Europe and North America.The global liquid fertilizers market is segmented on the basis of product type, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and micronutrients. Among these, micronutrients is the high growth segment in this market owing to metabolic reactions in all crops as well as growth.They can be absorbed by plants through their leaf pores and roots. Liquid fertilizers are rich in growth hormones and micro nutrients. Due to depletion of soil quality, use of fertilizers is being propelled to help farmers to increase crop production, as well as the surge in crop acreage and requirement to increase crop production is encouraging farmers to use liquid fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers also help in getting increased production in humid, wet, or stormy weather. They have gained status globally, as they help in increasing the quantity as well as improve the quality produced. Increasing population, growing economy, support from the government to maximize the agriculture production to meet the food demands, are key drivers for the market.In addition to the increasing population, the growing demand for food, rise in the crop production, increasing soil efficiency, growing economy, increasing demand for bio-fuels and high quality yield are expected to drive the liquid fertilizers market. Increased awareness about the liquid fertilizers has raised the bar for quality, which, in turn, increase the market share of liquid fertilizers globally. Mass market penetration is leading to the introduction of new products based out of the liquid fertilizers and their retail across various regions.Access Complete Report @Segments:On the basis of application, this market is segmented into foliar, fertigation, soil, and others. Foliar application is the most common method as it helps in neutralizing soil, increases the nutrient absorption rate, as well as improves the plant growth.On the basis of form, this market is segmented into organic, and synthetic. Organic liquid fertilizers are expected to grow faster than synthetic liquid fertilizers.Regional Analysis:The global liquid fertilizers market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). Among these, the Asia Pacific region accounts for major market share followed by North America. The growing demand for liquid fertilizers in Asia Pacific, due to increasing population, growing economy, support from the government to maximize the agriculture production to meet the food demands, will drive the growth of the market in this region during the forecasting period. In North America, there is significant share of liquid fertilizers as well as due to huge demand, will drive the growth of the market in this region. However, in Asia Pacific region, mainly emerging economies including China, and India, is estimated to witness maximum growth in the global liquid fertilizers market over the forecast period 2017-2023.Table of Content:Executive SummaryMarket IntroductionResearch MethodologMarket DynamicsMarket TrendsTABLE 1 PESTLE ANALYSIS - U.S.TABLE 2 PESTLE ANALYSIS- IRELANDTABLE 3 PESTLE ANALYSIS- CHINATABLE 4 PESTLE ANALYSIS- JAPANTABLE 5 PESTLE ANALYSIS- GERMANYTABLE 6 KEY SUPPLIERS OF RAW MATERIALS FOR ORGANIC LIQUID FERTILIZERSTABLE 7 GLOBAL ORGANIC LIQUID FERTILIZERS MARKET, BY PRODUCT TYPE, (20172023), USD MILLIONAt 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.Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.comOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Market Projected to Garner Significant Revenues by 2025 -end
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Research Objectives >
Questions Asked >
See the RCC therapies covered >
Find out who the 6 US and 6 European KOLs are >
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Top Takeaways
What unmet needs exist in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and is the BCG vaccine addressing these needs? Will the conventional Bacillus CalmetteGuerin (BCG) vaccine retain its hold as standard of care in the high-risk NMIBC setting?
Which novel intravesical therapies are likely to treat NMIBC in the future and will they be embraced? Instiladrin (FKD Therapies/Merck & Co.), Vicinium (Eleven Biotherapeutics) and ALT-803 (Altor BioScience) are all in the Phase III pipeline but how are they perceived by KOLs?
Five PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for advanced bladder cancer but which ones are KOLs most enthusiastic about? Find out how the immune checkpoint inhibitors are expected to impact bladder cancer and how these agents are perceived by regulatory authorities?
How do KOLs believe the immune checkpoint inhibitors can successfully differentiate themselves? How are KOLs weighing up each checkpoint inhibitor in terms of efficacy, safety, administration and access? Find out which checkpoint inhibitor has the most opportunity in the adjuvant setting or as a maintenance approach.
Can targeted agents such as Eli Lilly's Cyramza forge a niche in the treatment algorithm? Based on results of the RANGE study, how do KOLs view Cyramza (ramucirumab) as a potential treatment for bladder cancer? What will be critical for commercial success in this indication?
Which innovative mechanisms of action are KOLs most excited about? Angiogenesis inhibitors and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor inhibitors are all in the early-stage pipeline but are there any novel mechanisms that stand out to KOLs?
How will future treatment pathways evolve for the treatment of bladder cancer? Find out if immune checkpoint inhibitors or combination therapies are expected to play an important role.
Quotes
"A lot of patients will have a PD-1 inhibitor upfront. There may be a small group of patients with metastatic and more aggressive disease, who will be having [upfront] combinations of PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors, or possibly IDO inhibitors." EU Key Opinion Leader
"It has been a hugely exciting time in the last two years. Suddenly, in bladder cancer, things are taking off. It's really quite exciting." US Key Opinion Leader
Marketed Therapies
Valstar (valrubicin; Endo Pharmaceuticals)
TheraCys/Immucyst (BCG vaccine; Sanofi Pasteur/Merck & Co.)
Javlor (vinflunine ditartrate; Pierre Fabre)
Tecentriq (atezolizumab; Roche)
Keytruda (pembrolizumab; Merck & Co.)
Opdivo (nivolumab; BMS)
Imfinzi (durvalumab; AstraZeneca)
Bavencio (avelumab; Merck KGaA/Pfizer)
Pipeline Therapies
Cyramza (ramucirumab; Eli Lilly)
Instiladrin (SCH 721015; FKD Therapies/Merck & Co.)
Vicinium (VB4-845; Eleven Biotherapeutics)
ALT-803 (Altor BioScience)
KOLs Interviewed
KOLs from North America
Dr. Robert Dreicer, MD; Deputy Director of University of Virginia (UVA) Cancer Center, Director of Solid Tumor Oncology within the division of Hematology/Oncology and Professor of Medicine and Urology, at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Virginia
Dr. Donald Lamm, MD, FACP; Clinical Professor at the University of Arizona and Director of the BCG Oncology practice in Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Arlene O Siefker-Radtke, MD; Associate Professor, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Dr. Daniel Petrylak, MD; Professor of Medicine (Medical Oncology) and of Urology at Yale Cancer Center and Co-Director of the Signal Transduction Research Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
Dr. David I. Quinn MBBS, PhD, FRACP FACP; Medical Director of the Norris Cancer Hospital and Clinics, Head of the Section of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cancer Medicine and Blood Diseases at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California (USC), California
Anonymous, US KOL; Professor of Medicine at a leading Oncology Institute
KOLs from Europe
Professor Robert Huddart MA (Oxon), MBBS, MRCP, FRCR, PhD; Leader of the Clinical Academic Radiotherapy team at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London, UK
Professor Dr. Theo M de Reijke, MD, PhD, FEBU; Professor of Urology at the Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands
Professor Robert Jones, MBChB, PhD; Professor of Clinical Cancer Research (Clinical Trials Research) and Consultant in Medical Oncology at the University of Glasgow, UK
Professor Morgan Roupret, MD, PhD; Academic Professor of Urology, Hopital Pitie-Salpetriere at the University of Paris, France
Professor Dr. Shahrokh F. Shariat, MD; Professor and Chairman of the Department of Urology at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria
Anonymous, German KOL; Professor of Urology at a leading German Institute
Ongoing Benefits
The world of pharma is ever changing and executives must always be up-to-date with new developments that could affect their own products, position and research. That is why FirstWord's guarantee to keep Therapy Trends clients up to date with Update Bulletins offers a real commercial advantage.
Update Bulletins include expert insight and analysis based on FirstWord analyst re-engagement with the KOLs after major events such as product approvals, key data releases and major conferences to deliver the most valuable insights with each update.
Your Therapy Trends Report purchase entitles you to receive three Update Bulletins, which are published approximately every three months for 12 months following the report's publication date.
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BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, October 28, Rubber Ducky Car Wash unveiled its brand new state of the art car spa tunnel. Located on Federal Highway just north of Glades Road, Rubber Ducky is looking to make a splash with their local customers. Boca Raton as a community continues to push the envelope on luxury service and Rubber Ducky Car Wash looks to continue that effort. In additional to a brand new tunnel with best in class services, Rubber Ducky is also remodeling their lobby and waiting area to maximize the customer experience. You'll now be able to experience "Tunnel Vision" as you watch your vehicle, through 50 feet of new viewing windows, move from luxury station to luxury station receiving the highest end car wash found in Boca Raton.
Rubber Ducky's New Tunnel
This upgrade comes as a serious investment for the for the family owned car wash. When the owner, Paolo Weston, was asked what made him commit to such a large capital cost his answer may come as a surprise, "I've grown up in South Florida and as I see the community work together to make strives to improve, I believe it falls on the small business owners to spearhead that change."
This overhaul looks to help separate Rubber Ducky Car Wash from the rest of the pack. The car wash space in Boca Raton continues to be incredibly competitive with over a dozen different options throughout the city. The competition will certainly need to take notice as Rubber Ducky looks to become the primary destination for luxury car washing and detailing. Simply walk into the new lobby and you'll be able to watch your vehicle receive a spa quality treatment, including everything from Armor All Shine Wax to RainX car protection.
In a world of first of impressions, Rubber Ducky looks to leave both cars and their owners with a shining experience. Whether you're looking for a deep inside out cleaning for your daily driver or a bubble bath for your weekend hot rod, Rubber Ducky has the service for you. Either way, you can relax and enjoy the tunnel vision of watching your car get the Lucky Ducky treatment.
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PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FS Investments, a leading alternative asset manager with more than $20 billion in assets under management, today announced that Brian Gerson has joined the firm as Head of Private Credit. In this new role, Mr. Gerson will oversee FS Investments' expanding business development company (BDC) and credit platform. He will be based in New York and report directly to FS Investments' President and Chief Investment Officer, Mike Kelly.
"We're always looking for ways to opportunistically augment our credit expertise internally and are excited to welcome Brian to FS as we continue to develop differentiated alternative investment solutions for our clients," said Michael C. Forman, Chairman and CEO of FS Investments. "Brian's experience in building BDC platforms as well as sourcing and investing in private credit will be valuable as we look to continue our momentum as a leader in the alternative investment space."
Mr. Gerson joins FS with more than 20 years of experience in credit investing and corporate lending, with specific expertise in lending through BDCs. He most recently served as Group Head and Managing Director at LStar Capital, the credit affiliate of Lone Star Funds. At LStar, Mr. Gerson developed and maintained deep relationships with the financial sponsor community and middle market intermediaries while significantly expanding LStar's corporate credit business. Prior to joining LStar, Mr. Gerson was a founding member of Solar Capital Partners, which serves as investment advisor to two yield-oriented BDCs. At Solar Capital, he spent seven years in various credit, origination, management, and business development roles, most recently serving as Executive Vice President of Solar Capital Limited. Prior to joining Solar Capital, Mr. Gerson spent 12 years in various positions, including Managing Director at CIBC World Markets in its Leveraged Finance and Financial Sponsors Group.
"FS has been at the forefront of creating innovative private credit-focused investment products and I'm excited to join the team as they continue to expand the platform." added Mr. Gerson. "I look forward to joining an organization that is focused on driving growth and creates value for its shareholders each and every day."
Mr. Gerson graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Tufts University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics.
ABOUT FS INVESTMENTS
FS Investments is a leading asset manager dedicated to helping individuals, financial professionals and institutions design better portfolios. The firm provides access to alternative sources of income and growth and focuses on setting industry standards for investor protection, education and transparency.
FS Investments is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA with offices in New York, NY, Orlando, FL and Washington, DC. The firm had more than $20 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2017. Visit fsinvestments.com to learn more.
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215-495-1174
SOURCE FS Investments
MIAMI, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Quality reading time with a child is a simple activity that can be difficult for many of the 1.3 million currently serving military members. Many of those members are serving away from their child's grandparents and extended family. In honor of Veteran's Day and the sacrifices made by military families to keep our country safe, Caribu is donating free six-month subscriptions of the app throughout the month of November.
Caribu app screenshot
Caribu wants to make it easier for the 50% of military families with children to spend quality time through their interactive video calling app that helps parents and grandparents read and draw with children when they're not in the same location - a perfect tech application for military families.
Caribu's founding was inspired by a picture of a soldier holding up a book to a webcam as he tried to read it to his daughter. It was baffling to the Caribu team that no one had thought of how to solve the simple problem of how to enjoy a bedtime story with a child when far away.
"We saw the picture of the soldier and thought, this is unacceptable," said Maxeme Tuchman, Caribu C.E.O. "In this day and age, how do we have military service members serving our country and keeping our families safe and we don't have better technology to help them stay connected to their family in a more engaging way?"
No more holding up books to webcamsmilitary families will instead get access to Caribu's library of hundreds of digital storybooks, workbooks, and language books. Caribu offers more than just books they recognize the importance drawing also has in a child's development and engagement.
A.T. is in the Air Force, and after 11.5 months of deployment he's ready to head home and see his family in person. About halfway through his deployment A.T. found out about Caribu from an article that was written in the Stars and Stripes newspaper that circulates on base.
Before he found Caribu he and his family relied on video-calls and social media to stay in touch. Even though regular video-calls are an option there are challenges that come with only using them to stay connected, he said "In a regular video-call I can't read to him. I never really planned ahead that well with physical books so reading was impossible in the traditional video-chat platform."
The ease of communication is not the only way Caribu has made connecting easy, A.T told us that his son loves the books and has positively impacted his relationship with his son, saying that, "It's been helpful to have useful engagements with my son and by reading to him and having that connection it's enhanced my quality time with him."
In just a few years, there are a lot of accomplishments for the young company. With books from over 20 publishers, the company has been featured in an Apple iPad TV commercial and has been recognized by Forbes as an EdTech company "to watch." Even though Caribu has families reading together in 148 countries, nothing would make them prouder than being able to make an impact on the lives of the military families that inspired their journey.
Caribu is available on iPad and iPhone as a free download and comes with free content to get started right away. An unlimited content subscription is available for $6.99/mo. Android and web versions are coming soon. To learn more about the campaign and to sign up, please visit caribu.co/military.
About Caribu
Caribu is an app that helps families read and draw when they're not together. It provides an engaging livestream shared-screen experience through a carefully designed, curated, and secure platform. An in-app bookstore contains hundreds of books, in six languages, from leading children's publishers, and includes interactive educational workbooks.
VIDEO
Watch this video to see how Caribu can be life-changing for military families
(https://youtu.be/FREDys8zfQ0)
Media Contact:
Max Tuchman
305-798-8246
[email protected]
Caribu.co
View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/caribu-announces-donation-to-13-million-currently-serving-members-of-us-military-300549704.html
SOURCE Caribu
Known for its Eco-Drive technology, which generates power from any light source, artificial and natural to keep their watches running, Citizen looks to emphasize the power of light both literally and figuratively through its partnerships. This has inspired the brand to seek out where light is needed and provide that same power and inspiration to those who are suffering from these natural disasters. The Luci EMRG solar powered lights share the same characteristic as Citizen's Eco-Drive technology, using a natural resource to create power.
After the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, many have been left without electricity and basic needs. Citizen and Good360 are providing 5,000 Luci EMRG lights to help support the recovery of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and southern Florida. Citizen is driving the initiative by offering a donation of a Luci EMRG solar-powered light with every purchase made in the brand's Times Square flagship store or on CitizenWatch.com, empowering its customers to be part of the brand's disaster relief efforts. The donation of a Luci EMRG solar-powered light will be given with every Citizen watch purchase, up to 5,000 lights.
Citizen partnered with Good360 as an outlet to continue their cause initiatives, teaming up with them to address critical social causes that affect individuals in America and beyond. Prior to this initiative the brand has associated with different organizations in various sectors of philanthropy such as, the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative and the National Merit Scholarship Program.
"The devastation that has come with these recent natural disasters is absolutely heartbreaking," says Ellen Seckler, EVP Marketing, Citizen. "We were looking to combine our passion for light with our passion to do good and Good360 was the perfect fit. "
"Good360's mission is to bring hope and dignity to those in need, including survivors of disasters," said Shari Rudolph, Good360 Chief Marketing Officer. "We can only do that with the support of generous partners like Citizen. The Luci EMRG Lights fill a gap in the road to recovery for communities that have lost power in the wake of a major disaster."
For further information please visit, CitizenWatch.com.
About Citizen
Citizen, a pioneer in watchmaking and innovative technology since 1918, promotes excellence and creativity with a deep-rooted respect for craftsmanship. Citizen advocates "Better Starts Now," searching for and accomplishing goals that are cause driven. In this respect, Citizen aligns with organizations and personalities that reflect the values of the brand including the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, Naismith Awards, National Merit Scholarship, and Good360.
For over 40 years, Citizen's Eco-Drive technology has served as the prime example of how the brand is dedicated to making the world and its environment a better place. A simple yet revolutionary concept, Eco-Drive harnesses the power of light from any natural or artificial light source and converts it into energy, eliminating the need for any battery replacement.
About Good360
Good360's mission is to transform lives by providing hope, dignity, and a sense of renewed possibility to individuals, families, and communities impacted by disasters or other challenging life circumstances who, without us, would struggle to find that hope. As the global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, we partner with socially responsible companies to source highly needed goods and distribute them through our network of diverse nonprofits that support people in need. Good360 has distributed more than $9 billion in donated goods around the world, helping its network of more than 57,000 prequalified nonprofits strengthen communities and improve the lives of millions. Good360 is proud to partner with corporate donors such as Walmart, UPS, CVS Health Foundation, Nike, IKEA, Sears, Home Depot, Grainger, 3M, Mattel, Crayola, Gap, Inc., ANN INC., Williams-Sonoma, and Hilton. Good360 is a registered 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at https://www.good360.org.
SOURCE Citizen Watch Company of America, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.citizenwatch.com
CHICAGO, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lynne Austin found she was increasingly out of breath doing even the simplest of tasks as 2015 came to a close.
She couldn't walk more than a few steps at a time. She couldn't breathe. Her health was rapidly deteriorating and she wasn't sure she would get relief.
She had been diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). What was previously called diastolic heart failure, HFpEF (pronounced "huff-puff") is a condition where the heart's lower left upper chamber (left ventricle) is not able to fill properly with blood, so the blood backs up in the upper chamber (left atrium) and lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.
"All of a sudden it just hit me," said Austin, 82, a Chicago resident. "I passed out coming out of a restaurant in January."
With the encouragement of family members, Austin enrolled in the first international randomized trial designed to treat HFpEF using a medical device to relieve the pressure on her left heart, and lungs. Her participation in this trial, along with many other pioneering patients with HFpEF who participated in the trial, led to the second international randomized trial, REDUCE LAP-HF II.
The trial is co-led internationally by principal investigator Sanjiv Shah, MD, director of the T1 Center for Cardiovascular Therapeutics and director of the Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
"Heart failure is one of the biggest public health issues in the United States, and nearly half of all those with heart failure have a preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), for which there are inadequate treatment options," said Dr. Shah, who is a professor of medicine-cardiology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "By leading and taking part in the REDUCE LAP-HF trials, we hope to make a significant difference for patients who suffer from this devastating condition."
Mark Ricciardi, MD, director of cardiac catheterization and interventional cardiology at Northwestern Memorial, is the lead investigator for patients participating at Northwestern. Participants in the trial are randomized and may receive a dime-sized shunt device designed to lower the pressure in the left upper heart chamber. Those who do not receive the device initially will have the option to receive the device after two years.
For Dr. Ricciardi, REDUCE LAP-HF II is an important clinical trial that is putting Northwestern Medicine at the forefront of the safe and effective evaluation of transcatheter therapies; minimally invasive procedures performed through a small catheter that avoid open-heart surgery and typically take less than an hour.
"Our involvement in this and similar clinical trials positions Northwestern's Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at the forefront of medical breakthroughs," said Dr. Ricciardi, an associate professor of medicine-cardiology at Feinberg. "We are constantly looking for the best, safest and most effective treatment options for our patients. By doing this type of clinical research, we also help the cardiovascular community at large learn how to help patients with heart disease."
Austin learned in 2017 that she received the device, known as the InterAtrial Shunt Device, the world's first transcatheter device designed to treat HFpEF.
Austin said her quality of life has improved dramatically more than a year after participating in the clinical trial.
"Just being able to function around my house has been an improvement," she said. "I can shower, I can cook, and I can walk better."
HFpEF is a condition where the heart muscle stiffens, which overloads the upper chamber of the heart that then backs up into the lungs, causing shortness of breath. Those suffering from HFpEF often can't do basic daily tasks, cannot exercise, and are frequently hospitalized.
The condition differs from systolic heart failure, a condition with a number of successful treatments. Approximately 7 million people suffer from HFpEF in the United States and Europe, and the condition accounts for approximately half of all hospital admissions for people with heart failure. The trial is testing the safety and efficacy of the IASD System II to reduce elevated left atrial pressure in HFpEF patients.
The REDUCE LAP-HF I trial, which enrolled 44 patients, completed enrollment late 2016, and a larger clinical trial (REDUCE LAP-HF II) is now underway and aims to enroll nearly 400 patients.
To learn more about REDUCE LAP-HF II at Northwestern Medicine, visit http://treatmyheartfailure.com or contact Daniel Roshevsky, certified clinical research coordinator at the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute Clinical Trials Unit at (312) 695-3264 or [email protected].
The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute is part of the Northwestern Medicine health system, with multiple sites of care in Chicago and the region. Northwestern Memorial Hospital currently is ranked first in in the United States for heart failure survival and in the top 10 for the survival of heart attack and stroke, the three most dire cardiovascular health threats. Northwestern Memorial Hospital's heart and heart surgery program is ranked seventh nationally and first in Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding states by U.S. News & World Report. For more information or to make an appointment with a cardiovascular specialist, visit heart.nm.org.
To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit http://news.nm.org/about-northwestern-medicine.html.
SOURCE Northwestern Medicine
Related Links
http://www.nm.org
CHICAGO, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- CNA today announced enhanced small business services with the launch of its new Get a Quote feature at www.cna.com/quote. This new feature allows small business owners to receive a quick premium indication for a CNA Connect business owners policy, and a Workers' Compensation policy online. Get a Quote provides small business owners with simplified access to independent agents for their business insurance needs.
"More and more small business owners are shopping for insurance online and demanding online purchasing experiences that mirror what they have access to in their daily lives," said Wes Sprinkle, Senior Vice President, Small Business. "Buying preferences of small-business owners mandate that organizations, like CNA, offer online access to both information and services to small business owners."
Leveraging the mobile responsiveness of www.cna.com, eligible small business owners will be able to receive a quick premium indication for a CNA Connect policy or a Workers' Compensation policy, whether in the office or on the go. Small business owners will have the option to talk to a licensed producer or an independent agent throughout the process to answer any additional questions, customize coverage and complete purchase of the policy.
"The small business marketplace is expanding rapidly, and CNA is committed to serving small business owners in a manner that meets their expectations," said John Hennessy, Senior Vice President, Sales and Distribution. "This newest enhancement to our digital customer experience represents our ongoing commitment to growing in the Small Business segment with our independent agents."
About CNA
CNA is the eighth largest commercial insurer in the United States. CNA provides a broad range of standard and specialized property and casualty insurance products and services for businesses and professionals in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia, backed by 120 years of experience and more than $45 billion of assets. For more information about CNA visit our website at www.cna.com.
Follow CNA (NYSE: CNA) on: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube
CONTACTS:
Brandon Davis, 312-822-5167 / 312-834-6091
Sarah Pang, 312-822-6394 / 312-607-5544
SOURCE CNA
Related Links
http://www.cna.com
PURCHASE, N.Y., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Central National Gottesman Inc. (CNG), a leading sales and marketing organization in the global pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, wood products and metal industries, announced today that its Spicers Canada division will acquire Shippers Supply, expanding its position in the distribution of shipping, packaging and warehouse supplies.
Privately owned and headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, Shippers Supply operates nine locations throughout Western Canada, and has supplied corrugated boxes, labels, tape, stretch film, shelving, packaging supplies and warehouse equipment to the region since 1975.
"The acquisition of Shippers Supply is another critical step forward in many product categories we want to grow throughout our North American Distribution business," said Andrew Wallach, CNG President and Chief Executive Officer. "We look forward to building on the strong foundation and success that Shippers Supply has created over the years."
Spicers Canada President Cory Turner added that the acquisition of Shippers Supply fits with his organization's strategy to leverage its significant distribution capabilities in new ways.
"The opportunity to acquire Shippers Supply adds significant capabilities and expertise that will be invaluable in meeting our company's market strategy," said Turner. "Extending product solutions both inside and outside of our core markets creates immediate opportunities that align well with our growth initiatives."
Shippers Supply will operate as an independent division of Spicers Canada, working closely with Spicers' existing operations and distribution network in Western Canada.
Spicers Canada is a leading distributor of quality commercial print and business papers, graphic solutions, industrial packaging supplies, wide format and specialty products.
The transaction is expected to be finalized November 30, 2017.
About CNG
Central National Gottesman Inc. (CNG) is a $5.5 billion global sales and marketing organization in the pulp, paper, packaging, tissue, wood products and metal industries. Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Purchase, NY, CNG operates through established industry entities in its Distribution, Publishing Papers and international Central National divisions, building on more than 131 years of family ownership, market knowledge and adaptability to create value for clients around the world. To learn more, please visit www.cng-inc.com.
SOURCE Central National Gottesman Inc.
Related Links
http://www.cng-inc.com
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Marfork Coal Company, LLC, an affiliate of Alpha Natural Resources (ANR, Inc.), has been recognized for outstanding safety performance at its Coon Cedar Grove Mine with the awarding of the Sentinels of Safety, a national honor presented by the National Mining Association. Coon Cedar Grove won the honor for 2016 in the Small Underground Coal Group.
Alpha's Senior Vice President of Safety, Brian Keaton, says the achievement is indicative of Coon Cedar's, and in fact, the company's approach to safety. "Safety is paramount, it is our first objective, and to have the dedication of the Coon Cedar Grove workers be recognized with this prestigious national honor is gratifying."
Sentinels of Safety are awarded annually to the nation's safest mines. To qualify, mines must have a minimum of 4,000 injury free hours. The Coon Cedar Grove mine, which is located in Raleigh County, had more than 48,000 injury-free hours in 2016 and is the fourth Alpha-affiliated operation to win the honor in the last decade.
The awards were initiated in 1925 by then-Commerce Secretary Herbert Hoover and remain the most prestigious awards recognizing mine safety. Marfork Coal Company President Charlie Bearse said, "Our workers live out their commitment to Running Right and we celebrate their achievements as they look out for the safety of one another."
Marfork Coal Company's Shannon Dickens, Superintendent; Michael Vaught, Safety Director and Lee Miller, Safety Representative received the honor from the National Mining Association on behalf of the approximately 20 miners working at Coon Cedar Grove at the annual awards dinner in Washington, D.C.
About Alpha Natural Resources
Alpha Natural Resources has affiliate mining operations in West Virginia, and supplies metallurgical coal to the steel industry and thermal coal to generate power. Alpha has offices in Kingsport, Tennessee, and Julian, West Virginia, which support approximately 20 active mining operations. Alpha is committed to being a leader in mine safety and an environmental steward in the communities where its affiliates operate. For more information, visit Alpha's website (www.alphanr.com).
SOURCE Alpha Natural Resources
Related Links
http://www.alphanr.com
MIAMI, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Business and policy leaders gathered in Miami on November 3 for the Council of the Americas Symposium and 23rd BRAVO Business Awards ceremony. The one-day event held at the Four Seasons Hotel brought together CEOs of Latin American and international corporations, top public officials, and leaders of multilateral organizations. Following the Symposium, the gala ceremony honored six exceptional individuals who are committed to helping Latin America realize its full growth potential.
"The Symposium and BRAVO Business Awards have become one of the top gatherings for private- and public-sector exchanges in the Americas, and have expanded the Council's footprint in Miami and beyond," said Americas Society/Council of the Americas (AS/COA) President and CEO Susan Segal. "These successful events perfectly encapsulate our mission of fostering cooperation and integration in one of the world's most dynamic and promising regions."
The topics covered at the Symposium's morning session included Sustainable Growth, Corporate Leadership in the Digital Era, and Cross-Border Trade and Investment Facilitation.
In the opening panel Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurria emphasized the role of education to achieve sustainable growth in the Americas. "It is the combination of education with vocational training, with lifelong learning, with a regulatory framework, with the necessary investments, which will boost productivity," he said.
Additional highlights included a keynote address by Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) President Luis Alberto Moreno, who announced the rebranding of the private arm of the organization as IDB Invest. "If you are the kind of company that takes big risks in areas like energy, transportation, or agribusiness, then we are the partner you want at your side," he said.
In the afternoon, the Symposium held concurrent sessions focused on the current strengths and future challenges for the Tourism industry in Latin America, the benefits of implementing Sustainable Initiatives in companies, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence in their business models. In the Artificial Intelligence session, IBM Latin America General Manager Ana Paula Assis explained how AI is reshaping industries across the board. "This could be a turning point in Latin America's productivity and competitiveness. Artificial intelligence opens the doors to a new era of exponential knowledge."
At the gala ceremony, Council of The Americas honored the 23rd BRAVO Business Awards recipients:
Angel Gurria , OECD Secretary-General: Legacy Award
, OECD Secretary-General: Legacy Award Horst Paulmann , Founder and Chairman of Cencosud: Lifetime Achievement
, Founder and Chairman of Cencosud: Lifetime Achievement Fernando Gonzalez , CEO of CEMEX: CEO of the Year
, CEO of CEMEX: CEO of the Year Ed Bastian , CEO of Delta Air Lines, and Andres Conesa , CEO of Aeromexico: Visionary CEO Leadership
, CEO of Delta Air Lines, and , CEO of Aeromexico: Visionary CEO Leadership Maria Fernanda Mejia, Senior Vice President of Kellogg Company and President of Kellogg Latin America, Dynamic CEO of the Year
Sponsors of the Council of the Americas Symposium and 23rd BRAVO Business Awards include HSBC, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, LLORENTE & CUENCA, The AES Corporation, CAF Development Bank of Latin America, IBM, The Boston Consulting Group, Bombardier, Chubb, Emerson, Florida International University, Microsoft, and SAP. Media partners: CNN and Financial Times. Supporting Organizations: Enterprise Florida.
The Symposium was organized in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank.
Press inquiries:
Yndira Marin | [email protected] | 1-202-446-6363.
AS/COA Media Relations | [email protected] | 1-212-277-8384 | 1-212-277-8333.
Council of the Americas (COA) is the premier international business organization whose members share a common commitment to economic and social development, open markets, the rule of law, and democracy throughout the Western Hemisphere. The Council's membership consists of leading international companies representing a broad spectrum of sectors, including banking and finance, consulting services, consumer products, energy and mining, manufacturing, media, technology, and transportation.
SOURCE Council of the Americas
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, November 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Debiopharm International SA (Debiopharm - http://www.debiopharm.com), part of Debiopharm Group, a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical company, today announced the dosing of the first patient in a Phase Ib study of Debio 1143, an oral, small molecule inhibitor of IAPs (Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins), in combination with avelumab*, a human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The trial is being conducted under a clinical collaboration agreement announced last year between Debiopharm International SA and the alliance between Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as EMD Serono in the US and Canada, and Pfizer.
"We are very excited to conduct this Phase Ib study to evaluate the potential of combining our Debio 1143 molecule with avelumab", said Sergio Szyldergemajn, Medical Director in Oncology at Debiopharm International SA. "This is the first time this combination is being investigated in patients and we are looking forward to assessing the therapeutic potential of our compound in the Immuno-oncology space."
The clinical trial, a phase-Ib dose-finding study of the Second Mitochondrial-derived Activator of Caspases (SMAC) mimetic Debio 1143 when given in combination with the anti-PD-L1 antibody avelumab to patients with advanced solid malignancies and, in an expansion cohort, to patients with locally advanced or metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), is a multi-center, open-label study designed to evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of the combination of Debio 1143 and avelumab, in patients with advanced NSCLC who have not previously received immunotherapy. The design of the trial consists of an adaptive dose-escalation phase to determine the recommended Phase II dose of Debio 1143 in combination with a standard dose of avelumab, followed by an expansion phase to enroll up to a total of 37 patients with NSCLC. (NCT03270176).
* Avelumab is jointly developed by Merck KGaA, Darmsdadt, Germany and Pfizer. Avelumab is under clinical investigation for the treatment of advanced solid tumors or NSCLC and has not been demonstrated to be safe and effective for these indications. There is no guarantee that avelumab will be approved for advanced solid tumors or NSCLC by any health authority worldwide.
About Debio 1143
Debio 1143 is a potent, orally available, inhibitor of IAPs (Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins) that displays immunomodulatory properties making it a natural candidate for combination with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. In addition, like other members of the class, Debio 1143 promotes apoptosis of cancer cells by mimicking the activity of the natural Second Mitochondrial-derived Activator of Caspases (SMAC). Through this dual mode of action, Debio 1143 is expected to improve cancer patient treatment outcomes in combination with immunotherapy, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
About Avelumab
Avelumab is a human programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody. Avelumab is designed to potentially engage both the adaptive and innate immune systems. By binding to PD-L1, avelumab is thought to prevent tumor cells from using PD-L1 for protection against white blood cells, such as T cells, exposing them to anti-tumor responses. Avelumab has been shown to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro. In November 2014, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany and Pfizer announced a strategic alliance to co-develop and co-commercialize avelumab.
Approved Indications in the US
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted accelerated approval for avelumab (BAVENCIO) for the treatment of (i) metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (mMCC) in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older and (ii) patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or who have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. These indications were approved under accelerated approval based on tumor response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for these indications may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in confirmatory trials.
Important Safety Information from the US FDA Approved Label
The warnings and precautions for avelumab (BAVENCIO) include immune-mediated adverse reactions (such as pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis and renal dysfunction and other adverse reactions), infusion-related reactions and embryo-fetal toxicity.
Common adverse reactions (reported in at least 20% of patients) in patients treated with avelumab for mMCC and patients with locally advanced or metastatic UC include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, diarrhea, nausea, infusion-related reaction, peripheral edema, decreased appetite/hypophagia, urinary tract infection and rash.
For full prescribing information and medication guide for BAVENCIO, please see http://www.BAVENCIO.com
About Debiopharm International SA
Part of Debiopharm Group - a Swiss-headquartered global biopharmaceutical group including five companies active in the life science areas of drug development, GMP manufacturing of proprietary drugs, diagnostic tools and investment management - Debiopharm International SA is focused on the development of prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs. The company in-licenses and develops promising drug candidates. The products are commercialized by pharmaceutical out-licensing partners to give access to the largest number of patients worldwide.
For more information, please visit http://www.debiopharm.com
We are on Twitter. Follow @DebiopharmNews at http://twitter.com/DebiopharmNews
Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements reflecting the current beliefs and expectations of management. Words such as "may," "believe," "will," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend" and similar expressions, as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include statements about expectations related to a Phase Ib clinical trial for the Company's lead monoclonal antibody, Debio 1143. Forward-looking statements in this press release involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause our performance or achievements to differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including as a result of the inherent challenges in clinical development. All forward-looking statements are based on Debiopharm's expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release, and actual results may differ materially. Except as required by law, Debiopharm expressly disclaims any responsibility to update any forward-looking statement contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Debiopharm International SA Contact
Christelle von Buren
Communication Coordinator
[email protected]
Tel: +41(0)21-321-01-11
SOURCE Debiopharm International SA
LONDON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading global communications firm Ketchum today announced that partner Denise Kaufmann, currently CEO of Ketchum London and member of the firm's Global Leadership Council, is returning to the U.S. to take on the role of director of client development for North America. At the same time, Jo-ann Robertson, partner and deputy CEO in London, is being promoted to CEO of Ketchum London. Both roles are effective January 2018.
Kaufmann has led the London office since 2013, and in that time she introduced the operation's integrated approach, which has served as a model for the larger Ketchum network. During Kaufmann's tenure in London, the office was consistently rated as one of the best places to work in the U.K. by the Great Place to Work Institute and received numerous honors, including being named the Public Relations Consultancy Association's International Consultancy of the Year and CorpComms Magazine's Agency of the Decade. In 2015, Robertson was promoted to deputy CEO and began supporting Kaufmann in leading the office.
"Together, Denise and Jo-ann have made a powerhouse team for one of our largest and most successful offices," said Barri Rafferty, partner and president, Ketchum. "I am confident that the office will continue to thrive under Jo-ann's leadership as Denise returns to her U.S. roots to focus on the client experience in our largest and most critical region."
Kaufmann will be based in Chicago, where she started her Ketchum career 20 years ago. Throughout the course of her Ketchum career spanning three continents, she has run several of the firm's largest global client engagements, including spending 10 months seconded with a client's in-house team. In her new role, she will focus on providing the highest level of client counsel for the firm's North America-based clients. She will report to partner and chief client officer Michael O'Brien and work closely with client directors across the region to continuously improve client engagements and facilitate borderless growth.
"Denise is a charismatic team builder, a creative problem solver, and an extraordinary counselor," said O'Brien. "She is known for delivering top-notch service to clients, having a razor-sharp focus on attracting and retaining the industry's very best talent, and for creating an environment that encourages our employees to reach their full potential."
In January, Robertson will assume responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the London office, which includes securing and retaining top talent and building on the office's strong base of brand, corporate, healthcare, public affairs and technology clients. She will report into partner Mark Hume, COO and CFO, Europe.
As deputy CEO, Robertson has successfully pursued new opportunities in the marketplace while ensuring continued excellence in client service, maintaining a highly motivated and productive team, and leading integrated, cross-practice collaboration. Robertson joined Ketchum in 2011 as managing director of corporate and public affairs where she tripled the size of the team. She was named partner in 2013. Prior to Ketchum, Robertson spent eight years at Weber Shandwick, leading its U.K. corporate and public affairs team, and began her career as a political activist and a TV reporter in Scotland.
"Jo-ann is a highly strategic, pragmatic leader with an eye for mentoring talent and a proven track record of business generation, and she is one of our best client counselors," said Hume. "Having worked side by side with Denise over the past two years to strategically grow this critical hub for global client engagements, I could not think of anyone more perfectly suited for this role than Jo-ann."
About Ketchum
Ketchum is a leading global communications firm with operations in more than 70 countries across six continents. The winner of 45 Cannes Lions and an unprecedented five PRWeek Campaign of the Year Awards, Ketchum partners with clients to deliver strategic programming, game-changing creative and measurable results that build brands and reputations. For more information on Ketchum, a part of Omnicom Public Relations Group, visit www.ketchum.com.
About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, global health strategy and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.
SOURCE Ketchum
RESTON, Va., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 28, 2017, Leidos, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS), a global science and technology company, was awarded a task order by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the General Services Administration (GSA) One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) contract vehicle. The single-award hybrid task order with cost-plus fixed-fee, firm fixed-price, reimbursable at cost task order line items has a one-year base period of performance, four one-year options, and a total contract value of approximately $34 million, if all options are exercised.
The DHS Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) supports and promotes communications used by emergency responders and government officials to keep America safe, secure, and resilient. OEC's programs and services coordinate emergency communications planning, preparation, and evaluation to ensure safer and better-prepared communities nationwide. Under the task order, Leidos will provide scientific, engineering and technical solutions to the DHS OEC, including support for programs that provide specially designed telecommunications services for the national security and emergency preparedness community during all conditions of crisis or emergency. Leidos will also assist with the maintenance and support of the operational legacy priority services and enhancements to provide similar services on new technology platforms.
About Leidos
Leidos is a global science and technology solutions and services leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 32,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $7.04 billion for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2016. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.
Statements in this announcement, other than historical data and information, constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause our actual results, performance, achievements, or industry results to be very different from the results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 30, 2016, and other such filings that Leidos makes with the SEC from time to time. Due to such uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
SOURCE Leidos
Related Links
http://www.leidos.com
LAS VEGAS, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Engaged Nation, a leader in award-winning gamified marketing solutions, is pleased to announce that its groundbreaking REACH gamified marketing system has won the top Platinum Award in Casino Journal Magazine's first-ever GameChangers Marketing Awards competition.
According to the publication, Casino Journal Magazine's inaugural 2017 GameChangers Marketing Awards contest is the first to recognize "innovative marketing-oriented products and services for their real-world impact." Attendees of the magazine's annual Casino Marketing & Technology Conference, as well as readers of Casino Journal's online magazine, cast their votes for Platinum, Gold, and Silver award winners based on real-world gaming industry case studies.
Previously known as "FULLREACH," the REACH 365 gamified marketing program developed by Engaged Nation for The Meadows Racetrack Casino Hotel garnered the most online readership votes for best product leading to their selection as the Platinum Award winner.
"On behalf of all of us at Engaged Nation, we are honored to win this exciting award," said Engaged Nation CEO, Jerry Epstein. "Not only do we thank everyone who voted for us, but also The Meadows Racetrack Casino Hotel. Their success using our patent-pending REACH system is a testament to the remarkable partnership we were able to forge, and has been a linchpin in launching our REACH system so successfully."
The Meadows Casino utilized the entire Engaged Nation product suite throughout 2016 and achieved startling results. The property implemented a combination of strategically timed and customized programs including the REACH 365 continuous engagement module, to boost revenue and property visits. By utilizing gamified marketing products that were integrated into the property website, e-mail, social media and property collateral, these programs created a holistic experience that engaged, entertained and educated customers, increased brand loyalty and drove significant, measurable traffic and revenue.
"Our REACH system truly is a game changer for casino marketers," added Epstein. "In fact, some of our casino clients have seen more than a 1,000% increase in online engagement metrics, a 40% lift in incremental theo win, and more than a 1,000% increase in online-to-property redemption."
Responding to the rapidly evolving digital marketing and communications landscape, Engaged Nation developed its groundbreaking REACH gamified marketing system to address the needs of casino operators seeking a cost-effective way to boost revenue and drive incremental business. REACH provides a gamified digital engagement experience that creates continual online-to-on-property visitation and revenue generation, as well as dramatic increases in digital engagement metrics for 24/7-365 marketing initiatives and short-term promotional programs.
About Engaged Nation
Engaged Nation is a gamified marketing company that provides award-winning digital content-marketing and social-interaction products designed to provide businesses with a holistic, online engagement experience that drives consumer visitation, generates revenue, and increases loyalty and brand awareness. To schedule a demo, please call 702-788-0701 or email Engaged Nation at [email protected]. For more information about the company's suite of gamified digital engagement products, please visit www.engagednation.com
To learn more about the Casino Journal 2017 GameChangers Marketing Awards, please visit https://www.casinojournal.com/articles/91600-gamechangers-marketing-awards.
SOURCE Engaged Nation
Related Links
http://www.engagednation.com
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing collaboration with global drone leader DJI, Epson, providers of the Moverio augmented reality (AR) smart eyewear platform, today announced the world's first glasses-based augmented reality drone flight simulator app, developed by Y Media Labs exclusively for the Epson Moverio BT-300 (FPV/Drone Edition) smart glasses.
The application allows a user to fly a 3D digital drone in the real world using flight controllers from the latest DJI drones, including the Mavic Pro, Phantom 4, Inspire 2 and Spark. The simulator mirrors the natural, real-world movements of a DJI Mavic Pro, allowing new pilots to learn to fly and experienced pilots to sharpen their skills. A video demonstration of the app is available here.
"Augmented reality is set to revolutionize the industry with the ability to create a safer, more productive flight," said Romsin Oushana of DJI Partnerships. "The hands-free, heads-up experience delivered by the Epson Moverio BT-300 is the ideal way to experience aerial AR."
The flight simulator experience is viewed through the Epson Moverio BT-300 smart glasses and includes a fly mode and two mini-games for advanced pilots. It will be published on the Moverio Apps Market later this year but can be experienced today at any DJI store or most local drone retailers.
"This is arguably the first mainstream consumer application for augmented reality smart glasses," said Eric Mizufuka, Manager, New Ventures, Epson America. "The ability to digitally 'paint the sky' is a game-changer in the drone market and will usher in an exciting range of applications. We've been very impressed with DJI's updated Mobile SDK and look forward to continuing to invest in new applications and partnerships in this space."
The application was created by Y Media Labs, a leading Silicon Valley-based creative technology agency, under the direction of the DJI and Epson Moverio teams.
"We're excited to partner with Epson and DJI to set the standard for high-value consumer experiences in the AR space by harnessing the power of cutting-edge technology and world-class design," said Ashish Toshniwal, CEO of Y Media Labs.
The flight simulator is the first application in a series of aerial augmented reality applications being developed by Y Media in partnership with DJI and Epson. A full-featured AR app for the Epson Moverio smart glasses is being designed to enhance the safety, productivity and capabilities of DJI drones for hobbyists and professionals alike. It is scheduled to be launched by the end of the year.
About DJI
DJI, the world's leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, was founded and is run by people with a passion for remote-controlled helicopters and experts in flight-control technology and camera stabilization. The company is dedicated to making aerial photography and filmmaking equipment and platforms more accessible, reliable and easier to use for creators and innovators around the world. DJI's global operations currently span across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and its revolutionary products and solutions have been chosen by customers in over 100 countries for applications in filmmaking, construction, emergency response, agriculture, conservation and many other industries. For more information, visit www.dji.com.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 80,000 employees in 86 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
http://global.epson.com/
About Y Media Labs
Y Media Labs is a creative technology company that helps brands re-imagine their customer experiences. We create digital products with purpose that have lasting impact on user's lives and client's businesses. Through next-generation technologies and world-class design, we help brands like Apple, PayPal, L'Oreal, Home Depot, and Staples develop solutions that drive major business outcomes. Founded in 2009, Y Media Labs is headquartered in Silicon Valley with five offices worldwide. www.YMediaLabs.com.
Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice. EPSON and Moverio are registered trademarks, and EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark of Seiko Epson Corporation. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks.
SOURCE Epson America, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.epson.com
ORANGE, Calif., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today the Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) announced the results of the 2017 EMBAC Student Exit Survey which revealed that graduates of a program received a 14.2 percent increase in compensation combined, both salary and bonuses after program completion. This continues the steady increase in students' return on investment after completing an Executive MBA (EMBA) program. In addition, a stable upward momentum continues for both respondents reporting a promotion and those receiving new responsibilities during the program, both raised to 41 percent and 52 percent, respectively.
"With new technologies coupled with an ever-expanding global focus and evolving business landscape, companies and employees are looking for ways to expand their abilities and stay ahead of the curve," said Michael Desiderio, executive director of EMBAC. "When you combine the new skills taught to EMBA graduates, with the idea of prospective salary increases and promotions, both students and companies are seeing values in these programs to actively seek to adapt and lead in their respective industries."
Completing the program and obtaining an EMBA remains a beneficial investment for an individual to gain professional tools to utilize in these rapid changing industries. EMBA programs offered worldwide provide a wide variety of leadership development tools, greater strategic vision and immediately applicable skills.
The EMBAC Student Exit Survey results show that graduates leave the program with development and quantifiable skills such as policy, management behavior and leadership skills. Those who have completed a program also gain better insight into economic factors that are impacting businesses today, as well as accounting and financial acumen.
EMBAC is the academic association of business schools which offer EMBA programs throughout the world, which currently includes more than 200 colleges and universities that administer 300 plus programs in more than 30 countries worldwide. The survey included 2,345 graduates of primarily U.S. EMBA programs, and was conducted by Percept Research and fielded from programs between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017.
About the Executive MBA Council
The Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) is a non-profit association of universities and colleges that offer Executive MBA programs. EMBAC's vision is to be the preeminent global voice of the Executive MBA industry. The Council supports its members in fostering excellence and innovation in Executive MBA programs worldwide by providing outstanding educational and networking opportunities for professionals who deliver Executive MBA programs. EMBAC's mission is to advance the cause of EMBA programs by providing necessary thought leadership, serving as a facilitator of best practice sharing and knowledge dissemination, and fostering a community among high-quality programs. For more information or resources, visit https://www.embac.org/.
Media Contact:
[email protected]
Allison+Partners on behalf of the Executive MBA Council
(623) 201-5512
SOURCE Executive MBA Council
Related Links
https://www.embac.org
LEXINGTON, Ky., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fazoli's, the nation's largest fast casual Italian chain, is showing support to our nation's heroes this Veterans Day by offering all active, inactive and retired military personnel a free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce, no purchase necessary with an I.D. or in uniform. This offer will run all weekend from Friday, November 10th through Sunday, November 12th at participating locations. In addition to the Veterans Day weekend offer, Fazoli's is rolling out an ongoing year round discount program for veterans by offering ten percent off any purchase with a military I.D. or in uniform.
"Fazoli's is proud to support our nation's military, and there is no greater honor than serving the incredible servicemen and women of our country," said Vice President of Marketing, Jodie Conrad. "On Veterans Day and all yearlong, we say thank you to our veterans and active duty service members by inviting them to enjoy delicious and fresh Italian fare for an unbeatable value."
For nearly 10 years, Fazoli's has celebrated our nation's troops on Veterans Day. There is no coupon required to participate. Veterans and military personnel who visit on Veterans Day simply need to show their military ID or be in uniform to receive their free spaghetti with marinara or meat sauce. Every day following Veterans Day, veterans and active duty military will receive a 10% discount on their order with their military ID or while in uniform.
Fazoli's is proud to offer fast, fresh Italian to guests across the country. Connect with Fazoli's online at www.fazolis.com, "follow" @Fazolis on Twitter, "like" us on Facebook, and sign up to become a Fazoli's eFamily member by visiting fazolis.com/efamily.
About Fazoli's
With nearly 220 restaurants, Fazoli's is America's largest Italian fast-casual brand serving freshly prepared entrees, Submarinos sandwiches, salads and pizza. One of the New York Post's five breakout fast-casual restaurants and a Fast Casual.com Brand of the Year, Fazoli's franchisees are experiencing record sales growth.
Contact:
Julia Block
954-893-9150
[email protected]
SOURCE Fazoli's
Related Links
http://www.fazolis.com
This reunion was an extension of CHOP's annual Fetal Family Reunion , which for the past 20 years has gathered thousands from across the U.S. and takes place at the hospital each June. This past year over 1,800 people from 22 states attended and nearly all of the children there were prenatally diagnosed with a birth defect, such as spina bifida , twin-twin transfusion syndrome or congenital diaphragmatic hernia . The D.C. reunion served as a way for members from the CHOP team to connect with patients in a smaller setting in a location closer to their homes.
"Every patient that is treated in our Center requires highly specialized care, many times before they are even born," said N. Scott Adzick, M.D., Surgeon-In-Chief and director of the Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment. "Occasions like this are inspirational and offer a reminder of why we do what we do. As I look out at the children in attendancemany running, jumping and playingI can't help but feel grateful to their families who entrusted us with their care, and feel a sense of pride that we played a part in their lives."
The D.C. reunion was an opportunity for clinical staff and patient families to reunite and enjoy a fun-filled family day at the Newseum, a popular museum destination. Patients who attended the reunion ranged from just several months old to some of the Center's first patients who are now teenagers.
The Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment at CHOP is a pioneer in the field of fetal medicine, and is one of only a few programs worldwide to offer comprehensive prenatal diagnosis, fetal surgery and therapy, and the option of delivering at a leading pediatric hospital.
Each week at CHOP, highly sophisticated surgical teams repair spina bifida and other birth defects in the womb, place fetal shunts to treat life-threatening congenital conditions, or perform minimally invasive procedures in the mother's uterus to treat complications in fetal twins. Of approximately 5,000 fetal surgeries done worldwide, a quarter of them have been performed at CHOP, more than at any other hospital. The Center staff has also managed thousands of pregnancies complicated by birth defects in which newborns need immediate specialized medical care or surgery after delivery.
About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 546-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu
Contact: Ashley Moore
[email protected]
Cell: 215.630.4683
SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Related Links
http://www.chop.edu
THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) today published its latest corporate sustainability report, titled "Connecting Our World: Sustainability in Transportation," on its web site at www.huntsman.com/sustainability.
"Connecting Our World" discusses how Huntsman applies its ingenuity in the transportation industry to create innovative products that help construct resilient infrastructure, encourage global commerce and empower personal mobility to bring our world closer together.
"Transportation connects our world in ways that help develop communities and enable a modern society," said Corporate Sustainability Officer Ron Gerrard. "Huntsman manufactures chemical solutions that help make transportation more sustainable, thereby benefitting our economies, enhancing the environment and creating easy access to education, work, markets and social contacts."
The report highlights a variety of Huntsman's transportation-related initiatives that help address such global megatrends as population growth, increasing wealth in emerging economies, finite hydrocarbon resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and potential impacts on climate change. The 2016 report also includes Huntsman's annual Communication on Progress to the United Nations Global Compact.
This is Huntsman's seventh sustainability report since launching its corporate sustainability initiative in 2010.
About Huntsman:
Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated and specialty chemicals with 2016 revenues of more than $7 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 75 manufacturing, R&D and operations facilities in over 30 countries and employ approximately 10,000 associates within our four distinct business divisions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com.
Social Media:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp
Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman
Forward-Looking Statements:
Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, volatile global economic conditions, cyclical and volatile product markets, disruptions in production at manufacturing facilities, reorganization or restructuring of Huntsman's operations, the ability to implement cost reductions and manufacturing optimization improvements in Huntsman businesses, and other financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.
SOURCE Huntsman Corporation
Related Links
http://www.huntsman.com
DUBLIN, November 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
The "Biosimilars Europe Congress 2017" conference has been added to Research and Markets' offering.
The global biosimilars sale is predicted to reach $17 billion to $20 billion per year by 2020.
After witnessing outstanding success in our last year's conference, we are delighted to hostBiosimilars Europe 2017 - A conference that offers a rare opportunity to its participants to understand and learn from top experts in the biosimilars field and to share experiences. The conference will also provide a platform to discuss the current vital issues, regulatory issues, market assessment and commercialization and globalization.
At present the sales just in Europe is $1 billion yearly. With the entry of first biosimilar in the US market, the sales are expected to be even higher. Though biosimilars are less costly versions of the biologics, its development is much more complex, this makes its regulatory approval and acceptance by the public more difficult when compared to the generic drugs. With many leading biologics losing their patent protection by 2020; the market entry and opportunity for biosimilars are very huge. Being just 10 years old and still in its nascent stage, there is vast scope for improvisation in very stage, from biosimilar development to market approval. There are many regulatory concerns such as labeling, naming and interchangeability yet to be settled. The cost of these products and acceptance by physicians and patients is still a big challenge.
Thus, the Biosimilars Europe 2017 conference offers a rare opportunity to its participants to understand and learn from top experts in the biosimilars field and to share experiences. The conference will also provide a platform to discuss the current vital issues, regulatory issues, market assessment and commercialization and globalization.
The conference will bring together industry experts to explore the strategies to gain insight into new biosimilar development strategies, different characterization and analysis methods, clinical advancement and successful case studies.
Key Themes:
Current status of Biosimliars market
Bringing Biosimilars and Biotechnology under one roof
Monoclonal antibody Biosimilars
Commercial perspective of Biosimilars
Ethis and Biosimilars
Risk Management Strategies for Biosimilars
Challenges faced when moving towards globalization
Opportunities in emerging markets
IP issues, naming and labeling issues related to biosimilars
Partnership, new investment and business models
Challenges and opportunities for biobetters and monoclonal antibody biosimilars
Clinical trials strategies and new guidelines for biosimilar clinical trials
Benefits and concerns of interchangeable and biosubstitutes and post authorization monitoring
Bringing biosimilars closer to patients and healthcare professionals
New solutions to demonstrate similarity and different characterization methods
Why Attend Biosimilars Europe Congress?
Global Event in Biosimilars
Developing Biosimilar Market in Europe
20+ Expert Speakers from around the world
Attracting Professionals from Global Pharma / Biotech Industry
Bringing together the key decision makers under one roof
Over 10 hours of dedicated Networking and Interactive sessions
A quality, senior level international audience
An unbeatable Senior Level Speaker Line-Up
Who Will You Meet?
VPs, Directors, Heads, Managers, Scientific Advisors, Consultants, Senior scientists and professionals with intermediate to advance knowledge and experience in the following:
Bioanalytics
Biomanufacturing
Biopharmaceuticals
Bioprocessing
Biosimilars
Biotherapeutics
Cell Line
Clinical Immunology Development
Commercial Biologics
Drug Safety
Risk Management
International Audience
Expression Systems
Immunogenicity Testing
Market Entry
Partnering and Licensing
Patient Safety
Product Development
Protein Characterization
Scale-up Processes
Quality Assurance
Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory CMC
Who Should Attend:
Biosimilars Europe Congress 2017 attracts senior level attendees from leading pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, CRO and solution provider companies. Delegates includes VPs, Directors, Heads, Managers, Scientific Advisors, Consultants, Senior scientists and professionals with intermediate to advance knowledge and experience in the following:
Biosimilar Development
Global Strategy
Biologics
Medical Affairs
Patents & Intellectual Property
Biologics Development
Biosuperiors
Follow-On Biologics
Legal Affairs
Commercial Affairs and Development
Market Access
Market Entry
Clinical Development
Commercial Development
Biosimilar Analysis
Regulatory Affairs
Regulatory Compliance
Biosimilar Process Development
Portfolio Management
Strategic Planning
Strategic Marketing
Research & Development
Pharmacovigilance
List of Attendees:
"Bringing together Developers, Key Decision Makers and Solution Providers from the Global Biosimilars Market under One Roof for an ultimate knowledge sharing and networking experience"
WDB Medical Data Inc
Alexion
Boehringer Ingelheim
VIFOR
OLEXACON
AMPLYCELL
LEO
NIHR
NDA
PAREXEL
LGC Group
Bristol- Myers Squibb
Sanofi
Novo Nordisk
Amgen
Merck
Pfizer
Novartis
Roche
For more information about this conference visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/zgs655/biosimilars
Media Contact:
Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager
[email protected]
For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470
For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
SOURCE Research and Markets
Related Links
http://www.researchandmarkets.com
Versatile is positive proof that Van Morrison is built differently to other artists. One of very few British recording artists to warrant the description 'living legend', Van is currently working at a rate to put musicians a third of his age to shame; an ethic that harks back to his early days as a recording artist who'd easily release multiple brilliant long players within the space of a year.
While Roll With The Punches saw Van revisit many of the definitive rhythm and blues records that have stayed with him all his life, Van's latest album sees him delve further back into recorded music's archives to interpret some of the 20th century's greatest vocal jazz standards.
Across Versatile's sixteen tracks, Van Morrison interprets some of the very building blocks of modern music in his own utterly unique style. As well as songs originally made famous by the likes of Chet Baker, Sinatra, the Righteous Brothers, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole, Versatile features six stunning new Van compositions, including Broken Record a timeless piece of late-night swing.
A joy from start to finish, Versatile is a completely different record to Roll With the Punches yet it's incontrovertibly Van and proof, if ever it were needed, that at 72 years of age, he's not going to slow down any time soon.
Versatile features:
1. 'Broken Record' (Van Morrison)
2. 'A Foggy Day' (George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin)
3. 'Let's Get Lost' (Frank Loesser and Jimmy McHugh)
4. 'Bye Bye Blackbird' (Ray Henderson and Mort Dixon)
5. 'Skye Boat Song' (Traditional. Arranged by Van Morrison)
6. 'Take It Easy Baby' (Van Morrison)
7. 'Makin' Whoopee' (Walter Donaldson and Gus Kahn)
8. I Get a Kick Out of You (Cole Porter)
9. 'I Forgot That Love Existed' (Van Morrison)
10. 'Unchained Melody' (Alex North and Hy Zaret)
11. 'Start All Over Again' (Van Morrison)
12. 'Only A Dream' (Van Morrison)
13. 'Affirmation' featuring Sir James Galway (Van Morrison)
14. 'The Party's Over' (Betty Comden, Adolph Green and Jule Styne)
15. 'I Left My Heart in San Francisco' (George Cory and Douglass Cross)
16. 'They Can't Take That Away from Me' (George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin)
Tracks on the album were recorded at Stormont Hotel, Co. Down; .The Courtyard, Clandeboye Estate, Co.Down; The Culloden Hotel, Co.Down; Slieve Donard Hotel, Co. Down; Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim and Holywood Studio, Co. Down.
SOURCE Legacy Recordings
NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LendKey, the leading lending-as-a-service solution for banks and credit unions, today announced a partnership with Allied Solutions to offer its digital lending solutions, including unique and innovative loan participation programs, to Allied's 4,000 plus clients.
Allied, a provider of insurance, lending and management solutions, has seen existing clients struggle to grow loans that have an attractive yield and yet still perform. LendKey's solution will provide its partners the ability to originate and buy loan participations in prime assets.
"For us, LendKey is a good solution that solves the very relevant and challenging problem of loan volume for our clients," said Dave Underdale, Chief Marketing Officer for Allied Solutions. "Many of our clients are dealing with slow loan growth and low-yielding portfolios, and need solutions that can help them effectively deploy capital and maximize returns. LendKey's single vendor platform delivers participations in multiple asset classes, which increases lending opportunities and simplifies the due diligence process for our clients."
LendKey has been successful in helping nearly 300 existing clients digitally transform areas of their lending business. LendKey offers the most unique and innovative approach to loan participations available in the market.
"Access to quality loans is a challenge facing many lenders today," said Christian Widhalm, SVP of sales and marketing for LendKey. "This partnership is the perfect fit to bring accessible loan participation programs that provide attractive yield and strong risk mitigation tactics to Allied's many well-rooted lender relationships."
About LendKey
LendKey pioneered the lending-as-a-service model by creating white-labeled lending solutions that transform financial institutions into profitable digital lending businesses. LendKey's customized solutions help financial institutions attract new business, grow relationships, manage liquidity, and mitigate risk. The company manages the entire lending process, which includes demand generation, online decisioning, loan origination, customer service and balance sheet management. Founded in 2009 and based in New York and Cincinnati, LendKey works with hundreds of credit unions and banks and has deployed more than $1.7 billion in capital to date. For more information, please visit business.lendkey.com.
About Allied Solutions, LLC
Allied Solutions is one of the largest providers of insurance, lending, and marketing products to financial institutions in the US. Allied Solutions uses technology based products and services customized to meet the needs of 4,000 clients along with a portfolio of innovative products and services from a wide variety of providers. Allied Solutions maintains over 15 regional offices and service centers around the country and is a subsidiary of Securian Financial Group, Inc.
SOURCE LendKey
Related Links
https://www.lendkey.com
"Lockheed Martin continues to rapidly advance laser weapon systems and the technologies that make them possible," said Dr. Rob Afzal, senior fellow of laser weapon systems at Lockheed Martin. "We have demonstrated our ability to use directed energy to counter threats from the ground, and look forward to future tests from the air as part of the SHiELD system."
The SHiELD program includes three subsystems:
SHiELD Turret Research in Aero Effects (STRAFE), the beam control system, which will direct the laser onto the target
Laser Pod Research & Development (LPRD), the pod mounted on the tactical fighter jet, which will power and cool the laser
Laser Advancements for Next-generation Compact Environments (LANCE), the high energy laser itself, which can be trained on adversary targets to disable them
LANCE is designed to operate in a compact environment, and as such, the Lockheed Martin team focused on developing a compact, high efficiency laser within challenging size, weight and power constraints.
"Earlier this year, we delivered a 60 kW-class laser to be installed on a U.S. Army ground vehicle. It's a completely new and different challenge to get a laser system into a smaller, airborne test platform. It's exciting to see this technology mature enough to embed in an aircraft," said Afzal. "The development of high power laser systems like SHiELD show laser weapon system technologies are becoming real. The technologies are ready to be produced, tested and deployed on aircraft, ground vehicles and ships."
Lockheed Martin has more than 40 years of experience developing laser weapon systems. The LANCE contract leverages technology building blocks from internal research and development projects, including the ATHENA system and ALADIN laser, as well as contract experience gained from programs such as the U.S. Army's Robust Electric Laser Initiative (RELI) program.
For more information, visit: www.lockheedmartin.com/directedenergy.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 97,000 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
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Marcato Capital Management LP ("Marcato"), a San Francisco-based investment manager which manages funds that beneficially own approximately 8.4% of the outstanding common shares of Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE: DECK) ("Deckers" or the "Company"), announced today that it filed a definitive proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the election of Deborah M. Derby, Kirsten J. Feldman, Steve Fuller, Matthew P. Hepler, Robert D. Huth, Jan Rogers Kniffen, Mitchell A. Kosh, Nathaniel J. Lipman and Anne Waterman to Deckers' Board of Directors (the "Board") at Deckers' Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held December 14, 2017.
Additionally, Marcato is sending a letter to Deckers' stockholders urging them to hold the Board accountable for Deckers' failed business strategy that has led to a precipitous decline in profit margins, runaway corporate overhead expenses, wasteful capital spending, and unsuccessful acquisitions triggering large write-downs. Marcato urges stockholders to vote the GOLD proxy card to elect its nine highly-qualified director nominees, who will bring the experience, focus, relevant industry expertise and proper oversight required to put Deckers back on a path to success.
The full text of the letter is below.
November 6, 2017
Dear Fellow Deckers Stockholder,
As a significant investor in Deckers Outdoor Corporation ("Deckers" or the "Company"), Marcato is deeply concerned about the future of the Company. For several years, Deckers' Board of Directors (the "Board") and management have presided over a failed business strategy that has led to a precipitous decline in profit margins, runaway corporate overhead expenses, wasteful capital spending, and unsuccessful acquisitions triggering large write-downs. Along the way, Deckers has repeatedly missed annual earnings targets while falling further and further away from the Company's long-term profit margin goals. Not surprisingly, these strategic and operational failures have led to substantial share price underperformance as compared to both proxy peers and broad industry benchmarks.
Accordingly, we are taking the necessary step of seeking to replace the existing Board with new directors who will bring the experience, focus, and commitment to help the Company succeed.
DECKERS' BOARD MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR DECKERS' FAILURES
We believe that the board of directors' primary functions are: 1) designing and approving long-term business strategy; 2) establishing an optimal capital structure and coherent capital allocation framework; and 3) overseeing the management team, including by establishing a compensation structure that aligns management's focus with the interests of stockholders and making personnel decisions with respect to key executives. In the case of Deckers, Marcato believes the Board has failed in all three of these areas and must be held accountable.
Deckers financial performance under the incumbent Board and management has been horrendous. Here are the facts:
Over the past five years, Deckers' stock has underperformed:
its proxy peers by 85%;
the Russell 2000 Textiles, Apparel, and Shoes Index by 75%; and
the Russell 2000 Index by 125%.
Deckers has been unable to reach its long-term financial targets:
Repeatedly lowered operating margin targets. In 2011, the long-term margin goal was in the low 20s and by 2017 it had been walked down to 13%. Today, the operating margin is at 9%.
Missed annual EPS targets in three of the past five years and each of the last two years.
Deckers has wasted hundreds of millions of dollars of stockholders' capital:
From 2011-present, SG&A has increased 70% and corporate overhead costs are up 32%.
EPS is lower today than in 2011 despite spending over $600M on capital investments and acquisitions.
on capital investments and acquisitions.
Misguided acquisitions have led to major write-downs. For example, the $189 million Sanuk acquisition written down by $118 million .
Simply put, Deckers' Board has failed its stockholders repeatedly, over a multi-year period, and should not be trusted to deliver on its goals. Stockholders deserve a Board that is keenly focused on setting a strategy that increases stockholder value and holds management accountable to its stated goals. The facts are clear, the current Board has proven that it is not capable of doing so and must be replaced.
THE BOARD HAS REJECTED STOCKHOLDERS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YEARS
The Board's track record of corporate governance is as abysmal as its oversight. For several years, recommendations made by stockholders to take corrective strategic action to improve profitability and stockholder value have been consistently rejected. Our efforts to work collaboratively with the Board have been met with significant resistance.
Notably, not until AFTER Marcato threatened a proxy contest did the Board make any adjustments to its failed strategy. Stockholders should consider why this Board, which has failed to deliver on its long-term goals, should be relied upon to achieve these recently updated targets. Recent comments by management expose these new 'goals' as merely lip-service in the hopes of avoiding accountability for past failures. Despite multiple stockholders expressing frustration numerous times in the past, Deckers' Board has repeatedly shown resistance to change. The existing Board has historically endeavored to change the least amount possible, at the slowest pace possible, and only when they are absolutely forced to do so by significant stockholder pressure.
Not until AFTER Marcato's initial disclosure of its investment in Deckers, and under pressure from several additional stockholders, did the Board begin a strategic review process. We found it highly irresponsible that within days of Deckers announcing the strategic alternatives process in April, Angel Martinez, the Company's Chairman and former CEO, launched a campaign to be elected Mayor of Santa Barbara in this November's election. Seeing no changes at the board level, we wrote a letter to the Board on June 27, 2017 and questioned whether the Board would have the appropriate leadership and focus to oversee the recently initiated strategic alternatives review, given the burdens of a political campaign. Not until September 1st, with the Company's failed strategic alternatives process in its final stages, did Mr. Martinez step down as Chairman ; despite this, he still remained a member of the Board. In October, after the filing of preliminary proxies and director nominations, Mr. Martinez retired from the Board completely. Deckers' delay in announcing Mr. Martinez's full resignation from the Company until after the nomination deadline and shortly before each of the Company and Marcato were set to file their definitive proxy statements is symbolic of the Board's lack of oversight, poor planning and haphazard approach to corporate governance, particularly given his mayoral campaign had been running for months.
We also note that no member of the Deckers Board owns any meaningful amount of Deckers stock. Moreover, not one of Deckers' independent directors has made an open market purchase of company stock in the past five years. As stockholders, we must ask: why should we entrust the value of our investment to a group of directors who do not themselves believe the shares represent an attractive investment? This will change with the election of our nominees, who include Marcato Partner Matthew Hepler, who will bring a badly needed stockholder perspective to the boardroom.
MARCATO HAD TO RESORT TO SUING THE BOARD TO ADDRESS THEIR UNLAWFUL ACTIONS
The incumbent directors have executed a calculated and deliberate effort to entrench themselves and disenfranchise stockholders. As a result, Marcato was forced to take the drastic step of suing the Board in Delaware Chancery Court to allow the Company's stockholders to elect the nominees of their choosing at the 2017 Annual Meeting without value-destroying consequences. Actions such as this leave stockholders to believe that the incumbent directors are more focused on protecting their own jobs than on improving the value of the Company.
MARCATO NOMINEES HAVE THE INDUSTRY EXPERTISE DESPERATELY NEEDED IN THE BOARDROOM
Marcato has nominated a slate of nine highly-qualified director nominees who have the fashion, apparel, retail, marketing and finance expertise needed in the Deckers boardroom. All of our nominees are independent from management, and, other than Marcato Partner Matthew Hepler, who brings both a stockholder perspective and capital allocation expertise, all of our nominees are also independent of Marcato. Our nominees have significant experience building brands, leading direct-to-consumer apparel businesses, restructuring and reducing retail store networks and bloated corporate cost centers, and managing and advising retail and apparel companies on capital structure, capital allocation and M&A. If elected, our nominees will be committed to executing a strategic growth plan for the Company as follows:
Focusing on profitable growth of the core UGG Brand; Selling or spinning off non-core brands; Targeting more aggressive closure of physical retail stores; Reducing excessive SG&A; Recapitalizing the balance sheet; and Aligning management compensation with margins, profitable growth, and total stockholder return.
If elected, our nominees pledge to provide the proper oversight required to put Deckers back on a path to success.
WE URGE YOU TO VOTE THE GOLD PROXY CARD TODAY IN SUPPORT OF MARCATO'S NINE HIGHLY-QUALIFIED NOMINEES
We are asking for your support to help us create long-term, sustainable value at Deckers. We urge you to protect the value of your investment and vote the GOLD proxy card today. With your vote, we will be one step closer to ensuring Deckers' brand equity is translated into growth in earnings and stockholder value for years to come.
Please vote your GOLD proxy card TODAY.
You can vote by Internet, telephone or by signing and dating the enclosed GOLD proxy card or GOLD voting instruction form and mailing it in the postage paid envelope provided. We urge you NOT to vote using any white proxy card or voting instruction form you receive from Deckers. Please discard the white proxy card.
If you have any questions about how to vote your shares, please contact our proxy solicitor, D.F. King & Co., Inc., at (800) 761-6521.
Sincerely,
Mick McGuire
Managing Partner
Marcato Capital Management LP
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The information herein contains "forward-looking statements." Specific forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and include, without limitation, words such as "may," "will," "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "estimates," "projects," "targets," "forecasts," "seeks," "could," "should" or the negative of such terms or other variations on such terms or comparable terminology. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and assumptions. There can be no assurance that any idea or assumption herein is, or will be proven, correct. If one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Marcato's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, the actual results may vary materially from outcomes indicated by these statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by Marcato that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated will ever be achieved.
Certain statements and information included herein have been sourced from third parties. Marcato does not make any representations regarding the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such third party statements or information. Except as may be expressly set forth herein, permission to cite such statements or information has neither been sought nor obtained from such third parties. Any such statements or information should not be viewed as an indication of support from such third parties for the views expressed herein.
CERTAIN INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PARTICIPANTS
Marcato International Master Fund, Ltd. ("Marcato International"), Marcato Capital Management LP ("Marcato") and the other Participants (as defined below) have filed a definitive proxy statement and accompanying GOLD proxy card with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") to be used to solicit (the "Solicitation") proxies for, among other matters, the election of its slate of director nominees at the 2017 annual stockholders meeting (the "Annual Meeting") of Deckers Outdoor Corporation ("Deckers" or the "Company"). Stockholders are advised to read the definitive proxy statement and any other documents related to the Solicitation because they contain important information, including information relating to the Participants in the Solicitation. These materials and other materials filed by Marcato with the SEC in connection with the Solicitation are available at no charge on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. The definitive proxy statement and other relevant documents filed by Marcato with the SEC are also available, without charge, by directing a request to Marcato's proxy solicitor, D.F. King & Co., Inc., 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor, New York, New York 10005 (Call Collect: (212) 269-5550, Call Toll Free: (800) 761-6521 or Email: [email protected]).
The participants in the proxy solicitation are Marcato International, Marcato, MCM Encore IM LLC ("Marcato Encore LLC"), Marcato Encore Master Fund, Ltd. ("Marcato Encore Fund"), Richard T. McGuire III, Deborah M. Derby, Kirsten J. Feldman, Steve Fuller, Matthew P. Hepler, Robert D. Huth, Jan Rogers Kniffen, Mitchell A. Kosh, Nathaniel J. Lipman and Anne Waterman (collectively, the "Participants"). As of the date hereof, Mr. McGuire, Marcato, Marcato International, Marcato Encore LLC and Marcato Encore Fund may be deemed to beneficially own the equity securities of the Company as described in Marcato's statement on Schedule 13D in respect of the Company initially filed with the SEC on February 8, 2017 (the "Schedule 13D"), as it may be amended from time to time.
SOURCE Marcato Capital Management LP
EL SOBRANTE, Calif., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Maria Dimitrioou Barnhart, Ph.D., is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the Psychology field.
Dr. Barnhart serves as a Clinical Psychologist in her own practice. She brings extensive expertise in the areas of evaluations, diagnosis, and treatment for severe mental illness and mental disorders, as well as family and relationship counseling to her role.
"Since I was five years old, I wanted to help people," Dr. Barnhart said. "I even remember listening to a woman with a disabled child and helping her when I was young. I love having a private practice, and having patients say to me that they 'never felt as good as [they] feel now in [their] whole life!" or, "I used to be in and out of the hospital, but I have not been hospitalized since I became your patient."
Dr. Barnhart moved from Cyprus to the United States at age 26, with two children, a limited understanding of English, and a 6th grade education. In addition to her private practice, she worked as a psychologist for 2 years for the California Department of Developmental Services and 11 years with the California Department of Corrections. While working there, she also had a part-time private practice. For the past 11 years, she has been devoted to her private practice. Dr. Barnhart is particularly renowned as an expert in psychotherapy, evaluations, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness as well as family and relationship therapy.
"The key to my success is being committed to helping people, having empathy and the gift of a good memory," Dr. Barnhart said.
Dr. Barnhart earned her Ph.D. in 1992 prior to establishing her practice.
In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments in the field, Dr. Barnhart was named a 2017 Top Doctor in Antioch, California.
"With a wealth of experience to call on, Dr. Barnhart is a clinical psychologist in high demand yet she is always happy to discuss conditions and her services with patients and where appropriate their families," the Top Doctor Committee states. "This praiseworthy attitude makes her popular with her peers and patients alike."
"My advice to those entering the field is that you have to 'really want to do it,'" Dr. Barnhart said.
Dr. Barnhart dedicates this recognition to her fifth and sixth grade teacher, Takis Trelos. She also dedicates this recognition to her husband, Daniel Barnhart, who is a Navy veteran, and to her two sons, Peter and Michael, and thanks them for their continuing love and support.
Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]
SOURCE Continental Who's Who
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http://www.continentalwhoswho.com
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Avanza Network ("Avanza") organization gathered Nov. 2-5, 2017, in Los Angeles for its annual conference, bringing together MIT Latino alumni and friends from throughout the U.S. to discuss important issues affecting economically depressed communities. As in past conferences, Avanza visited with thousands of students and their parents at over 20 different high schools throughout southern California and one community college in underserved areas, emphasizing the critical importance of a higher education. Since its formation in 2011, the group has reached out to and inspired thousands of high school students in cities across the country.
Avanza's first book, available at bookstore.weeva.com/products/Avanza
"Many of our Avanza members grew up in underprivileged communities and overcame incredible challenges in their life journey, accomplishing amazing feats," stated Frances Pinedo, president of Avanza. "Having us tell our stories to kids growing up in similar neighborhoods provides an invaluable example of self-empowerment through hard work and continued education, inspiring them to aim high. Today, more than ever, we need to emphasize to our youth the importance of an education to level the playing field."
"Studying at MIT is a transformational experience. Avanza volunteers want today's generation of students to know that they too can achieve their dream of a higher education," said California Secretary of State Alex Padilla. "Our message during the high school visits is clear: regardless of your socio-economic status or your parents' occupation, with dedication and hard work, a college education is absolutely possible. Avanza volunteers graduated from college thanks to those who came before us and opened the door. It's now on us to keep that door open."
In addition to meeting with students and parents, Avanza members also met with local educators and the press to partner in the group's goal of increasing college attendance and college graduation rates within the Latino and underserved populations, as well as to create awareness of the many sources of financial assistance that are available.
Eddie Grado, a co-founder of Avanza and head of the conference committee, also added, "The challenges these young students face daily have helped them become resourceful, creative and grittier - the same skillsets needed to be successful in advanced fields of studies. If we want this new generation to go on and help solve the complex problems humanity faces today, it's critically important we are out there encouraging them and showing them 'Si Se Puede.'"
The group used the opportunity to distribute volume 1 of the Avanza book, "The Transformational Power of an Education," to schools as part of its annual conference. The book is a compilation of inspiring life stories of several Avanza members and their diverse paths towards a higher education and successful career. The book is available online at bookstore.weeva.com/products/Avanza.
Avanza is a national nonprofit organization founded by M.I.T. (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Mexican-American alumni and friends who are dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of current and aspiring Latino professionals and members of underserved communities. Through its grass-roots efforts, Avanza stimulates Latino and underserved communities to achieve full potential by increasing awareness of the transformational power of a college education, increasing college graduation rates for these groups and emphasizing the benefits of diverse career paths.
For more information on its grass-root outreach efforts, the college application process or other tools for college-bound students, please visit www.avanzanetwork.org or follow MIT Avanza on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Avanza Network is a national nonprofit organization founded by MIT Mexican-American alumni and friends who are dedicated to the empowerment and advancement of current and aspiring Latino professionals and members of underserved communities. Through its grass-roots efforts, Avanza stimulates Latino and underserved communities to achieve full potential by raising awareness of the transformational power of a college education, increasing college graduation rates for these groups, emphasizing the benefits of diverse career paths, highlighting the key benefits of STEM careers and cultivating the group's pipeline of talent through the professional development lifecycle.
Media Contact:
Rene Gonzalez
Director of Communications
Avanza Network
512-809-0863
[email protected]
1936 Savannah
Round Rock, TX 78681
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Avanza - The Transformational Power of an Education
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SOURCE Avanza Network
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Moleculera Labs, Inc., an autoimmune neurobiology company, today announced that a key patent has issued covering the company's Cunningham Panel and its use in helping physicians identify whether an individual's neurologic and/or psychiatric symptoms could be caused by an autoimmune dysfunction. Specifically, the new patent, US 9,804, 171 B2, covers methods of diagnosing pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with Streptococci infection (PANDAS).
The Cunningham Panel can help identify the level of autoimmune antibodies associated with such neuropsychiatric disorders and the capability they have to stimulate and trigger neurologic behavior. Research has found that obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sometimes behaviors associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders, may be caused by a treatable autoimmune condition, triggered by common infections. Results of the Cunningham Panel assists physicians in determining the likelihood that a patient's neuropsychiatric symptoms are due to an infection-triggered autoimmune response, rather than a primary psychiatric disorder.
"This patent provides strong intellectual property coverage for our panel, which is an aid to physicians in diagnosing infection-triggered autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders, and has steadily gained usage by a growing number of clinicians around the world," said Craig Shimasaki, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Moleculera Labs. "PANS/ PANDAS has proven to be a treatable condition when properly identified, with symptoms often resolving with appropriate therapy -- thus sparing affected individuals from being misdiagnosed and treated solely with psychotropic drugs to manage their symptoms. We are finding that the PANDAS/PANS disorder may be a medical model for many other chronic neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adults who do not respond well to traditional neuropsychiatric medications."
About Moleculera Labs
Moleculera Labs is a privately-owned autoimmune neurobiology company whose objective is to discover and deliver advanced testing services for children and adults suffering from treatable autoimmune central nervous system disorders. The company's initial offering is the Cunningham Panel, a set of tests aimed at assisting clinicians in the diagnosis of PANDAS and PANS, conditions associated with motor tics, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and sometimes Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), that researchers believe to be caused by an autoimmune response triggered by common infections. Moleculera Labs is a technology spin-out from the University of Oklahoma and operates a full CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) and COLA (Commission on Laboratory Accreditation) certified clinical laboratory in Oklahoma City where it performs the Cunningham Panel for physicians and clinicians throughout the United States and globally. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.moleculera.com.
SOURCE Moleculera Labs
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This is Monster's third annual assessment of companies that give back to those who have served by providing best-in-class veteran-oriented recruitment, hiring, and retention programs. ManTech Internationala leading provider of innovative technologies and solutions for mission-critical national security programstops the list for the second consecutive year, as nearly half of its workforce consists of veterans.
The complete list of Monster's Best Companies for Veterans in 2017 and their rankings are:
"Our annual list of Best Companies for Veterans celebrates companies that are serious about hiring the brave individuals who have served our country," says Jodi Hon, SVP and GM of enterprise business, Monster. "We're gratified to see a continued commitment to veteran hiring across numerous industries. This year's list shows increased acknowledgement that veterans' experiences and skills are relevant beyond traditional industries like defense and aerospace, and also desired in transportation logistics, technology, financial services and more."
2017 marked the third year Monster has ranked the Best Companies for Veterans, and the list of 49 nominees was created by the following panel of experts:
David Coe , a U.S. Marine Corps officer and senior vice president of strategic programs at Orion International, which helps organizations attract, hire, develop and retain military talent
, a U.S. Marine Corps officer and senior vice president of strategic programs at Orion International, which helps organizations attract, hire, develop and retain military talent Lida Citroen, a personal branding coach who has worked with hundreds of veterans, and author of Your Next Mission: A Personal Branding Guide for the Military-to-Civilian Transition
Justin Constantine , retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, speaker and leadership consultant who serves as senior advisor to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes Campaign. He is also a fellow with the Truman National Security Project
, retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel, speaker and leadership consultant who serves as senior advisor to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Hiring Our Heroes Campaign. He is also a fellow with the Truman National Security Project Evan Guzman, former Global Head of Military Programs and Engagement for Verizon and founder of The MiLBRAND Project, an agency dedicated to helping businesses and employers attract and retain veterans and military spouses
According to Guzman, the newest member of Monster's Best Companies for Veterans expert panel, the nominees and winners exemplify best practices in hiring, retaining and empowering U.S. veterans.
"For U.S. military veterans returning to civilian life, the transition to employment in the private sector can be challenging," Guzman said. "I am encouraged that companies are increasing their efforts to attract and retain veterans, as they can enhance any workplace with their proven skills, dedication and resourcefulness."
Methodology
Monster asked each of these experts to nominate the 10 companies they thought were this year's standouts for their veteran hiring and retention practices; in addition, Monster automatically included 2017 winners for consideration. Monster staff then reached out to each of the nominees for the following additional information: what percentage of the company's 2016 hires were veterans; what percentage of the total workforce is veterans; what the retention rate was for 2016 hires; what 2018 recruitment plans it had for veterans; whether it has a dedicated veteran recruitment team and whether any of that team is ex-military; what kind of special programs it offers for onboarding, development, and retention; whether they accepted military training in place of civilian credentials; and if the company's leadership is updated on the value of hiring veterans, military culture, and veteran's issues. All nominees were ranked first on 2017 hires, then on total workforce, and finally the other data points to inform the final rankings.
About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. is a global leader in connecting people to jobs, wherever they are. For more than 20 years, Monster has helped people improve their lives with better jobs, and employers find the best talent. Today, the company offers services in more than 40 countries, providing some of the broadest, most sophisticated job seeking, career management, recruitment and talent management capabilities. Monster continues its pioneering work of transforming the recruiting industry with advanced technology using intelligent digital, social, and mobile solutions, including our flagship website monster.com and a vast array of products and services. For more information, visit monster.com/about.
SOURCE Monster Worldwide, Inc.
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WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) has issued the following statement reiterating its opposition to the House Flood Insurance legislative package passed out of the House Financial Services Committee in June and now consolidated as H.R. 2874, the 21st Century Flood Reform Act. The statement was made by Jon Gentile, vice president of government relations of PIA:
"PIA National opposes this legislation because it cuts the Write Your Own (WYO) reimbursement rate paid to insurance companies that participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by 3 percentage points. This cut was negotiated by trade groups and other representatives of insurance carriers without regard for the needs of consumers and agents, or the negative impact it will have on the flood insurance program and on disaster preparedness.
"Let us be clear: as carriers have stated, this reduction to the WYO reimbursement rate will be passed on to independent insurance agents through abrupt cuts to their commissions. Such cuts will force agents who currently sell flood insurance to leave the program, because it will become prohibitively expensive for agents to sell flood insurance, and it will discourage agents from entering the NFIP policy market. This will ultimately hurt consumers, just as cutting the agent out of the Affordable Care Act hurt consumers in their purchase of health insurance.
"In the aftermath of the devastation wrought by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, it is unconscionable that policymakers would include a provision making it less likely that homeowners will purchase flood insurance by undermining the NFIP's sales force. It is unfortunate that consumers and agents are the only ones being asked to suffer the financial consequences of these programmatic changes, when they are arguably the groups that can least afford it.
"As we speak, independent agents in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico are working tirelessly on behalf of their clients, while, in many cases, dealing with the cleanup of their own homes and agencies. Any cut to agent commissions will lead many independent agents currently selling NFIP polices to stop and dissuade prospective agents from doing so. This will result in a decrease in the number of properties protected by flood insurance, at a time when increasing the number of flood insurance policies in force should be a top public policy priority.
"Without changes, this legislation in every way fails homeowners and businesses who rely on agents to guide them through the confusing flood insurance program and provide them with critical support in the days and weeks after a flooding event. PIA urges members of Congress to vote no on any cut to the WYO rate that does not include a strong and robust protection for agent compensation."
Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America SM. PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.
This press release is online at:
http://www.pianet.com/news/press-releases/2017/piaopposeshousefloodlegislation110617
SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents
Related Links
http://www.pianet.com/
Theodore S. Hammer, FAIA, LEEP AP, is the Co-Chairman and COO of Mancini-Duffy, an award-winning architectural firm in New York City. An active industry leader, Mr. Hammer is a former Committee Chairman for the New York Chapter of The American Institute of Architects and has served on the Board of the Advisory Council for the Center for Study of the Practice of Architecture. Mr. Hammer has also lectured at the University of Cincinnati School of Architecture, Columbia University, the Pratt Institute, and New York University.
Additional speakers include Kristin Hood and family, of San Antonio, Texas. Kristin's son, Logan, has FSGS and the Hoods are NephCure fundraisers and supporters. Also scheduled to speak is Event Chair, Michael Levine, Vice President of NephCure Kidney International and owner of L&L Painting in Melville, NY. Michael's son Matthew suffers from FSGS and along with his family, Michael is a tireless advocate for more and better treatments for the disease.
The event includes live and silent auctions, music by Current Affair and original artwork for auction and sale by Taylor O. Thomas (www.taylorthomas.com). Taylor is the wife of FSGS patient Will Wellman and is excited to contribute her special talent to making NephCure's Countdown to a Cure a great success. Organizers thank all the sponsors whose support will help to raise over $1,000,000 at this year's event. To date, over 6 million dollars have been raised for NephCure through this event. This event is made possible in part through support from gold sponsor Turner Construction Company and many others.
For tickets to the event, or to make a donation, please go to https://give.nephcure.org/CountdownNYC
Additional information can be found at www.NephCure.org.
About NephCure Kidney International: NephCure Kidney International is committed to eradicating glomerular diseases by advancing research, educating patients, their families, and healthcare professionals and providing emotional support for everyone affected by these diseases.
CONTACT: Lauren Eva
NephCure Kidney International
(610) 540-0186
[email protected]
SOURCE NephCure Kidney International
Related Links
http://www.NephCure.org
DENVER, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Karmies makes ridiculously smart emojis and is taking the world of emoji and stickers by storm.
This week, Karmies rolled out its crowdfunding campaign on Start Engine which gives the everyday consumer the opportunity to purchase stock in the company. This opportunity is available for a limited time only.
Karmies is an intuitive, interactive emoji and sticker platform. With six billion emoji sent daily and a steady 20% month over month increase use in marketing campaigns since last year the demand for new emoji has reached an all-time high. Each year thousands of people sign and submit petitions requesting new emoji. Unfortunately, the Unicode Consortium, (the non-profit organization that coordinates the development of computer industry standards) severely limits the creation of new emoji. As a result, new emoji are rarely brought to fruition.
Karmies provides the ideal solution to this demand. The unique Karmies platform delivers custom emojis to which features, and actionable information can be attached. It is then delivered instantly to the messaging keyboard where it can be used in personal messaging or shared in social media. This mobile content distribution platform is now available on Apples iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and Karmiegram for iOS and Android, as well as the companys first third party publisher, Loopy.
Through accredited investors, Karmies was able to raise enough capital to build the platform, make it available for both Apple iOS and Android devices, and beta test several private company brands before going to market. The initial successful brand pilots have already moved forward with Winc, Sweet Cow Ice Cream, the City of Rawabi, and Boulder Start Up Week.
Karmies Inc. was founded by CEO Megan Haines, along with CTO and co-founder Dustin Mallory. The company's approach to the process of monetizing the pent-up demand for emojis allows business to have an invaluable marketing tool for promoting their brands in social media markets and by linking the privately created emojis to content such as locations, special offers, and promotional videos. Karmies will give businesses the ability to promote using their platform by charging a fee for the creation of custom emoji images, preferred placement of these new branded images, and maintaining the links to business promoted content.
About Karmies, Inc.
Karmies is a mobile content distribution platform that connect brands to mobile users by leveraging the over 6 billion emojis sent every day. Karmies are special emojis because they are custom, interactive, and delivered right to the smartphone keyboard. Based in Denver, Colorado, the company is continuing to develop its platform, to build community between engaged users, the brands they love and those they have yet to discover, billions of emojis at a time.
To learn more about Karmies, Inc., you can visit the Karmies web site at www.karmies.com. To find out more about how to become a part of this growing organization, please visit their page on the Start Engine website at www.startengine.com/karmies. You may also contact them directly at (815) KARMIE2 or by email at [email protected]
SOURCE Karmies, Inc.
FRANKLIN, Tenn., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mars Petcare, announced today the publication of a recently published study showing that dogs' immune systems change as they age meaning they will have a reduced ability to respond to infections or stress. The study is published today in the Journal of Gerontology: Biological Sciences.
This is the largest prospective study to investigate aging in dogs and offers new insight into the ways in which we may be able to support dogs in their old age. "We now know that dogs suffer from low level inflammation and cellular damage as they get older, similar to humans," said Janet Alexander, Senior Research Scientist at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition and lead author of the study. "The study identified multiple targets for potential therapeutic intervention to defend against or delay the impact of aging and the new insights can help us to provide more effective life stage support."
A Mars Petcare survey exploring how dog owners around the world and in the U.S. care for their senior pets found that:
Around 1 in 5 dog owners currently own a senior dog.
Most dog owners change the way they look after their dogs as they get older (76%) either by changing their food (58%) or taking them for shorter walks (54%).
While senior dog owners do not find caring for their pets much harder than the owners of younger dogs (29% vs 25%), 65% would value more information from their vet on how to look after their senior dog.
Information on nutrition (68%) and amount of exercise (57%) are the areas where they would value knowing more.
Two-thirds of dog owners in the U.S. said they would be likely to adopt a senior dog as they believe they're already trained and better behaved.
About the Aging Dogs Study
The study followed 80 dogs for over 10 years and measured a number of parameters to track their aging process. The study started when the dogs were adults and continued until the end of life. Some additional findings include:
51 percent increase in DNA damage. The study showed a 51 percent increase in 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (80HDG) levels. 80HDG is a specific marker of oxidative damage to DNA.
30 percent increase in C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP levels will rise in response to inflammation, showing that aging dogs can suffer from increased levels of inflammation.
86 percent decrease in Heat Shock Proteins (HSP70). HSP70 measure ability to respond to cellular damage, and this study shows a significant decrease in this ability as dogs age.
About the Mars Petcare Aging Pets Ownership Survey
The Mars Petcare Aging Pets Ownership survey ran from 4th-12th October 2017, surveying 6,298 adults aged 18+ who owned at least one dog in their household. Respondents came from the following countries: 1,046 from the UK; 1,103 from the USA; 1,049 from Australia; 1,049 from France; 1,050 from Japan and 1,001 from Argentina. In each country, dog-owning respondents were surveyed online and drawn from a nationally representative sample of the adult population.
About Mars Petcare US
Mars Petcare is the world's leading pet nutrition and health care business. A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS is the vision statement held by Mars Petcare as we believe that pets make our lives better and that pet ownership brings joy and benefits which should be accessible to everyone. In the United States, Mars Petcare food brands include PEDIGREE, IAMS, ROYAL CANIN, GREENIES, CESAR, NUTRO and SHEBA. Veterinary practices include BANFIELD and BLUE PEARL. Specialty brands include WISDOM PANEL Canine DNA Tests and WHISTLE GPS Pet Tracker. The company's WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition is a leading scientific authority on pet nutrition and wellbeing. Mars Petcare has more than 37,000 Associates worldwide. For more information about Mars Petcare's vision: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS, visit www.bettercitiesforpets.com.
About Mars, Incorporated
Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With almost $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved brands: M&M's, SNICKERS, TWIX, MILKY WAY, DOVE, PEDIGREE, ROYAL CANIN, WHISKAS, EXTRA, ORBIT, 5, SKITTLES, UNCLE BEN'S, MARS DRINKS and COCOAVIA. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl, VCA and Pet Partners. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom inspire its more than 100,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.
For more information about Mars, please visit www.mars.com. Join us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
SOURCE Mars Petcare
BASEL, Switzerland, November 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
NousCom, an oncology company developing neoantigen based cancer vaccines based on its Exovax platform, today announced the completion of a 42 million Series B financing. The round involved a syndicate of leading transatlantic life sciences investors led by new investor Abingworth with participation from 5AM Ventures, also a new investor, and existing investors LSP and Versant Ventures.
NousCom will use the proceeds to further advance its lead program NOUS-209, an off-the-shelf cancer vaccine, into Phase I/II clinical studies in 2018. The Company is planning to develop NOUS-209 as a prophylactic vaccine to prevent the occurrence of cancer in Lynch Syndrome Carriers (a genetically defined patient population with higher risk of developing colorectal, endometrial, and gastric cancers), and as a therapeutic vaccine for cancers characterized by Microsatellite Instability (tumors containing abnormalities affecting DNA repair). NOUS-209 has the potential to be the first neoantigen off-the-shelf cancer vaccine tested in the clinic.
The Company will also further the development of NOUS-100-PV, a personalized neoantigen based vaccine, which is expected to enter clinical studies in the second half of 2018. NousCom's third program is an oncolytic virus specifically targeted to tumor cells. This program, which is based on a second platform Endovax, is in the discovery phase.
NousCom's Exovax platform consists of viral vector-based genetic vaccines encoding cancer neoantigens using proprietary prime / boost technology. Prophylactic vaccines, similar to the ones used by NousCom, have shown to induce potent, durable and high quality CD8 and CD4 immunological responses in clinical trials against infectious diseases. NousCom's viral vectors have the ability to encode large numbers of neoantigens - an essential feature for induction of an effective immune response in cancer patients. In addition, the Company has access to a scalable GMP manufacturing facility, which will support its clinical development and future ability to deliver personalized cancer vaccines to patients.
Dr. Alfredo Nicosia, CEO of NousCom, said: "This financing, by experienced life sciences investors, represents an important validation of our platform and development strategy. We are delighted to welcome new investors Abingworth and 5AM and would like to thank our existing investors, LSP and Versant Venture. This investment will enable us to leverage our best in class Exovax platform to accelerate clinical development of our programs."
Dr. Genghis Lloyd-Harris, a partner of Abingworth, said: "We are excited to work with the team at NousCom to develop its platform which has already demonstrated very promising immunological and efficacy results in preclinical studies. Because of its ability to induce potent CD8 T cell responses, in addition to CD4, and deliver large amount of immunogenic information, we believe it holds strong promise in the clinic."
In conjunction with the financing, Dr. Genghis Lloyd-Harris of Abingworth and Dr. Scott Rocklage of 5AM will join NousCom's board of directors alongside existing board Chairman Dr. Guido Magni from Versant Ventures, and board members Dr. Joachim Rothe from LSP, Dr. Jean-Paul Prieels and Dr. Alfredo Nicosia.
About NousCom
NousCom is a private oncology company developing next generation immunotherapies. NousCom's proprietary technology platform, Exovax, harnesses the full power of the immune response by combining viral vectored genetic vaccines based on neoantigens with other immunomodulators.
NousCom is led by an experienced management team that has worked together for many years in previous successful enterprises, including IRBM/Merck and Okairos (acquired by GSK), and are veterans in the field of genetic vaccines.
NousCom, which was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland with operations in Rome, Italy, is backed by international life sciences investors: 5AM, Abingworth, LSP (Life Sciences Partners) and Versant Ventures.
For more information on NousCom, please visit the company's website at www.nouscom.com
About 5AM Ventures
Founded in 2002, 5AM Ventures is a leading life science venture capital firm with ~$1 billion under management. With a focus on biopharmaceuticals, drug delivery technologies and life science instruments, 5AM strategically invests in first institutional VC rounds with significant reserves for follow-on investments. The team is comprised of 17 investment professionals with offices in San Francisco, CA and Boston, MA. www.5amventures.com
About Abingworth
Abingworth is an international investment group dedicated to collaborating with life sciences entrepreneurs to develop their ideas into products that have a dramatic impact on health. With over $1 billion under management, Abingworth invests at all stages of development, from start-ups to publicly traded companies, and across all life science sectors.
Supporting its portfolio companies with a team of 27 at offices in London, Menlo Park (California) and Boston, Abingworth has invested in 144 life science companies, leading to 64 IPOs and 42 mergers and acquisitions. www.abingworth.com
About LSP
LSP is a leading independent European investment firm, providing financing for private and public life-science companies. Since the late 1980s, LSP's management has invested in a large number of highly innovative enterprises, many of which have grown to become leaders of the global life-science industry. With over USD 1 billion of investment capital raised to date and offices in Amsterdam, Munich and Boston, LSP is one of Europe's largest and most experienced specialist life-science investors. For more information, please visit www.lspvc.com
About Versant Ventures
Versant Ventures is a leading healthcare investment firm committed to helping exceptional entrepreneurs build the next generation of great companies. The firm invests across the healthcare sector and at all stages of company development, with an emphasis on the discovery and development of novel therapeutics. With $2.3 billion under management and offices in Canada, the U.S. and Europe, Versant has built a team with deep investment, operating and scientific expertise that enables a hands-on approach to company building. Since the firm's founding in 1999, more than 65 Versant companies have achieved successful acquisitions or IPOs. www.versantventures.com
Contacts:
NousCom
Marina Udier, Chief Operating Officer
E: [email protected]
Tel: +41-41-79-723-7536
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Sylvie Berrebi, Mark Swallow, Pip Batty
[email protected]
T: +44-(0)-20-7638-9571
SOURCE Nouscom
HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is an open letter from the Cambodia-America Alliance:
Dear Mr. President,
They're saying since your presidency; autocratic governments have been forming across the globe and dictators have been allowed to reign supreme. They're also saying you prefer to be a noninterventionist hiding behind your "America First" policy. You've been compared to tyrants and Cambodia's own Prime Minister Hun Sen has taken liberty with justifying his repressive rule by using your "playbook". Mr. President, we don't believe the things they've said because that's just not what it means to be an American and a champion of democracy.
Your trip is taking you close to the land of ire and disbelief that has caused heartaches for many of your citizens, but has the potential to do much worst towards America's interest and security. We understand the need for diplomacy with China and rebuilding a working relationship with Vietnam, but it must never be at the cost of American interest and our guiding principles. Both communist countries have engaged us in Cambodia in a proxy war that began before and lasted well after the Killing Fields. These countries are directly responsible for creating the Khmer Rouge who killed nearly 2 million people and their renewed subversive strategy for Cambodia is endangering more lives and the welfare of pro-democracy groups.
They are complicit in destroying the democratic movement that proved free and fair elections worked when given the chance. The new Asian communist bloc has set in motion a redistribution of power sharing and influence that has shown to eliminate any establishment of fundamental and human rights-the basic prerequisites of a free, vibrant and progressing civil society. They've nurtured the Hun Sen regime to oppress its own people and remain disposable at their behest. Make no mistake that our engagement in Southeast Asia is kept at arm's length by those who benefit from our trade agreements and economic relationship.
Our U.S. Senate is proposing Senate Resolution 279 reaffirming our commitment to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Cambodia. This is a bipartisan initiative that exemplifies democratic ideals and placates American resolve. It will be one of the most important piece of legislation that could mean hope to millions of Cambodians who are affected by the Hun Sen regime and those currently living in fear under this ruthless strongman.
As representatives of the Cambodian-American community, we are asking our President to fulfill a campaign promise. It is a promise that echoes the late President Ronald Reagan when he said we are the beacon of hope for many. It is a promise to reassert American leadership and with that means helping developing nations achieve greatness free from tyranny and oppression. It is a promise to fulfill our obligations to humanity because we are proud Americans who have done so twice during world wars. Americanism does not just mean "America First"; it means freedom loving Americans coming to the aid of those with their hands out in desperation-Cambodians are asking for your help President Trump.
"Today we did what we had to do. They counted on America to be passive. They counted wrong"
Ronald Reagan
On behalf of millions,
Vibol Touch Veasna Roeun
Cambodia-America Alliance, President Cambodia-America Alliance, Vice President
Chairman of Foreign Affairs
CONTACT: Veasna Roeun, 203-313-2656
SOURCE Cambodia-America Alliance
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Cloud for Utilities Summit -- Today Oracle Utilities announced it is bringing the benefits of cloud to D.C. as part of the inaugural Cloud for Utilities Summit. The conference offers Oracle Utilities, a leading provider of cloud applications to utilities, the opportunity to put its cloud imperative into practice: that vendors and utilities must collaborate to deliver on the promise of the cloud - a new, two-way, customer-centric utility of the future.
With over 100 SaaS clients worldwide, Oracle Utilities delivers one of the largest platforms of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications for utilities and is rapidly expanding its cloud suite, which already includes applications for work and asset management, AMI, smart meter and device management, and analytics. And, with the acquisition of Opower in 2016, Oracle Utilities further expanded its cloud platform with SaaS utility customer engagement and energy efficiency solutions.
While some major technology providers' cloud applications require buy-in to large, hosted technology or data platforms that are not truly SaaS, Oracle Utilities has taken a different approachdelivering targeted, true cloud solutions that address utilities' most pressing challenges, while being flexible and modular to support utility evolution and growth.
"We are not going to simply put a cloud stamp on hosted solutions, that's not what our clients expect from a trusted and committed technology partner. It's important that our utility clients have access to true SaaS applications that will deliver the greatest benefit, and that they have our support in defining the best cloud strategy that takes advantage of all cloud options available," said Rodger Smith, senior vice president and general manager, Oracle Utilities.
Oracle Utilities is committed to delivering the cloud benefits its clients need quickly. In the past year alone, three brand new SaaS applications were released to meet clients' needs: Oracle Utilities Work and Asset Cloud Service, Oracle Utilities Operational Device Cloud Service, and Oracle Utilities Digital Self Service (DSS). DSS was born in the Cloud as the first joint application with Opower and allows utilities to deliver deep digital customer engagement while connecting seamlessly to back office systems.
"This is just the beginning, we're about to change the SaaS CIS market, too," Smith added.
Oracle Utilities Customer Cloud Service is set to release in the next 12 months, and it will be the first truly SaaS, market-leading customer information system built for the utilities industry, with a comprehensive meter-to-cash-to-customer solution, standardized implementation and Oracle-delivered solution maintenance. This service is set to tackle some of the biggest challenges for utilities by lowering both risk and costs for implementation projects and technology maintenance.
"We continue to hear from the industry that true SaaS solutions are increasingly attractive," added Marisa Uchin, senior director, regulatory affairs for Oracle Utilities. "As the utility industry continues to transform into more customer-centric and data-driven, digitized businesses, we are seeing a recognition by both utilities and regulators alike that true SaaS solutions provide the responsiveness, agility and customer-centric benefits needed to master this transformation. We are excited to continue our close work with utility partners and regulators to facilitate cloud adoption in a way that delivers benefits for both utilities and customers."
Rick Cutter, Managing Director, Cloud for Utilities, said, "We are very happy to have Oracle as a partner in this endeavor. Oracle continues to be a leader in technology and business models for the utility industry."
About Cloud for Utilities
The Cloud for Utilities organization is the preeminent resource for cloud business models focused on the utility industry. The organization focuses on education, supporting career advancement, improving organization success and supporting the advancement of cloud business models in the utility industry. The inaugural Cloud for Utilities Summit will be held Sunday November 5th through Tuesday November 7th at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington DC. To learn more about the Cloud for Utilities Summit, visit CloudForUtilities.org.
About Oracle
The Oracle Cloud offers complete SaaS application suites for ERP, HCM and CX, plus best-in-class database Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) from data centers throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia. For more information about Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), please visit us at www.oracle.com.
Trademarks
Oracle and Java are registered trademarks of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Safe Harbor
The preceding is intended to outline our general product direction. It is intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated into any contract. It is not a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions. The development, release and timing of any features or functionality described for Oracle's products remains at the sole discretion of Oracle.
SOURCE Oracle
Related Links
http://www.oracle.com
HOUSTON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN: PARR) ("Par Pacific" or the "Company") today reported its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2017. Par Pacific reported net income of $18.8 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2017, compared to a net loss of $(27.8) million, or $(0.67) per diluted share, for the same quarter in 2016. Third quarter 2017 Adjusted Net Income was $26.2 million, compared to an Adjusted Net Loss of $(18.9) million in the third quarter of 2016. Third quarter 2017 Adjusted EBITDA was $45.1 million, compared to a loss of $(1.6) million in the third quarter of 2016. A reconciliation of reported non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures can be found in the tables accompanying this news release.
"All of our business units reported strong operating earnings, resulting in a record quarter of $0.55 of Adjusted Net Income per diluted share," said William Pate, Par Pacific's President and Chief Executive Officer. "I want to recognize and thank our exceptional team for their continued hard work and dedication to standards of excellence."
Refining
The Refining segment generated operating income of $21.3 million for the third quarter of 2017, compared to operating loss of $(18.2) million for the third quarter of 2016. Adjusted Gross Margin for the Refining segment was $71.2 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $32.2 million in the third quarter of 2016.
Refining Adjusted EBITDA was $35.1 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to Refining Adjusted EBITDA losses of $(3.7) million in the third quarter of 2016.
Hawaii Refinery
The combined Mid Pacific Index was $10.27/bbl in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $6.87/bbl in the third quarter of 2016. The Hawaii refinery's throughput in the third quarter of 2017 was 74 thousand barrels per day (Mbpd). This compares to 54 Mbpd throughput for the same quarter in 2016 when the Hawaii refinery was in major turnaround. Production costs were $3.69 per throughput barrel in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $5.42 per throughput barrel in the same period in 2016.
Wyoming Refinery
Par Pacific closed the acquisition of the Wyoming Refining Company on July 14, 2016, so the prior period results of the Wyoming refinery reflect a partial quarter. During the third quarter of 2017, the Wyoming 3-2-1 Index averaged $25.29/bbl, compared to $19.12/bbl in the third quarter of 2016. The Wyoming refinery's throughput was 17 Mbpd in the third quarter of 2017 compared to 16 Mbpd for the same quarter in 2016. Production costs were $6.67 per throughput barrel in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $5.52 per throughput barrel for the same quarter in 2016.
Retail
The Retail segment reported operating income of $7.5 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $6.9 million in the third quarter of 2016. Adjusted Gross Margin for the Retail segment was $20.5 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $19.2 million in the same quarter of 2016. Retail Adjusted EBITDA was $8.9 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $8.8 million in the third quarter of 2016. The Retail segment had sales volumes of 24.1 million gallons in the third quarter of 2017, compared to 23.6 million gallons in the same quarter of 2016.
Logistics
The Logistics segment generated operating income of $10.4 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2016. Wyoming contributed approximately $2.3 million of operating income to the Logistics segment during the third quarter of 2017. Adjusted Gross Margin for the Logistics segment was $16.0 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $8.8 million in the same quarter last year. Logistics Adjusted EBITDA was $12.0 million in the third quarter of 2017, compared to $4.1 million in the third quarter of 2016.
Laramie Energy
Equity earnings from Laramie Energy, LLC ("Laramie") in the third quarter of 2017 were $0.6 million, compared to equity earnings of $3.7 million in the third quarter of 2016. Third quarter 2017 earnings attributable to Par Pacific's 42.3% ownership interest in Laramie included $1.0 million in unrealized gains on derivative instruments compared to $5.4 million in unrealized gains on derivative instruments during the third quarter of 2016.
Laramie averaged 142 million cubic feet equivalent per day (MMcfed) of production during the third quarter of 2017 and exited the quarter with daily production of 142 MMcfe. The relatively flat daily exit production when comparing the second quarter to the third quarter of 2017 was primarily a result of the renegotiation of certain gathering and processing agreements by Laramie and Laramie's consequent election to retain ethane.
Liquidity
Par Pacific reduced its net debt by $35.8 million during the third quarter of 2017 and $77.5 million during the first nine months of 2017. Net cash provided by operations totaled $105.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $(41.2) million used in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. At September 30, 2017, Par Pacific's cash balance totaled $78.3 million, long-term debt totaled $330.2 million (including current maturities), and total liquidity was $137.3 million.
Conference Call Information
A conference call is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time (10:00 a.m. Eastern Time). To access the call, please dial 1-877-404-9648 inside the U.S. or 1-412-902-0030 outside the U.S. and ask for the Par Pacific call. The webcast may be accessed online through the Company's website at http://www.parpacific.com on the Investor Relations page. Please log on at least 10 minutes early to register. A telephone replay will be available until November 21, 2017 and may be accessed by calling 1-877-660-6853 inside the U.S. or 1-201-612-7415 outside the U.S. and using the conference ID 13672032#.
About Par Pacific
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, owns, manages, and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. Par Pacific's strategy is to identify, acquire and operate energy and infrastructure companies with attractive competitive positions. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy infrastructure networks in Hawaii with a 94,000-bpd refinery, a logistics network supplying the major islands of the state, and 91 retail locations. In Wyoming, Par Pacific owns a refinery and associated logistics network in a niche market. Par Pacific also owns 42.3% of Laramie Energy, LLC which has natural gas operations and assets concentrated in the Piceance Basin in Western Colorado. More information is available at www.parpacific.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release (and oral statements regarding the subject matter of this news release, including those made on the conference call and webcast announced herein) includes certain "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, which are intended to qualify for the "safe harbor" from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about: expected market conditions; expected refinery throughput; anticipated capital expenditures, including major maintenance costs, and their effect on our financial and operating results, including earnings per share; anticipated retail sales volumes and on-island sales; the anticipated financial and operational results of Laramie Energy, LLC; the amount of our discounted net cash flows and the impact of our NOL carryforwards on them; the uncertainty inherent in estimating natural gas and oil reserves; our ability to identify, acquire and operate energy and infrastructure companies with attractive competitive positions; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in Par Pacific's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and any other documents that Par Pacific has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Additionally, forward looking statements are subject to certain risks, trends, and uncertainties, such as changes to financial condition and liquidity; the volatility of crude oil and refined product prices; operating disruptions at our refineries resulting from unplanned maintenance events; uncertainties inherent in estimating oil, natural gas and NGL reserves; environmental risks; and risks of political or regulatory changes. Par Pacific cannot provide assurances that the assumptions upon which these forward-looking statements are based will prove to have been correct. Should one of these risks materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements, and investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are current only as of this date. Par Pacific does not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The Company further expressly disclaims any written or oral statements made by a third party regarding the subject matter of this news release.
Contact:
Christine Laborde
Director, Investor Relations & Public Affairs
(832) 916-3396
[email protected]
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data)
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017
2016
2017
2016 Revenues $ 610,506
$ 510,305
$ 1,780,004
$ 1,301,909
Operating expenses
Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) 509,476
459,296
1,485,118
1,166,347
Operating expense (excluding depreciation) 51,718
51,240
153,741
125,325
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 11,304
9,643
33,848
19,839
General and administrative expense (excluding depreciation) 11,292
9,863
34,688
31,654
Acquisition and integration expense
2,047
253
3,563
Total operating expenses 583,790
532,089
1,707,648
1,346,728
Operating income (loss) 26,716
(21,784)
72,356
(44,819)
Other income (expense)
Interest expense and financing costs, net (7,419)
(11,232)
(25,500)
(21,951)
Loss on termination of financing agreements
(1,804)
Other income (expense), net 649
(56)
886
60
Change in value of common stock warrants (975)
657
(2,211)
3,477
Change in value of contingent consideration
1,025
10,753
Equity earnings (losses) from Laramie Energy, LLC 553
3,659
11,651
(15,159)
Total other income (expense), net (7,192)
(5,947)
(16,978)
(22,820)
Income (loss) before income taxes 19,524
(27,731)
55,378
(67,639)
Income tax benefit (expense) (700)
(30)
(1,762)
8,117
Net income (loss) $ 18,824
$ (27,761)
$ 53,616
$ (59,522)
Weighted-average shares outstanding
Basic 45,561
41,580
45,505
41,309
Diluted 51,992
41,580
45,527
41,309
Income (loss) per share
Basic $ 0.41
$ (0.67)
$ 1.16
$ (1.44)
Diluted $ 0.41
$ (0.67)
$ 1.16
$ (1.44)
Balance Sheet Data
September 30, 2017
December 31, 2016 Balance Sheet Data
Cash and cash equivalents $ 78,300
$ 47,772
Working capital (deficit) (1) (11,921)
(7,143)
Debt, including current portion 330,201
370,396
Total stockholders' equity 427,484
368,909
_________________________________ (1) Working capital is calculated as (i) total current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents less (ii) total current liabilities, excluding current portion of long-term debt.
Operating Statistics The following table summarizes certain operational data:
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017
2016
2017
2016 Total Refining Segment
Feedstocks Throughput (Mbpd) (1) 90.3
70.5
90.1
84.8
Refined product sales volume (Mbpd) (1) 91.8
87.5
91.2
90.8
Hawaii Refinery
Feedstocks Throughput (Mbpd) 73.8
54.3
74.4
68.6
Source of Crude Oil:
North America 14.8 %
18.6 %
24.4 %
38.1 % Asia 23.6 %
32.4 %
24.3 %
32.5 % Africa 29.1 %
14.8 %
23.1 %
13.2 % Latin America %
%
0.1 %
2.9 % Middle East 32.5 %
34.2 %
28.1 %
13.3 % Total 100.0 %
100.0 %
100.0 %
100.0 %
Yield (% of total throughput)
Gasoline and gasoline blendstocks 28.8 %
25.2 %
27.9 %
26.4 % Distillate 47.2 %
45.8 %
47.1 %
44.6 % Fuel oils 15.6 %
17.4 %
16.1 %
19.2 % Other products 5.1 %
7.3 %
5.7 %
6.1 % Total yield 96.7 %
95.7 %
96.8 %
96.3 %
Refined product sales volume (Mbpd)
On-island sales volume 63.7
62.1
62.1
61.3
Exports sale volume 11.2
8.6
12.7
12.7
Total refined product sales volume 74.9
70.7
74.8
74.0
4-1-2-1 Singapore Crack Spread ($ per barrel) (2) $ 8.20
$ 3.08
$ 7.30
$ 2.97
4-1-2-1 Mid Pacific Crack Spread ($ per barrel) (2) 9.94
4.45
8.67
4.29
Mid Pacific Crude Oil Differential ($ per barrel) (3) (0.33)
(2.42)
(0.71)
(2.19)
Operating income (loss) per bbl ($/throughput bbl) 0.91
(2.71)
2.05
(0.84)
Adjusted Gross Margin per bbl ($/throughput bbl) (4) 6.32
3.32
6.39
3.49
Production costs per bbl ($/throughput bbl) (5) 3.69
5.42
3.66
3.96
DD&A per bbl ($/throughput bbl) 0.63
0.61
0.64
0.37
Wyoming Refinery
Feedstocks Throughput (Mbpd) (1) 16.5
16.2
15.7
16.2
Yield (% of total throughput)
Gasoline and gasoline blendstocks 50.5 %
55.8 %
51.2 %
55.8 % Distillate 43.4 %
39.4 %
43.1 %
39.4 % Fuel oils 2.7 %
1.7 %
2.6 %
1.7 % Other products 1.6 %
1.0 %
1.6 %
1.0 % Total yield 98.2 %
97.9 %
98.5 %
97.9 %
Refined product sales volume (Mbpd) (1) 16.9
16.8
16.4
16.8
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017
2016
2017
2016 Wyoming Refinery (continued)
Wyoming 3-2-1 Index ($ per barrel) (6) $ 25.29
$ 19.12
$ 21.11
$ 16.91
Operating income (loss) per bbl ($/throughput bbl) 9.97
4.55
4.82
4.55
Adjusted Gross Margin per bbl ($/throughput bbl) (4) 18.67
12.20
14.03
12.20
Production costs per bbl ($/throughput bbl) (5) 6.67
5.52
7.07
5.52
DD&A per bbl ($/throughput bbl) 2.03
2.13
2.13
2.13
Retail Segment
Retail sales volumes (thousands of gallons) 24,064
23,567
69,868
68,851
Logistics Segment
Pipeline throughput (Mbpd) (1)
Crude oil pipelines 82.3
74.1
86.5
87.7
Refined product pipelines 85.0
87.0
86.7
86.5
Total pipeline throughput 167.3
161.1
173.2
174.2
_________________________________ (1) Feedstocks throughput and refined product sales volumes per day are calculated based on the 79-day period for which we owned Wyoming Refining in 2016. As such, the 2016 amounts for the total refining segment represent the sum of the Hawaii refinery's throughput or sales volumes averaged over the respective period plus the Wyoming refinery's throughput or sales volumes averaged over the period from July 14, 2016 to September 30, 2016. The 2017 amounts for the total refining segment represent the sum of the Hawaii and Wyoming refineries' throughput or sales volumes averaged over the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. (2) The profitability of our Hawaii business is heavily influenced by crack spreads in both the Singapore and U.S. West Coast markets. These markets reflect the closest liquid market alternatives to source refined products for Hawaii. We believe the Singapore and Mid Pacific crack spreads (or four barrels of Brent crude converted into one barrel of gasoline, two barrels of distillate (diesel and jet fuel) and one barrel of fuel oil) best reflect a market indicator for our Hawaii refinery operations. The Mid Pacific crack spread is calculated using a ratio of 80% Singapore and 20% San Francisco indexes. (3) Weighted-average differentials, excluding shipping costs, of a blend of crudes with an API of 31.98 and sulfur weight percentage of 0.65% that is indicative of our typical crude oil mix quality compared to Brent crude. (4) Please see discussion of Adjusted Gross Margin below. We calculate Adjusted Gross Margin per barrel by dividing Adjusted Gross Margin by total refining throughput. (5) Management uses production costs per barrel to evaluate performance and compare efficiency to other companies in the industry. There are a variety of ways to calculate production costs per barrel; different companies within the industry calculate it in different ways. We calculate production costs per barrel by dividing all direct production costs, which include the costs to run the refineries including personnel costs, repair and maintenance costs, insurance, utilities and other miscellaneous costs, by total refining throughput. Our production costs are included in Operating expense (excluding depreciation) on our consolidated statement of operations, which also includes costs related to our bulk marketing operations. (6) The profitability of our Wyoming refinery is heavily influenced by crack spreads in nearby markets. We believe the Wyoming 3-2-1 Index is the best market indicator for our operations in Wyoming. The Wyoming 3-2-1 Index is computed by taking two parts gasoline and one part distillate (ultra-low sulfur diesel) as created from three barrels of West Texas Intermediate Crude. Pricing is based 50% on applicable product pricing in Rapid City, South Dakota, and 50% on applicable product pricing in Denver, Colorado.
Non-GAAP Performance Measures
Management uses certain financial measures to evaluate our operating performance that are considered non-GAAP financial measures. These measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.
Adjusted Gross Margin
Adjusted Gross Margin is defined as (i) operating income (loss) plus operating expense (excluding depreciation), depreciation, depletion, and amortization ("DD&A"), inventory valuation adjustment (which adjusts for timing differences to reflect the economics of our inventory financing agreements, including lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments, the impact of the embedded derivative repurchase obligation, and purchase price allocation adjustments), and unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives or (ii) revenues less cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) plus inventory valuation adjustments and unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives. We define cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) as the hydrocarbon-related costs of inventory sold, transportation costs of delivering product to customers, crude oil consumed in the refining process, costs to satisfy our Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs") obligations, and certain hydrocarbon fees and taxes. Cost of revenues (excluding depreciation) also includes the unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives and inventory valuation adjustments that we exclude from Adjusted Gross Margin.
Management believes Adjusted Gross Margin is an important measure of operating performance and uses Adjusted Gross Margin per barrel to evaluate operating performance and compare profitability to other companies in the industry and to industry benchmarks. Management believes Adjusted Gross Margin provides useful information to investors because it eliminates the gross impact of volatile commodity prices and adjusts for certain non-cash items and timing differences created by our inventory financing agreement and lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments to demonstrate the earnings potential of the business before other fixed and variable costs, which are reported separately in Operating expense (excluding depreciation) and Depreciation, depletion, and amortization.
Adjusted Gross Margin should not be considered an alternative to operating income (loss), net cash flows from operating activities, or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted Gross Margin presented by other companies may not be comparable to our presentation since each company may define this term differently as they may include other manufacturing costs and depreciation expense in cost of revenues.
The following tables present a reconciliation of Adjusted Gross Margin to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, operating income (loss), on a historical basis, for selected segments, for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Three months ended September 30, 2017 Refining
Logistics
Retail Operating income (loss) $ 21,331
$ 10,350
$ 7,473
Operating expense (excluding depreciation) 36,126
4,029
11,563
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 7,390
1,602
1,471
Inventory valuation adjustment 9,423
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives (3,033)
Adjusted Gross Margin $ 71,237
$ 15,981
$ 20,507
Three months ended September 30, 2016 Refining
Logistics
Retail Operating income (loss) $ (18,167)
$ 2,812
$ 6,853
Operating expense (excluding depreciation) 35,910
4,686
10,461
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 5,755
1,275
1,898
Inventory valuation adjustment 7,780
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives 895
Adjusted Gross Margin $ 32,173
$ 8,773
$ 19,212
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Refining
Logistics
Retail Operating income (loss) $ 62,389
$ 27,186
$ 20,589
Operating expense (excluding depreciation) 107,237
12,675
33,829
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 22,243
4,613
4,377
Inventory valuation adjustment (1,989)
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives 79
Adjusted Gross Margin $ 189,959
$ 44,474
$ 58,795
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 Refining
Logistics
Retail Operating income (loss) $ (35,268)
$ 12,957
$ 17,132
Operating expense (excluding depreciation) 85,053
8,906
31,059
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 9,649
3,116
4,930
Inventory valuation adjustment 28,540
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives (7,039)
Adjusted Gross Margin $ 80,935
$ 24,979
$ 53,121
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) is defined as net income (loss) excluding changes in the value of contingent consideration and common stock warrants, acquisition and integration expense, unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, inventory valuation adjustment, loss on termination of financing agreements, and release of tax valuation allowance. Effective in the first quarter of 2017, Adjusted Net Income (Loss) also excludes severance costs. We have recast the non-GAAP information for the three and nine months ended months ended September 30, 2016 to conform to the current period presentation.
Adjusted EBITDA is Adjusted Net Income (Loss) excluding interest expense and financing fees, taxes, DD&A, and equity earnings (losses) from Laramie Energy, LLC. We believe Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA are useful supplemental financial measures that allow investors to assess:
The financial performance of our assets without regard to financing methods, capital structure, or historical cost basis;
The ability of our assets to generate cash to pay interest on our indebtedness; and
Our operating performance and return on invested capital as compared to other companies without regard to financing methods and capital structure.
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for, operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows provided by operating, investing, and financing activities, or other income or cash flow statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA presented by other companies may not be comparable to our presentation as other companies may define these terms differently.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, net income (loss), on a historical basis for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017
2016
2017
2016 Net income (loss) $ 18,824
$ (27,761)
$ 53,616
$ (59,522)
Inventory valuation adjustment 9,423
7,324
(1,989)
24,585
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives (3,033)
1,117
79
(6,297)
Acquisition and integration expense
2,047
253
3,563
Loss on termination of financing agreements
1,804
Increase in (release of) tax valuation allowance (1)
(8,573)
Change in value of common stock warrants 975
(657)
2,211
(3,477)
Change in value of contingent consideration
(1,025)
(10,753)
Severance costs
105
1,595
105
Adjusted Net Income (Loss) 26,189
(18,850)
57,569
(60,369)
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 11,304
9,643
33,848
19,839
Interest expense and financing costs, net 7,419
11,232
25,500
21,951
Equity losses (earnings) from Laramie Energy, LLC (553)
(3,659)
(11,651)
15,159
Income tax expense 700
30
1,762
456
Adjusted EBITDA $ 45,059
$ (1,604)
$ 107,028
$ (2,964)
________________________________________ (1) Included in Income tax benefit (expense) on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Three Months Ended
September 30,
Nine Months Ended
September 30,
2017
2016
2017
2016 Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per share
Basic (1) $ 0.57
$ (0.45)
$ 1.25
$ (1.46)
Diluted (2) $ 0.55
$ (0.45)
$ 1.24
$ (1.46)
________________________________________ (1) Basic Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per share is calculated as Adjusted Net Income (Loss), excluding undistributed Adjusted Net Income allocated to participating securities, divided by weighted-average shares outstanding. Undistributed Adjusted Net Income allocated to participating securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 was $332 thousand and $685 thousand, respectively. Weighted-average shares outstanding were the same as those used in the Income (loss) per share calculation. Adjusted Net Losses are not allocated to participating securities. (2) Diluted Adjusted Net Income (Loss) per share is calculated as Adjusted Net Income (Loss), excluding undistributed Adjusted Net Income allocated to participating securities and the effect of convertible securities on Adjusted Net Income (Loss), divided by weighted-average diluted shares outstanding. The effect of convertible securities on Adjusted Net Income (Loss) was $2.6 million and $7.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. There was no effect of convertible securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were the same as those used in the Income (loss) per share calculation for the respective periods. Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 equaled 51,917 thousand shares after including 6.4 million of common stock equivalents assuming our 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes had been converted on January 1, 2017. Adjusted Net Losses are not allocated to participating securities.
Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Adjusted EBITDA by segment is defined as operating income (loss) by segment excluding unrealized (gains) losses on derivatives, inventory valuation adjustment, severance costs, and depreciation, depletion, and amortization expense. We believe Adjusted EBITDA by segment is a useful supplemental financial measure to evaluate the economic performance of our segments without regard to financing methods, capital structure, or historical cost basis.
The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, operating income (loss), on a historical basis, for selected segments, for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Refining
Logistics
Retail Operating income (loss) by segment $ 21,331
$ 10,350
$ 7,473
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 7,390
1,602
1,471
Inventory valuation adjustment 9,423
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives (3,033)
Adjusted EBITDA $ 35,111
$ 11,952
$ 8,944
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Refining
Logistics
Retail Operating income (loss) by segment $ (18,167)
$ 2,812
$ 6,853
Depreciation, depletion, and amortization 5,755
1,275
1,898
Inventory valuation adjustment 7,780
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives 895
Adjusted EBITDA $ (3,737)
$ 4,087
$ 8,751
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Refining
Logistics
Retail Operating income (loss) by segment $ 62,389
$ 27,186
$ 20,589
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 22,243
4,613
4,377
Inventory valuation adjustment (1,989)
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives 79
Severance costs 395
Adjusted EBITDA $ 83,117
$ 31,799
$ 24,966
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Refining
Logistics
Retail Operating income (loss) by segment $ (35,268)
$ 12,957
$ 17,132
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 9,649
3,116
4,930
Inventory valuation adjustment 28,540
Unrealized loss (gain) on derivatives (7,039)
Severance costs
Adjusted EBITDA $ (4,118)
$ 16,073
$ 22,062
SOURCE Par Pacific Holdings, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.parpacific.com
NEW YORK, November 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Partners Capital, the Outsourced Investment Office serving sophisticated institutions and senior investment professionals in North America, Europe and Asia, today shared a summary of its second Annual Client Meeting, which focused on the topics of "Investing in Periods of Political Turmoil" and "Technology's Impact on Investing". Among the more than 100 Partners Capital clients that participated in the forum on 11th October were the Metropolitan Opera, Milton Academy, Berkshire School, NYU School of Law Foundation, Eton College, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Guy's and St. Thomas' Charitable Foundation, the National Trust, The Royal Academy Trust and INSEAD.
During the meeting, a mixture of Partners Capital's leading managers, as well as senior investment staff, presented their views: Kamran Moghadam, Managing Director, Macro & Asset Allocation, Peter Zeihan, geo-political expert and author of "The Accidental Superpower", and Jeffrey Gundlach, Chief Executive of DoubleLine Capital, all gave their thoughts on the topic of 'investing during periods of political turmoil'.
Stan Miranda, Co-Founder and Chief Executive of Partners Capital, Lee Ainslie, Managing Partner, Maverick Capital, and Jeffrey Ubben, Chief Executive Officer, ValueAct Capital, all discussed their thoughts on the topic of 'Technology's impact on investing'.
The New York meeting, held at the Park Hyatt's iconic 'Onyx Room', also included a panel moderated by Suzanne Streeter, Global Head of Private Markets at Partners Capital, on the challenges facing the 'Endowment Model' of investing. Panelists included Jason Klein, CIO of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Foundation, Andre Perold, Managing Partner and CIO of High Vista Strategies, and Bob Peck, Managing Director of FPR Partners.
The meeting concluded with Colin Pan, the Chief Investment Officer Partners Capital, summarizing some of the key themes presently defining the firm's investment research efforts, including ways to access new and uncorrelated strategies in the most cost effective manner.
Kamran Moghadam, Partners Capital Managing Director-Macro and Asset Allocation asserted that US hegemony reached its peak during the two decades following the collapse of the Soviet Union, but that the US may be looking increasingly inwards due to a combination of:
Lower reliance on external energy supplies driven by low cost shale production (< $40 /bbl) and advances in renewable technology.
/bbl) and advances in renewable technology. Greater populist tendencies favoring inward-looking economic nationalism over globalization.
Lack of a definitive positive resolution after almost three decades of military engagement in the Middle East .
With the US backing-off as the global policeman, geo-political risk has risen. In 2017 there are c. 20 global sources of political conflict, compared to c. 10 in 2007. Examples of major political risks include a potential war with North Korea, a Russian invasion of Eastern Europe or the Baltics, or trade agreements like NAFTA being rescinded or severely diluted. The main global economic risk is a disruption of the Asian supply chain and a collapse in trade with Asia. A possible scenario would be a potential North Korea/US conflict forcing China to take sides against the US. About $4.4 trillion or c. 30% of global exports coming from developing Asia could be put at risk.
Stan Miranda, Chief Executive Officer of Partners Capital, spoke on the role of technology in investing. The most important changes that are shaping the industry are: processing power enhanced by cloud computing and low cost memory, an explosion in the type and quantum of data, and advances in machine learning / artificial intelligence.
At the highest level, 'Alpha' is derived from one or more of the following three sources: a) speed advantage; b) information advantage; or c) analytical advantage. The technogloical changes will fully destruct speed and information advantages that discretionary managers enjoyed, and their analytical advantage will be severely challenged by progressive systematic investors exploiting more data and processing power. This can be seen in the growth of the smart beta industry, which has already put many 'discretionary' managers out of business and represents just the tip of the iceberg.
As 'alternative data' is collected from social media, web searches, transaction data, satellite imaging and other sensors, and analyzed using artificial intelligence, all but the longest horizon discretionary investor is under threat in the next decade. The most vulnerable are opportunistic discretionary managers trading with sub one-year horizons as quantitative firms exploit superior predictive data to outmaneuver humans. The least vulnerable in the near-term are long-horizon deep fundamental research based managers where machine learning has not yet progressed to the point of being able to replace human judgment assessing management quality, strategy effectiveness, etc. Many, but by no means the majority, of discretionary managers have woken up to the new paradigm and are investing in 'data science' capabilities.
Peter Zeihan, spoke on the modern world order that began with the Bretton Woods conference after the end of WWII. This period of cooperation led to one the greatest periods of growth and stability in history. However, the costs of keeping the alliance together borne by the US began to outweigh the benefits. Rather than the US crafting a new international strategy, the people of the US started to vote for candidates with more domestically-focused agendas from the 1990's onwards. As the US became less engaged as the lead superpower, we saw the rise of Russia and China as rival global superpowers.
Nevertheless, the US continues to enjoy advantages that are likely to enable it to maintain its role as the most developed and secure world power, even if not the hegemon it once was. These advantages include:
Lower dependence on global trade through the lens of exports/imports as a percent of GDP.
Better demographics than the rest of the developed world, balanced across consumption and investment.
Energy independence through the development of shale technologies.
Favorable geographic location and climate allows for physical security and sustainability.
However, the withdrawal of the US from the role of policing the world and leading global institutions will exacerbate conflict. Potential hot spots include:
The Twilight War: There is the potential for a conflict between Russia and 11 countries within Eastern Europe . Russia may feel like they have to expand to secure defensible borders.
and 11 countries within . may feel like they have to expand to secure defensible borders. The (Next) Gulf War: With the US moving towards energy independence, it will be less involved in the Middle East . Both Iran and Saudi Arabia are working to spawn rebellions in each other's oil zones as large sympathetic minorities live in both areas.
. Both and are working to spawn rebellions in each other's oil zones as large sympathetic minorities live in both areas. The Tanker War: As an outcome from the Twilight and Next Gulf wars, the global oil supply will be severely interrupted resulting in a shortage for northeast Asia . For Japan , China , Korea and Taiwan the result of the shortage is a wide-ranging naval war for the remaining oil supply.
Similarly stresses are growing in two of the world's three essential economies that may lead to crisis:
China : To date, China's economy is based on the government force-feeding capital where needed to maximize employment, rather than focusing on profitability or sustainability. This has led to a dramatic rise in lending from 2009 onwards. Even if the lending and government spending continue, demographics suggest that the population and workforce are headed towards collapse. Following the 'One Child Policy', which has created a shortage of people in younger age brackets, China has the second fastest aging population in the world.
: To date, economy is based on the government force-feeding capital where needed to maximize employment, rather than focusing on profitability or sustainability. This has led to a dramatic rise in lending from 2009 onwards. Even if the lending and government spending continue, demographics suggest that the population and workforce are headed towards collapse. Following the 'One Child Policy', which has created a shortage of people in younger age brackets, has the second fastest aging population in the world. European crisis: Overall, the European Union cannot work without an outside arbiter, historically the US. The country that matters the most within the EU is Germany . However, Germany has become more self-sufficient and inward looking and its existence threatens to overwhelm its neighbors, promoting an anti-German coalition.
Jeffrey Gundlach of DoubleLine saw the biggest risk in the upcoming monetary tightening from the world's largest central banks, which are always influenced by politics. A combination of rising commodity prices and a Fed policy mistake (tightening too much too quickly) could lead to a recession in the second half of 2018. Contrary to the popular view, President Trump has not led to an increase in geopolitical risks for markets. Downside volatility in markets in 2017 has been at, or near, record lows. While President Trump has been largely ineffective as a president, this ineffectiveness has led to gridlock which has a volatility dampening effect. Against this geopolitical backdrop, asset prices are broadly overvalued, with a focus on equities. However, there is no imminent near-term catalyst to force a correction.
Lee Ainslie of Maverick concluded that neither systematization nor traditional fundamental research is likely to dominate as a model for global equities investing. But rather, he expects these two models to co-exist in a 'hybrid' model in which humans are used to make subjective judgments that impact long-term fundamentals (e.g. the expertise of a company board), while technology is embraced to systematize aspects of short-term fundamental research (e.g. utilizing cell phone app usage to determine changing trends in consumer behavior). Continued adoption of this 'hybrid' model will require professionals with experience in both economics/business (to understand the intuition behind fundamental analysis) and computer science (to systematize the analysis).
Jeff Ubben of Value Act ValueAct asserted that, although technology can enhance an asset manager's investigative processes by providing support, the utilization of ever increasing number of data sources is not the way to create lasting, repeatable value. In particular, while these data sources can create short-term advantages, those advantages will be arbitraged away in time as new data sources emerge. In addition, data is not necessarily insight. A large portion of the investment community today is overly focused short-term data releases as opposed to understanding the underlying business fundamentals. The ValueAct activist strategy is based on this deep belief in the creating value at the business level, leveraging board seats to drive value by influencing the CEO to think longer-term (past the quarterly earnings), challenge current assumptions with external information or deep understanding of the business, and take key risks.
Colin Pan, the Partners Capital CIO , closed the meeting with a survey of how the firm has addressed the key challenges facing the investment industry: higher valuations, a competitive fundraising environment, and the greater impact of fees in a lower return environment. Partners Capital has devised four key initiatives to combat these issues and preserve returns for our clients.
1. 'War on Fees'. This initiative includes identifying lower-fee investment strategies, accessing lower-fee asset managers, and negotiating fee reductions for our clients. This initiative includes two new low-fee investment strategies to our client portfolios, The Efficient Alpha Portfolio, a lower-fee / lower-alpha alternative to our traditional multi-asset class portfolios, and a second equity co-investment program which invests in the best ideas of our generalist and specialist equity managers on a fee-free basis. These strategies aim to deliver the investment performance of their higher-fee alternatives at a significantly reduced cost. This and the firm's increasing success in lowering the fees charged by existing and prospective asset managers have resulted in 50-200 bps of additional performance being passed on to our clients.
2. Stronger strategic relationships with our asset managers. Given our size at over $20billion in AUM, the sophistication of our team, the prestige of our clients and our ability to add value to our asset managers' businesses, we should be on most asset managers' short list of most attractive investors. This has many advantages including access to rare capacity, more transparency and better terms. As a strategic partner we are able to secure favorable terms and future access to the next generation of potential 'gem' managers in an increasingly competitive environment.
3. Alternative Alternatives Initiative. A third initiative seeks to address the increased competition and higher valuations across asset classes. Over the past several years we have dedicated significant team resources to identifying and researching high yielding uncorrelated 'alterative alternatives'. In 2017, we have invested a significant amount of capital in strategies where returns are driven by a non-correlated event (e.g. life settlements and FDA drug-trial funding) and in less-correlated income producing strategies (e.g. income sharing arrangements and bridge lending).
4. Co-investments and Direct investments in liquid and illiquid asset classes. This initiative helps to further strengthen our relationship with asset managers and reduce the fees paid by our clients. Over the last 12 months we have made close to $400million of co-investments and direct investments across a number of strategies.
Colin concluded that these initiatives, along with the constant re-evaluation of our investment processes and approach, give Partners Capital reason to believe that the firm can maintain and even increase clients' outperformance in the years ahead.
About Partners Capital
Founded in 2001, Partners Capital is a wholly independent Outsourced Investment Office (OCIO) primarily serving sophisticated institutions and senior investment professionals in Europe, North America and Asia. With offices in Boston, New York, London, Singapore and Hong Kong, the firm is one of the few truly global OCIOs, employing 138 people worldwide and covering all major asset classes. The firm oversees assets of more than $21 billion. Its institutional clients include the Metropolitan Opera, Milton Academy, Berkshire School, NYU School of Law Foundation, Eton College, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Guy's and St. Thomas' Charitable Foundation, the National Trust, The Royal Academy Trust and INSEAD.
Additional information on Partners Capital may be found at http://www.partners-cap.com.
SOURCE Partners Capital Investment Group
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lew's Holdings Corporation ("Lew's"), a portfolio company of Peak Rock Capital, a leading middle market private equity firm, announced today that it has acquired Strike King Lure Company ("Strike King"), a leading supplier of branded fishing lures, sunglasses, and other fishing accessories.
Founded in 1964, Strike King is an iconic brand in the fishing industry. The company's innovative product portfolio includes wire baits, hard and soft plastic lures, terminal tackle, sunglasses, and related fishing accessories. Headquartered in Collierville, Tennessee, Strike King benefits from an exceptional team of employees, pro staff, and manufacturing partners.
Peter Leibman, Managing Director of Peak Rock Capital, said, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in the combination of the Lew's and Strike King brands. The brands and product lines are highly complementary, and we're excited to further support the rapid growth of the overall company, while seeking additional acquisitions. I'd like to personally thank Lynn Reeves, Chairman of Lew's, for his help in introducing us to the Strike King management team."
Gary Remensnyder, CEO of Lew's commented, "Similar to Lew's, Strike King has been tremendously successful because of its focus on product innovation, outstanding marketing, and exceptional service to its retail partners and consumers. Lew's and Strike King share a common vision to provide cutting-edge products to anglers and best-in-class service to their retail partners. John Barns and Allan Ranson along with their dedicated employees, pro staff, and manufacturing partners have done a fantastic job driving growth at the company, and we are excited that John and Allan will remain involved with the company going forward."
As part of the transaction, Ken Eubanks will become President of Lew's while continuing in his current role as CEO of Hunters Specialties. Ken has almost 15 years of experience in outdoor related businesses, including, prior to Hunters Specialties, his role as Senior Vice President and General Manager, Americas for Pure Fishing.
MidCap Financial provided financing for the transaction.
ABOUT STRIKE KING LURE COMPANY
Strike King is a Collierville, Tennessee based supplier of fishing lures, terminal tackle, sunglasses, and accessories. The company supplies a variety of wire, soft, and hard baits to the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels. For further information about Strike King, please visit www.strikeking.com.
ABOUT LEW'S HOLDINGS CORPORATION
Lew's Holdings Corporation is a Springfield, Missouri based outdoor consumer products company with a portfolio of brands, including Lew's, Strike King, Mr. Crappie, Hunters Specialties, and Buck Bomb. The company supplies branded fishing and hunting equipment and accessories through the mass market, sporting goods, and specialty outdoor channels.
ABOUT PEAK ROCK CAPITAL
Peak Rock Capital is a leading middlemarket private equity firm that makes equity and debt investments in companies in North America and Europe. Peak Rock focuses on investing in opportunities where it can support senior management in driving rapid growth and profit improvement through operational and strategic change. Peak Rock's principals have deep expertise in complex situations and crossborder transactions, with the ability to provide tailored capital solutions and close transactions quickly where speed and certainty are priorities. For further information about Peak Rock Capital, please visit www.peakrockcapital.com.
Media Contact:
Daniel Yunger
KEKST
212-521-4800
SOURCE Peak Rock Capital
Related Links
http://peakrockcapital.com
MIAMI, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pretty You London is primed and prepped for the best day of the year to shop! The Pretty You London Black Friday Sale offers online shoppers 50% off all styles except for the recently launched 2017 fall designs. Bonus: spend $100 or more and receive free shipping.
"Feeling like you must have one of the new fall styles?" asks Jacques Sultan, Head of Pretty You USA. "Well, you didn't hear this from me, BUT, check back in with Pretty You London on Cyber Monday. We might have something extra special just for pretty you."
Pretty You London pretty awesome Black Friday Sale Pretty You London's pretty awesome Black Friday Sale
All featuring a little something special, Pretty You London slippers come in a variety of beautiful styles including toe post, mule, ballerina, one band and booties, each one as lovely as the next. The PYL also offers a line coined Ugly Me featuring premium quality men's slippers. Whether he prefers faux fur, sheepskin, faux leather or fleece on his feet, PYL has got the slippers for him. Styles include moccasin, loafer and mule slippers in a range of colors including black, brown and blue.
Pretty You London is a unique British slipper brand which provides ultra-feminine style combined with a luxury quality design. PYL treats style and comfort as equals and believes neither should be compromised! All slippers are guaranteed to be of superior quality along with a unique, timeless and original 'PYL' design, which customers all over the world have fallen in love with. Pretty You London has a global presence in a variety of small boutiques and larger retail stores including Nordstrom, Kitsan, Hudson Bay and QVC in the US; John Lewis, QVC, and Fenwick in the UK; and in Japan in Takashimaya and Seibu. Shoppers can also find these must-have slippers online at www.prettyyoulondon.com.
For more information, please visit www.prettyyoulondon.com or call (305) 816-6539. Connect with Pretty You London on Instagram @prettyyoulondon, on Facebook @prettyyouldn, and on Twitter @prettyyoulondon.
MEDIA CONTACT
VPR Agency
Vanessa Fernandez
786.255.6132
[email protected]
SOURCE Pretty You London
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TWIN FALLS The City Council will not meet on Monday.
Its so that individuals can get up bright and early and to the polls the following day, City Manager Travis Rothweiler told Council members at the Oct. 30 meeting.
Tuesday is Election Day, with polls opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m. Three seats on the Twin Falls City Council are up for election.
City offices will also close Friday in observance of Veterans Day.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 13 with a tour of the Wills Booster Station.
After-tax NPV 5 % of $50 million
% of After-tax IRR of 53.2% with a 1.8 year payback on initial capital
Average Total Cash Costs of $426 /oz (including royalties)
/oz (including royalties) Average All-in Sustaining Costs of $630 /oz
/oz Pre-Production capital of $29.6 million
Estimated average annual gold production of 40,000 ounces
Current mine life of 4.2 years based on reserves
Proven and Probable mineral reserves of 170,000 ounces of gold at 11.54 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au from Bagassi South
Represents an increase of Reserves of 26% for the Yaramoko Gold Project (55 Zone + Bagassi South)
Conversion ratio of 91% from Indicated Resources to Reserves
Average metallurgical recovery of 98.5% of gold
Ongoing infill drilling at Bagassi South has the potential to increase mine life which could further improve future economics
"The Bagassi South expansion adds substantial value to Roxgold by increasing Yaramoko Gold Project gold production by approximately 40% to over 150,000 ounces in the near term. Like the neighbouring 55 Zone, the economics of this additional high grade feed source are highly accretive and generate increased cashflow from a modest capital outlay. Consistent with our commitment to offer accretive growth while managing dilution, this expansion will be funded from our own balance sheet without the need for additional equity from our shareholders. In addition, work is already underway to extend the mine life at Bagassi South through the current infill and extensional drilling program on the QV Prime structure," stated John Dorward, President and CEO.
ECONOMIC SUMMARY
Table 1: Pre and After-Tax Economic Summary
Pre tax $1,100/oz Au $1,200/oz Au $1,300/oz Au $1,400/oz Au $1,500/oz Au NPV5% ($M) $43 $57 $68 $82 $95 IRR (%) 49.6% 63.1% 74.6% 87.6% 100.5% Payback (Years) 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.3 1.2 After tax $1,100/oz Au $1,200/oz Au $1,300/oz Au $1,400/oz Au $1,500/oz Au NPV5% ($M) $31 $41 $50 $61 $71 IRR (%) 33.9% 44.2% 53.2% 63.2% 73.2% Payback (Years) 2.3 2.0 1.8 1.7 1.6
The economic parameters quoted in this press release are based upon 100% ownership of the expanded Yaramoko Gold Project, which is inclusive of the Bagassi South mine. The costs and benefits associated with the project reflect the incremental costs and benefit associated with the Bagassi South Expansion Project only. The Company expects to utilize internal cash flow to fund the Bagassi South Expansion Project.
Under the Mining Code of Burkina Faso, the Government of Burkina Faso is entitled to a 10% interest in the Bagassi South Project upon its formal inclusion in the Company's existing Yaramoko exploitation permit.
PROJECT CAPITAL COST AND PRODUCTION METRICS
Pre-production capital costs are estimated to total $29.6 million including $2.8 million in contingency. This figure includes $7.9 million for underground pre-production development.
The processing plant expansion capital amounts to $7.1 million. There is considerable existing infrastructure and services as part of the 55 Zone underground mine which can also support the Bagassi South project. Additional surface infrastructure is estimated to total $6.0 million and includes ventilation shaft, water storage, haulage roads, camp expansion, tailings storage facility embankment raise, power and water reticulation. Each of these figures has been established from first principles in conjunction with quoted rates from contractors, many of which were involved in the initial development of Yaramoko.
A summary of the capital costs, production and operating metrics from the Feasibility Study is provided below.
Table 2: Capital Costs
Pre-Production Sustaining Capital Underground Mine $7.9M $25.0M Plant Expansion $7.1M $0.3M Infrastructure $6.0M $5.1M Indirects $5.7M $0M Reclamation $0M $0.4M Contingency $2.8M $0M Capital Cost $29.6M $30.7M
Table 3: Bagassi South Feasibility Study Baseline Production Metrics
LOM Average mine production (tpd) 300 Average annual gold production (oz) 40,000 Average mill feed grade (g/t) 11.5 Tonnes Processed (kt) 458 Average gold recoveries (% Au) 98.5% Total Gold Recovered (oz) 168,000
ANNUAL PRODUCTION PROFILE
Yaramoko Reserve Plan
As the first expansion project outlined at Yaramoko since the 2014 feasibility study, the Company considers the Bagassi South feasibility illustrative of the potential to develop additional high grade structures on the property. The Mineral Reserves calculated by SRK Consulting Inc. (Canada) Inc. ("SRK") for the Bagassi South deposit are 458,000 tonnes at a grade of 11.54 g Au/t containing 170,000 ounces gold. Gold production from the Bagassi South ore reserves will contribute to a stronger production profile for the Yaramoko gold project.
The following table summarizes the planned annual gold production from ore reserves for both 55 Zone and Bagassi South mines.
Table 4: Yaramoko Mine Production Profile Reserves Only
Yaramoko - Mine Production Profile Reserves only 55 Zone
Total 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Tonnes Mined (kt)
1,796 267 270 267 267 268 268 189 Grade Mined (gt)
11.47 13.02 14.63 13.59 11.25 10.33 7.06 9.93 Contained Mined (koz)
662.0 111.7 126.9 116.7 96.5 89.0 60.9 60.3
Bagassi South
Total 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Tonnes Mined (kt)
458 0 10 105 140 123 67 14 Grade Mined (gt)
11.54 0.00 8.97 12.93 12.16 11.40 9.61 7.21 Contained Mined (koz)
170.0 0 2.8 43.4 54.6 45.2 20.8 3.3
Total Mining
Total 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Tonnes Mined (kt)
2,254 267 279 372 406 391 336 203 Grade Mined (gt)
11.48 13.02 14.43 13.40 11.56 10.67 7.57 9.74 Contained Mined (koz)
832.1 111.7(1) 129.7 160.2 151.1 134.2 81.7 63.6
1) Current 2017 full year gold production guidance range of 115,000 125,000 ounces (see news release dated September 20, 2017).
Yaramoko also has significant inferred mineral resources adjacent to these ore reserves, which may contribute to a longer mine life for the property. Inferred resources have been delineated both at depth for 55 Zone and along strike at Bagassi South's key structures in QV1 and QV', which are approximately 70 metres apart. The Company anticipates establishing underground drilling platforms in the coming years to specifically target the infilling of these inferred resource blocks.
BAGASSI SOUTH FEASIBILITY STUDY - OPERATING COSTS
The Bagassi South project will benefit from utilisation of existing infrastructure and personnel at the 55 Zone. Mining contractor management, workshops, tailings and water dams, camps and grid power reticulation are all examples of existing infrastructure that reduce the overhead burden on Bagassi South as well as assist in the development timeline with shorter mobilisation periods. From a personnel perspective, Roxgold's resourcing levels for Processing and Administration remain similar, with the teams being utilised to operate both mines.
Table 5: Operating Cash Cost Summary
LOM($/oz) LOM($/tonne) Mining $251 $91 Processing $61 $22 G & A $47 $17 Refining $2 $0.7 Cash Operating Cost $361 $130 Royalties $65 $24 Total Cash Costs $426 $154 Sustaining Capital $185 $67 Corporate G&A $19 $7 All-in Sustaining Cost(1) (2) $630 $228
1) Costs stated are incremental for Bagassi South only 2) Quoted All-in Sustaining Costs are presented as defined by the World Gold Council and include Total Cash Costs, Corporate G&A, Sustaining Capital and Closure Costs.
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
Table 6: Sensitivity to Gold Price and Discount Rate
NPV (Millions)
Discount rate Pre-Tax Post-Tax 5% 7.5% 10% 5% 7.5% 10% Gold Price $ 1,000 $31 $27 $23 $21 $17 $14 $ 1,100 $43 $38 $33 $31 $26 $22 $ 1,200 $57 $50 $45 $41 $36 $31 $ 1,300 $68 $61 $55 $50 $44 $39 $ 1,400 $82 $74 $66 $61 $54 $48 $ 1,500 $95 $86 $78 $71 $64 $57 $ 1,600 $108 $98 $89 $82 $73 $66
STUDY AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The feasibility study, led by SRK in partnership with Knight Piesold, Dowding Reynard & Associates ("DRA"), African Underground Mining Services ("AUMS"), and Roxgold, focuses on the incorporation of the high grade Bagassi South deposit into Roxgold's 90% owned Yaramoko permit located approximately 1.8km kilometres North of Bagassi South. The project benefits from nearby current operations at Yaramoko gold project including personnel and infrastructure (camps, water and high voltage grid power). Additionally, the project lies only 40 kilometres to the West of a paved highway.
The project focuses on bringing additional gold production from Bagassi South into an expanded processing facility at Yaramoko. The expansion will capitalise on the existing infrastructure at the mine and will increase revenue without a commensurate increase in overheads.
MINING OPERATIONS AND PROCESS RECOVERY
The mining aspect of the study was completed in conformity with generally accepted CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices" guidelines. The study describes an additional underground mine at Bagassi South, with a modest surface footprint.
The initial access to the deposit will be via a single ramp from surface to the 5265 level (45m below surface). The ramp will ultimately be developed to a depth of 260m below surface (5055 level), providing access to 15 sublevels on 15 m vertical intervals. The ramp will be centrally positioned along strike and three ore blocks will be accessed by on-vein development to the deposit limits. Similar to the operating 55 Zone, mining will be conducted using long hole retreat stoping with cemented rock backfill used to eliminate non-recoverable pillars to maximize mining recovery to 93%.
The initial mine plan is based on contractor mining with engineering and grade control provided by Roxgold. Development of the boxcut for the underground mine is scheduled to commence in Q2 2018. Production and development rates, along with estimated unit operating costs, (representing approximately 33% of the total life of mine expenditure) are based upon contractual rates from the underground mining contractor active in the 55-Zone operations. Similarly, hydrogeological and geotechnical characteristics observed in the study are in line with those observed at the 55 Zone. Owner mining is assumed after approximately 18 months of operation.
The mine plan is based on a cut-off grade of 4.8 grams of gold per tonne ("g/t") and a minimum mining width of 1.2 metres. The mine plan has a total production period of 4.2 years including 3.0 years at nominal rates of 350 tonnes per day ("tpd") ore extraction and 48,000 ounces of gold per year. The mine production plan includes 170,000 ounces of contained gold within 458,000 tonnes of ore at a grade of 11.54 g/t. The typical planned stope has a 25-metre strike length, a vertical height of 15 metres and the full vein width. Longhole stoping is planned for both narrow vein areas (17% of ore production) and wider vein areas (83%). Tonne-weighted average horizontal vein widths are 1.5 metres in the narrow stoping areas and 6.3 metres in the wider areas. External dilution applied averages 26.8% for all stope tonnes with an estimated dilution grade of 1.22 g/t gold.
The plant expansion will increase capacity from 270,000 tpa (750 tpd) to 400,000 tpa (1,100 tpd). The original design of the existing Yaramoko plant considered a future expansion and the necessary allowances were made in the layout and mechanical equipment selection to facilitate a modular type expansion. The expansion maintains the simple and robust design philosophy that was implemented originally. The following upgrades are anticipated to facilitate the additional throughput and gold recovery:
A secondary crushing circuit with a throughput of 100 t/h, operating at 70% availability, and aiming to achieve a design crush of 80% passing 20mm;
Conversion of the SAG mill to a Ball mill, achieving a throughput of 50.2 t/h, with an increased ball charge (20-27% vol.) operating at 91.3% availability, and aiming to achieve a design grind of 80% passing 90 m;
Expansion of the carbon-in-leach (CIL) circuit, consisting of an additional two adsorption tanks and 8m diameter high rate thickener;
Expansion of the gravity circuit designed to recover 70% of head grade consisting of an additional Acacia leach reactor and two electrowinning cells; and
Additional raw water storage and power reticulation infrastructure.
The mineral processing and metallurgical test work conducted on the Bagassi South QV1 gold deposit by ALS Metallurgy confirms the coarse free gold nature of the deposit. Gold extraction using gravity and leaching processes yields excellent gold recoveries very similar to those obtained from the 55 Zone ore body. The economic model is based on an average gold recovery of 98.5% over the life of mine (LoM). Likewise, the hardness of the Bagassi South QV1 ore is similar to that of 55 Zone with a Bond Ball Mill Work Index (BWi) at 17.4 kWh/t.
Variability and composite testing confirm a high gravity recovery component consistently observed throughout the program and similar to levels observed at the 55 Zone. Summary testwork program results illustrate these performance characteristics across 32 variability samples tested throughout the deposit.
Table 7: Summary of Gravity / Cyanide Leach Metallurgy
Test ID Au Head Grade (g/t) Overall Au Extraction (%) at
Hours Au Tail
Grade
(g/t) Reagents (kg/t) Assay Calculated Gravity 48 NaCN Lime 7861 23.9/18.0 26.65 90.5 98.9 0.29 0.30 0.38 7864 27.72 - 99.6 0.11 0.35 0.38 7862 28.0 / 22.1 11.42 85.7 99.7 0.04 0.28 0.30 7865 18.13 - 99.6 0.08 0.30 0.26 7863 3.19 / 4.24 5.27 86.0 99.8 <0.02 0.31 0.34 7866 5.17 - 99.8 <0.02 0.28 0.26 7869 15.0 / 15.1 12.67 87.4 98.2 0.23 0.31 0.36 7870 18.24 - 99.8 0.04 0.32 0.42 7867 4.91 / 5.82 6.61 78.0 96.2 0.25 0.35 0.38 7868 1.96 / 2.03 3.16 72.1 98.7 0.04 0.31 0.28
PROJECT PERMITTING AND SCHEDULE
The Bagassi South Project is directly adjacent to the Company's existing mining permit at Yaramoko. An extension to the existing concession is planned for Bagassi South which will be subject to the existing fiscal regime, which is based on the 2003 Mining Code.
At the time of announcement, Roxgold has substantially advanced the permitting aspects of the project. With the key milestone of submission to the local regulator (BUNEE) of the project's ESIA (Environmental Social Impact Assessment) being completed in October 2017. Roxgold expects to advance this permit with the regulators in Burkina Faso in Q4 and furthermore the Mining Permit in Q1, 2018. Given this milestone, it is expected that preliminary surface works would also commence early in 2018. Construction would be ongoing throughout the year, with first ore expected late in Q4 2018.
MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE
The Bagassi South Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") which is the basis for the Feasibility Study was disclosed in a press release dated July 19th, 2017, and was undertaken by Roxgold's mine site personnel under the supervision of Yan Bourassa, P.Geo (APGO #1336), VP Geology for Roxgold Inc., a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. The MRE was reviewed by Sebastien Bernier, PGeo (APGO #1847) from SRK, also a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.
The geological modelling consists of shear zone envelopes and quartz vein mineralized structures. Two shear zones were modelled for the QV1 and QV' (QV prime) structures, while four individual gold-bearing quartz vein structures were modelled within the QV1 shear zone and one gold-bearing quartz vein structures was modelled within the QV' shear zone.
A modal composite length of 1.0 metre was applied to all data, honouring the boundary of the lower grade shear zone and the quartz vein structure sub-domains. The spatial distribution of the gold composites was assessed using variograms and gold grades were estimated into a block model using ordinary kriging informed by capped composites for the QV1 structure and ID4 for the QV' structure.
The impact of gold outliers was examined on composite data using log probability plots and cumulative statistics. Composites affected by capping were further examined in three dimensions to validate their location and relevance relative to the entire population. Individual domains were capped based on statistical distribution. For the QV1 structure, domains were capped at values between 30 g/t and 60 g/t gold while the QV' structure was capped at a value of 82 g/t gold.
Block model quantities and grade estimates were classified according to the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (May 2014). The QV' structure was entirely classified as inferred and a 10,000 meters infill and extensional drilling program is currently underway with the aim to convert the resource to an indicated classification and add more resources at depth as the structure remains open down plunge.
Management believes that the mineral resources remain open to expansion and that there is an opportunity to improve the classification of the inferred mineral resources at QV1 and QV' with infill drilling.
Bagassi South Mineral Resource Estimate Statement
Estimated Indicated Gold Mineral Resources at Bagassi South increased to 352,000 tonnes at 16.6 grams of gold per tonne ("g/t Au") for approximately 188,000 ounces of gold at a cut-off grade of 5.0 g/t Au as of July 19, 2017. There were previously no Indicated Mineral Resources disclosed at Bagassi South.
Estimated Inferred Mineral Resources decreased from 220,000 ounces of gold as of December 31, 2016, to 69,000 ounces of gold as of July 19, 2017, due to the conversion of 188,000 ounces of gold from Inferred Resources to Indicated Resources. The grade of the Inferred Mineral Resources increased from 12.1 g/t Au as of December 31, 2016, to 16.6 g/t Au as of July 19th, 2017.
Table 8: Bagassi South Mineral Resource Statement
Bagassi South
July 19, 2017 Measured Mineral Resources July 19, 2017 Indicated Mineral Resources July 19, 2017 Measured and Indicated
Mineral Resources December 31, 2016 Measured and Indicated
Mineral Resources
Tonnes (000) Grade g/t Au Ounces (000) Tonnes (000) Grade g/t Au Ounces (000) Tonnes (000) Grade g/t Au Ounces (000) Tonnes (000) Grade g/t Au Ounces (000) QV1 Structure 0 0.00 0 352 16.6 188 352 16.6 188 0 0.00 0 QV' Structure 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0 0 0.00 0 Bagassi Total 0 0.00 0 352 16.6 188 352 16.6 188 0 0.00 0
Bagassi South July 19, 2017 Inferred Mineral Resources Dec 31, 2016 Inferred Mineral Resources
Tonnes (000) Grade g/t Au Ounces (000) Tonnes (000) Grade g/t Au Ounces (000) QV1 Structure 79 13.0 33 514 12.7 210 QV' Structure 51 22.0 36 49 6.4 10 Bagassi Total 130 16.6 69 563 12.1 220
Notes: (1) Bagassi South Mineral Resources are reported in compliance with National Instrument 43-101 with an effective date of July 19th, 2017. (2) Underground Mineral Resources are reported at gold grade cut-off of 5.0 g/t Au, based on a gold price of US$1,250/ounce of gold using mining cost of US$100.00 per tonne, G&A cost of US$28.30 per tonne, processing cost of US$38.90 per tonne and process recovery of 98.5%. (3) The identified Mineral Resources in the block model are classified according to the CIM definitions for the Measured, Indicated, and Inferred categories. The Mineral Resources are reported in situ without modifying factors applied. (4) The Mineral Resource Statement was prepared under the supervision of Yan Bourassa, P.Geo (APGO #1336), VP Geology for Roxgold Inc., a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 (5) All figures have been rounded to reflect the relative accuracy of the estimates. (6) Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not necessarily demonstrate economic viability.
MINERAL RESERVES
The Mineral Reserve estimation used in the Bagassi South Feasibility Study only considered the indicated portion of the Mineral Resources. The Mineral Reserve estimation assumed a minimum mining width of 1.2 metres, included 26.8% stope dilution at a grade of 1.22 g/t and was base gold price of $1,250 per ounce. The effective date of the Mineral Reserve estimate is November 6, 2017.
Mineral Reserve Statement, Bagassi South Deposit, Yaramoko Mine, Burkina Faso, SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., Date: November 6, 2017 (Included in Mineral Resources):
Table 9: Bagassi South Mineral Reserve Statement
Bagassi South November 6, 2017 Probable Mineral Reserves
Tonnes Grade g/t Au Ounces Total Reserves(1) 458,000 11.54 170,000
(1) Mineral Reserves included in Mineral Resources. Reported at a cut-off grade of 4.8 gpt gold assuming: metal price of US$1,250 per ounce of gold, mining cost of US$73 per tonne, G&A cost of US$36 per tonne, processing cost of US$36 tonne and process recovery of 98.5%.
TECHNICAL REPORT
The results of the Feasibility Study will be summarized in a Technical Report prepared pursuant to Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101 that will be filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) within 45 days and will also be available on the Company's website (www.roxgold.com).
QUALIFIED PERSONS
The Feasibility Study was led by SRK with contributions from Roxgold. The following Qualified Persons, as defined in NI 43-101, have prepared or supervised the preparation of the scientific or technical information presented in this news release:
Sebastien Bernier, PGeo, (SRK Consulting ( Canada ) Inc.)
) Inc.) Ken Reipas , P. Eng (SRK Consulting ( Canada ) Inc.)
, P. Eng (SRK Consulting ( ) Inc.) Benny Zhang , P. Eng (SRK Consulting ( Canada ) Inc.)
, P. Eng (SRK Consulting ( ) Inc.) Paul Criddle , FAUSIMM (Roxgold Inc.)
, FAUSIMM (Roxgold Inc.) Craig Richards , P. Eng (Roxgold Inc.)
, P. Eng (Roxgold Inc.) Yan Bourassa , P. Geo (Roxgold Inc.)
ABOUT ROXGOLD
Roxgold is a gold mining company with its key asset, the high grade Yaramoko Gold Mine, located in the Hounde greenstone region of Burkina Faso, West Africa. Roxgold trades on the TSX under the symbol ROXG and as ROGFF on OTC.
This news release contains forward-looking information. Forward looking information contained in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: (i) the estimation of inferred and indicated Mineral Resources and probable Mineral Reserves; (ii) the success of exploration activities; (iii) the completion and timing of the environmental assessment process; (iv) the results of the Feasibility Study and proposed permitting including statements about future production, future operating and capital costs, the projected IRR, NPV, payback period, and production timelines for the 55 Zone on the Yaramoko permit.
These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. In certain cases, forward-looking information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "could", "estimates", "expects", "may", "shall", "will", or "would". Forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain factors and assumptions regarding, among other things, the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, the realization of resource estimates and reserve estimates, gold metal prices, the timing and amount of future exploration and development expenditures, the estimation of initial and sustaining capital requirements, the estimation of labour and operating costs, the availability of necessary financing and materials to continue to explore and develop the Yaramoko project in the short and long-term, the progress of exploration and development activities, the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, the completion of the environmental assessment process, and assumptions with respect to currency fluctuations, environmental risks, title disputes or claims, and other similar matters. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect.
Forward looking information 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 the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks inherent in the exploration and development of mineral deposits, including risks relating to changes in project parameters as plans continue to be redefined including the possibility that mining operations may not commence at the expanded portion of the Yaramoko project, risks relating to variations in Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, grade or recovery rates resulting from current exploration and development activities, risks relating to changes in gold prices and the worldwide demand for and supply of gold, risks related to increased competition in the mining industry generally, risks related to current global financial conditions, uncertainties inherent in the estimation of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, access and supply risks, reliance on key personnel, operational risks inherent in the conduct of mining activities, including the risk of accidents, labour disputes, increases in capital and operating costs and the risk of delays or increased costs that might be encountered during the development process, regulatory risks, including risks relating to the acquisition of the necessary licenses and permits, financing, capitalization and liquidity risks, including the risk that the financing necessary to fund the exploration and development activities at the Yaramoko project may not be available on satisfactory terms, or at all, risks related to disputes concerning property titles and interest, and environmental risks. Please refer to the Company's Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2015, and the Company's financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for political, environmental or other risks that could materially affect the development of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information that may be made from time to time by the Company or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
SOURCE Roxgold Inc.
Related Links
www.roxgold.com
SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DREAMFORCE 2017Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in CRM, today announced myTrailhead, enabling businesses to reinvent corporate learning and enablement. Salesforce launched Trailhead in 2014 with a mission to create a gamified online learning platform that empowers anyone to skill-up for a job in the thriving Salesforce Economy. Now, with myTrailhead, Salesforce is extending this platform to enable companies to customize the learning environment with their own content and brandingfrom custom onboarding trails to company-specific enablement skills.
"In this digital age, continuous learning is more critical than ever to keep pace with rapid technology changes and the increasing velocity of business," said Sarah Franklin, SVP Developer Relations and GM of Trailhead, Salesforce. "myTrailhead fosters a culture of learning, which drives both employee and business success."
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, every job is being redefined with new skills and companies are struggling to keep up. Traditional corporate learning techniques and tools simply won't cut it. myTrailhead transforms the corporate learning modelempowering organizations with tools needed to make learning customizable, fun and at the center of their business. Now, companies will be able to move from disparate learning toolsFAQs, slide decks and static manualsto a single modern platform for all corporate learning.
"The global demand for 21st century skills is increasing," said Josh Bersin, Principal and Founder, Bersin, Deloitte Consulting LLP. "Offerings that provide fun, easy-to-use, gamified training in modern topic areas can add value to individuals and companies all over the world."
Introducing myTrailhead
The myTrailhead platform will bring together new and existing technologies including:
Trail Maker is a guided setup tool that will enable companies to create private learning content for their employees customized with their own brandin just a few clicks. With Trail Maker, companies can write and create their own materials or customize the pre-curated library of public Trailhead content. Now, companies can build customized employee content for sales enablement, best practices for customer service agents, onboarding for new hires and more.
is a guided setup tool that will enable companies to create private learning content for their employees customized with their own brandin just a few clicks. With Trail Maker, companies can write and create their own materials or customize the pre-curated library of public Trailhead content. Now, companies can build customized employee content for sales enablement, best practices for customer service agents, onboarding for new hires and more. Trailhead Profile is a complete view of an employee's skills and expertise. The profile showcases the Trailhead badges earned, points accumulated and skills learned. Rewards and ranks gamify learning and career advancement. When employees want to switch roles or take on a special project at a company, managers will have a complete view of their skill set to help recruit internally.
is a complete view of an employee's skills and expertise. The profile showcases the Trailhead badges earned, points accumulated and skills learned. Rewards and ranks gamify learning and career advancement. When employees want to switch roles or take on a special project at a company, managers will have a complete view of their skill set to help recruit internally. Trail Mixer enables employees to build and share a collection of custom learning paths called Trailmixes. Trailmixes can be created from public Trailhead content, custom content built on the platform or external content such as videos or slide presentations . For example, to onboard a sales rep, managers must provide an overview of the sales cycle and train them on logging opportunities and account activities and running reports. With Trail Mixer, managers will be able to create one Trailmix that consolidates all relevant onboarding materials, both within and outside of Trailhead, that a rep would need to get up and running in this role.
enables employees to build and share a collection of custom learning paths called Trailmixes. Trailmixes can be created from public Trailhead content, custom content built on the platform or external content such as videos or slide presentations For example, to onboard a sales rep, managers must provide an overview of the sales cycle and train them on logging opportunities and account activities and running reports. With Trail Mixer, managers will be able to create one Trailmix that consolidates all relevant onboarding materials, both within and outside of Trailhead, that a rep would need to get up and running in this role. Trail Tracker is an app that motivates employees with gamified leaderboards and enables managers to assign and track personalized learning across their organization. For example, a department leader can assign a mandatory Management 101 training to all new managers and track to see which of them has completed the course. Once complete, the new manager will be awarded with a badge, showcasing their competency right on their profile. As they continue to earn badges and reach milestones, a leaderboard showcases where they rank amongst their peers.
is an app that motivates employees with gamified leaderboards and enables managers to assign and track personalized learning across their organization. For example, a department leader can assign a mandatory Management 101 training to all new managers and track to see which of them has completed the course. Once complete, the new manager will be awarded with a badge, showcasing their competency right on their profile. As they continue to earn badges and reach milestones, a leaderboard showcases where they rank amongst their peers. Trail Checker rates and rewards learning by allowing companies to build interactive challenges designed to assess skillsincluding stand-and-deliver, quizzes and hands-on challenges. For example, a customer service lead can certify service reps for a call center by having each rep use the stand-and-deliver assessment tool to record and upload a simulated role-play video, scoring the presentation and awarding a badge directly on the rep's myTrailhead profile if they pass.
About Trailhead
Trailhead is Salesforce's interactive, guided and gamified learning platform, where anyone can learn the skills that empower them to land a job in the workforce of the future. Trailhead is democratizing education and providing a direct path for anyone to start learning in-demand skills for free, from anywhere. Since launching in 2014, Trailblazers have earned 4 million badges, which directly relate to in-demand job skills. In fact according to Indeed, two of the top 10 best jobs of the future are in the Salesforce Economy.
Pricing and Availability
myTrailhead is expected to be in pilot the first half of 2018 with general availability later in the year. Pricing will be announced at the time of general availability.
Additional Information
Images of myTrailhead can be downloaded from the Salesforce Newsroom: https://salesforce.com/news
To learn how myTrailhead can empower your company to make learning customized, empowering and fun visit: http://trailhead.salesforce.com/mytrailhead
Take the Fourth Industrial Revolution Trail to learn more at https://sfdc.co/4ir
Take the Dreamforce Trailmix at: https://sfdc.co/coUmDZ
View thousands of hours of Dreamforce content, including keynotes, sessions and interviews online at http://salesforce.com/live
Connect with Salesforce
Like Salesforce on Facebook at http://facebook.com/salesforce
Follow @dreamforce, @salesforcenews, @trailhead, #DFTrailblazers and #DF17 on Twitter
About Dreamforce
Dreamforce 2017 is four days of inspiration, growth, innovation, learning, equality and fun for the Salesforce community. More than 170,000 Trailblazers from more than 91 countries are registered to attend, and 10 million viewers will join online for the sold out event. Salesforce will share its vision for customer success, unveil the latest industry innovations and showcase the Trailblazer community that is driving innovation, transforming their companies and advancing their careers. Dreamforce includes more than 2,700 sessions to give Trailblazers the opportunity to get hands-on with the latest product innovations, learn from Salesforce experts and each other and earn Trailhead badges. Dreamforce also brings together global leaders and visionaries to share how they have challenged the status quo in their own unique way. Every day, attendees will have a new opportunity to learn about Salesforce's commitment to equality through sessions and activities focused on workforce development, education, environmental sustainability and philanthropy. Dreamforce provides attendees a number of opportunities to give back, including our Dreamfest, featuring Grammy award winners Alicia Keys and Lenny Kravitz, which is expected to raise $10 million for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.
About Salesforce
Salesforce, the global CRM leader, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. Salesforce has been democratizing business technology since 1999 for companies of every size and industry. With industry-leading clouds that span sales, service, marketing, commerce, communities, collaboration and industries, all on a single trusted platform, the Salesforce Customer Success Platform will power more than 1.7 trillion B2B and B2C transactions this year for more than 150,000 customers. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: www.salesforce.com.
Any unreleased services or features referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available and may not be delivered on time or at all. Customers who purchase Salesforce applications should make their purchase decisions based upon features that are currently available. Salesforce has headquarters in San Francisco, with offices in Europe and Asia, and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "CRM." For more information please visit http://www.salesforce.com, or call 1-800-NO-SOFTWARE.
Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of our legal structure.
SOURCE Salesforce
Related Links
http://www.salesforce.com
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Republican Senator Susan Collins and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin announced today that they will serve as honorary co-chairs of No Labels, a bipartisan group committed to bringing leaders together to solve problems.
Collins, who is serving her fourth term representing Maine and has been ranked the most bipartisan Senator for the past four consecutive years by the Lugar Center and Georgetown University, said she is looking forward to serving as a co-chair.
"Given how divided our country has become, I feel a special obligation to continue my efforts to find a path forward on the many critical issues facing our country," Collins said. "Congress produces the best legislation when it is considered through regular order and receives input from both Republicans and Democrats. We must work together to develop responsible solutions and get things done for the American people. No Labels understands this, and I'm glad to be an honorary co-chair."
Manchin, who is serving his second term representing West Virginia, said he is also eager to step into the co-chair role.
"I have worked across the aisle since the day I arrived in the Senate, and that approach has never been more important than it is now," Manchin said. "When we understand each other, we can work together. And when we work together, we can help people. That should always be our mission."
The senators will work with the House Problem Solvers Caucus, a group of 47 lawmakers who are committed to creating bipartisan legislation. Inspired by No Labels seven years ago, the House caucus has worked to bring Republican and Democratic leaders together to provide solutions.
"We are the motivated middle," said former Senator Joe Lieberman, national co-chair of No Labels. "Our goal is to meet rising political extremism with an aggressive bipartisan push to solve problems. We are offering a responsible way forward."
No Labels is a movement of committed Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who support leaders who govern from the center and resist the ideological extremes that stain modern politics. No Labels and its allies in Congress are active on health care, immigration, tax reform, and other vital issues.
"We finally have a bipartisan bridge between the House and the Senate," said Ryan Clancy, chief strategist at No Labels. "With leaders like Collins and Manchin committed to bipartisan action in the Senate, and the Problem Solvers Caucus working in the House, the push for realistic solutions will be transformative."
PRESS AVAILABILITY
Who
Senator Susan Collins, Senator Joe Manchin and members of the House Problem Solvers Caucus
When
Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 11:30 a.m.
Where
East lawn of the U.S. Capitol, near the House triangle.
SOURCE No Labels
Related Links
http://www.nolabels.org
ATHENS, Ga., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FormFree today announced it has entered a partnership with SimpleNexus, a leader in bringing the home mortgage process to mobile devices. The integration of the two companies' technologies will make FormFree's AccountChek automated verification service for asset, employment and income a seamless part of the loan application experience for borrowers applying for a loan using SimpleNexus' mobile technology.
"Teaming up with SimpleNexus lets us put AccountChek into the hands of borrowers earlier in the loan application. Whether the borrower or the loan officer initiates the verification of assets, employment and income, FormFree makes this new approach to sharing information feel natural and effortless," said FormFree Founder and CEO Brent Chandler.
FormFree was the first asset verification provider approved for participation in Fannie Mae's Day 1 Certainty initiative, which gives lenders who use the Desktop Underwriter (DU) Validation Service reps and warrants relief for validated loan components while delivering a faster and simplified borrower experience. FormFree is also a key participant in Fannie Mae's ongoing Single Source Validation pilot, which could allow mortgage lenders to validate borrower income, asset and employment data through a single report as early as 2018.
"With this integration, borrowers can easily validate their assets, employment and income from within the same secure, familiar mobile environment they'll use for the entire loan process," said SimpleNexus CEO Matt Hansen. "For mortgage lenders, the value is twofold: we're bringing FormFree's best-in-class asset verification into a branded location their borrowers trust, and we're making it easier for lenders to tap into the many benefits of Fannie Mae's Day 1 Certainty initiative."
SimpleNexus provides private-label mobile apps that connect mortgage lenders with borrowers and real estate agents, allowing all parties to easily exchange data and documents throughout the lifecycle of a mortgage loan.
About FormFree
FormFree is a fintech company whose market-leading AccountChek, reports are used by hundreds of lenders nationwide to verify borrower assets, employment and income in minutes. With FormFree, lenders can delight customers with a paperless experience and reduce origination timelines by up to 20 days. FormFree offers automated analysis and standardized delivery to lenders and their investors using a secure ReIssueKey. To date, AccountChek has securely placed more than one million asset reports for over 1,000 U.S. lenders. A HousingWire TECH100 company for four consecutive years, FormFree is based in Athens, Georgia. For more information, visit https://formfree.com or follow FormFree on LinkedIn.
About SimpleNexus
SimpleNexus is a leading provider of fully customized mobile solutions that bridge the gap between mortgage loan originators, real estate professionals and borrowers. SimpleNexus is the only mobile technology provider in the industry to incorporate a SOC-2 compliant mobile scanner for secure, paperless document sharing and provides its state-of-the-art mobile technology to a wide array of mortgage corporations and branches as well as individual loan officers. Today, SimpleNexus serves more than 150 enterprise mortgage companies and more than 12,000 loan officers nationwide. To learn more, visit https://simplenexus.com.
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This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com
SOURCE FormFree
Related Links
https://www.formfree.com
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Janssen Research & Development, LLC (Janssen) announced today positive results from a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study investigating the anti-interleukin (IL)-12/23 monoclonal antibody STELARA (ustekinumab) in the treatment of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus). The study met the primary endpoint, with a significantly higher proportion of patients in the STELARA group showing improvements in lupus disease activity as measured by the SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 response at week 24, compared with patients receiving placebo (60 percent vs. 31 percent, respectively, P=0.0046). The data are being presented as a late-breaking oral presentation at the 2017 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting in San Diego.
"Despite the progress made in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, major unmet needs remain for patients living with lupus, a serious life-altering and, in some cases, life-threatening disease," said Ronald van Vollenhoven, M.D. Ph.D., Director of the Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center ARC and Professor of Rheumatology, University of Amsterdam and Free University; and lead study investigator. "The positive data from this Phase 2 study of ustekinumab are encouraging, highlighting the role that IL-12 and/or IL-23 may play in the pathophysiology of the disease, and offering hope for patients living with lupus and the rheumatology community."
Consistent with the primary endpoint, at week 24 patients receiving STELARA experienced significantly greater changes from baseline in SLE Disease Activity-2K (SLEDAI-2K) score compared with patients receiving placebo (Least Squares Mean difference -1.36, P=0.09) at a predefined alpha level of 0.1. STELARA did not meet statistical significance in other secondary endpoints, although investigators reported a numerical trend favoring STELARA for such endpoints as Physician Global Assessment, British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG)-based Combined Lupus Assessment (BICLA) and BILAG, unique measures of disease activity in SLE. A pre-specified exploratory endpoint demonstrated that the risk of a new BILAG flare (at least one new BILAG A or at least two new BILAG B) was nominally significantly lower in the STELARA group compared with the placebo group (HR 0.11 [95 percent CI 0.01-0.94]; nominal P=0.0078).
Similar proportions of adverse events (AEs) across STELARA and placebo treatment groups were reported. Serious AEs occurred in 8.3 percent of patients receiving STELARA and 9.5 percent receiving placebo. STELARA demonstrated a similar safety profile to previous trials for approved indications in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, active psoriatic arthritis and moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. No deaths have been reported in the study to date.
"We are excited by the results from this Phase 2 study showing the potential of STELARA in the treatment of lupus," said Newman Yeilding, M.D., Head of Immunology Development, Janssen. "These findings, together with our knowledge of the IL-12/23 pathway and our commitment to transform the lives of patients with lupus, provide strong rationale for moving into a Phase 3 clinical development program."
The Lupus Research Alliance advocated for investigating STELARA in SLE given the limited treatment options and the high unmet medical need for patients.
"Lupus is a devastating autoimmune disease that affects the organs, joints and skin. Unfortunately for people living with the disease, effective treatment options to date are limited," said Kenneth Farber, President and Chief Executive Officer at Lupus Research Alliance. "In this Phase 2 study, ustekinumab showed clinical improvements in lupus disease activity and symptoms, which brings important hope to patients who have eagerly awaited new treatment options. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Janssen on the important clinical program for ustekinumab in lupus."
Based on the results of the Phase 2 study results, Janssen plans to advance STELARA into a Phase 3 SLE development program in 2018.
About the Phase 2 STELARA SLE Trial
The efficacy and safety of ustekinumab (UST) was evaluated in a global Phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 102 adults with seropositive SLE by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria and active disease despite ongoing standard of care therapy (steroid, antimalarial and/or immunosuppressive therapies). Patients were randomized (3:2) to receive intravenous (IV) STELARA 6 mg/kg or placebo (PBO) at week 0, followed by subcutaneous (SC) injections of STELARA 90 mg or placebo every eight weeks, both in addition to standard of care therapy for 24 weeks. At week 24, patients in the placebo arm crossed over to active study agent.
The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving SRI-4 response at week 24. The SRI combines scores from three different validated lupus disease indexes to define responders versus non-responders, and has previously been accepted by health authorities in SLE registration trials. To achieve SRI-4 response, an individual with lupus must have at least a four-point improvement on the SLEDAI-2K score, less than 10 percent increase in PGA of disease activity and no worsening of moderate/severe organ disease on the BILAG disease activity index. Major secondary endpoints included change from baseline in SLEDAI-2K score, change from baseline in PGA of disease activity, and proportion of patients with BICLA response, all at week 24. Joint and cutaneous disease activity were also assessed with joint counts and Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI), respectively.
Endpoint analyses included all patients who received at least one dose of study agent, had at least one measurement prior to administration, and had at least one post-baseline measurement. Patients with missing data and treatment failures were imputed as non-responders. Long-term safety and efficacy data are currently being collected through 104 weeks.
About SLE
Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that can affect many different body systems, including joints, skin, heart, lungs, kidneys and brain.1 SLE, the most common form of lupus, can range from mild to severe and is characterized by inflammation of any organ system including kidneys, nervous system, brain or brain vasculature, as well as potential hardening of the arteries or coronary artery disease.2 The disease most often affects women and disproportionately affects women of African American, Hispanic, Asian and Native American descent compared to Caucasian women.3 Lupus is estimated to affect at least 1.5 million Americans and 5 million people worldwide.4
About STELARA (ustekinumab)
STELARA, a fully human interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 antagonist, is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with moderate or severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy.
STELARA is also indicated for the treatment of adult patients 18 years and older with active psoriatic arthritis, alone or in combination with methotrexate, and for the treatment of adult patients 18 years or older with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. STELARA is in Phase 2 development for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, however, safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with SLE has not been established and STELARA is not approved for this indication.
The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson maintain exclusive worldwide marketing rights to STELARA.
Important Safety Information
STELARA is a prescription medicine that affects your immune system. STELARA can increase your chance of having serious side effects including:
Serious Infections
STELARA may lower your ability to fight infections and may increase your risk of infections. While taking STELARA, some people have serious infections, which may require hospitalization, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
Your doctor should check you for TB before starting STELARA and watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with STELARA .
and watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with STELARA . If your doctor feels that you are at risk for TB, you may be treated for TB before and during treatment with STELARA.
You should not start taking STELARA if you have any kind of infection unless your doctor says it is okay.
Before starting STELARA, tell your doctor if you:
think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as:
fevers, sweats or chills
muscle aches
cough
shortness of breath
blood in your phlegm
weight loss
warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body
diarrhea or stomach pain
burning when you urinate or urinate more often than normal
feel very tired
are being treated for an infection
get a lot of infections or have infections that keep coming back
have TB, or have been in close contact with someone who has TB
After starting STELARA, call your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of an infection (see above).
STELARA can make you more likely to get infections or make an infection that you have worse. People who have a genetic problem where the body does not make any of the proteins interleukin 12 (IL12) and interleukin 23 (IL23) are at a higher risk for certain serious infections that can spread throughout the body and cause death. People who take STELARA may also be more likely to get these infections.
Cancers
STELARA may decrease the activity of your immune system and increase your risk for certain types of cancer. Tell your doctor if you have ever had any type of cancer. Some people who had risk factors for skin cancer developed certain types of skin cancers while receiving STELARA. Tell your doctor if you have any new skin growths.
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (RPLS)
RPLS is a rare condition that affects the brain and can cause death. The cause of RPLS is not known. If RPLS is found early and treated, most people recover. Tell your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening medical problems including: headache, seizures, confusion, and vision problems.
Serious Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions can occur. Stop using STELARA and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms such as: feeling faint, swelling of your face, eyelids, tongue, or throat, chest tightness, or skin rash.
Before receiving STELARA, tell your doctor if you:
have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above for serious infections, cancers, or RPLS.
ever had an allergic reaction to STELARA or any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor if you are not sure.
or any of its ingredients. Ask your doctor if you are not sure. are allergic to latex. The needle cover on the prefilled syringe contains latex.
have recently received or are scheduled to receive an immunization (vaccine). People who take STELARA should not receive live vaccines. Tell your doctor if anyone in your house needs a vaccine. The viruses used in some types of vaccines can spread to people with a weakened immune system, and can cause serious problems. You should not receive the BCG vaccine during the one year before taking STELARA or one year after you stop taking STELARA .
should not receive live vaccines. Tell your doctor if anyone in your house needs a vaccine. The viruses used in some types of vaccines can spread to people with a weakened immune system, and can cause serious problems. You should not receive the BCG vaccine during the one year before taking STELARA or one year after you stop taking STELARA . have any new or changing lesions within psoriasis areas or on normal skin.
are receiving or have received allergy shots, especially for serious allergic reactions.
receive or have received phototherapy for your psoriasis.
have any other medical conditions.
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if STELARA will harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will take STELARA .
will harm your unborn baby. You and your doctor should decide if you will take STELARA . are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is thought that STELARA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take STELARA.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and overthecounter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.
When prescribed STELARA
Use STELARA exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If your doctor decides that you or a caregiver may give your injections of STELARA at home, you should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject STELARA. Do not try to inject STELARA yourself until you or your caregiver has been shown how to inject STELARA by your doctor or nurse.
Common side effects of STELARA include: upper respiratory infections, headache, and tiredness in psoriasis patients; joint pain and nausea in psoriatic arthritis patients; and upper respiratory infections, redness at the injection site, vaginal yeast infections, itching, urinary tract infections, and vomiting in Crohn's disease patients. These are not all of the possible side effects with STELARA .Tell your doctor about any side effect that you experience. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Please read the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for STELARA and discuss any questions you have with your doctor.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1800FDA1088.
About the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies
At the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, we are working to create a world without disease. Transforming lives by finding new and better ways to prevent, intercept, treat and cure disease inspires us. We bring together the best minds and pursue the most promising science. We are Janssen. We collaborate with the world for the health of everyone in it. Learn more at www.janssen.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JanssenGlobal.
Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding the potential benefits and expectations for continued development of STELARA (ustekinumab). The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Janssen Research & Development, LLC and/or Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; the uncertainty of commercial success; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory action; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017, including under "Item 1A. Risk Factors," it's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including in the section captioned "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," and in the company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Neither the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies nor Johnson & Johnson undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.
References
1 Mayo Clinic. Lupus. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lupus/basics/definition/con-20019676. Accessed October 9, 2017.
2 Lupus Foundation of America. Different Types of Lupus. Available at https://resources.lupus.org/entry/types-of-lupus. Accessed October 9, 2017.
3 Lupus Research Alliance. About Lupus. Available at http://www.lupusresearch.org/understanding-lupus/what-is-lupus/about-lupus/. Accessed October 9, 2017.
4 Lupus Foundation of America. What is Lupus? Available at https://resources.lupus.org/entry/what-is-lupus?utm_source=lupusorg&utm_medium=answersFAQ. Accessed October 9, 2017.
Media Contact: Investor Contacts: Brian Kenney Joseph J. Wolk Office: 215-628-7010 Johnson & Johnson Mobile: 215-620-0111 Office: 732-524-1142
Lesley Fishman
Johnson & Johnson
Office: 732-524-3922
SOURCE Janssen Research & Development, LLC
Related Links
http://www.janssen.com
NOVI, Mich., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI) President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan B. DeGaynor will participate in the Stephens Fall Investment Conference with a Company presentation at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 in New York, New York. The presentation materials and details on how to join the webcast will be posted to the Company's website the morning of Tuesday, November 7, 2017 in the "Investors/Webcasts & Presentations" section of the Company's website (www.stoneridge.com).
About Stoneridge, Inc.
Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is an independent designer and manufacturer of highly engineered electrical and electronic components, modules and systems principally for the automotive, commercial vehicle, motorcycle, agricultural and off-highway vehicle markets. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at Stoneridge.com.
SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.stoneridge.com
DEERFIELD, Ill., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (Takeda), Lundbeck U.S. and Advocate Health Care today announced a collaboration focusing on the use of digital technology to support people living with depression.
"Patient Management of Depression through Technology: A Study of Digitally Enabled Management," will assess the effectiveness and feasibility of the Advocate Pathway App, a mobile health application (app) designed to improve patient-provider engagement for people diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The user-friendly app allows a patient to capture the start or change in antidepressant therapy as well as record mood symptoms, function, medication adherence and side effects.
All of the data gathered by the app can be shared with a healthcare provider to guide clinical discussions about a patient's depression and enhance interactions between patients and their healthcare provider.
"We are enthusiastic about providing a technology solution that directly addresses existing gaps in patient-clinician engagement, as well as responds to the growing needs impacting chronic disease management," said David Kemp, M.D., study Principal Investigator and Medical Director of the Behavioral Health Service Line, Advocate Health Care. "We are dedicated to being a catalyst for scientific discovery that can profoundly advance patient care and look forward to collaborating with Takeda and Lundbeck to drive this forward."
Advocate Health Care's diverse patient population, community-based approach to patient care and expertise in advancing digital technology to improve the way patients access care, make the hospital network ideal for pragmatic, evidence-based research.
"Health-related information and communication technology solutions utilizing mobile apps have the potential to expand health interventions beyond the face-to-face contacts that are the hallmark of traditional healthcare," said Darryl Sleep, M.D., Vice President and Head, U.S. Medical Office and U.S. Medical Affairs, Takeda. "This collaboration will create technology that translates science into solution-oriented, patient-centered support, a key priority for Takeda."
"Depression is a complex disease that affects individuals differently. At Lundbeck, we believe each patient deserves a unique approach to making sure their treatment plan is specific to their needs," said Doug Williamson, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Vice President, U.S. Drug Development, Lundbeck. "We're excited about our collaborative partnership with Advocate Health Care, which we hope will advance our understanding of the impact of digital technologies for MDD patients and practitioners to help tailor treatment approaches and support the promotion of overall better health outcomes."
Patient-provider engagement will be assessed at baseline and at 18 weeks using the Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13) and the Patient Provider Engagement Scale (PPES-7). PAM-13 is a validated scale that measures patient engagement in disease self-management in the primary care setting, and PPES-7 is an instrument developed for this study by Advocate Health Care to measure patient-provider engagement and communication. The co-primary outcomes of the study are changes in PAM-13 and PPES-7 scores from baseline to week 18.
Secondary outcomes include changes in depression severity, cognitive dysfunction in depression, switches in antidepressants and other medications, antidepressant adherence, quality of life, employment productivity, patient and provider satisfaction with the app, and measures of healthcare utilization.
For more information on the study, please visit https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03242213.
About Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) is a global, R&D-driven pharmaceutical company committed to bringing better health and a brighter future to patients by translating science into life-changing medicines. Takeda focuses its research efforts on oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system therapeutic areas. It also has specific development programs in specialty cardiovascular diseases as well as late-stage candidates for vaccines. Takeda conducts R&D both internally and with partners to stay at the leading edge of innovation. New innovative products, especially in oncology and gastroenterology, as well as its presence in emerging markets, fuel the growth of Takeda. More than 30,000 Takeda employees are committed to improving quality of life for patients, working with our partners in health care in more than 70 countries. For more information, visit http://www.takeda.com/news
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. is located in Deerfield, Ill., and is the U.S. marketing and sales organization of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
Additional information about Takeda is available through its corporate website, www.takeda.com, and additional information about Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. is available through its website, www.takeda.us.
About Lundbeck
Lundbeck is a global pharmaceutical company specialized in psychiatric and neurological disorders. For more than 70 years, we have been at the forefront of research within neuroscience. Our key areas of research focus are depression, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
An estimated 700 million people worldwide are living with psychiatric and neurological disorders and far too many suffer due to inadequate treatment, discrimination, a reduced number of working days, early retirement and other unnecessary consequences. Every day, we strive for improved treatment and a better life for people living with psychiatric and neurological disorders we call this Progress in Mind.
Our approximately 5,000 employees in 55 countries are engaged in the entire value chain throughout research, development, manufacturing, marketing and sales. Our pipeline consists of several late-stage development programs and our products are available in more than 100 countries. We have production facilities in Denmark, France and Italy. Lundbeck generated revenue of DKK 15.6 billion in 2016 (EUR 2.1 billion; USD 2.2 billion).
In the U.S., Lundbeck employs nearly 1,000 people focused solely on accelerating therapies for brain disorders. With a special commitment to the lives of patients, families and caregivers, Lundbeck U.S. actively engages in hundreds of initiatives each year that support our patient communities. For additional information, we encourage you to visit our corporate site at www.lundbeckus.com and connect with us on Twitter at @LundbeckUS.
About Advocate Health Care
Advocate Health Care is the largest health system in Illinois and one of the largest health care providers in the Midwest. A national leader in population health management, Advocate is one of the largest Accountable Care Organizations in the country. Advocate operates nearly 400 sites of care and 12 hospitals, including two of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals, the state's largest integrated children's network, five Level I trauma centers (the state's highest designation in trauma care), three Level II trauma centers, one of the area's largest home health and hospice companies and one of the region's largest medical groups. Advocate Health Care trains more primary care physicians and residents at its four teaching hospitals than any other health system in the state. As a not-for-profit, mission-based health system affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Church of Christ, Advocate contributed $692 million in charitable care and services to communities across Chicagoland and Central Illinois in 2016.
Contacts:
Roseanne Durril
Corporate Communications
Takeda
224-554-1474
[email protected]
Ashleigh Duchene
Public Affairs
Lundbeck
312-802-2906
[email protected]
Adam Mesirow
Public Affairs
Advocate Health Care
630-929-6622
[email protected]
SOURCE Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc.; Lundbeck US
Related Links
http://www.takeda.com
LONDON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- "The ground control station market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.54% during the forecast period."
Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/5175227
The Ground Control Station (GCS) market is projected to grow from USD 2.91 billion in 2017 to USD 5.25 billion by 2022, at a CAGR of 12.54% from 2017 to 2022. With the increase in the demand for unmanned systems in military and commercial sectors, the demand for ground control stations is expected to rise. The growing need for border surveillance is also going to boost the market further.
It is expected that GCS services will be one of the major factor driving the market for military GCS as majority of the GCS are larger in size and require regular maintenance due to the harsh environments they operate in. On the other hand, the consolidation of ground control stations to control multiple unmanned vehicles acts as one of the major restraints for the ground control station market.
"Based on system, the software segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR during the forecast period."
Based on system, the software segment is estimated to grow at a higher during the forecast period. The software segment includes software which are used by GCS to operate unmanned systems and their payloads. With the increasing application of unmanned systems, the demand for added functionality will also rise, which is expected to drive the GCS market.
"Based on services, the integration segment is expected to dominate the ground control station market in 2017."
Based on services, the integration segment is estimated to dominate the ground control station market in 2017. This dominance is mainly attributed to the demand for adding new functionality owing to the increasing application of drones and rapid evolvement of modular systems.
"North America is expected to lead the ground control station market in 2017."
The North American region is estimated to lead the ground control station market in 2017. Countries in this region include the US and Canada. The high demand for unmanned systems in North America is driving the market for GCS in this region. The presence of some of the major ground control station manufacturers in this region, such as Raytheon Company (US), Lockheed Martin (US), L3 Technologies, (US), Textron Systems (US), General Dynamics (US), Real-Time Innovations (US), and UAV Solutions (US), among others, has also contributed to the growth of the ground control station market in the region.
Break-up of profile of primary participants for this report:
By Company Type: Tier 1 35%, Tier 2 45%, Tier 3 20%
By Designation: C level 35%, Director level 25%, Others 40%
By Region: North America 45%, Europe 20%, Asia Pacific 30%, RoW 5%
Some of the key players in the ground control station market include Elbit Systems (Israel), Raytheon Company (US), Lockheed Martin (US), L3 Technologies (US), Textron Systems (US), General Dynamics (US), AERODRONES (France), Robosys Automation and Robotics (India), Asseco Poland SA (Poland), AL Marakeb (UAE), Real-Time Innovations (US), and UAV Solutions (US).
Research Coverage
The study segments the ground control station market based on type (mobile, portable), platform (airborne, land, marine), system (hardware, software), and services (integration, maintenance, upgradation/modernization, training, leasing), and maps these segments and subsegments across major regions, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Rest of the World (RoW). The report provides in-depth market intelligence regarding market dynamics and major factors that influence the growth of the ground control station market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges), along with analyzing micromarkets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the ground control station market.
Reasons to buy the report:
From an insight perspective, the ground control station market report focuses on various levels of analysis industry analysis, market share analysis of top players, and company profiles, which together comprise and discuss basic views on competitive landscape, high-growth regions, and countries, and their respective regulatory policies, drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
The ground control station market report provides insights on the following pointers:
Market Penetration: Comprehensive information regarding the competitive landscape in the ground control station market
Market Sizing: Market size in the financial year 2015-2016 and projection of the market size from 2017 to 2022
Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the ground control station market
Market Overview: Market dynamics and subsequent analyses of associated trends, drivers, restraints, and opportunities prevailing in the ground control station market
Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets by analyzing markets for ground control station systems across various regions
Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the ground control station market
Regional Analysis: Factors influencing the market shares of North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Rest of the World
Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of leading market players
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About Reportbuyer
Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers
https://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
Todd joins McClatchy from Central Missouri Newspapers (WEHCO), where he was the general manager for multiple news titles and helped launch Flypaper Digital at the Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He also worked as a general manager for Gatehouse Media in Texas and was executive advertising director for the Daily Herald in Provo Utah, where he helped launch the Utah Adventurer website.
Prior to his tenure in Utah, Todd was the president and publisher for the Auburn Journal in Auburn, California.
"I am honored and excited to join McClatchy and be a part of such an innovative and dynamic media company," commented Frantz. "I look forward to assuming this leadership position at the Tri-City Herald and to making a positive impact on both the organization and the community."
Todd and his wife Maria and teenage daughter will be relocating to the Tri-Cities area by the end of the year.
About McClatchy
McClatchy operates 30 media companies in 14 states, providing each of its communities with high-quality news and advertising services in a wide array of digital and print formats. McClatchy is a publisher of iconic brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News & Observer, and the (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. McClatchy is headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., and listed on the New York Stock Exchange American under the symbol MNI.
SOURCE McClatchy
Related Links
http://www.mcclatchy.com
Former Senior Vice President of Appirio bolsters Traction on Demand's Leadership team as they prepare for the next phase of growth in Salesforce professional services.
BURNABY, BC, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Traction on Demand is proud to announce the hiring of Michael Epner to the new role of President. Epner will work alongside Founder and CEO Greg Malpass, reinforcing the company's operational capacity as they push the company to grow and further disrupt the professional services industry.
With a long history in the Salesforce ecosystem, Epner has served as the Vice President of Worldwide Services at Borland Software and most recently as the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Appirio, a global Salesforce consulting firm. Epner was a key figure in the company, helping it rise from $3 million to $250+ million in revenue at the time of its sale to Wipro in 2016.
Epner had little interest in returning as a major player in the Salesforce ecosystem until he learned of the opportunity at Traction. "When I was first introduced to Traction and learned of the values-based approach to business, I thought it was too good to be true. Now that I've learned more about Traction and witnessed the attention they pay to the team, customers and community, while being one of the best partners in the industry, I know it to be true," says Epner of his new employer. "A culture of squads that have really strong and capable leaders. A sales team that is unmatched in the industry. And an ability to create a services model that is impossible to compete with. That excites me more than anything."
"Business is no longer about defense. It's about speed and adaptation. It's about moving forward, growing, changing and disrupting," says Malpass. "The first time I met Mike I knew we would be perfect complements to each other. He brings incredible experience to the table without the ego. He is open, curious and people-first. Together we are a powerhouse."
Epner hopes to bolster the effectiveness of his new partner. "I think Greg is an incredible visionary. He's got a lot of creativity, a lot of charisma," says Epner. "I hope to complement that. I view my job as giving him the capacity to do more things and providing more value to the company overall."
Epner's hiring is indicative of Traction's commitment to providing the highest level of service and leadership for their customers. "I wanted somebody that had run and played a predominant role at various levels in organizations; that had seen it from the bottom up and had driven operational leadership," says Malpass. More than just industry knowledge, Malpass asserts he was also looking for a personality that could amplify his own skillset. "Not one plus one equals two, but one plus one equals infinity."
Epner and Malpass will both be attending Salesforce's annual technology conference, Dreamforce, this week in San Francisco.
ABOUT TRACTION ON DEMAND
Traction on Demand is North America's largest dedicated Salesforce.com consulting and application development partner with 4,000+ projects on the platform. Traction develops innovative cloud technology solutions and applications for North America's largest and most influential brands, as well as hundreds of small and medium-sized companies. We're honored to be one of Canada's first 100 certified B Corporations and to have been named one of the top 10 best workplaces in Canada for four years running. In 2016, Traction ranked 177th on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list of fastest growing companies in North America.
SOURCE Traction on Demand
Related Links
www.tractionondemand.com
An ever evolving ultra competitive trimaran
Built in 2012 and launched in 2013, the trimaran Multi50 Arkema is the result of a great combination of Arkema's skills and Team Lalou Multi's experience. Sturdy, graceful and competitive, this multihull was designed by architect Romaric Neyhousser and fine-tuned thanks to innovations from the group.
To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8213051-transat-jacques-vabre-2017-team-arkema/
Fitted with Altuglas ShieldUp acrylic glass, the glazed surfaces of the deckhouse and the helm stations boast a degree of visibility that significantly outperforms that of traditional glass, combined with unrivalled light weight and impact resistance.
The boat was assembled with joints using adhesives from Bostik (an Arkema subsidiary) which ensure an optimum flexibility - sturdiness - optimal weight ratio, even in extreme weather conditions.
The most recent innovation in the Multi50 class is unquestionably the addition of foils, replacing the boat's traditional keels. These new formidably effective appendages offer greater speed as well as improved stability, resulting in a rather more airborne feel to sailing the trimaran.
Explore an animated version of the multihull's innovations:
https://www.arkema.com/en/arkema-group/arkema-sailing/arkema-multi50-trimaran/
Lalou Roucayrol and Alex Pella, a dream team for the Coffee Route
On 5 November the starting signal was given for the Transat Jacques Vabre, a transatlantic race for two-man crews. This ocean race follows the legendary route taken by the large merchant sailing ships of the 17th century. Lalou Roucayrol and Alex Pella have now sailed from Le Havre (France) on their enhanced Multi50, heading for Salvador de Bahia (Brazil). The skippers will have to tackle a 4,350 mile course across the Atlantic, a passage that is neither straight nor smooth
In particular they will have to overcome the formidable doldrums, a particularly turbulent buffer zone with air masses clashing from the Northern and the Southern hemispheres. Throughout their crossing, the skippers will receive precious guidance from Karine Fauconnier and Eric Mas stationed on shore to look after routing and weather strategy.
Don't miss a moment of the #TJV2017 and follow our two-man crew live on the Team Arkema social networks:
https://www.facebook.com/LalouMulti/ https://twitter.com/teamarkema/
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/595945/Arkema.jpg )
Video:
https://www.multivu.com/players/uk/8213051-transat-jacques-vabre-2017-team-arkema/
SOURCE Arkema
LAVAL, Quebec, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. (NYSE: VRX and TSX: VRX) ("Valeant" or the "Company") today announced that its affiliate has entered into an agreement to divest the Sprout Pharmaceuticals subsidiary ("Sprout") to a buyer affiliated with former shareholders of Sprout in exchange for a 6% royalty on global sales of ADDYI (flibanserin) beginning 18 months from the signing of the sale agreement. In connection with the completion of the sale, Valeant will be released from the ongoing obligations of the original transaction to split future profits with the former shareholders, as well as certain related provisions, including the obligations to make certain marketing and other expenditures.
Additionally, in connection with the completion of the sale, the existing litigation against the Company brought on behalf of the former shareholders of Sprout will be dismissed with prejudice.
"Returning Sprout to its former owners will enable us to further streamline our portfolio and reduce complexity in our business," said Joseph C. Papa, chairman and CEO, Valeant. "As we transform Valeant, we are focusing our resources on our core businesses to best serve our shareholders, customers and patients. These areas include eye health, gastroenterology and dermatology."
ADDYI is the only approved and commercialized product of Sprout.
In connection with the sale, Valeant will provide a $25 million loan to fund initial operating expenses. The sale is expected to close before the end of 2017, subject to certain closing conditions, including the approval of the requisite portion of the former shareholders to the amendments to the original transaction described above.
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.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements which 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.
Investor Contact:
Arthur Shannon
[email protected]
(514) 856-3855
(877) 281-6642 (toll free)
Media Contact:
Lainie Keller
[email protected]
(908) 927-0617
SOURCE Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.valeant.com
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) will honor Maya Lin, the designer of The Wall, officially thanking her for her memorial design and for her lifetime of artistic work, at a special reception on November 10th at The Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C. as part of the 35th anniversary of The Wall commemoration.
Lin was a 21-year-old Yale undergraduate student when she won the design competition for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. She fought tirelessly to achieve her vision for the memorial despite significant efforts to alter it and to compromise the design. Her unwavering commitment to The Wall resulted in one of the most powerful and beloved memorials in the world.
The Wall reveals elements of art that have defined Lin's career, including earthwork, sculpture, design and architecture. Lin's remarkable and highly acclaimed body of work in art and architecture demonstrates her continued brilliance in design and her steadfast commitment to address the nation's history and culture, including civil rights, women's history, environmental issues and Native American history. Her works merge the physical and psychological environment, presenting a new way of seeing the world around us, and enabling us to learn from history.
Lin has gone on to create seminal art and architectural works, such as the groundbreaking four-acre earthwork for Stormking Art Center and the 11-acre Fold in the Field for the Gibbs Estate in New Zealand. Lin's architectural works include a Chapel and Library for the Children's Defense Fund and the master plan and primary building in Novartis' Cambridge, Mass., complex, which The Boston Globe's Robert Campbell described as "A work of Art" that is "ambitious in its scope and brilliantly designed." Currently, Lin is working on What is Missing?, a multi-sited memorial dedicated to raising awareness about species loss and climate change, the new Neilson Library at Smith College and a major outdoor art installation at Princeton University.
"Maya Lin's design while controversial at the start is now considered one of the most incredible works of art in the world," said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. "As a 21-year-old student Lin was thrust into controversy right from the start, but she never wavered on her design. She has never been officially recognized by us for her tireless perseverance, and we at VVMF are thrilled to thank her as we honor her for the design of The Wall and for all of her incredible work since."
In 1996, a documentary chronicling her work, Maya Lin, A Strong Clear Vision, won the academy award for best documentary. Lin is a National Medal of the Arts winner and was elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame. In 2016, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the nation's highest civilian honor. During the ceremony, President Obama said: "The Vietnam Veterans Memorial has changed the way we think about monuments, but also about how we think about sacrifice, and patriotism, and ourselves. [Maya's] pieces have changed the landscape of our country and influenced the dialogue of our society -- never more profoundly than with her tribute to the Americans who fell in Vietnam by cutting a wound into the Earth to create a sacred place of healing in our Nation's capital."
For more information on the reception honoring Maya Lin, please visit: www.vvmf.org/maya.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) is the nonprofit organization that founded the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall) in Washington, D.C. in 1982. VVMF continues to lead the way in paying tribute to our nation's Vietnam veterans and their families. VVMF's mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service in America and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War and era. To learn more about VVMF, visit www.vvmf.org or call 202-393-0090.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Heidi Zimmerman
[email protected] or 202-765-3773
SOURCE Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund
Related Links
http://www.vvmf.org
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Students at Pole Green Elementary School in Mechanicsville, Virginia, will speak with the NASA astronauts living, working and doing research aboard the International Space Station at 9:45 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Nov. 8. The 20-minute, Earth-to-space call will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website.
Randy Bresnik, Mark Vande Hei and Joe Acaba will be asked questions by select students. The discussion will include topics about life aboard the space station, NASA's deep space exploration plans, and doing science in space.
This is Bresnik's second mission to the station. He currently is serving as the station's Expedition 53 commander after launching to the orbiting laboratory on July 28. He's scheduled to return to Earth in December. Vande Hei and Acaba both arrived at the space station on Sept. 12. This is Vande Hei's first space mission and Acaba's third. Together they will return to Earth in February 2018.
Pole Green was selected through a competitive process to host a downlink with the station. To prepare for the event, the school plans for a full day of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) lessons and activities for the students. Industry partners supporting the day's events include the U.S. Navy, Virginia Commonwealth Engineering, Hanover High School robotics, and Math Science Innovation Center of Richmond. Additionally, the teachers are educating the students on the history of the space program, the space station and the astronauts' backgrounds.
"Our focus is on providing students with the opportunity to see beyond their community," said Lori Schoenwiesner, a teacher at Pole Green Elementary School. "They can and will be an important part of their country's future and we believe they deserve the opportunity to see their possibilities now so they can prepare for them."
Media interested in attending the event should contact Chris Whitley via email at [email protected] or phone at 804-365-4500. Pole Green Elementary School is at 8993 Pole Green Park Lane in Mechanicsville.
Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides unique, authentic experiences designed to enhance student learning, performance and interest in STEM. This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of NASA's Year of Education on Station which provides extensive space station-related resources and opportunities to students and educators.
Follow the astronauts on social media:
https://www.twitter.com/NASA_astronauts/
See videos and lesson plans highlighting research on the International Space Station at:
https://www.nasa.gov/stemonstation/
SOURCE NASA
Related Links
http://www.nasa.gov
SEATTLE, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Visit Seattle, the city's official destination marketing organization, announced today the launch of a new campaign encouraging Americans to use their leftover vacation time to combat the systemic issue of professional burnout.
One of the biggest complaints for Americans as a culture is a lack of time. In fact, according to a study conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, over 60% of people say lack of time is their biggest stressor during the holiday season.
Yet, as a country Americans also leave a lot of time that could be used, unused. According to research conducted by Project: Time Off, a national movement to transform American attitudes and change behavior around vacation time, Americans left 662 million vacation days unused in 2016. In total, 54% of Americans did not use all their earned time off.
As the U.S. heads into the busy holiday season, a stressful time for many Americans, Visit Seattle's creative effort was designed to nudge Americans to seriously consider taking a vacation this holiday and to take that vacation in Seattle.
"In cities across this country, Americans will feel the added stress and fatigue that comes with these next few weeks. We want people to really take advantage of their unused vacation days, and show that Seattle is the perfect place to do so," said Ali Daniels, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Visit Seattle. "Our hope is that the campaign will entice people to take a holiday in Seattle, which offers both time-honored traditions as well as uniquely-Seattle holiday events, like the Argosy Christmas Ship Festival, Magic in the Pike Place Market or New Year's at the Space Needle."
Project: Time Off research also highlighted the cities with the worst offenders:
Washington D.C. was at the top of the list with 64% of Washingtonians leaving time unused
was at the top of the list with 64% of Washingtonians leaving time unused San Francisco ranked second leaving behind the most vacation days
ranked second leaving behind the most vacation days Boston , Portland and Minneapolis were among the top cities
"Burnoutwhether it's Christmas lights or employeesis a bad thing. Now is the perfect time to plan a holiday vacation and put those unused days to use before it's too late," said Katie Denis, Project: Time Off's Chief of Research and Strategy. "For residents of the most under-vacationed cities, like Washington and San Francisco, leave the work martyr attitudes behind and unwrap the benefits of time off. We're thrilled Visit Seattle is joining us in getting Americans to explore the upside of downtime this holiday season."
"We've all had these moments at the holidays where a seemingly small thing is just the straw that breaks the camel's back. This work dramatizes those moments and hopefully gets people to take a moment of pause to realize they really do need a break. Seattle is a great 'work hard, play hard' city and it made sense that we would be the city to encourage people to get out and get re-energized during this time of year," says Britt Fero, Principal at PB&.
Working in partnership with Seattle-based creative agency, PB&, Visit Seattle is driving a national message through select cable networks and digital placements. Linear TV will run on Sundance TV and REVOLT TV. National digital video will stretch across NBC, CBS, YouTube and paid social. Visit Seattle will also execute a mobile takeover on NBC websites.
In addition, the television spots will center more heavily in markets most 'in need' of a vacation, according to the research.
To round out the campaign, Visit Seattle and creative agency PB& also launched a website: visitseattle.org/holidays that allows users to input the number of vacation days they are allotted, which then generates vacation recommendations complete with hotel packages.
About Visit Seattle
Visit Seattle is a private, nonprofit marketing organization serving as Seattle and King County's official destination marketing organization (DMO) for more than 50 years. Through our efforts, we work to enhance the employment opportunities and economic prosperity of the region. As a private, nonprofit marketing organization, Visit Seattle's funding is derived from many sources, including hotel occupancy tax revenue from Seattle-King County visitors, Visit Seattle's robust partnership program, its marketing programs, government contracts for service and miscellaneous revenue. As a partnership-based organization, Visit Seattle connects more than 1,000 local businesses, their products and services with the lucrative visitor market. The Visit Seattle Partnership Services team also offers professional development events, orientations and a variety of networking tools throughout the year.
About PB&
PB& is a strategically driven 'SWAT Team' that uses creativity to solve problems, unlock business potential and add value to people's lives.
SOURCE PB&
NEW YORK and LONDON, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Viteos Fund Services, a premier provider of outsourced operations solutions, announced today the broad basing of its fund services and solutions to Private Equity firms of all types. Having built a book of $35 billion of assets with marquee names and meeting their highly complex structures and customized needs, Viteos is poised to enlarge its footprint in the space and make available its solutions to the larger marketplace.
The initiative is headed globally by Shashikala Suryanarayanan and in North America by Ranjan Mishra. The move comes in response to the challenges Private Equity firms face from increasingly complex structures and reporting requirements as well as their increasing openness to outsource in order to improve productivity, increase governance transparency, provide greater disclosure, and better manage costs.
Viteos' comprehensive and customized Private Equity offering includes: Fund Accounting and Administration; Treasury Services; Investor services; and Financial and Regulatory Reporting.
Clients benefit from Viteos' industry expertise and experience, global reach, advanced technology for end- to-end lifecycle processing, the replacement of manual approaches (including spreadsheets), an LP portal, and General Partner and Management Accounting.
In the current environment, Private Equity firms are seeing increases in allocations from Pension, Endowment and Sovereign Wealth Funds and Family Offices. As a result, the appointment of an institutional grade, independent, outside third party administrator provides allocators with the confidence that operational due diligence, fund accounting and reporting is never compromised and is being handled with expertise.
Internally, CFOs are demanding automated approaches that serve LP needs, including the replacement of manual processing that take into account data challenges, compliance, and cybersecurity. A firm's ability to demonstrate institutional back office capability can be critical in securing allocations. Outsourcing enables internal teams to stay focused on strategic functions investments, performance and raising capital.
Viteos brings an offering of selective services along with an integrated technology solution built out specifically for the complexities and needs of the Private Equity marketplace with scalability to respond comprehensively to the operational and accounting demands now faced by firms.
As an outsourced provider, Viteos constantly improves its own solutions and delivery, freeing firms from the burden of keeping up with the latest trends, assuring best practice and providing a one-stop, comprehensive, customized, and automated institutional infrastructure, delivering transparency, accurate reporting, and scalability across all administration functions. Further, Viteos has innovative approaches that meet the needs of investors by investor type. Its technology automates the entire lifecycle, with the ability to set up any fund structure on-the-fly and with automated waterfall calculations, meeting unique reporting challenges, and eliminating the need for spreadsheets. In the case of self-administered funds, Viteos' software provides risk mitigation against a spreadsheet approach.
Said Shankar Iyer, Viteos CEO: "The private equity space has historically not focused on fund administration to the extent that hedge funds have. This is rapidly changing as we see capital which had traditionally been allocated to hedge funds now moving to private equity. We are poised to respond to the demands that we are now seeing and we bring over a decade of experience in providing firms with a comprehensive technology approach."
Said Chitra Baskar, Viteos COO: "Regardless of need, firm type or instrument, Viteos is changing the narrative in enabling PE firms meet custom mandates, complex fund structures, LP lifecycle management, automated waterfall calculation and custom reporting which is supported by unparalleled client service and a consultative approach to structuring and implementing advanced fund solutions."
About Viteos Fund Services
Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey, Viteos Fund Services provides customized straight-through-processing and integrates post-trade operations across virtually every asset class, currency, border, or structure for the alternative investment management industry in the United States, Europe and Asia. It is a leader in shadow-accounting services, middle- and back-office outsourcing services and licenses its platform to investment managers.
Media Contact:
David Ross [email protected]
+1 732 352 1200
SOURCE Viteos Fund Services
HOUSTON and NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Warburg Pincus, a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing, today announced that the firm will open an office in Houston, Texas to further identify and evaluate energy investment opportunities in the Americas. The office is expected to officially open in early 2018.
David Krieger, a Warburg Pincus Managing Director who has been with the firm's energy group for more than 15 years, will relocate from New York to the new Houston office. Mr. Krieger is joined by David Habachy, who joined Warburg Pincus as a Managing Director in August 2017 and most recently served as a Managing Director in the Energy Private Equity business at Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. in Houston.
Since the late 1980s, Warburg Pincus has been an active investor in energy, with areas of investment including upstream, midstream and downstream oil and gas; energy services and technology; power generation and transmission; alternative energy and renewables; and mining and metals. To date, the firm has invested and committed more than $14 billion to support the growth of over 80 companies in the energy sector globally. The Houston office is the firm's tenth investment office globally and its third office in the U.S., with established offices in New York and San Francisco.
"We are strengthening the geographic footprint of our energy team with the Houston office," commented Peter Kagan, Managing Director and Head of the Energy Group, Warburg Pincus. "We have long had a presence in Texas with more than 25 current and former portfolio companies headquartered there, and this new office will be a valuable hub for our local management teams and our global energy franchise."
"With our already-strong footprint of energy portfolio companies and relationships in Texas, opening an office in Houston was a natural next step to support our investing efforts," said David Krieger, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus. "We are excited to have David Habachy join us as we continue to back talented entrepreneurs and management teams across the energy sector."
"Warburg Pincus is a preeminent investor in the energy industry globally and I am excited to join such a strong and dedicated team of professionals. The firm is well positioned to further advance its presence in Texas, and I look forward to supporting the team in identifying new opportunities and growing its energy investing business," said David Habachy, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus.
Warburg Pincus' current Texas-based energy portfolio companies include Apex International Energy, Chisholm Energy Holdings, Independence Resources Management, Kosmos Energy, Navitas Midstream Partners, Rubicon Oilfield International, Terra Energy Partners, Venari Resources, and Zenith Energy. Other notable current and former investments in the energy portfolio include Antero Resources, Brigham Resources, Bill Barrett Corporation, Delonex Energy, Hawkwood Energy, Laredo Petroleum, Osum Oil Sands, RS Energy Group, and Targa Resources.
About Warburg Pincus
Warburg Pincus LLC is a leading global private equity firm focused on growth investing. The firm has more than $44 billion in private equity assets under management. The firm's active portfolio of more than 150 companies is highly diversified by stage, sector and geography. Warburg Pincus is an experienced partner to management teams seeking to build durable companies with sustainable value. Founded in 1966, Warburg Pincus has raised 16 private equity funds which have invested more than $60 billion in over 800 companies in more than 40 countries.
The firm is headquartered in New York with offices in Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Luxembourg, Mumbai, Mauritius, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, and Singapore. For more information please visit www.warburgpincus.com.
Media Contacts:
Mary Armstrong / Christopher Beattie
212-878-9207
SOURCE Warburg Pincus
Related Links
http://www.warburgpincus.com
RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State-endorsed, nonprofit WGU North Carolina announced $150,000 in a scholarship program for new students in North Carolina who enroll in any of its 60 bachelor's and master's degree programs. Applications are now being accepted through December 31, 2017, for the WGU North Carolina Take Flight Scholarship.
Each WGU North Carolina Take Flight Scholarship is valued at up to $2,000500 per six-month term for up to four terms. To be eligible for one of these scholarships, applicants must be officially admitted to WGU North Carolina, complete the scholarship application, and be interviewed by a WGU scholarship counselor. While WGU North Carolina will award up to 75 scholarships, recipients will be selected based on their academic records, financial needs, and readiness for online study at WGU, among other considerations.
"WGU North Carolina makes it possible for more North Carolinians to earn the degrees they need to advance their careers and better provide for their families," said Catherine Truitt, WGU North Carolina Chancellor. "The WGU North Carolina Take Flight Scholarship will expand access and help more students, particularly working adults, on the pathway to earning a bachelor's or master's degree."
Earlier this month, WGU North Carolina was created through a partnership by the state and nationally recognized Western Governors University (WGU). Currently, there are more than 1,100 students in the state, and more than 2,000 North Carolinians have already graduated from WGU.
WGU North Carolina's competency-based learning model makes it possible for working adults to fit studying into their busy lives. While WGU's online degree programs are rigorous and challenging, students can earn their degrees without sacrificing work, family, and financial obligations. Students complete courses as soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered the materials, enabling them to move quickly through material they already know and spend more time on what they still need to learn. As a result, many students are able to accelerate their studies, finishing faster and saving moneythe average time to complete a bachelor's degree is about two and half years.
About WGU North Carolina
WGU North Carolina is an online, competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for North Carolina residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.
Degrees are granted under the accreditation of WGU, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).
More information is available at nc.wgu.edu or by calling 866.225.5948.
*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).
Follow WGU:
https://www.facebook.com/WGUNorthCarolina
https://mobile.twitter.com/WGUNC
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJuqHy5TAPmlEOARBEnEHA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/25075562/
Contact for enrollment information:
866-225-5948
nc.wgu.edu
Contact for media inquiries:
Dana Phelps Hughens
615-294-1886
[email protected]
SOURCE WGU North Carolina
Related Links
https://northcarolina.wgu.edu/
RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To honor all those who have served our country, nonprofit, online WGU North Carolina is offering scholarships for veterans, active-duty military, reservists, and military family members who want to earn a bachelor's or master's degree in high-demand fields including IT, business, K-12 education, and health professions, including nursing. Applications are now being accepted through January 31, 2018, for the WGU Salute To Veterans Scholarship.
Each WGU Salute to Veterans Scholarship is valued at up to $2,500 per student and will be applied at the rate of $625 per six-month term, which is renewable for up to four terms. WGU North Carolina and its parent universityWestern Governors Universitywill award up to $500,000 in scholarships to new students throughout the country, with at least $50,000 being awarded in North Carolina.
Apply for WGU North Carolina's Salute to Veterans Scholarship at northcarolina.wgu.edu/tuition_financial_aid/scholarships/salute_to_veterans.
"As a military spouse, I know first-hand the need for flexible and affordable higher education," said Catherine Truitt, WGU North Carolina Chancellor. "WGU has a long history of giving back and showing appreciation to our veterans and this scholarship program will continue to see that educational opportunities are within reach of all military personnel."
Western Governors University has been recognized for ten consecutive years by Military Advanced Education & Transition as a "Top School" and for seven consecutive years as a Military Friendly School by militaryfriendly.com. About 10% of WGU North Carolina's students are veterans of the military, 4% are military spouses or dependents, and 3% are active-duty military personnel.
All WGU North Carolina degree programs are competency-based, providing the flexibility that nontraditional students like veterans and their families need. Designed with employer input to meet the needs of adult learners, competency-based education allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and real-world experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction. While WGU North Carolina's degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their programs, saving both time and money.
The WGU North Carolina Salute to Veterans Scholarship is open to new students who have been officially admitted to WGU North Carolina who are U.S. military veteran, active-duty or retired military, reservist, military spouse or children. While multiple scholarships will be awarded, it is a competitive program, and scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate's academic record, readiness for online study, and current competency, as well as other considerations.
About WGU North Carolina
WGU North Carolina is an online, competency-based university established to expand access to higher education for North Carolina residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing.
Degrees are granted under the accreditation of WGU, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).
More information is available at nc.wgu.edu or by calling 866.225.5948.
*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).
Follow WGU:
https://www.facebook.com/WGUNorthCarolina
https://twitter.com/WGUNC
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYJuqHy5TAPmlEOARBEnEHA
https://www.linkedin.com/company/25075562/
Contact for enrollment information:
866-225-5948
nc.wgu.edu
Contact for media inquiries:
Dana Phelps Hughens
615-294-1886
[email protected]
SOURCE WGU North Carolina
Related Links
https://northcarolina.wgu.edu/
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The ground-breaking ceremony of the V.Offices project in Cracow took place on October 17th. AFI Europe Poland, the investor, plans to complete the construction and hand over the property for use in Q1 2019. Knight Frank, sole agent, is responsible for the commercialization process.
The ceremony feat...
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An inner city vineyard on the Yarra River at Hawthorn has been sold having been listed with $12 million to $13 million hopes through Scott Patterson at Kay & Burton.
The Hawthorn vineyard, just four kilometres from Melbourne, is the home of Coppin Grove Wines, a boutique family vineyard established in 1998, comprising approximately 1000 Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Nebbiolo vines.
The vineyard's signature wine is the Coppin Grove Sparkling.
The new mystery buyer - with its sale price also undisclosed - will continue the winemaking task.
It had been the work of Michael Cohn, who runs his own business importing and distributing textiles in Australia, and his wife Ann.
They paid $1,404,000 for the 8,200 sqm double block in 1996.
Lenland Property Development and Toast Creative have collaborated with thedreamswehave.com to shine a spotlight on the dreams of the people of Alexandria at Teneo, the developers latest development in Sydneys inner-east.
thedreamswehave.com is a brand-new project by award-winning Australia-based photographer Billy Plummer.
Plummer is world-renowned for his portraiture, shooting the likes of Jean Claude Van Damme, Richard Branson, Tony Abbott and more.
The launch of thedreamswehave.com coincides with the launch of the Teneo display suite at 13 Ralph Street today to the public, in which more than 50 of the dreams of Alexandria locals will be displayed through striking, human portraits and handwritten messages.
Upon completion in late 2019, Teneo (below) will feature 61 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across six storeys.
Designed by award-winning architects Architecture Saville Isaacs, Teneo will include several ground-floor terrace-style three-bedroom apartments, CBD views from many upper-level apartments, and two rooftop courtyards atop arms extending from the rear of the building.
Richard Abbott of RJA Projects - project and development manager at Teneo said the arms inspired them to celebrate the aspirational aspects of Teneo and show how future Alexandria residents are reaching for a better life.
Toast Creative and Lenland Property Group partnered with Billy Plummer to help launch his project and to create some amazing art, capturing the dreams of dozens of locals and passers-by at The Cannery and The Grounds in Alexandria," Abbott said.
Its a really interesting lens through which to view people. The results are truly spectacular and are now on display for all to see at our display suite. We encourage you to come down and experience this, and our rooftop simulation room, for yourself."
Photographer and founder of thedreamswehave.com Billy Plummer says that looking at a portrait, he was always left thinking there was more there than you could see.
"I had an idea where I would take portraits of people and ask them what they were thinking, specifically what they dreamt of," Plummer said.
"Thats how thedreamswehave.com project came about. It could be a waking dream, like climbing Everest or having children, or it could be something more unconscious and surreal like turning into a marshmallow, says Billy Plummer, Photographer and Founder of thedreamswehave.com.
After looking at more than 2,000 dreams, its revealing that people generally have the similar dreams around the world, rich or poor, old or young. The photos identify a commonality of reaching for a better life and my project really speaks to that. I genuinely believe that ordinary when examined is absolutely extraordinary. I bring a little of that to everything. Im really looking forward to capturing more dreams overseas, seeing what this reveals and to watching this project grow."
View some of the dreams here.
The founder of RAMS Home Loans, John Kinghorn, 76, has been charged with fraud offences after allegedly avoiding taxes worth more than $30 million.
Kinghorn did not enter a plea as he faced Sydney's Downing Centre Court this morning.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) alleges he fraudulently concealed his beneficial ownership of two companies from the tax office between 2004 and 2007.
He has been charged with dishonestly influencing a Commonwealth public official and defrauding the Commonwealth, after an eight-year investigation.
The maximum penalty for the offences is 10 years' imprisonment.
Court documents show the two companies are Kalomo Pacific leasing and Kalomo Corporation limited, the ABC noted.
The AFR says the charges of fraudulently concealing beneficial ownership and tax evasion against John Kinghorn relate to the sale of RAMS Home Loans in 2007.
The AFP commenced its investigation in June 2009, which the AFR noted was two years after Kinghorn floated RAMS for $650 million.
On Friday, 6 October 2017, AFP officers served him a Court Attendance Notice regarding Commonwealth fraud offences.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Neil Gaughan, National Manager Organised Crime and Cyber, said the investigation required extensive cooperation within the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce and with international agencies.
Id like to commend the officers involved in this complex and lengthy investigation for their persistence and dedication to ensuring the integrity of Australias financial frameworks, Assistant Commissioner Gaughan said.
Serious financial crime poses a threat to Australias economy, financial markets, regulatory frameworks, superannuation and tax system.
Commonwealth fraud offences have a significant impact on the Australian public every dollar represents funds that could have been put to use for the benefit of the whole community.
This result should serve as a warning that we will use every capability at our disposal to bring allegations of fraud before court.
The Serious Financial Crime Taskforce is a multi-agency effort targeting serious financial crime in Australia. The taskforce sits within the AFP-led Fraud and Anti-Corruption Centre. Offences targeted by the taskforce relate to serious fraud, money laundering and defrauding the Commonwealth.
Since the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce was established in July 2015, more than 614 audits have been completed and $408 million tax liabilities have been raised. Four people have received custodial sentences following prosecution. There are currently 26 criminal, civil and intelligence matters in progress.
Fairfax Media noted today that news that Kinghorn was facing investigation by the AFP was revealed in a 2014 book on Eddie Obeid by Linton Besser and The Sydney Morning Herald journalist Kate McClymont.
It noted that secret phone taps of Kinghorn and others about a Obeid coal mine were supplied to ICAC by the AFP which was conducting its tax-related inquiry.
CoreLogic head of research Tim Lawless said the slowdown in the pace of capital gains "can be attributed primarily to tighter credit policies which have fundamentally changed the landscape for borrowers.
Lenders have tightened their servicing tests and reduced their appetite for riskier loans, including those on higher loan to valuation ratios or higher loan to income multiples. Additionally, interest only borrowers and investors are facing premiums on their mortgage rates which are likely to act as a disincentive, especially for investors who are generally facing low rental yields on investment properties.
In fact, the peak rate of growth in dwelling values lines up closely with the peak growth rate for investment lending in late 2016. We saw the housing market respond in a similar fashion through 2015, and the first half of 2016 as investors faced tighter credit conditions following the announcement from APRA that lenders couldnt surpass a 10% speed limit on investment lending.
Of course, housing market conditions rebounded swiftly through the second half of 2016 once the investment related credit limits were achieved and the cash rate was adjusted lower in May and August last year Mr Lawless said.
Sydney joins Perth and Darwin as the only cities to record a fall in dwelling values over the past three months
While most of the broad regions are experiencing a slowdown in the rate of capital gains, only three capital cities have recorded a negative movement in values over the three months ending October: Sydney (-0.6%), Perth (-0.7%) and Darwin (-4.4%). Mr Lawless said, Seeing Sydney listed alongside Perth and Darwin, where dwelling values have been falling since 2014, is a significant turn of events.
This is the first rolling quarterly fall recorded in Sydney dwelling values since May 2016, when the first round of macro-prudential changes were still working their way through credit policies, and mortgage rates were only just starting to reduce in line with the first cut to the cash rate. Despite the recent downshift in values, Sydney dwelling values are up 74% since the growth cycle commenced in early 2012.
Melbourne conditions remain resilient relative to Sydney
For Melbournes housing market, conditions have remained much stronger relative to Sydney; dwelling values were 0.5% higher over the month to be up 1.9% over the rolling quarter. Mr Lawless attributes this resilience to Victorias record breaking migration rate, which is creating unprecedented housing demand. Additionally, strong jobs growth and a healthier level of housing affordability relative to Sydney are also supporting continued growth in housing values in Melbourne. Despite the stronger growth profile, Melbourne dwelling values are now rising at their slowest quarterly pace since mid-2016, Mr Lawless said.
Delayed demolition works in the Melbourne CBD after an objection by the owner, have triggered the sales of 556 off the plan apartment buyers being cancelled by its Singapore-based developer.
Developer Chip Eng Seng bought a commercial tower at 150 Queen Street in 2011 with plans for a 71 storey project, known as Tower Melbourne.
It has become one of the first cancelled buildings in Melbourne, with the group now considering its options for the thwarted site.
The decision, announced to the stock exchange in Singapore, comes amid the broader local concerns about the mooted outlook for apartment market oversupply.
Demolition works on the original building have stalled since 2013 after an objection by the owner of an adjoining property at 140 Queen Street worried the demolition might damage its property.
Chip Eng Seng said the legal cases may still take a considerable period of time and it was not possible for the company to ascertain when they can be resolved nor when demolition could restart.
The group could not meet its deadline to register the plan of subdivision due to the delay, so advised the appropriate course was to terminate all sales contracts.
Some 579 units had been sold, but some buyers had already cancelled their contracts due to the delay.
Some 556 contracts remained with full buyers deposits set to be repaid in full with any interest accrued.
Construction of Melbournes envisaged highest residential tower was due to start in 2013 with an expected completion date of late 2016.
The CEL development was to come with a 25-metre pool, spa, sauna, steam room and a gym.
One-bedroom apartments in Tower Melbourne had a starting price of $381,000.
Two-bedroom apartments start from $492,000 and three-bedroom apartments start from $763,000.
The skyscraper had been designed by local architects Elenberg Fraser.
Tower Melbourne is a city defining project, says Callum Fraser, principal of Elenberg Fraser said at the time of its launch.
If you take a high-rise tower and add a twist, we have a continuously evolving form and the result is a luxurious living sculpture, he said.
Property Observer first reported on the problematic development in October 2012 when the Singapore developer was selling apartments, despite not yet receiving planning approval from then Victoria Planning Minister Matthew Guy.
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Just as special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into alleged collusion begins issuing its first indictments, Penguin Random House plans to release Collusion: Secret Meetings, Dirty Money, and How Russia Helped Donald Trump Win by Luke Harding, a book that claims to offer new details on the ongoing controversy over foreign meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
The new book, which Harding began writing in January, will be published by Vintage Books on November 16.
Harding, a foreign correspondent for The Guardian, claims to have had unique access to a range of new materials and principals involved in the Trump/Russia collusion controversy. Harding says that he has identified business and financial connections and payouts, secret meetings, and computer hackers that will add to the evidence and understanding of just what happened in the 2016 presidential election.
The publisher claims the book has fresh information on Russian players as well as Americans such as Michael Flynn and Paul Manafort, who Harding says he met in 2008 in Ukraine. Indeed, Harding also claims to have met with Christopher Steele, the former MI6 British intelligence officer behind the infamous dossier on Donald Trumps tainted Russian connections, in a London pub in December 2016 before the dossiers existence was revealed.
Harding says, The key to the Trump-Russia story is being able to follow the money, see what deals were made when and by whom, and what relationships were being cultivated and why.
TV drama Na Ana Iss Des Laado is returning to the Viacom18 network Colors with a second season, focusing on strong and resilient women struggling to find gender equality in India.
Beginning on 6 November, the series, this time called Laado Veerpur Ki Mardaani, will air every Monday to Friday evening on Colors. Produced by Dhaval Gada Productions, Laado Veerpur Ki Mardaani traces the life of Ammaji (Meghna Malik), now living in modern day Delhi, and raising her granddaughters. Avika Gor, Palak Jain, Balwant Singh Chaudhary and Ranbeer also star in the drama.Na Ana Iss Des Laado at that time was a very strong character-based story that did very well for Colors. Looking at the socially relevant shows on our network and with the success of strong character based shows like, Shakti Ek Ehsaas Ki and Udaan we decided to get Laado back but with a very exciting twist. Hope the viewers will enjoy watching the two very impressive faces, Avika Gor and Ammaji (Meghna Malik) create ripples together on screen, said Manisha Sharma, head content, Colors Meghna Malik, who plays the character Ammahi, said: Ammaji in this edition of Laado is different in mind, body and appearance. Earlier, being the victim of a certain mindset, she was not in favour of a girl child. This time around she will be seen championing the cause of women and addressing sensitive issues of womens dignity, safety and rights.Actress Avika Gor said: The show has a legacy attached to it and this second chapter will see a fresh take on the issue of women rights. I feel very privileged that I was chosen for a show that has so much relevance in todays day and time ... My character of Anushka reflects the brave and independent young woman of today who fights for what is right, no matter what, and this is something that I believe will resonate with the audiences deeply.
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Netflix has completely cut ties with Kevin Spacey, star of its Emmy-winning hit drama, House of Cards.
In the wake of a slew of allegations of sexual misconduct against the actor, including those involving underage boys, the streaming giant said it would immediately suspend production of the upcoming sixth and final season of the political hit.Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey, the company said in a statement, reported by Reuters The production company behind the show, Media Rights Capital, said that it would consider a post-Spacey path for the show.While we continue the ongoing investigation into the serious allegations concerning Kevin Spaceys behaviour on the set of House of Cards, he has been suspended, effective immediately, MRC said in a statement. MRC, in partnership with Netflix, will continue to evaluate a creative path forward for the programme during the hiatus.Netflix also said that it would not release the Spacey-produced film Gore, about the writer Gore Vidal, even though its in post-production.Mexican actor Roberto Cavazos, who worked in a London theatre where Spacey was artistic director, and filmmaker Tony Montana both made allegations against Spacey in the last few days, along with actor Anthony Rapp, who has accused Spacey of trying to seduce him in 1986 when Rapp was just 14. Meanwhile, as many of eight current and former employees of House of Cards have also alleged sexual misconduct against the Oscar-winning actor.Spacey said he would go for unspecified treatment for the pattern of abusive behaviour, and also came out of the closet as gay.MRC meanwhile said that it had handled an incident in 2012 around a shared a complaint about a specific remark and gesture made by Kevin Spacey from a crew member, which resulted in Spacey going to training.Spaceys publicist also cut ties with him this week, according to Reuters.
On Nov. 13, members of Athens and the University of Georgia came together at the Cine, not for a movie screening, but for a discussion on the
Martinsville is building a new police station. What you need to know.
VITSEBSK, Belarus -- A court in Belarus has thrown out the unintentional manslaughter conviction handed down to a woman whose newborn child died after a home birth.
The Vitsebsk Regional Court in eastern Belarus on November 3 struck down the verdict against Olga Stepanova and ordered a retrial.
A lower court in the city of Vitsebsk found Stepanova guilty on September 7 and sentenced her to six months in a colony settlement, a penitentiary in which convicts live close to an industrial facility or a farm where they work.
Because Stepanova had spent four months in pretrial detention the judge ruled that the last two months of her sentence should be replaced by an order not to leave Vitsebsk.
Stepanova appealed the verdict and sentence with the Vitsebsk Regional Court.
Stepanova, who lives in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, arrived at her mother's home in Vitsebsk last autumn and gave birth to a daughter there on February 17.
Stepanova says she noticed that the baby was not breathing and asked her mother to call an ambulance.
Her daughter was pronounced dead at the hospital, and doctors say the baby died of asphyxiation by amniotic fluids.
Before the child was born, Stepanova refused in written form to give birth to her child in a medical institution.
She was arrested on May 5 and charged with unintentional manslaughter.
Belarusian laws do not prohibit home births.
Stepanova, 31, has a two-year-old daughter who was delivered at home.
MINSK -- Belarusian opposition leader and former presidential candidate Mikalay Statkevich has been released from jail after serving a five-day term following a court ruling that he took part in an unsanctioned rally.
Statkevich told journalists after his release late on November 5 that police warned him of unspecified consequences if he continues "violating the law on public gatherings."
He described the warning as "political pressure" and vowed to continue his political and public activities.
Statkevich's wife, Maryna Adamovich, told RFE/RL on November 3 that she received a court ruling by mail saying that her husband must serve another 10-day prison term for organizing a separate unsanctioned public gathering in October.
It is not clear when or whether Statkevich will serve that term.
Statkevich has been detained several times since January, and has spent about 35 days in jail in the last 10 months.
Statkevich ran against authoritarian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka in the 2010 presidential election.
Lukashenka, in office since 1994, was reelected in the vote, which his critics say was rigged.
Statkevich was arrested after attending a large demonstration protesting the election results, and spent five years in prison after being convicted of organizing riots at a trial criticized by human rights groups and Western governments.
Russias Defense Ministry says five of its soldiers and four Russian television reporters have been injured by a mine explosion in eastern Syria.
Russian news agencies quoted the ministry as saying that a controlled land mine was detonated by terrorists in the city of Deir al-Zor on November 6, wounding two journalists working for NTV and another two from Zvezda.
Five soldiers who were clearing the area of mines were also wounded, it added.
The ministry said all those wounded were taken to the Russian air base in the coastal Syrian province of Latakia.
"According to medics, their lives are out of danger," it said.
Russia has been the strongest backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a six-year civil war that has killed and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
Backed by Russian air strikes, the Syrian Army and allied forces last week captured Deir al-Zor, the largest city in eastern Syria, from the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.
IS militants had controlled most of the city since 2014, except for one large pocket where Syrian Army troops and 93,000 civilians had been holed up for three years.
The city is the capital of Syria's main oil-producing province, which is also called Deir al-Zor.
Based on reporting by RIA Novosti and TASS
BISHKEK -- A brother of former Kyrgyz Prosecutor-General and opposition politician Aida Salyanova has been shot dead in his house in Bishkek.
The Interior Ministry said on November 6 that several masked men rushed into 42-year-old Ulan Salyanov's house overnight and shot him. The ministry overruled a political motivation for the assassination, and said an investigation has been launched.
The killing took place less than a month after a court in Bishkek found Aida Salyanova guilty of abuse of office and condemned her to five years in prison, but postponed her imprisonment until her 2-year-old daughter reaches age 14.
Salyanova, a leading member of the opposition Ata-Meken (Fatherland) party has maintained her innocence, insisting that the case against her was politically motivated.
Authorities targeted Salyanova for investigation in March, days after Ata-Meken leader Omurbek Tekebaev was arrested on the basis of what his supporters say were trumped-up bribe-taking allegations.
Tekebaev, who was named as Ata-Meken's candidate in the October 15 election shortly after his arrest, was convicted in August and sentenced to eight years in prison.
His supporters say the conviction was aimed at preventing him from running in the election.
The ruling Social Democratic Party's candidate, former Prime Minister Sooronbai Jeenbekov, who was publicly supported by outgoing President Almazbek Atambaev, won the October 15 poll.
NATO's mission in Afghanistan says the U.S. military has found no evidence that civilians were killed or injured during a joint operation with Afghan forces last week.
A statement said on November 6 that U.S. forces in Afghanistan conducted an investigation into allegations of civilian casualties in the northern province of Kunduz on November 3.
There were no civilian casualties. Specifically, no hospitals or clinics in the local area indicated treatment of people with wounds from armed conflict, the statement said.
We can confirm operations occurred in this area and numerous enemy combatants were killed, it added.
Nematullah Temor, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said one civilian was killed and six wounded when a car was hit by an air strike in the Chardara district in Kunduz.
Khosh Mohammad Nasratyar, a provincial council member, said 14 civilians were killed in air strikes.
U.S. air strikes have intensified since U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new strategy for Afghanistan in August that relaxed U.S. rules of engagement.
Civilian casualties from air strikes conducted by U.S. and Afghan forces increased by 52 percent in the first nine months of 2017, compared to 2016.
With reporting by dpa and Reuters
Envoys from the 30 NATO members are holding emergency talks in Brussels after two people were killed in Poland by a missile that Warsaw said was Russian-made, as U.S. President Joe Biden and Western allies pledged full support for the investigation into the incident.
Biden said on November 16 that it was "unlikely" the missile was fired from Russia, citing information about the trajectory of the projectile.
The gathering of NATO ambassadors in Brussels was called at the request of alliance member Poland and is being chaired by Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who will hold a news conference around 12:30 p.m. local time, the alliance said.
The Polish Foreign Ministry said a Russian-made missile fell on the village of Przewodow, a village in eastern Poland about 6 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, killing two people on November 15 after a day of massive Russian shelling of Ukraine.
Russia has denied its missiles hit Polish territory, saying the reports were "a deliberate provocation" to escalate the situation.
Biden, speaking after convening emergency talks with leaders of Western allies in Indonesia on the sidelines of a G20 summit, pledged support for Poland's investigation into what it had called a "Russian-made" missile.
Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's ongoing invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war, click here.
Biden stressed that investigations into the incident were still ongoing, but said there was "total unanimity" among world leaders in supporting Poland in its efforts to establish the circumstance of the incident.
"There is preliminary information that contests" that Russia fired the missile, Biden told reporters. "It is unlikely in the lines of the trajectory that it was fired from Russia, but we'll see. I'm going to make sure we figure out exactly what happened."
Three U.S. officials also said preliminary assessments suggested the missile was fired by Ukrainian forces at an incoming Russian projectile amid an overwhelming wave of strikes against Ukraine's electrical infrastructure on November 15. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The Kremlin on November 16 hailed Washington's "measured" response to the incident.
"In this instance, attention should be paid to the measured and more professional response from the American side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Peskov said that, as opposed to the U.S. response, a number of countries had made "baseless statements" about Russia's involvement "without having any idea of what had happened."
"We have witnessed another hysterical, frenzied Russophobic reaction, which was not based on any real data," Peskov told reporters.
The Russian Defense Ministry said on November 16 that its strikes on Ukraine on the previous day were no closer than 35 kilometers from the Polish border, RIA Novosti news agency reported.
Polish President Andrzej Duda had told reporters earlier that it was "most likely a Russian-made missile," but there was no concrete evidence of who fired it, and the incident was a one-off.
WATCH: Russia launched a barrage of missiles against Ukraine on November 15, hitting energy infrastructure facilities in regions across the country and plunging Kyiv and other cities into darkness.
Biden spoke by phone with Duda, offering "full U.S. support for and assistance with Poland's investigation," the White House said.
The NATO meeting in Brussels is reportedly being held on the basis of the alliance's Article 4, according to which members can raise any issue of concern when any alliance member feels its "territorial integrity, political independence, or security" are at risk.
Poland is protected by NATO's commitment to collective defense -- enshrined in Article 5 of its founding treaty -- but the alliance's response will likely be heavily influenced by whether the incident was accidental or intentional.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and French President Emmanuel Macron -- all leaders of NATO member states -- voiced solidarity with Poland.
Russia's ambassador to Poland has been summoned to provide "immediate detailed explanations" and the military had been put on heightened alert after an emergency national security council meeting, Polish authorities said.
"There has been a decision to raise the state of readiness of some combat units and other uniformed services," government spokesman Piotr Muller told reporters after the meeting in Warsaw, adding that "our services are on the ground at the moment working out what happened."
The incident came as Russia unleashed one of the heaviest missile attacks since the start of the war on sites across Ukraine aimed at crippling the country's energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian officials said that more than 90 missiles were fired in the attacks.
Biden on November 16 called those attacks "barbaric," and Zelenskiy described them as a "slap in the face" for the G20 summit.
The summit has been dominated by the Ukraine war, with members struggling to find common ground on Russia's unprovoked invasion of its neighbor.
In a joint statement issued November 16, leaders came together to condemn the war's effects but remained divided on assigning blame.
With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and BBC
A journalist with Russia's Ekho Moskvy radio who was stabbed in the throat by an attacker last month says she is hoping for a full recovery.
Tatyana Felgengauer, a program host and deputy editor in chief at Ekho Moskvy, took part in a morning show on November 6 -- her first on-camera appearance at the station since the October 23 attack.
Felgengauer said she felt "much better" and plans to return to work by the end of the year.
Felgengauer, who wore a scarf around her neck, said that she had a major operation and that a full recovery would take several more weeks.
In the attack, an assailant entered the radio station's headquarters in a Moscow high-rise office building and stabbed Felgengauer in the throat with a knife.
The suspect, later identified as Boris Grits, 48, was detained by the station's security personnel and has been remanded in pretrial custody until December 23.
Grits, who investigators said told police he had been in "telepathic contact" with Felgengauer for five years, was also ordered to undergo a psychiatric examination.
State media have long targeted Ekho Moskvy and other rare independent media outlets in Russia for critical reports about the government.
Earlier in October, state-run Rossia-24 TV issued a report claiming that Ekho Moskvy had been paid for "destabilizing society" ahead of Russia's March presidential election.
On October 27, Ekho Mosky chief Aleksei Venediktov said that one of his leading producers, Ksenia Larina, had left Russia out of concern for her safety.
Larina's flight followed a similar move in September by Yulia Latynina, who has a weekly show on Ekho Moskvy, following a suspected arson attack on her car and other attacks and threats.
More than 20 far-left Russian nationalists have been detained as they gathered in the country's second-largest city, St. Petersburg, to hold an unsanctioned rally.
Dozens of supporters of the Other Russia opposition party gathered on the city's main street, Nevsky Prosepkt, to mark the centennial of the Bolshevik Revolution.
They unfurled a big banner from the roof of a building on Nevsky Prospekt, urging Vladimir Lenin -- the leader of the revolution that ushered in more than 70 years of communist rule in Russia -- to "wake up."
Police moved to disperse the gathering and detained 23 activists.
Other Russia leader Eduard Limonov had described the planned march in downtown St. Petersburg as a "revolutionary rally."
He was not among the demonstrators.
On November 5, police detained hundreds of people after nationalists gathered in central Moscow for an antigovernment rally coinciding with celebrations of National Unity Day.
With reporting by AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed legislation to widen the responsibility of the National Guard, an entity created last year and headed by Putin's former chief bodyguard, to include protecting regional governors.
The bill was published on the website of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, on November 6.
The Duma is dominated by the Kremlin-controlled United Russia party and supports almost all Kremlin initiatives.
The proposed change could enhance Putin's ability to crack down on dissent or seek to impose order if there is unrest in Russia's far-flung regions.
The National Guard reports directly to the president. Its director, Viktor Zolotov, was chief of the presidential security service from 2000-13.
The initiative comes months before a March 18 election in which Putin is expected to seek and secure a new six-year term.
Putin will be barred from seeking reelection in 2024 if he does win a fourth presidential term in the March vote, raising questions about how Russian politics will play out in the coming years and how he will maintain his grip.
Putin established the National Guard (Rosgvardia) in 2016 on the basis of the Interior Ministry troops and other security forces.
Its stated tasks initially included preserving "social order," fighting against terrorism and extremism, and guarding state facilities.
The National Guard announced that it will be also responsible for a fingerprints database, issuing weapons-possession licenses, averting "threats to state order," and protecting information security.
KAZAN, Russia -- Protesters have rallied in the capital of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, demanding that Tatar-language classes be mandatory at schools in the region.
Prominent Tatar intellectuals were among some 150 people at the gathering in downtown Kazan on November 6, which was devoted to the 25th anniversary of the region's constitution and organized by the Tatar Public Center NGO.
They called on the national government in Moscow and the regional government in Kazan to respect the Constitution of Tatarstan, according to which Tatar -- along with Russian -- is a state language and must be taught in all schools across Tatarstan.
The demonstrators also demanded the renewal of a pact between Kazan and Moscow on power sharing.
Demonstrators held signs with slogans such as "All officials in Tatarstan must be fluent in Tatar" and "The Republic of Tatarstan and the Russian Federation are equal partners, according to the Tatar and Russian constitutions."
Police detained one activist, Airat Shakirov, at the rally.
The power-sharing treaty between Moscow and Kazan that was signed in 2007 expired in August, and Moscow has been hesitating to prolong it despite Tatar lawmakers' calls for it to do so.
In July, President Vladimir Putin said while visiting Russia's Republic of Mari El that it was "impermissible to force someone to learn a language that is not [his or her] mother tongue, as well as to cut the hours of Russian-language [classes at schools] in Russia's ethnic republics."
Putin's statement and the order given to the Prosecutor-General's Office was followed by calls from Russian-speaking parents to abandon mandatory studies of languages other than Russian in so-called "ethnic" regions of Russia.
Also on November 6, the Tatar Youth Forum NGO organized an open-air concert in Kazan devoted to the 25th anniversary of the Tatar Constitution at which, along with performances by entertainers, moderators sought to explain the regional constitutions passages about sovereignty and state languages to hundreds of attendees.
Investigators believe a young man who was hitchhiking from Junction City, Oregon, to Boise fell victim to a trio of Idahoans who befriended and then killed him, court documents show.
The three Idahoans have been arrested in the death of Hunter Allyn Smith, 18, whose body was found by hunters in the Bruneau Desert in eastern Owyhee County on Oct. 21.
The victim is named in some of the court documents and he reportedly went missing while heading to Boise in mid- to late June. Owyhee County Prosecutor Doug Emery said Thursday that the evidence they have points to Hunter but that DNA tests have not come back.
Nicholas B. Vandenberg, a 27-year-old Melba man, was charged with first-degree murder a week ago. Two others were charged this week with felony conspiracy to commit murder: Montanna R. Reed, 20, of Twin Falls, and Willie K. Rabey, 34, of Mountain Home.
Emery said one of the defendants is believed to have picked up Smith as he was hitchhiking in June. Heres what prosecutors say happened after that, according to the three criminal complaints filed against the suspects:
Vandenberg, Reed and Rabey devised a plan to invite Smith to Vandenbergs home, and then later to shoot firearms.
Their plan was for Vandenberg to shoot Smith. The trio loaded guns into a vehicle and rode with Smith to an unspecified location. Reed and Rabey watched as Vandenberg deliberately shot Smith at close range in the upper torso and face/head with a .45-caliber pistol.
Reed and Rabey also watched and/or helped Vandenberg remove Smiths clothing. One or both helped Vandenberg drag the body to a nearby ditch, and then burned Smiths clothes.
The group planned to commit other criminal acts in the future, including murder, the charging documents allege.
There were discussions about other offenses. Theres no specific evidence to any other detailed [murder] plot, Emery told the Statesman on Thursday.
Emery said one of the suspects had possession of Smiths ID or drivers license.
We cant find that there was any ill will between the deceased and the suspects, Emery said. There doesnt appear to be any rhyme or reason as to the way this went down as it did.
In addition to murder, Vandenberg is charged with use of a firearm while committing a felony and destruction or concealment of evidence.
Emery said investigators were looking into a post and related comments on what appears to be Vandenbergs Facebook page about the discovery of the body.
Vandenberg was arrested in Elmore County and was initially held in the jail there. He was arraigned in Owyhee County on Monday, according to online court records.
He was appointed a public defender. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 18.
Rabey was arraigned Thursday on the conspiracy charge, as well as felony destruction or concealment of evidence, according to online court records. A preliminary hearing date in Owyhee County is set for Dec. 18.
No information on Reed, held at the Twin Falls County Jail pending extradition to Owyhee County, was available online Thursday.
Rabey served about four years in prison for past crimes, according to Idaho Department of Correction records. He was sentenced in January 2004 to 3 to 5 years for burglary in Owyhee County.
That sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation. In July that year, his sentence was revoked, and he was sent to prison and ordered to undergo a treatment program there. He completed that program and was released on probation.
In 2005, he was sentenced to 2 to 5 years in prison for a burglary conviction in Canyon County. That sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation. After a violation, he was back in custody in June 2006. His sentence was completed and he was released from prison in February 2010.
Welcome back to the China In Eurasia briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter tracking Chinas resurgent influence from Eastern Europe to Central Asia. Im RFE/RL correspondent Reid Standish.
Before we get started, a few announcements: The newsletter is now biweekly, rather than going out only on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. To subscribe, click here.
And I will also be launching Talking China In Eurasia, a new podcast. It will air live on Twitter Spaces and later be available on RFE/RLs website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever else you get your podcasts. We will be taking questions live starting at 2 p.m. CET/8 a.m. EST on November 16. Ill be joined by the Royal United Services Institutes Raffaello Pantucci to talk about Xi and Putin. Tune in here.
Xi Gets Pragmatic About Russia At The G20
It was light on optimism, but U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping injected a healthy dose of pragmatism back into the U.S.-China relationship with their meeting in Bali at a time when global anxiety is rising over Russias war against Ukraine.
Finding Perspective: The meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit was far from a breakthrough, but it did repair some damage from the recent backslide in relations between both countries and send some signals that the world isnt necessarily destined for Cold War 2.0.
The more than three-hour talks saw some blunt exchanges over contentious issues like Taiwan and North Korea, but the two leaders also pledged more frequent communications and decided that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Beijing for follow-up talks in 2023.
Of particular note, Biden raised Russias invasion of Ukraine and threats by Russian President Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons. Both leaders reiterated their agreement that a nuclear war should never be fought, according to a White House readout.
While far from a sea change for Chinese policy, thats notable. The credibility of Beijings claims to be neutral on the Ukraine war continue to come under scrutiny, and China has shown discomfort of late with the Kremlins nuclear saber-rattling.
Xi made similar comments after a November 4 summit with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and during another G20 meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the French readout.
Why It Matters: Xi is not abandoning Putin, but this marks the latest shift for Beijings balancing act over Russias invasion of Ukraine.
Four Chinese officials briefed on the February 4 meeting between Xi and Putin, where they declared a no-limits partnership, told the Financial Times that Putin didnt tell Xi the truth about the invasion and that Beijing was caught off guard by it.
What Xi knew about Putins war plans has been a topic of debate, and there is evidence to support both the idea that Xi was aware and that he was caught off guard.
Many analysts are of the opinion that Xi knew about Putin's decision to invade but expected a quick victory, which perhaps was what Putin believed at the time.
Others point to a steady stream of dismissals from Chinese officials and experts about the likelihood of an invasion in February and the fact that Beijing did not evacuate its citizens from Ukraine like Western nations did as evidence that China was not expecting a war.
China certainly has its own interests in keeping a distance from Moscows war and using that space to do some upkeep with the West. But perhaps the most important point here is that even if Putin did blindside Xi, China has stuck with Russia despite its battlefield failures, political isolation, and the atrocities its troops are accused of committing.
Again, this is pragmatism more than anything else. As Chinese experts often say, even if Russia is looking unattractive these days, why would Beijing abandon its main anti-Western partner as China continues to be in the crosshairs of rising American pressure?
Read More
Want to hear more about Russia and Chinas complex relationship amid the Ukraine war? Then tune in to the debut of Talking China In Eurasia today at 2 p.m. CET/ 8 a.m. EST. You can listen live here and find the episode on RFE/RLs website and wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Condemning Russias invasion of Ukraine and its global fallout is shaping up to be the key theme of the G20, with the Financial Times reporting that a joint communique from the summit takes aim at Moscow.
Expert Corner: The Future Of The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Readers asked: Did Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs recent trip to Beijing breathe new life into the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)? How do Islamabad and Beijing really feel about the project after all these years?
To find out more, I asked Filippo Boni, an expert on China-Pakistan relations at the Open University in Britain:
Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China was high on symbolism and relatively low on substance. While the two sides were keen to reaffirm and emphasize the strength of their strategic partnership, no significant new commitment was made. Apart from a few memorandums of understanding and attempts from the Pakistanis in the run-up to the trip to address some of CPECs issues including payments to Chinese independent power producers nothing major came from the visit. This is despite Sharif's attempts at revitalizing CPEC since April and the very close ties he enjoys with the Chinese leadership.
The outcome of this visit is not entirely surprising, especially if interpreted against the backdrop of Pakistan's current domestic predicaments. The security situation for Chinese nationals has deteriorated, the economy is struggling, and political instability is at one of its highest points in recent years. All these dynamics, coupled with the global scaling down of Belt and Road Initiative financing, have likely impacted Beijing's lack of commitment to new projects.
After almost 10 years and $25 billion worth of projects, there seems to be a general consensus on both sides that the first phase of CPEC the one focused primarily on energy projects was largely successful. The same cannot be said for the second phase, including the slow progress on the development of Special Economic Zones, and for the port of Gwadar, where little progress has been made for the ports full commercial functioning.
Do you have a question about Chinas growing footprint in Eurasia? Send it to me at StandishR@rferl.org or reply directly to this e-mail and Ill get it answered by leading experts and policymakers.
Three More Stories From Eurasia
1. 'Sweep It Under The Rug'
Recent allegations of China operating 54 overseas police stations have fueled controversy around the world and sparked investigations, but in Hungary and Serbia the new findings are being met with swift denials by authorities, despite growing evidence.
The Details: My colleagues Akos Keller-Alant from RFE/RLs Hungarian Service, Mila Durdevic from RFE/RLs Balkan Service, and I reported on the fallout from these revelations and the slew of probes launched in many European countries recently.
The stations are overseas operations of the public security bureaus from two Chinese provinces and are used to persuade citizens to return to China, including through pressure on family members at home. While most of those involved appear to be suspected of crimes such as telecommunications fraud or corruption, dissidents have also reported that the stations have been used to monitor and threaten them.
Fourteen governments have already launched investigations into the overseas police stations, and the Dutch and Irish governments have ordered China to shut down the facilities in their countries.
But in Hungary and Serbia two countries where Beijing is said to operate such facilities and whose governments prize their warming political and economic ties with China officials appear to be trying to sweep it under the rug, as one analyst characterized it, despite growing scrutiny from opposition lawmakers in each country.
2. Global Ripples Hit Central Asia
Political and economic shocks from Moscows war in Ukraine, coupled with added strains from tensions between Beijing and Washington, are taking their toll around the world, especially in Central Asia, where countries in the region are closely tied to both China and Russia.
What It Means: As RFE/RLs Uzbek Service reported, Vladimir Norov, the countrys foreign minister, warned about geopolitical tensions affecting stability in the region and beyond while addressing his counterparts at an Organization of Turkic States meeting in Samarkand.
The breakdown in global cooperation is felt particularly strong in Central Asia. While some economies have been able to benefit by becoming a new home for businesses and capital relocated from Russia, others are seeing investment dry up and their economies coming under strain.
World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Anna Bjerde recently warned that Uzbekistan needs to continue with its market reforms in order to withstand the global economic shocks that are to come.
RFE/RLs Kyrgyz Service also reported that the countrys government is trying to court more investment but that questions remain from investors about Kyrgyzstans stability and investment climate. According to official statistics from January to June of this year, China is the leading source of foreign investment, with $129 million during that span.
3. The Tech In Moscows Iranian Drones
A new investigation by Schemes, the investigative unit of RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service, looked into electronic components underpinning Tehran's production of the Mohajer-6 drone, which Russia has used in its war in Ukraine, and found that theyre far from homegrown.
What You Need To Know: The Mohajer-6 drones contain components produced by companies from the United States and the European Union, both of which have sanctions restricting the export to Iran of technology that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The investigation also found drone components produced in China, including a real-time mini-camera made by a Hong Kong firm.
The drone also contains a microchip bearing the logo of a California technology company and a thermal-imaging camera that Ukrainian intelligence says may have been produced by a firm based in Oregon or China.
The international tech in the drone not only highlights the complex ecosystem that allows firms and buyers to circumvent sanctions slapped on both Iran and Russia, but also the close networks between Chinese and Western tech companies that still exist, despite a recent push to break some of those linkages.
Across The Supercontinent
On The Mainland: The watchdog group Freedom House recently launched a new project called the China Dissent Monitor, which tracks protests and other forms of dissent inside China. Read it here.
Censored: Chinese authorities behind a major trade expo in Shanghai pulled an opening ceremony address by European Council President Charles Michel that was set to criticize Russia's illegal war in Ukraine and call for reduced European dependency on China, Reuters reported.
Backtracking: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has softened his countrys stance toward China, moving away from his predecessor Liz Trusss decision to label it a threat.
One Thing To Watch
How long will Chinas stringent COVID policies stay in place?
New infections are rising as a winter wave hits and popular frustration continues to boil over inside the country as investor confidence stays dented over the measures. New footage also showed crowds of residents in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou escaping a compulsory lockdown and clashing with police.
Thats all from me for now. Dont forget to send me any questions, comments, or tips that you might have.
Until next time,
Reid Standish
If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your in-box on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.
BUSTON, Tajikistan -- A group defending gay rights in Tajikistan's northern region of Sughd says it has been forced to stop its operations following a series of inspections by local authorities.
Albina Ishquvatova, who chairs Rohi Zindaghi (Life Path), told RFE/RL on November 3 that the NGO had been under constant pressure from the authorities. She said she believes their goal was to shut the group down.
"We have been exhausted by endless inspections by the local administration, fire safety officials, the prosecutor's office, other official bodies, and made the decision to stop our organization's activities," Ishquvatova said.
In June, Tajik authorities announced that all international and nongovernmental organizations, as well as political parties, must make regular reports about their financial operations under anticorruption legislation signed by President Emomali Rahmon in May.
Rights defenders have criticized Rahmon, saying that the amendments to existing legislation were aimed at justifying crackdowns and restricting human rights and civil freedoms.
Rahmon, who has ruled the Central Asian nation since 1992, is criticized by rights groups and government foes over the suppression of opposition and alleged corruption in government agencies.
Tajik authorities have pledged to dismiss many foreign-educated imams across the country in a move they say is aimed at averting religious extremism.
Tajikistan's state religious committee late last month set a deadline of mid-November for the heads of local government to replace imams who studied at religious schools abroad, outside of official channels, with suitable people.
The instruction further tightens the governments grip on religious practices in the predominantly Muslim state of around 8 million, which until 2015 permitted post-Soviet Central Asia's only explicitly Islamic political party.
The committee said some foreign-educated religious figures had been involved in spreading banned religious teachings that promote a strict form of Sunni Islam.
Afshin Muqim, a committee spokesman, stressed on November 2 that the expulsion order does not apply to those who studied abroad legally, with Tajik government approval.
The head of the state-backed Council of Islamic Ulema of Tajikistan, Saidmukarram Abdulqodirzoda, is one of hundreds of clerics who studied outside the country under official auspices.
I dont want a repeat of the terrible events of the 1990s."
Abdulqodirzoda, a graduate of a religious school in Islamabad, announced his readiness to resign...for the sake of the countrys stability.
It is unlikely that the committee's ultimatum would have been prepared without Abdulqodirzoda's knowledge, given Tajik authorities' coordinated efforts to vet prominent religious leaders.
If Tajikistans stability depends on several religious figures who studied abroad, Im ready to leave my post, Abdulqodirzoda said on November 2.
I dont want a repeat of the terrible events of the 1990s, he said, referring to Tajikistans bloody 1992-97 civil war, which pitted a predominantly secular government against an Islamist-led opposition in fighting that was fueled by regional factionalism.
Imams in Tajikistan are appointed by the same religious committee that ordered the purge, which also oversees mosques and churches and implements laws relating to religion.
Earlier this year, seven imams in the northern province of Sughd were each sentenced to at least three years in high-security prison on charges that included membership in banned Islamic movements. The imams denied the accusation.
Authorities said the jailed imams had studied in foreign countries, including Saudi Arabia.
Tajik officials say around 500 Tajik citizens are currently studying in Islamic schools abroad.
Tajikistan repatriated more than 3,000 students from Islamic madrasahs and universities in Iran, Pakistan, and the Middle East in 2010 after President Emomali Rahmon said they could fall under the influence of extremists.
The state religious committee said about 30 of the students who returned home were suspected of having ties with terrorist groups and at least 18 subsequently left the country to join Islamic State (IS) militants in Syria.
Tajikistan has outlawed Islamic head scarves at government institutions and frowned on them among the public as "foreign influences" and introduced a limit on beard length, which is seen as an outward sign of the Islamic faith.
Written by RFE/RL senior correspondent Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RLs Tajik Service
23
A man pauses to reflect at a mass grave at Kurapaty, near Minsk, on November 5, in memory of the thousands of people who were executed there by the Soviet secret police. At least 30,000 people were killed and buried at the Kurapaty preserve by the Soviet authorities under dictator Josef Stalin in the 1930s and '40s. (Reuters/Vasily Fedosenko)
U.S. President Donald Trump began his second day in Japan by lashing out at the host country's trade relations with the United States, saying it was "not fair and open."
"We want fair and open trade, but right now our trade with Japan is not fair and open," Trump told business leaders in Tokyo on November 6 before beginning formal talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
"The U.S. has suffered massive trade deficits with Japan for many, many years. So we will have to negotiate and we will do this in a friendly way," he added.
Trump also said that millions of Japanese-made cars are sold in the United States but that very few U.S. automobiles are sold in Japan.
During his presidential campaign and into his presidency, Trump has often complained about previous trade deals struck by the United States with foreign countries.
He has threatened to renegotiate or pull out of many of the agreements, saying they are costing U.S. jobs. On his third day in office, he withdrew the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), of which Japan is a signatory.
Trump did praise Japan for buying U.S. military hardware -- which he called the "best military equipment in the world."
Trump also met with Japan's Emperor Akihito, shaking hands and nodding before moving on to his private meeting with Abe.
Trump did not bow to the monarch when they met at the palace entrance. President Barack Obama was criticized by some in the United States for his deep bow to the monarch in 2009.
Trump also met with Japan's Emperor Akihito, shaking hands and nodding before moving on to his private meeting with Abe.
Aside from trade, the crisis over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic-missile programs is likely to be the main issue for Trump during his 12-day, five-country trip. He will also journey to South Korea, China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
On the flight to Japan aboard Air Force One, Trump told reporters that he expects to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the trip.
"I think it's expected we'll meet with Putin, yeah," Trump said on November 5.
"We want Putin's help on North Korea, and we'll be meeting with a lot of different leaders," he added.
The likely location for a meeting would be at a regional economic forum in Danang, Vietnam, on November 10-11.
With reporting by AFP and AP
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned an attack on the family home of an exiled Turkmen human rights activist in the Central Asian nation's northern city of Dashoguz, where his 76-year-old mother lives alone.
In a statement on November 6, HRW urged Turkmen officials to publicly condemn and thoroughly investigate the attack.
According to the statement, unknown assailants threw stones early on October 28 at the apartment of Khalida Izbastinova, the mother of Farid Tukhbatullin, who is the leader of a prominent exiled human rights group called the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights.
The assailants broke the apartment windows and Izbastinova's telephone landline was cut off. Izbastinova was not injured, but emergency medical workers called to the scene by neighbors found that she had elevated blood pressure.
"This attack is almost certainly not random," said Rachel Denber, HRW's deputy Europe and Central Asia director.
"It falls at a time when the government has been keeping activists under especially tight surveillance. The authorities cant get to Tukhbatullin, so its possible theyre looking for other ways to put him on notice," Denber said.
Tukhbatullin was expelled from Turkmenistan in 2003 after spending four months in prison on politically motivated charges and received refugee status in Austria later that year.
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov has ruled with an iron hand, tolerating little dissent since he came to power after the death of autocrat Saparmurat Niyazov in 2006.
Ukraine's Defense Ministry said on November 6 that Russia-backed separatists have used heavy artillery in persistent cease-fire violations in the Donetsk region over the previous 24 hours. It said that two soldiers were wounded.
A ministry statement said the separatists violated the ceasefire 23 times, firing at areas near the towns of Avdiyivka and Opytne with rocket launchers, 82-millimeter mortars, and heavy machine guns.
Ukrainian positions near the towns of Pisky, Novotoshkivske, and Novooleksandrivka were targeted by mortar and artillery fire, the statement said.
It said the separatists also used antitank grenade launchers near the town of Vodyane.
There were no statements from the separatists on cease-fire violations.
Fighting between Kyiv's forces and the Russia-backed separatists who hold parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions has killed more than 10,000 people since April 2014.
Several cease-fire deals announced as part of the Minsk accords -- September 2014 and February 2015 pacts aimed to resolve the conflict -- have reduced fighting but not stopped it.
The latest cease-fire was agreed on August 22 in a phone call between the leaders of Germany, France, Russia, and Ukraine.
Kurt Volker, the U.S. special envoy for efforts to end the conflict, is scheduled to meet with Kremlin aide Vladislav Surkov next week.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on November 5 that he expects to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his 12-day trip to Asia.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said he properly disclosed his investment in a shipping firm with links to a company controlled by associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he will probably sell his stake in the firm.
Ross told Bloomberg Television late on November 6 that he has been selling his holdings in Navigator Holdings, a shipping company that transports gas for Russian energy firm SIBUR, but not because of media reports about its connections with the Kremlin.
Sibur is partially owned by Gennady Timchenko, a friend of Putin's who is under U.S. sanctions over Russian aggression in Ukraine, and by Putin's son-in-law, Kirill Shamalov, The New York Times reported.
Ross's private equity firm has been the biggest shareholder in Navigator. His holdings were first disclosed in documents released on November 5, dubbed the Paradise Papers, by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), which also showed that state-controlled Russian giants Gazprom and VTB Bank made large investments in U.S. tech firms.
Ross's personal share of Navigator Holdings was reduced when he took office in February, although his U.S. government filings show he still has holdings valued at $2 million to $10 million.
Ross said in multiple media interviews on November 6 that he had fully disclosed his stake as part of government ethics requirements.
"There was disclosure, there is no impropriety, and if people draw a contrary conclusion that's because the papers have twisted the story and made it into something that is not there," Ross told the BBC.
Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat on the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, said Ross had deceived the public as well as lawmakers who had confirmed his appointment to U.S. President Donald Trump's cabinet after he promised to divest holdings that posed conflicts.
Blumenthal, appearing on MSNBC, called for an investigation and hearings.
"If he fails to present a clear and compelling explanation, he ought to resign," Blumenthal said.
The investigative journalism group that released the Paradise Papers was also behind the release of the so-called Panama Papers in 2016, which also featured detailed information on offshore accounts of many world leaders and wealthy individuals.
The Paradise Papers material came from two offshore service providers and the company registries of 19 tax havens. It was obtained by the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung and shared by the ICIJ with partners including The Guardian, the BBC, The New York Times, and dozens of other news agencies that analyzed the information.
The documents were shared with multiple news outlets because of the high volume of information involved in what was called Project Paradise.
Ross was among the biggest names involved in examinations of the first batch of the 13.4 million files. There was no indication his investments were illegal, although Ross's connections to Russian interests could increase the scrutiny that the Trump administration is already facing and lead to questions about conflicts of interest.
Potential links between Trump associates and Russia have come under scrutiny amid multiple U.S. investigations into Moscow's alleged interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election and the question of whether associates of Trump may have colluded with Russia. The U.S. president denies there was any collusion and has called the probes a "witch hunt."
Complex Web Of Companies
The New York Times reported that Ross's stake in Navigator Holdings has been held by a complex web of companies in the Cayman Islands.
Commerce Department spokesman James Rockas said Ross "was not involved with Navigator's decision to engage in business with SIBUR, a publicly traded company, which was not under sanction at the time and is not currently.
"Moreover, Secretary Ross has never met the SIBUR shareholders referenced in this story and, until now, did not know of their relationship," he added.
Russian Social-Media Investments
In another revelation involving Russia, the ICIJ said the documents show that Yuri Milner, a Russian citizen who is a large investor in Silicon Valley tech companies, got $191 million from the state-controlled VTB Bank and invested the money in Twitter. The New York Times reported that the backing of VTB, which Russia often uses for "politically strategic deals," was "obscured by a maze of offshore shell companies."
The documents also show that a financial subsidiary of Gazprom, the state-controlled Russian natural-gas giant, funded a shell company that invested in a company that was affiliated with Milner and held roughly $1 billion in Facebook shares shortly before Facebook's 2012 initial public offering.
Russian-backed fake-news stories and divisive political ads placed on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks have become a major focus of the U.S. probes into what U.S. intelligence officials have said was a campaign ordered by President Vladimir Putin in an effort to undermine faith in the U.S. electoral system, denigrate Democratic 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, and help Trump.
Milner told the ICIJ that he was unaware of any involvement by Gazprom subsidiary Gazprom Investholding in any of his deals.
In an open letter on November 6, he said any suggestions of attempting to influence U.S. politics would be "so far-fetched, it's hard to take them seriously."
"The idea that we were working on Russia's behalf to turn social media against U.S. democracy is a fairy tale, for many reasons," he wrote.
"The events surrounding last year's election are a serious matter indeed, and having grown up behind the Iron Curtain, I have a particular appreciation for democratic institutions," Milner added.
The ICIJ also said that Milner more recently invested $850,000 in Cadre, a real estate fund that was co-founded by Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner, according to the Paradise Papers. Milner told the ICIJ that he used his own money for the investment.
With reporting by the BBC, AP, The Guardian, dpa, AFP, Bloomberg News, and The New York Times
WASHINGTON -- A top U.S. diplomat will visit Ukraine at the end of a 10-day trip to Europe that starts this week, the State Department says.
A statement on November 5 said Wess Mitchell, the assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs, will arrive in Brussels on November 6 to begin the trip, which will also take him to Paris, London, Berlin, and Warsaw.
It added that Mitchell will meet with senior Ukrainian officials on November 14-16 at the end of the trip.
The assistant secretary of state will "reaffirm the United States commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and encourage Ukraine to continue implementing critical reforms," the statement said.
It added that Mitchell will also meet business and civic leaders to discuss Ukrainian efforts to transform the country into a "prosperous, secure, and democratic European state."
Mitchell's visit will come after the Ukrainian presidential office on November 4 said President Petro Poroshenko and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson discussed in a phone call the possibility of sending UN peacekeepers to eastern Ukraine,
Russia-backed separatists control parts of the Luhansk and Donetsk regions of Ukraine, including the border between those areas and Russia which Kyiv says is used to ship weapons and military personnel in from Russia.
Fighting between government forces and Russia-backed separatists has killed more than 10,000 people in Ukraines east since April 2014.
The United States also has a special envoy, Kurt Volker, who was named earlier this year to lead efforts to end the conflict in eastern Ukraine. He traveled to Kyiv for meetings with officials in late October.
Prior to his stop in Kyiv, Mitchell will meet with senior government officials during stops in Western Europe to discuss global security and humanitarian issues, including matters related to Russia, Iran, Syria, North Korea, the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, and Africa, the statement said.
He is scheduled to participate in the November 11 Independence Day observances in Warsaw.
H.S. polls: Washington girls steady at No. 1 in 4A, Marian girls No. 2 in 3A
Even though the summer is leaving and winter is again approaching, I vividly remember the brutal winter we experienced a year ago. The seemingly endless wind and snowstorms were difficult for everyone. As I would leave for my work in the early hours, I would wonder which way I should go to experience fewer drifts and better visibility. Invariably, however, the employees of the Twin Falls Highway District would already be there clearing the roads as best they could to provide better passage for all of us. I would like to thank the employees of the Twin Falls Highway District for their work ethics and devotion to their jobs.
New research used the dimming caused by planets passing in front of their stars to work out the stars' densities.
Distant planets tell all: A new analysis uses alien worlds' orbital treks to peek inside their stars.
NASA's ever-watchful Kepler space telescope has identified thousands of exoplanets by noting the tiny brightness dips caused when these worlds "transit," or cross the face of, their host stars. The length between dimmings tells scientists how long the planet takes to orbit how long its year is and the level of dimming shows how much smaller the planet is than the star.
And now, the speed of the planet's passing can also divine the star's density. [Wildest Alien Planet Discoveries of 2016]
"It's really weird that a planet that's orbiting far away from the star can tell us anything about the star's interior I think that's really bizarre but cool," said Emily Sandford, an astronomer at Columbia University in New York and lead author on the new work.
"Basically, by measuring very precisely the shape of those dimmings, the amount of light that's missing over time when a planet passes in front, you can measure the density of the star the planet's orbiting," she told Space.com.
Using a method first derived by astrophysicsts Sara Seager and Gabriela Mallen-Ornelas in 2003, Sandford and co-author David Kipping, also of Columbia, analyzed data on 66 Kepler stars to determine their densities. Their precision rivalled that of asteroseismology, a technique used on bright stars that uses oscillations in their shine to reconstruct their interior properties. While asteroseismology requires very precise brightness measurements, Sandford said, the new calculation needs less pristine data.
Essentially, the process works because how long a planet spends in front of its star is tied to the star's density. Planets that are far away from their stars spend less time in front of them imagine a planet right at the star's surface, which would spend half of its orbit in front of it, versus one that is very far away, and only crosses in front for a quick part of its orbit, Sandford said. But at the same time, a planet has to move at a certain speed to maintain a steady orbit based on how massive the star is if the planet is going too slowly, it will fall into the star, and if it's going too fast, it will fly away.
"We can then use that knowledge of [proportionally] how far the planet is from its star, combined with the duration of the transit, to solve for the stellar density," Sandford said. "If a planet is far away and yet takes a long time to transit, we know that the star must be big, puffy, and low-density; if a planet is close-in and yet transits quickly, we know that the star must be small, compact, and high-density."
In other words, the denser a star is the more massive it is compared to its radius the less time the planet spends in front of it.
Treasure trove
While researchers already knew about this relationship between transiting planets and their parent stars' densities, it's only since Kepler's launch in 2009 that more than a handful of transiting planets have been available for analysis, according to Sandford.
"We have this enormous treasure trove of data, and we can start to apply some of these ideas that people thought of way in advance before the data was ready," Sandford said. "That's what we've done here." [How Do You Spot an Alien Planet from Earth? (Infographic)]
This method requires that the researchers know the planet's orbit well, or that they can predict that it's circular. (Circular orbits tend to be common in systems with multiple planets.) It also requires researchers to know the planet's full orbit length so it must have passed in front of the star more than once.
Once those criteria are established, researchers can use these calculations in two key ways: to determine if a transit is really caused by a planet or if it's a false positive, and to analyze the other planets in a multiplanet system.
That false-positive case was one of the uses Seager had in mind when the equation was first developed, she told Space.com: "If you get the stellar density from the light curve alone, and then if you get the stellar density because you already know something about its mass and size and if those densities don't match up, the thing you're looking at is not a planet," said Seager, who was not involved in the new study. "It's a blended object; it's a false positive; it's something else."
"All the applications are exciting, whether you want to just measure the densities of the set of stars, or whether you're using it as a kind of comparison tool," she added.
During its primary mission, Kepler looked at the same set of stars for four years, but future exoplanet hunters such as NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), set to launch in 2018, will spend a much shorter time on each part of the sky just a month or so. In systems with multiple planets, if one orbits quickly enough for researchers to see more than one full orbit, that planet could act as an "anchor" to pin down the star's density, letting researchers learn about the orbits of the other planets, too.
"There's going to be a lot of habitable-zone planets that fall out in that window where their orbital period is longer than a month," Sandford said. "If we only see one transit, if we can't measure the period directly, it might be a very, very faraway planet, in which case it's too cold to have liquid water, or it might fall right in the middle of the habitable zone."
"If we can use our method to constrain the star, and from there to constrain the outer planet's period, that could be really interesting for prioritizing certain planets for follow-up if we know that they're likely to be habitable-zone, potentially the right temperature range for liquid water, type planets," she added.
Know the planet, know the star
According to Vincent Van Eylen, a researcher at Leiden University in the Netherlands who is uninvolved with the study, there's a saying that goes "Know thy star, know thy planet." Often, researchers use what they can glean about stars to identify what their planets might be made of and what the orbits look like.
Van Eylen's own research uses stars' densities and the durations of transits to learn about the planets' orbits a reversal of Sandford's calculations.
"We don't know enough about stars, and everything we learn about planets somehow is indirect information that's related to stars," Van Eylen said. "In that way, it's kind of a sweet result that they can turn things around and actually learn about the planets, and thereby learn about the stars."
The new work has been accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal and is available on ArXiv.org.
Email Sarah Lewin at slewin@space.com or follow her @SarahExplains. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
C live Watson, entrepreneur-cum-reality-TV star and chairman of The City Pub Group, on Monday launched long-awaited plans for a flotation that would value the business at around 90 million.
Watson, who has appeared on Made in Chelsea with daughters Lucy and Tiffany, said he expects the business to start trading on AIM before the end of November.
The firm was founded in 2011 and began trading in March 2012.
Watson is looking to raise 30 million, which would allow the group to double its estate to 68 pubs in four years.
Of its existing 34 pubs, 11 are in London, where rivals have complained of high business rates, and some weaker customer demand.
Watson told the Standard: While some known headwinds exist, we see very good opportunities to increase sales and the size of the estate. There is genuine demand for well-run, well-invested, independent pubs, with their finger on the pulse of what people want.
He previously founded Capital Pub Company, which was floated on AIM and sold to Greene King in 2011 for 93 million.
Liberum and Berenberg are advising on the float.
I n a corner of east London its possible to stumble across an unusual sight: a group of elderly Bangladeshi dinner ladies painting fried egg boobs on trendy sweatshirts.
Theyre one of a string of womens groups tapped up by ethical fashion company Birdsong to create their clothes, in return for a living wage.
Some of them giggle when we show them the designs, says co-founder Sophie Slater. They say Thats naughty, I cant make them at home in front of my son.
Birdsong, created by Slater and fellow entrepreneur Sarah Beckett, is part-online retailer, part-social enterprise, with their endeavours aimed at empowering women.
Their fabrics and labour are ethically sourced, their marketing deliberately targeted at women of all shapes and backgrounds and snacks are even on the menu at their photoshoots (not a given in an industry still dominated by twig-thin models).
Its website, complete with cellulite, slogans and T-shirts for fans of cult podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno is not your typical fashion store. Products are sold online, and in regular pop-up stores.
Were huddled around a small table with big yellow pencils for legs in Birdsongs digs in Euston.
The office sits in a little housing estate tucked behind the strip clubs and adult stores synonymous with the area and, outside, clothes blow on a huge line with bird sculptures on it. Few would guess a feminist fashion brand was being created inside. Wed love an east London place where we could have photoshoots, yoga classes and a creche but it might have to wait, laughs Slater.
She and Beckett met on a postgraduate course, initially forming the business as a project. Slater, now 26, had come to London via Sheffield, Newcastle and Manchester where she studied history and classics (My dad said, You wont get a job in fashion, study that instead.).
At 15, Slater who is tall with red hair and tattoos on both arms was scouted for modelling work, but baulked when, on a photoshoot, she was told she would have to maintain the same weight until hitting 25. When she joined forces with Beckett, who had worked with the elderly in south London, the pair formulated a plan.
Under the tagline, No sweatshop, no Photoshop, they tapped up their network and grew it by enlisting existing sewing groups. Theres several groups of women in east London, including some designed to help sufferers of domestic violence, as well as knitters in Enfield and Kingston.
Overseas groups in India and Thailand, who have escaped sex trafficking, also make goods. Several of them, including jumper knitter Edna, have featured in Birdsongs advertising campaigns.
When we started, a lot of womens organisations were struggling for funding, says Slater. One group of Bangladeshi women in Tower Hamlets, their funding was cut, the landlord died and the rent tripled. We were able to support them. Now, theyre in fine fettle, she says.
The pair admit plunging into business at an early age was a steep learning curve doing the books, working on margins, marketing and sales.
Their mettle was tested last year when they raised 83,000 (beating a 75,000 target) via Crowdcube. Investors included customers and the existing Bethnal Green tech accelerator they had initially received backing from.
We had never done anything like that, we had to get our heads around shares and fundraising, it was really hard work, says Slater.
The funds were used to hire design chief Susanna Wen, who had experience in US fashion.
The role offers great freedom its rare to be across sourcing, design and the shoots but were a small team, which is also challenging, Slater says.
The trio sit in the space between business people and campaigners but, operating with an ethos of fashion thats fairer for women, its view on feminism is an important one.
A few years ago we would say we were a feminist fashion brand and people would say What do you mean? A lot of brands will use it now. For us, whatever word is in fashion, we will still be empowering women.
T he London Stock Exchange on Monday declined to deny a claim that chief executive Xavier Rolet is being forced out by chairman Donald Brydon.
Activist investor Sir Chris Hohn earlier called for the resignation of Brydon, following last months sudden announcement that Rolet would stand down by the end of next year.
Rolet is regarded by investors as a success, the shares having risen from 10 when he joined in May 2009 to 37.40 today.
Hohn, who runs The Childrens Investment Fund, which owns 5% of LSE stock, has written to the company and other investors alleging it was Brydons decision to remove 57-year-old Rolet.
Today, the LSE merely stated that it has seen the letter from Hohn and that it had followed proper procedures. LSE has followed a proper governance process to plan an orderly succession for the CEO. The FCA [Financial Conduct Authority] was kept informed throughout the process and emphasised the importance of the plan for an orderly succession, it said.
It declined to comment directly on the contents of the letter.
John Armitage of hedge fund Egerton told the FT: Xavier is one of the best chief executives in London It is not clear he wants to retire. If he wishes to go and make wine, that is fine. But if the board let him go for any other reason, that is a huge dereliction of duty.
W hen GlaxosmithKlines new boss Emma Walmsley unveiled her Big Idea for the firm this year, it seemed a statement of the bleedin obvious: waste less money developing medicines that dont work.
In fact, its not as easy as it sounds. New compounds that seem promising usually fail the decade-long process of testing, retesting and regulatory approval. With the average cost of getting a drug to market running at $2.6 billion (2 billion), the Holy Grail is to start the process off with the molecule design thats most likely to succeed.
This is where C4X Discovery comes in: designing molecules and putting the medicines through their paces using super-advanced computer programs. The idea is to then licence the designs to big pharma companies who will do the expensive business of testing them on animals and people.
Spun out of Manchester University by Dr Andrew Almond and Dr Charles Blundell (who still each own 6.5%) it uses advanced maths to interpret DNA data, then combines the findings with programs modelling molecular chemistry to design new cures.
Its all super-clever stuff which few armchair investors will fathom, but what the average punter can base their judgment on is having Dr Clive Dix as its chief executive. Dix first came across City folks radars when he was a high-up at PowderJect, the vaccines business sold in 2003 to Chiron for 542 million. Kerching!
Dix made more money for investors with PowderMed, which he set up then sold to Pfizer in 2006, then Convergence Pharmaceuticals, which went to Biogen for $675 million in 2015. Not only does he have a strong track record, but he clearly believes in C4X, having pumped nearly 1 million of his own money into it. Presumably his early career at Glaxo informed his decision.
But theres a reason C4X is only valued at 33 million. Its in seriously early-stage territory, and is only now in talks over its first licensing deal, which is hoped for early next year. Depending on the terms, if that happens, there would be a pretty decent share price jump. However, a mega-surge will only come if it bags multiple deals. Nobody wants to invest in a one-hit wonder.
Another concern is that drug-development revenues come in stages. Even if it does win licencing deals, C4X could have to wait years before scooping up big money and may need to tap the markets for more cash to keep it going until then. It raised 7 million in March and 5 million the previous September by issuing new shares at 102p and 85p. As you can see, each time a firm issues new shares, the existing ones are diluted down.
C4X is one of the riskier market minnows weve had but if it strikes deals in the coming year, it could be a prescription for big profits.
Only the little people pay taxes. The words of New York heiress Leona Helmsley three decades ago still stand as the popular caricature of rich peoples attitude towards tax.
What people forget is that Ms Helmsleys remarks were reported in court by a witness in the trial that led to her imprisonment for tax evasion. She ended up in jail because she was wrong that only little people had to pay tax.
We need a similar sense of perspective now as we look at the furore over the Paradise Papers and the revelation of more names of the wealthy who have apparently held money in offshore bank accounts.
The assumption behind the sensationalist reporting on the BBC and elsewhere, with the odd caveat, is that they must all have been trying to avoid paying their fair share.
True, as our City Editor writes for the Evening Standard today, the Queens advisers should probably have steered clear of Cayman Islands investments, if only for appearances sake.
But in the desire to promote the story, the finances of Her Majesty are put alongside the obscure financial dealings of Vladimir Putin as if there is any similarity at all between a British head of state who became the first in our history to volunteer to pay taxes, and a Russian head of state who has reputedly become the richest in their history.
Little attempt is made to explain that you cannot any longer easily hide your money from the taxman in an offshore bank account. That is because at the G8 in 2013, Britain led the way in getting 90 countries including the Jerseys and Cayman Islands of this world to agree to share automatically the details of these bank accounts with the relevant tax authorities.
Britain has also been at the forefront in Europe of ensuring that information on who ultimately owns companies and trusts is internationally available to tax and law enforcement agencies; and it is important that pressure is maintained to make that too a global standard.
Yes, people rich and otherwise break the law and dont pay the taxes that are due. But the weapons available to those trying to catch them are much more powerful than they used to be.
We should not equate anyone who has financial investments overseas with criminals. If we do, then, rather than lamenting the collapse of trust in the institutions and rules that secure our freedom we will be contributing to that collapse.
Oxford Street, on foot
By next Christmas, Oxford Street will be pedestrianised between Selfridges and Oxford Circus and the change will be for the better. It coincides with the launch of the Elizabeth line which will bring in far more people to the area. Next year too, the Mayor begins consultations on pedestrianising the stretch to Tottenham Court Road.
Oxford Street is overcrowded, with some of the dirtiest air in Europe. Yet the Mayor shouldnt rush the changes.
People with mobility problems will still need to get from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road without having to use the Tube and without displaced buses creating unbearable congestion on adjoining streets.
It will help, however, that the number of buses has already been reduced dramatically and the proposals include more taxi ranks for shoppers on adjoining streets.
The plans also include new seating areas and raising the existing street to pavement level to make it more accessible. In other parts of London, changes to road use such as the pedestrianisation of the area outside Buckingham Palace has given new life to places that were once inhospitable to pedestrians.
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If the practical challenges can be surmounted, the change promises to make this great London axis, once an imposing boulevard, into the pleasant space it should be.
O nce youre in trouble, in public life, more trouble will find you. The metaphors we use feeding frenzy, blood in the water have an awful aptness. Your peers fear the contagion of bad publicity. The friendless have no defenders. Principle bends. You can say what you like about them.
So it now is with Damian Green. The Mets former assistant commissioner Bob Quick deals him a low and shabby blow in telling papers he saw material of an extreme pornographic nature on Mr Greens Commons computer during a 2008 leak inquiry. Deny it Mr Green may, and does. But amid red faces and online sniggering, the news cycle is off to the races. Deny it? As Mandy Rice-Davies memorably put it: Well he would, wouldnt he?
Mr Green doesnt deny it, that said, in a way that helps his case very much. He calls the allegations false, disreputable political smears from a discredited police officer acting in flagrant breach of his duty to keep the details of police investigations confidential. You can say its false, or you can say its confidential but you cant credibly do both.
But why should he be in this position in any case? You can detest Mr Greens politics. You can speculate that hes a horrible human being. You can as I do take the side of the journalist Kate Maltby in objecting that a senior parliamentarian has no place uninvitedly stroking the knee of a woman over whom he exercises powers of patronage. But its a nonsense to say any view you might have on the rest of his behaviour bears on our entitlement to read about this.
The inquiry in which this alleged pornography was discovered was into parliamentary leaks not into whether Mr Greens taste in filth was what Goody Quick took it upon himself to deem extreme (the weaselly epithet giving cover to this report into what even he admits was legal material). When the plumber services my boiler, I give him access to the cellar because thats where the boiler is. Does that entitle him, then, to put up a blog telling people my cellars a mess and Ive lousy taste in wine? Does it buffalo.
Quick does not speak for the Met nor does his former employer any credit by passing the incidental discoveries of a former inquiry to a newspaper. If which he denies Mr Green used his parliamentary computer for porn, thats a matter for the Commons authorities. And If he was secretly downloading the alleged porn rather than streaming it, the PM might not want to put him in a future role involving IT policy. But neither of those things even in conjunction with claims that he looked at a matchmaking site for adultery, even in conjunction with reports of sexual overtures to a younger woman (also denied) adds up to anything like a public-interest justification for this sleazy smear.
Crass comment puts the tat into Tatler
The latest edition of Tatlers Little Black Book of eligible youngsters ended its entry on the actor Daisy Lewis: This actress is LOUD. Which makes her fun at a party. And in bed. Probably. Ms Lewis tweeted that she was very shocked and upset at this.
Oh Tatler. Must you? Under its editor Kate Reardon the society glossy reinvented itself as a jauntily postmodern round of reports on minor toffs, spiced up with a dash of old-fashioned naughtiness. But here was a very tin-eared moment: crass rather than the aimed-for cheeky.
An unequivocal apology duly issued was the way to go. But here was a ham-fisted attempt at gallantry rather than a bid by the magazines (nearly all-female) staff to set back the cause of sexual equality. I hope Tatler can be rehabilitated and re-enter society anew in due course.
Theres a reason to keep rhymes
Sad to read that, according to the Chief Inspector of Schools, nursery rhymes are on the way out. Amanda Spielman is to tell a childcare conference that she regrets that Peppa Pig and Co are nudging Jack, Jill and the Grand Old Duke of York out of the pre-school curriculum.
Humpty Dumpty may seem old-fashioned, she says, but children who can sing a song and know a story off by heart aged four are better prepared for school. Nursery rhymes provide a collective experience and teach a little bit of social history to boot.
Anything that gives children a sense of the weight of words, their rhythm and rhyme, and the delight in them, gets my vote. But as for social history, we should be careful of what we wish for. Bubonic plague, revolutionary executions, religious persecution and bloody battles have all inspired some of our best-loved nursery rhymes. And as for eeny-meeny, miny, moe
T his week ministers return to the European negotiating table. As Paul Drechsler, President of the CBI, wrote yesterday, there is an urgent need to give clarity to thousands of business people poised to make, or not make, investment decisions. I see no upsides emerging from these negotiations but the political turmoil must cause Europeans to wonder about the credibility of the Government itself.
There is, however, another event this month of relevance to our prosperity that is within the Governments control: that is the publication of our industrial strategy. Today, at the CBI conference where a star turn will be Jeremy Corbyn the Prime Minister gives an indication of where she stands: We believe in the free market and wont attempt to shield the economy from market forces, she says. Brexit or no Brexit, an effective industrial strategy is essential to our future competitiveness.
I can identify with the concerns of business here: I came into politics from the traditional background of a small businessman. And in my time in government I privatised more of the public sector than any minister before or since: council house sales, the coal industry, Royal Dockyards, the National Physical Laboratory and more. I closed more than 60 quangos in the early Eighties.
I also learned, however, the inescapable partnership that exists between the public and private sectors. The Concorde programme, the creation of the European Space Agency, the rescue of Rolls-Royce, defence procurement, the London development corporations and urban regeneration taught me inescapable lessons. I faced conflict after conflict when British companies faced competition not just from foreign companies but foreign companies in close relationship with their governments.
Since the Second World War governments have wrestled with these issues. The first Labour government wanted to control the heights, Harold Macmillan established the National Economic Development complex, Margaret Thatcher the single European market. This Government is about to publish a White Paper. I have set out my industrial strategy proposals, available at industrialstrategy2017lordheseltine.co.uk.
An effective strategy should provide a realistic appraisal of our competitive position across the public and private economy. It should constantly update its analysis to inform, warn, encourage and reveal what is going on. It should continually remind us of the need to exploit our strengths and confront our weaknesses. It should create and stimulate a culture of enterprise throughout our society. It should not only claim to aim for excellence, it should know what excellence means in todays marketplace and what we must do to secure it in tomorrows. It is about a culture in which everyone can share, which benefits all.
I propose eight initial steps:
1) Create a ministerial committee embracing all the wealth-generating potential of Whitehall under prime ministerial control.
2) Establish a competitiveness unit of world-class expertise and experience to advise the committee on the policies of our competitors and the standards they are achieving.
3) Tell each department to report on its ability and that of its quangos to contribute to a wealth-creating agenda.
4) Take the power to appoint to any appropriate quango a person qualified to analyse wealth-creating potential within its powers.
5) Organise the Civil Service to enable it to respond effectively to the increasingly place-based policies that devolution is encouraging across the UK.
6) Introduce management information systems in the public sector to reveal in detail what civil servants are doing and what it costs.
7) Publish an annual Competitiveness White Paper along the lines of the Strategic Defence & Security Review, outlining the UKs agenda sector by sector to remain or become world competitive.
8) Finally, conduct a rigorous process to devolve executive responsibility including the skills agenda and employment programme.
No industrial strategy can be credible if it does not concern itself with the education of our young people and the skills with which they are equipped.
Two statistics speak volumes: first, the OECDs 2016 Programme for International Student Assessment ranked the UK 21st in reading and 27th in mathematics. The Department for Education should prepare a report explaining why other countries do better than us and what it intends to do about it.
Second, the BBC reported in July that 39 per cent of primary school pupils in England failed to meet standards in reading, writing and maths. The Education Secretary should embark on a policy of zero-tolerance for failing schools.
In every corner of the economy there are skills shortages. There is an urgent need to engage both public and private-sector employers in the provision of the skills they need. The mayoral authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships and unitary authorities should share in a significant shift of responsibility. We have world-class companies but we need to raise the ambitions of low attainers.
The private sector plays a crucial role. There are too many trade associations, often too weak to do other than present the views of the slowest ships in the convoy they represent. There is an urgent need for fewer, more resourceful organisations able to conduct dialogue with government about Britains weaknesses, particularly productivity.
Our overseas competitors are backed by better-resourced and more influential employer-led groups. The developing network of growth hubs should be supported by the CBI, EEF, the manufacturers association, chambers of commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors to ensure our companies are backed by local one-stop shops of world-class quality. This is particularly urgent for exports.
The need for patient capital remains central to the growth of scalable companies. There are too many small local authority pension funds, and a consolidation is overdue. We should create a British sovereign wealth fund and encourage the growth of the Business Review Board and challenger banks.
Across the world our rivals are seeking a competitive advantage. Government policy, procurement and infrastructure provision are interwoven with the success of the private sector. We need to understand these models and help our companies to win in an ever more complex world.
T ate Modern has got its diary very much in order.
Red Star Over Russia will open exactly 100 years to the day since the Bolshevik party assumed control of the Russian government, a day that is widely considered to consummate the Russian Revolution.
On its anniversary, Tate Modern will open its display of 250 items of politically pertinent paraphernalia from the Soviet era.
Posters, photographs, paintings, publications and more look to demonstrate how the political and social upheaval had aesthetic reverberations.
With the Russian Revolution came a myriad of aesthetic revolutions, new ideas and technologies that turned media into a means for political machination.
As you can probably guess, not everyone played fair
The whole exhibition was almost entirely collected by one British graphic designer
El Lissitzy, Beat the Whites with the Red Wedge, 1920 (printed in 1966). Purchased 2016. / The David King Collection at Tate
You probably wont have heard of many of the artists in this show, but one name to remember is David King, the British graphic designer who has amassed the collection from which the exhibition draws. It is so comprehensive that it would take an entire museum to house, consisting of over 250,000 artefacts dating from the late 19th century to Khrushchev. King sadly passed away in 2016, during the planning for this exhibition.
King acquired artefacts that ranged from fine art to newspaper cuttings, from the sublime to the gritty. Some of the most artistically important items in the collection include pieces by El Lissitzky and Alexander Rodchenko whose work straddled art and graphic design, and formed the basis for the Constructivism, an art movement which prioritised social purpose over aesthetic. At the other end of the spectrum, King also collected photographs from key moments in Soviet era politics, including mugshots of Soviet politicians condemned by Stalin during the Show Trials of the 1930s.
The Russian Revolution is where propaganda met mass media
This was the first time that mass media was used as a major political tool, shaping the face, direction and influence of a political movement. The Soviet PR machine even acquired its own international nickname agitprop, short for agitational propaganda. The revolution in Russia coincided with major developments in printing and photographic technology, upon which Lenin and the Bolshevik party capitalised mercilessly.
They were the new Russia, and determined to show it. Mass printing technology made the poster a hugely impactful tool. It was embraced by the Soviet authorities, who employed Russian avant-garde artists including Rodchenko, Gustav Klutsis and Nina Vatolina to produce arresting modern designs. The creativity didnt stop there: agit-trains were sent across the country, packed with modern technology, to demonstrate to disconnected rural communities that a Soviet Russia was one of modernisation and progress.
Women were the targets, stars and designers of Soviet propaganda
Adolf Strakhov, Emancipated Woman Build Socialism!,1926. Purchased 2016. / The David King Collection at Tate
Lenin himself recognised that the emancipation of women was crucial to the survival of the revolution. The revolutionary movements of February 1917 have been traced by some back to demonstrations lead by women on International Womens Day, and the first Soviet constitution declared that working-class women would have equal working rights to their male counterparts.
The feminist credentials of the Soviet Union can be debated at length, but what is certain is that women were the focus of a great number of early propaganda campaigns, depicted as active, politically mobilised members of the socialist workforce. Not only were they front and centre of the visuals (see above, Adolf Strahovs poster depicting a woman in the style of a monumental sculpture), but they were also behind many designs with artists including Nina Vatolina and Valentina Kulagina roducing some of the most iconic images of the era.
Lenin and Stalin are everywhere
Valentin Shcherbakov, A Spectre is Haunting Europe, the Spectre of Communism, c. 1924. Purchased 2016. / The David King Collection at Tate
In this exhibition, youre going to see a lot of the same old faces. After Vladimir Lenins death, Joseph Stalin ensured that a cult of personality, as it later came to be known, was cemented around the deceased leader. This involved the saturation of Lenins image in Soviet propaganda to seal a deity-like reputation that could be used to personalise the party; Lenin was omnipresent, infallible and unquestionable. In the consolidation of his own power, Stalin gradually began to implement his own image into propaganda material: initially subordinate to Lenin, then his equal, before Stalins ubiquitous presence began to eclipse the former leader.
Stalin was doing fake news nearly 100 years ago
Photomontage was a key emotive tool pioneered by the Russian avant-garde; editing and re-contextualising images to adapt and aggrandise their message. Stalin, however, took things a little further.
David Kings extensive collection started as an investigation into Stalins succession of Lenin. Stalin was not the obvious successor to the leadership that was Leon Trotsky. Stalin lead a sly campaign to turn prominent Bolsheviks against Trotsky. He tricked Trotsky into missing Lenins funeral, had him exiled and later murdered.
Stalin was not content from removing his enemies from his future, and set about removing them from the past; censoring them from political records, literally cutting them out of photographic documentation of Soviet history and placing himself in images and accounts of events to make himself appear closer to Lenin than he had been.
In his book The Commissar Vanishes, King observed that a new form of falsification emerged. The physical eradication of Stalins political opponents at the hands of the secret police was swiftly followed by their obliteration from all forms of pictorial existence. If you thought Photoshop scandals and alternative facts were a contemporary problem, you thought wrong.
Red Star Over Russia: A Revolution in Visual Culture 1905 - 55, Tate Modern, 8 November 2017 - 18 February 2018, tate.org.uk
U 2 will play a free concert in Trafalgar Square when the MTV Europe Music Awards come to London.
The rock band are being honoured with the global icon award at this weekends ceremony and will celebrate with the free show.
Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr will perform on Saturday evening in central London for MTV Presents Trafalgar Square.
Some of the gig will then be broadcast during the event the following night.
MTV is running a ballot for free tickets to the 7,000-capacity event, which went live at midday today and will close at 10pm tomorrow.
The band will be handed the award at the EMAs, which take place at the SSE Arena in Wembley on Sunday. It is the first time the event has been hosted in London for 21 years. Former recipients include Whitney Houston and Queen. Speaking about U2s award and the gig, Bruce Gillmer, head of music and music talent for Viacom, which owns MTV, said: Their performance for Londoners in historic Trafalgar Square is just the beginning of the electrifying celebration of music where artists from every corner of the world will unite in this extraordinary city.
The ticket ballot is being run with the Mayors office. Sadiq Khan said: It is fantastic to host the EMAs in our city for the first time in 21 years. Im delighted that Trafalgar Square will host this special MTV Presents performance an iconic venue for an iconic band.
Supreme: Bono leads his bandmates through The Joshua Tree / Angela Lubrano/Livepix
I have been saying, loud and clear, that London is open to talent, creativity and business. What better way to showcase this than one of the worlds greatest rock bands performing to Londoners from all backgrounds, for free, in the heart of our great city?
U2 met at Mount Temple School, Dublin, and formed in 1978. They have released 13 studio albums and won 22 Grammys.
To enter the ballot go to mtv.co.uk/mtvpresents
C ookbooks written in celebration of a particular city are often my favourite sort of guidebook. Since cooks and chefs tend to go digging in markets, or find themselves down back alleys in search of a particular dish, one naturally picks up ideas on where and how to eat somewhere, gathering titbits of history and suggestions of other things to visit along the way.
Lisboeta, translating literally as a person from Lisbon, but it also sums up the lifestyle, the tradition and the emotion of belonging, is one of those books, and I admit I started reading it with some bias in place. I have had the joy of interviewing its author, the Lisbon-born London chef Nuno Mendes, a few times, and have eaten his food, both non-Portuguese and fully Portuguese. In fact, while Id made only vague plans to visit the city at some point, really it was eating the pork bifana (like a pork steak sandwich served with mustard and garlic) served at his Spitalfields restaurant, Taberna do Mercado, that eventually sent me off on a food recce there, with plans for a second.
Mendes is a super fan of Lisbon, the place he calls my hearts home, and he believes its time to truly shout about the food of Portugal. In his introduction he talks of the growth of the food scene, names some of the chefs behind this, and describes his enjoyment of their petiscos (snacks or small plates). He believes that Lisbons restaurant scene was good and solid, but it had little to offer the discerning food lover but in the last six to seven years, Lisbon has woken from her slumber, shaken herself down, put on her best dress and become one of the top cities for visitors in Europe it is embracing the future with a delicious kind of optimism, while carefully preserving its rich past.
Once again in my Cookbook Challenge adventures, I found that this book offered so much more than just recipes, although I should say that these - as youll see below - are a delight; I really enjoyed getting out paprika, bay leaves, black pepper, garlic and bay leaf and seeing what I could conjure up with Mendes advice.
The chapters are divided by the types of mealtimes which provide the rhythm of the day - pastries, snacks, small plates, desserts, sandwiches, and so on - with photographer Andrew Montgomerys delightful, grainy portraits and food shots stuffed into every nook and cranny. In his introduction to lunch, Mendes discussion of the importance of soup to Lisbonites will make you want to inhale some as soon as you can. In a recipe for grilled sardines with green peppers, he warns - you can almost hear him laughing here: dont leave your sparkling-fresh sardines outside unattended, for the seagulls will get them.
Essays and collected memories about different Lisboan themes, each written with huge care and passion, are inserted throughout. In Discoveries, Mendes explains his mesmerisation at the risk-taking seafarers of old, as they set out on incredible journeys across the oceans, but equally his shame in knowing that Portugal was the first nation to engage in the Atlantic slave trade. Much of the fish insert reads as a kind of love letter to fish in general, something which continues when he writes about the famous Santo Antonio festival on June 12.
At the heart of this book is Mendes desire to truly celebrate his country and the cross-pollination of flavours and culinary traditions to be found within it, not to go over the place that was sad for too long. For this reason, he admits he doesnt like the traditional, melancholic fado music, or remembering how sombre Santo Antonio day used to be during the hardship days, because things are much happier now. These days thats not the case - all around me, I see Portuguese pride and Lisboetas with a new-found energy, and I love that.
Lisboeta: Recipes from Portugal's City of Light / Bloomsbury
What Victoria cooked:
Almond cream triangles (Jesuitas)
Victoria Stewart / Victoria Stewart
It was Mendes words about pastries in his introduction that made me choose these, adamant as I was not to touch the baking section: I have chosen my most cherished pastries in the following chapter, the ones I would stand in a queue for or get up early to make almost every pastry is wrapped up in a memory for me. The recipe is short, you can buy rather than make puff pastry, and as long as you keep your eye on the pan of almond paste throughout so that it doesnt overcook, its easy to conjure up. By gum the outcome is good - flaky pastry with sweet lemony almond paste in the middle, thus suitable for every mealtime, including, er, breakfast, tea, and pudding.
Slow-simmered bean, cabbage and pork stew
In simple terms, this is a case of simmering beans, then frying onions, garlic and pork belly together (although I added mine later on), adding paprika, and chucking in lots of veg and chorizo. I always get that brief panic making stews, when after 45 mins or so its still looking watery and you wonder whether itll ever taste good. After nearly 1.5 hours it suddenly thickens, blossoming into a smoky and bolstering feast, which my parents and 94-year-old great aunt enjoyed. We ate this with some tenderstem broccoli tossed with tarragon, as suggested by Ed Smith in his On The Side cookbook.
Baked salt cod with caramelised onions and potatoes
Victoria Stewart
This is a heavy, wintery dish, and very straightforward as long as youre up for the 20-minute challenge of curing your own cod (Mendes admits he prefers this to salt cod proper), which I was. This requires cooking each of three ingredients separately, but after half an hour of baking the pieces of cured cod and potato retain their form and the flavours came together in this incredibly magical way, and you end up with a fabulous sweet and salty heap. Pairs well with the watercress salad below.
Watercress and orange salad
Chop, chop, squeeze, squeeze, mix around, done. This is easy - just a case of toasting almonds, making an olive oil and orange dressing and throwing it over lots of sliced fennel and watercress. Crunchy and refreshing.
Drunken figs with pistachios and cream
Victoria Stewart
My plan was to do something with eggs, as Mendes points out that practically every Portuguese dessert requires them. The problem is that I dont have a mixer, and I wasnt feeling energetic enough to beat things for 30 minutes at a time. Instead, drunken, orange and cinnamon-spiced figs in port and pistachios were a classy alternative. Takes about 15 minutes to make, and having leftover mixture is a great excuse to dip a teaspoonful of creme fraiche in it to finish it up. Oof.
Lisboeta: Recipes from Portugals City of Light is available to buy now (26, Bloomsbury). Buy it here.
Y ou might think the selfie is a relatively modern fad, especially when it had been chosen as the 2013 Oxford English Dictionary Word of the Year, against stiff competition from the likes of 'Twerk' and 'Bitcoin'. You wouldn't expect your ancestors to be trading in their shillings for some bitcoin after all. So it has surprised us all to find that a 'selfie' taken by Scott of the Antarctic and his team upon reaching the South Pole will be sold at auction next week.
The photo was taken in 1912 using an automatic trigger on their camera and is expected to fetch 1,200 at Sotheby's when it goes under the hammer. The story behind the image brings an extra level of poignancy to the men's trials, as Captain Scott and his team had just found out that they had failed in their bid to be the first people to reach the pole, while they lost their lives on their journey back just a few months later.
The first selfie - defined as "a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website" by the Oxford Dictionary - was taken nearly two centuries before the advent of social media, when American Robert Cornelius set up a camera and ran into the frame to photograph himself in 1839. The debonair even had time to cross his arms and arch his back like a 19th Century James Dean.
Then came the mirror selfie, beloved of fashion bloggers and gym bunnies, that actually came into existence with the introduction of the Kodak brownie in 1900. Its portable nature, low cost and relative ease of use helped to put the camera in the hands of amateurs. However it was still quite a lump so selfies were easier to take in the mirror as opposed to our modern method of holding our iPhone at arm's length (you could also check your hair was on point this way). One of the most famous mirror selfies was taken by a young woman presumed to be Grand Duchess Anastasia - yep the one from the animated musical - in 1914.
The Byron Company, a group of photographers from New York, started their selfie portfolio in 1909, with the group shots eerily similar to the Ellen DeGeneres 2014 Oscars selfie that became the most popular Twitter post of all time with 3.4 million re-tweets. Degeneres must have thought she was being oh-so-current with the shot, little did she know the Byron boys had beaten her to the punch by over 100 years. The shots were taken on the roofs of Manhattan buildings and have now been digitised by the Museum of the City of New York.
Skip forward a few decades and the selfie was still yet to become the phenomenon that it is today, despite the efforts of early innovators in the craze such as A Clockwork Orange auteur Stanley Kubrick, and former US Secretary of State Colin Powell who posted a sepia toned mirror selfie on Facebook in 2014 from when he was younger, with the caption, "I was doing selfies 60 years before you Facebook folks".
The second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin took the first space selfie in 1966 during the Gemini 12 space mission, three years before he and Neil Armstrong made their lunar landing. But, selfie enthusiasts had to wait until the beginning of the 21st century for the proliferation of the selfie as we now know it, when Sony Ericsson (remember them?) released the first front-facing camera in 2003 on their Z1010 phone model. While the hashtag 'selfie' had only 48 results on image hosting website Flickr in 2001, there are now 1.5 million results.
Then came the selfie stick in 2015, and the selfie became as much a part of our everyday life as the social media sites that we use to share them. So while twerking was seemingly killed off with that Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke performance at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, the selfie looks like it has outgrown its fad status. And now we have Scott of the Antarctic and not Ellen DeGeneres to thank for kicking it all off.
N o one has ever called me woke and meant it, despite my best efforts. To be woke is to be sensitive to social issues and how they shape the world we live in, which I learned from the back of a beer mat in Wetherspoons. Its in the Oxford English Dictionary.
I have therefore ordered a T-shirt emblazoned with the words Stay Woke from ASOS, and now check my male privilege more than my phone (or at least thats what Ive written in my Twitter bio).
Im woke in progress. This became a concern after the allegations first made in the New York Times against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, which have since been reported on in the worlds of politics, media and theatre, both in the US and the UK. That got me thinking: what can I do, and how can I let people know Im doing it?
Fortunately I work with women, socialise with women and some of my best friends are women. I even go out with a woman! Shes great! So you can trust me that I know how to talk about women.
Like my fellow woke bros of the internet, my voice is the one you need to hear on these issues, only slightly louder, and more important. This is my woke-ing week, which has nothing to do with towns in Surrey.
Monday
The woke awaken at the crack of dawn. After a quick trawl through Twitter to see if I can find any racism to condemn, or white people not condemning it, I head into the office. Just to be sure, I have doubled down on my voyage of self-discovery at work. In meetings, I patiently correct my editor: we should be talking about policepersons and firepeople, although I let her have Goldman Sachs.
Woke rating: 6/10. Alarm bells.
Tuesday
I am reviewing the way I greet people in the office. Thank God, I hate your hugs, says a colleague, after I tell everyone solemnly. Because theyre the arms of the patriarchy? Because were at work, and whatever deodorant youre using needs reviewing too. This is true of all my colleagues. Would you hug your boss? one asks, which is a useful rule to live by. Ive read about The Rock Test online, a handy careful now hack put forward by blogger Anne Victoria Clark: Treat all women like you would treat former WWF wrestler turned Hollywood beefcake Dwayne The Rock Johnson (who is, incidentally, one of my woke idols, along with Ryan Reynolds, Joss Whedon, and secular Jesus). Getting a coffee with a female colleague? Close your eyes and imagine shes The Rock. Instead, I close my eyes and imagine shes the editor of the Evening Standard. You can try this at home.
Woke rating: 7/10. Enlightenment
Wednesday
In the morning, I set up a suggestions box for my female colleagues asking how I can improve my conduct in the office. Obviously I have anticipated all suggestions anyway, as I explain patiently to everyone who cant keep up, but its a useful exercise for the women to think about. I have also created a banter box, which is like a swear jar, but less tolerant of jokes about t***. I am ready for my halo.
As an alternative to hugs, I have moved onto air fives, which are neither high nor low. It is an equal opportunities five which I have couched at 5ft 7.5in, the average height of a UK human person. If I greet you, you are neither man or woman in my eyes, friend, you are an anthropomorphic cool cat. I have checked with HR and can confirm this is fine. At 5pm, I check my box, which contains a P45, and a lewd note I have sent myself so I can better empathise, and a Post-it asking me to stop mansplaining mansplaining .
Woke rating: 8/10. This temple is a broad church
Thursday
Like rheumatism, my male privilege was troubling me last night. What to do with it? I was advised by a feminist forum to share or vacate my platform but it turns out that no one wants it. I have more Twitter followers than you, my mum points out. She has suggestions. Why dont you set up a discussion group at wor.... I interrupt, because Ive just been struck by the idea of setting up a discussion group at work. Men only.
If I was woke before (and boy, was I) I have taken the socially conscious equivalent of Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderall, washed down with a strong Co-operative coffee. The American writer Maya Binyam coined the term Woke Olympics, a kind of contest in which white players compete. I have begun to training in earnest. I am woking out.
Woke rating: 9/10. An epiphany
Friday
My woke week is causing me angst. Im putting down my thoughts in poetry. So far Ive got Why, why,
Y chromosomes? What a burden to bear. I cant be the only phallus-carrying member of the manosphere to feel the shame of my gender. Cant you tell how earnest I am about shaping up? Do I hold the door open or dont I? Earning the woke badge is no picnic. I dont quite understand the full historical context but I have shared Emma Watsons UN address on my Facebook page. I went to private school, Ive never had to work so hard for anything! So cut me some slack, girls. Its not all men.
Woke rating: 4/10. A crisis of faith
Saturday
I tire of being an example to fellow man. Staying woke is exhausting. Maybe my journey should be inwards. I trawl backwards through my Facebook activity log for self-truths from my innocent youth to inspire the fallen man I have become.
Id forgotten said innocent youth was a desperate, lovelorn and spotty teen, so hes not much help. Do I contradict myself? Very well, I contradict myself. I am vast, I contain multitudes. Sure, one of those multitudes has visited the website Pornhub but at least he maintains an operational anxiety to compensate for it. Nobodys perfect. Dont @ me.
Woke rating: 1/10. Catatonic
Sunday
So what to do when youre not only expected to be better but better than expected? The Weinstein paradigm shift has engendered a binary reaction in the average man: youre either running scared (a***holes), or not (idiots). That flutter of panic should be something you hold onto, even treasure. It is the shred of decency released from Pandoras box, and if you are gentle, it might grow. Have you ever behaved as you shouldnt have? Definitely. You are an adult man. You have work to do. Can you do it quietly? I need to catch up on sleep. Besides, its not me who should be making all the noise.
Woke rating: 10/10 God complex
T hey said staying in was the new going out. Weekend plans were shelved, nights out cancelled and curtains drawn. Our lives were swallowed down social media holes, sofa comas, and Netflix binges in bed. Why would you go out for dinner when you can order a pasta puttanesca on Uber EATS and never leave the house, they cried. The sloths were kings of the urban jungle.
Never knowingly out-thought, Londons high-street shops and hotels have found a crafty way of luring us out of the house. They called it going in: all the cosy, pampered delights of home, without the same old furniture. John Lewis is hosting pyjama parties, you can boost your brain power at the Corinthia, and youll never have a happier night's sleep than at the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. In, out, shake it all about. Its the best of both worlds.
Shop til you drop
At John Lewis on Oxford Street, youre invited to get cosy in Londons most famous bed space. For two nights later this month, the third floor will be transformed into the worlds most beautiful dormitory: think luxury bed linens, glorious home decor and the latest in sleep tech.
Its basically a giant, luxury, grown-up sleepover but only for two hours. Indeed, the idea isnt to stay overnight, say co-founders Annabel Rivkin and Emilie McMeekan, but to take time out for yourself. On arrival, youll be handed a glass of champagne, then the time is yours to fill as you please. You could pamper yourself with a massage, slip under the sheets with a hot water bottle or gorge yourself on treats from the midnight feast pantry. Bobbi Brown makeup will also be on hand if youre going out after.
The target audience are midults: a new generation of funny, digitally-literate and extremely anxious women who refuse to be middle-aged, say Rivkin and McMeekan. The pair founded The Midult website last year as a counter- proposal to everything out there for grown-up women. The Lying Down Club, they say, was inspired by the end of a yoga session; when the contortion is finally over, you lie down and suddenly realise you have five minutes, maybe seven, to yourself ... so why not steal a full two hours?
15 for a double, thelyingdownclub.com
Sleep skincare 1 /12 Sleep skincare Shutterstock / ADS Portrait
Sleep smart
At the Corinthia in Westminster, getting enough sleep is all about boosting your brain power: if you dont get your seven to nine hours a night, your IQ will drop by five to eight points the next day, they claim. Make sure you count your sheep. The hotel offers a residential package that includes an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast from a special menu designed to get those cognitive juices flowing (strictly mocktails only).
Naturally, fish is on the menu: mains include walnut-crusted baked mackerel with avocado and monkfish liver toast with red grape and merlot vinegar sauce, while desserts range from mango and chia seed pudding to avocado chiffon cake. Half an hour before bed, guests are invited to sip on a Melatonic, a soporific concoction of warm milk, manuka honey and ground turmeric.
The package also includes a two-hour session of mindful massage and Yoga Nidra, a powerful type of guided sleep meditation.
When it comes to sleeping, guests can choose from a pillows menu and quality bedding, boosted by sleep-inducing lavender pillow sprays, and are given bedsocks to keep their feet warm. Youll be submerged in darkness, thanks to blackout blinds, and the room is kept at an optimal 20-22c, in keeping with your natural night-time body temperature.
From 618, corinthia.com
Happy campers
The secret to happiness is a fluffy towel, the sound of jazz and the colour green. The Sheraton Grand London Park Lane has partnered with a behavioural scientist and psychologist to create a hotel suite designed to make you happier.
In the Five Sense Suite, youll be treated to painstakingly researched moodboosters to get your endorphines racing, such as an in-suite beauty experience, champagne cocktail happy hour served by a private mixologist, a packing and unpacking service and a personal bath butler (they used a conscious questionnaire, facial coding and heart rate monitors to guage what made guests happiest).
Theres also a meticulously constructed, five-fold bliss package: jazz, which elicited an average of 4.3 times smiles per person; greenery, with each guest contacted before their stay to find out their favourite colour of flower, then gifted them on arrival; lavender and sea scents, diffused in the room; and softness on the skin (98% of respondents reported feeling contented through touching soft items).
The luxury towel menu gives guests a choice of some of the softest towels available, including Egyptian cotton, hydro-cotton and 100 per cent organic cotton towels. You couldnt be happier. If only you didnt have to leave.
From 1,570 per night, sheratonparklane.com
A fitness instructor has been convicted of murdering his 18-month-old adopted daughter by violently shaking her and striking her head.
Matthew Scully-Hicks, 31, inflicted a catalogue of injuries - including bruises, a broken leg and a fall down a full flight of stairs - on Elsie in the eight months he had care of her.
She died four days after being violently shaken and sustaining a fractured skull just two weeks after being formally adopted by the defendant and his husband.
Cardiff Crown Court heard Scully-Hicks, who broke down in tears when the verdict was returned, struggled to cope with the toddler and branded her "a psycho", "the exorcist" and "Satan dressed up in a Babygro" in text messages.
Neighbours heard the former lifeguard shouting "shut the f*** up" at Elsie and calling her a "little f****** brat" and a "silly little c***" when she cried.
Elsie died four days after being violently shaken and sustaining a fractured skull
Scully-Hicks insisted he never harmed Elsie and claimed she must have spontaneously suffered fatal injuries after he changed her for bed at home in Llandaff, Cardiff, on May 25 last year.
But following the trial lasting more than four weeks, during which 12 medical experts and six doctors gave evidence, jurors unanimously found him guilty of murder.
The jury returned their verdict on their fourth day of deliberating the case.
An independent Child Practice Review is now under way to examine the "tragic circumstances" of Elsie's death, a spokesman for Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Regional Safeguarding Children Board said.
Following the verdict, prosecutor Paul Lewis QC told the court: "Elsie was particularly vulnerable by reason of her age.
"There was a gross abuse of trust on the part of the defendant. We invite the court to bear in mind the nature and the extent of the injuries suffered.
"All the injuries suffered by Elsie in her short life while living with the defendant were deliberately inflicted by him."
The court heard Elsie was fit and healthy before she was murdered by her adopted father on May 25 2016.
She attended a toddler gym class, played on swings at a local park and accompanied her father shopping.
During his evidence, Scully-Hicks told the jury they had bought an outfit for Elsie to wear at a party to celebrate her adoption.
After finishing her dinner, at about 5.45pm, she walked "hand in hand" with Scully-Hicks into the lounge and was changed for bed, the defendant said.
In a 999 call at 6.18pm, he told the operator: "I was just changing my daughter for bed and she went all floppy and limp."
Mr Lewis said: "We submit this must have been (an attack) that required considerable force in gripping of the child because of the medical evidence of the fractures of the wrist. There must have been forceful shaking.
"There must have been gripping and shaking. Either her head was hit against a hard surface, or a hard object was used to strike Elsie to the head."
In police interviews and during his evidence, Scully-Hicks said he had left Elsie alone for a few minutes before returning to find her unresponsive.
Police and paramedics arrived at the property at 6.26pm and found Elsie not breathing, with no pulse, in the lounge.
Tests later revealed she had suffered three separate areas of bleeding on her brain, retinal bleeding, a skull fracture and three rib fractures.
Elsie died in hospital in the early hours of May 29.
Scully-Hicks left full-time work to care for Elsie, who was placed with the couple in September 2015, while his husband worked.
Mr Lewis said the toddler did not "co-operate" with the routine the couple wanted to put in place, and was difficult at meals and bedtime.
Elsie fractured her right leg in two places in November 2015 and suffered bruises to her head in December, and January 2016.
In March, Elsie was taken to hospital after apparently falling down the stairs.
All of Elsie's injuries allegedly took place when she was alone with Scully-Hicks, who was nicknamed "safety boy" by his husband.
"She was just 18 months old," Mr Lewis said.
"She was defenceless and vulnerable. Elsie Scully-Hicks died because the defendant murdered her."
Scully-Hicks claimed that medical evidence that could explain his daughter's injuries had not yet been found.
A vitamin D deficiency may have left Elsie's legs more susceptible to fractures, his barrister told the court.
Representing Scully-Hicks, Robert O'Sullivan QC said his client had been examined by two psychiatric experts.
"Matthew Scully-Hicks doesn't suffer from any psychiatric illness or personality disorder," Mr O'Sullivan said.
Scully-Hicks has no previous convictions and is of previous good character, he added.
"It is consistent with the jury's verdict, and the evidence heard was this offence was committed in a sudden and unpremeditated outburst of frustration," Mr O'Sullivan told the court.
"There is no evidence that he had any animosity to Elsie that day."
Scully-Hicks will be sentenced at 2pm on Tuesday.
Mr Lewis said: "During the period of the jury's deliberations, at my request, police officers contacted Craig Scully-Hicks to ask whether he wished to prepare a victim personal statement in connection with this case.
"He does not wish to do so, so there is no statement from him."
A statement from Elsie's birth grandmother was passed to the judge to consider. The contents of the statement were not read to the court.
Mrs Justice Nicola Davies told the jury: "You have properly carried out your public duties as jurors. I am very grateful to each one of you."
Speaking outside court, Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Wales, of South Wales Police, said the circumstances of Elsie's murder were "extremely rare".
"Our thoughts today are with little Elsie and those who knew and loved her," he said.
"Her untimely death at just 18 months old has had a devastating effect, first and foremost on her family, who remain uppermost in our thoughts.
"Elsie's death has also impacted a wider community, including the many professionals involved in her care and the subsequent investigation.
"I would like to thank all of them, including the many witnesses who assisted the prosecution.
"This case represents an extremely rare and distressing set of circumstances.
"We at South Wales Police continue to respect and value the role that adoption, and those involved, play in our society."
Lisa McCarthy, a senior crown prosecutor within CPS Cymru-Wales, described the case as "tragic".
"The evidence put forward by the CPS proved that Matthew Scully-Hicks was not only responsible for those injuries, but that he intended to seriously harm her," she said.
"The prosecution built a case through careful and detailed analysis of witness accounts, medical evidence and the circumstances surrounding Elsie's death."
P olice made 25 arrests as protesters wearing Guy Fawkes masks marched through London in an anti-capitalist Bonfire Night demonstration yesterday.
Demonstrators chanted slogans and let off fireworks around Trafalgar Square and Downing Street but otherwise there was little trouble.
Most people were arrested for public order offences and others were held for firework related incidents or possession of drugs or offensive weapons.
Thousands of people are estimated to have taken part in the march, organised by the hacking collective Anonymous, although numbers were said to be considerably lower than in previous years.
Protesters descended on central London (NIGEL HOWARD ) / NIGEL HOWARD
Officers maintained a heavy presence outside key locations such as Downing Street, with Scotland Yard enforcing restrictions over the scale and location of the protest following ugly scenes in previous years when bloodied activists clashed with officers.
The event, is held on November 5 every year.
Police imposed conditions on the march, limiting it to a three-hour period between 6pm and 9pm on a prescribed route between Trafalgar Square and Whitehall.
A protester dressed as Donald Trump during the march (NIGEL HOWARD ) / NIGEL HOWARD
A post on the event's Facebook page ahead of the march, which warned activists that "police are not your friends", read: "We have seen the abuses and malpractice of this government, and governments before it.
"We have seen the encroaching destruction of many civil liberties we hold dear, we have seen the pushes to make the internet yet another part of the surveillance state.
Demonstrators burn the American flag before the Million Mask March / REUTERS
"We have seen the Government's disregard for migrants, for the poor, the elderly and the disabled, we have seen the capital, profit and greed of the few put before the wellbeing of the many and we say enough is enough."
It finishes: "The Government and the 1 per cent have played their hand. Now it's time to play ours. Expect us."
Crowds gather in central London / REUTERS
One masked activist, who gave his name as Bob, a steeplejack from Grantham in Lincolnshire, said: "I come every year because I believe in the movement.
"I believe people need to wake up and see what's happening in the world.
"The governments don't work for the people, they work for the businesses."
Asked about the violent exchanges which marred previous demonstrations in the capital, the activist - who said he trusts social media as his primary head source - said: "I don't want anybody to get hurt, I'd prefer that.
"There are always one or two people who piggyback this movement - they're the instigators."
Additional reporting by Press Association.
T he mother of a man stabbed to death in a row over perceived disrespect called today for more police stop and searches, saying every knife off the street could be a life saved.
Bilal Kargbo, 26, was killed by Parrish Ofoeme, 23, in front of shoppers in Peckham after a disagreement about which man might have been staring at the other.
Mr Kargbo, who had three children and a job in a mobile phone shop, was 10 days from returning with his family to Sierra Leone to work in real estate with his father.
He had been out celebrating Sierra Leones independence day when he was stabbed three times in Rye Lane, at 3.15pm on April 28.
Ofoeme, of Greenwich, had an unhealthy interest in knives, his trial at Inner London crown court was told. He was convicted of murder last week and sentenced to life with a minimum term of 21 years.
Good friends: Bilal Kargbo, left, died in front of Alim Komora who he had known since he was 11 / Alim Komora
Mr Kargbos mother, Zainab Fofanah, told the Standard: We need the authorities to do more to keep knives off the streets. The police need to do more stop and search.
Every time they take a knife from someone in the street it could be a life saved.
Ms Fofanah moved to the capital in 1992 to escape Sierra Leones civil war, which broke out in 1991 and involved the widespread use of child soldiers.
I travelled from Africa and I thought I had found a safe place to raise my sons, she said.
In London things have become a lot more dangerous over recent years - especially around my area. Its very frightening when I walk out in Peckham. When you walk past young boys wearing hoods and baggy clothes you never know what theyve got behind their back or in their pocket.
Ms Fofanah said her sons children were struggling without their father, who lived in Borough.
His children dont really understand whats happened. Its been very difficult. Its turned the whole family upside down. All of our plans have disappeared.
Figures released by the Office for National Statistics this month show knife offences in London were up by 34 per cent in the year to June.
Ms Fofanah acknowledged that any rise in stop and searches would be problematic, after accusations that police have unfairly targeted black youngsters and other ethnic minorities in the past.
But she said: Black people are hurting their own communities and killing each other. Something needs to be done to stop it. More people need to be searched for knifes on the street, and when they are caught they should be given higher sentences.
This problem isnt going to go away if it remains so easy for people to walk around with concealed knives.
A woman who claims she was raped by a stranger in a London hotel room is setting up a crowdfunding page to bring her alleged attacker to justice after prosecutors declined to bring charges.
Emily Hunt, 38, who has waived her right to anonymity, says that she woke up naked and terrified after being allegedly drugged and raped at the end of an evening out in May 2015.
The mother of one rang the police to report what had happened and later learned that she had been filmed by the man while lying naked and unconscious.
However, the Crown Prosecution Service decided that there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.
Allegation: Emily Hunt says she was raped at the Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green / Alamy
Ms Hunt, a strategy consultant from Hackney, plans to bring a private prosecution against her alleged rapist.
She said she had gone out for lunch at about 1pm but could not recall anything after about 4pm. She woke up next to a man at the Town Hall Hotel in Bethnal Green that evening and called a friend who contacted the police. It emerged that she had met him in a bar earlier that day.
She told the Standard: I woke up naked and terrified on a hotel bed next to a man Id never seen before. I suspected that I been drugged, and, as I found out two days later, I had been raped. I reported it immediately so the police had me, my rapist and the hotel room.
"They found used condoms in the room. The Crown Prosecution Service told me they couldnt prosecute.
One reason was that there is CCTV footage of me being very flirty, kissing him. But I believe I was drugged. In the CCTV Im literally falling over so its very clear that Im heavily intoxicated.
I dont remember meeting him or any of that. It was impossible for me to have given consent. I was falling over.
"The police wouldnt take me for a medical exam because I was too intoxicated to give consent for a medical exam.
Ms Hunt, who is originally from New York, claimed police had suggested she might have made the allegation because she had been unfaithful to her boyfriend something she strenuously denies.
She said: I am launching a charity to crowdfund the private prosecution of the man who raped me and to help other victims. I refuse to give up.
The CPS said: Having looked carefully at all the available evidence, a specialist prosecutor decided there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction in this case.
"At the request of the victim, the case was subject to a further review by the head of our rape and sexual offences team, who upheld the original decision.
We met the victim to explain the decision further and answer any questions she had. While we are of course sympathetic to the complainant, this is not a prosecution we were able to bring to court.
Prosecutors must be convinced that there is sufficient evidence to create a realistic prospect of conviction before bringing charges. The crucial question is often whether the victim consented to sex or not.
In cases where the victim has been drinking, prosecutors can bring charges on the grounds that they were incapable of consenting.
Previous court cases have demonstrated, however, that a person can give consent, even if they have consumed large quantities of alcohol, if it is deemed that they were still able to say yes to sex, either verbally or through physical actions.
In such cases, other evidence, including statements from witnesses who might have seen the alleged victim and attacker before they had sex, and CCTV footage, can be studied by prosecutors.
The aim of using such evidence is to decide whether a jury is likely to accept the condition of the victim before an alleged rape and whether they gave signs of consenting to physical contact with their alleged attacker.
For more on Emily's story visit this link
A Polish man is fighting for his life in hospital after he was "viciously attacked" at one of London's busiest Tube stations.
Police said two men were assaulted at Oxford Circus Tube station on Sunday morning.
British Transport Police said they were called to reports of a serious assault on the southbound Bakerloo line platform three at about 11.15am.
The victims, two Polish men, were rushed to hospital. One of them remained in a criticial condition with life-threatening injuries on Monday.
Police said detectives were working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and enquiries were ongoing.
Inspector Mark Summerfield said: "This was a vicious attack that has left a man in a critical condition and I am asking anyone who saw anything or who has any information about this incident to come forward and talk to us.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting ref 195 of 05/11/17.
G enerous donors have pledged thousands of pounds to help a man likely to lose sight in both eyes following a horrific acid attack in east London.
Delivery driver Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, 32, was attacked when two thugs tried to steal his moped on Thursday night.
He had just finishing dropping off a delivery in Walthamstow, north London, when the thieves demanded he hand over his keys.
Mr Kamal, who has lived in Britain for eight years, refused and was repeatedly doused with the corrosive liquid during the attack in Walpole Road at about 6pm on Thursday. He was sprayed in the face and chest.
Now, supporters have rallied round to pledge a staggering 7,200 to aid Mr Kamals recovery and help his family.
An online fundraising page was launched on Saturday by a Najma Bhatti.
The Good Samaritan wrote on the JustGiving page: Muhammed Nawshad Kamal was the victim of a horrific acid attack in Walthamstow, London, on Thursday, November 2.
He has suffered catastrophic life changing injuries and reports say he may lose his sight.
He was attacked whilst going about his work, earning an honest living - and now will no doubt need as much support as he can get from all of us.
Please contribute whatever you can so we can help him and his family not have to worry about finances at least right now, so he can focus on recovery.
Donors sent heart-warming messages of support to Mr Kamal.
One person wrote: So sorry you've had to go through this. Best wishes to you and your family and for the best recovery possible.
Another added: I'm very sorry to hear what has happened to you. I hope you can get through this with strength and resilience.
A friend of the victim Imran Rumel told the Daily Mail: "I have been to see him in hospital and he is in a terrible state. I don't know if he will ever see again."
Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, have been arrested on suspicion of GBH over the attack.
Both have been released under investigation.
Scotland Yard believes that the same attackers struck again at 6.30pm in Tottenham in another attempted robbery about a mile and a half away.
A second delivery driver, also 32, suffered non-life-threatening injuries when he was sprayed in the face by two males who were trying to rob his scooter, police said.
Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Henderson, of Waltham Forest CID, said: "This attack has left a man fighting for his life and with terrible eye injuries.
This was an innocent man going about his work as a delivery driver, who may never see again. This is not a time to hesitate, if you have any information about this crime I would appeal that you immediately call police. Your phone call could save some other innocent person; it is imperative that we arrest those responsible."
Police said they have fully not established whether the two incidents are linked and have not arrested anyone in connection with the second attack.
Any witnesses to the recent attacks are urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
L ondon doctors are working to develop a natural form of IVF using a chemical known as the kissing hormone after tests suggested it is safer and more effective than conventional treatment.
A total of 63 babies have been born to mothers involved in Imperial College trials that used kisspeptin to trigger their fertility cycle. The live birth rate from 176 couples was 36 per cent about 10 percentage points higher than a normal round of IVF.
Kisspeptin is a naturally occurring hormone that acts in the brain to kick-start ovulation, and is also a key driver of puberty.
Crucially, trials found the new method was safer for women at risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can cause kidney failure and prove fatal in extreme cases.
Professor Waljit Dhillo, the consultant endocrinologist who led the trials, said he hoped the treatment could be widely available within five years, effectively eliminating the risk of OHSS. We think kisspeptin might be a safer and more effective therapy than current triggers for egg maturation, he added.
Unlike hCG, the hormone normally administered during IVF, kisspeptin is broken down more quickly, meaning the risk of overstimulation is lower.
It completely worked and Id recommend it 100% Andrea Kennedy had her second son, Jenson, in April last year after taking part in the trials at Hammersmith hospital. He was the 43rd child born as a result of the programme. Mrs Kennedy, 36, has polycystic ovary syndrome and endometriosis. She had her first son through traditional IVF, after struggling to conceive. But she developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and spent almost a week in hospital. Her ovaries grew so large that they touched, a condition known as kissing ovaries. She discovered the Hammersmith trial after searching online for options to avoid hyperstimulation when planning her second baby. It was very painful and dangerous, she said. Her first IVF treatment, at Oxford, resulted in 19 eggs being harvested. During the Hammersmith trial, only 13 were harvested but she didnt get any of the horrible symptoms. Mrs Kennedy, who lives near Bedford, said: I was absolutely fine. It was just like an IVF pregnancy but with none of the side-effects. It completely worked. I didnt hyper-stimulate at all. She said she would recommend kisspeptin to other women 100 per cent, adding: Im hoping this drug does become available for others. It was completely nasty symptom free. Mrs Kennedy had a third son 10 months ago, after conceiving naturally.
Kisspeptin was discovered in 1996, and two landmark studies in 2003 revealed that animals and humans without it could not enter puberty.
This prompted the London doctors to consider whether it had a use in helping people struggling to conceive. The Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health Research provided 1.5 million in funding for tests.
The team achieved a world first in 2013 when Heath Kidd was born after kisspeptin was used to kick-start his mother Suzies ovaries in a trial by Imperial and Hammersmith Hospital.
Its use has been found to be gentler than conventional IVF, which causes the ovaries to super-stimulate and can lead to the release of a large number of eggs.
A private drugs company is now working with Imperial to develop an adapted form of the hormone, and Professor Dhillo is seeking funding for a large-scale study to confirm its safety and effectiveness.
OHSS affects about 4,500 women a year in the UK. The condition is likely to develop during IVF in about a third of women, particularly those with polycystic ovary syndrome. It can cause extreme pain and massive fluid retention, including in the lungs or stomach, leading to women being hospitalised.
Infertility affects one in six couples, and the number of IVF cycles in Britain has increased to around 45,000 a year. About two per cent of babies are born via IVF.
A Harrow woman who married a senior Isis figure said that the only reason she had children was to raise them to become killers.
Mother-of-four Tania Georgelas, 33, added that the racism she was subjected to as a Londoner led to her becoming radicalised.
She said: I've had these children for one reason only, and that was so they could serve god as Muslims, as mujahideen.
In an interview with The Atlantic, she said she had faced a lot of racism during her upbringing, which fuelled her hatred for the West.
One of five children born in London to a British-Bangladeshi couple, she later travelled to Syria with her husband so their family could become terrorists.
London-born: Tania Georgelas moved to Syria with her family / Facebook
She said: We had bad neighbours, they would smash our windows, but generally I just felt like an outsider.
I was looking for a way to retaliate, and I wanted honour again.
In her teens she became a prolific drug user and dropped out of school but it was while studying A-levels at a sixth form college in east London that her family believes she fell under the influence of a group of ultra-conservative Algerian students.
And after the September 11 terror attacks, when she was aged 17, she said she became really jihadi hardcore.
She said: I saw the towers being crashed into and I went to school the next day.
I said to my friend: Oh isn't it dreadful what happened? and she looked at me and said: Is it really?
At that point I became really jihadi hardcore.
A few years later while attending a protest march against the Iraq war she was handed details of a Muslim matchmaking website.
She met her husband, John Georgelas, an American-born convert to Islam, through the website and the couple fell in love over discussions of jihad, marrying in 2004.
She said: Our dreams were to have land of our own, raise a family and train them to be assassins or whatever, soldiers, and then eventually go join the jihad.
After settling in her husband's home town of Plano, Texas, the couple had four children, and travelled by bus with them to Syria in 2013.
They set up home in the abandoned villa of a Syrian general in the town of Azaz but within months Ms Georgelas wanted to return home as her children became sick.
With the help of her husband's parents she made her way back to Plano, where she now lives.
She has since been granted a divorce and has returned to online dating, meeting Craig, an IT worker, within 24 hours on the site.
She said: I went to the dating website Match, I wrote an essay: 'I have four kids, my husband abandoned me to go become the next Osama Bin Ladin'. I got 1,300 replies.
But she said she remains in love with her ex-husband, known in Isis as Yahya al-Bahrumi.
She claimed she has turned her back on Isis and that she is reformed.
Graeme Wood, an Isis expert, who interviewed her said: She never, in my conversations with her, advocated violence or seriously regretted leaving John at the Syrian border.
And yet there are signs - not of violence, but of a permanent effect of her jihadist brainwashing.
A nimal welfare experts are monitoring the "Thames dolphin" after it was spotted in the river for the second time in a week.
There has been speculation as to whether the animal is a common dolphin or a porpoise.
It was seen last week after it swam 40 miles up the Thames and was seen near Putney Bridge, Kew and Richmond.
The RSPCA said it was liaising with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, which is monitoring the aquatic mammal.
Another sighting of it was reported on Sunday by the Mets Marine Policing Unit, who tweeted: Taking care not to get too close, Marine 2 got a tantalising glimpse of the Thames #Dolphin at Wandsworth this morning.
Dolphin: The animal was spotted on Sunday by police officers monitoring the Thames / @MPSonthewater
Officers shared a video of the animal's fin poking out of the water as it surfaced.
Later, they posted a picture of it swimming up close to the boat, writing: Despite our best efforts to keep clear it would seem #Dolphins are as interested in us as we are of them. Popped up next to us (engines off).
The animal was previously spotted from river banks in Kew, Richmond and Putney. / @LexieCarducci
According to marine officers, they regularly see porpoises, seals and dolphins up and down the Thames.
Officers previously requested that people do not approach the mammal in case it leads to it beaching itself.
But crowds gathered to watch it, while rowers took close-up videos from their boats.
The porpoise's fin was spotted bobbing up and down along the south west London part of the river. / @LexieCarducci
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said the animal welfare charity has been made aware of a dolphin which has been spotted in the River Thames.
"We are liaising with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), who are monitoring the mammal and are available to assist their teams if necessary," she said.
And a spokeswoman for the BDMLR said the group were not concerned about the animal's welfare as it is fairly common for them to travel up the river.
It is thought to be the fourth time a dolphin or porpoise has been sighted in the Thames in nine months.
In May this year an ex-Olympic swimmer recorded what appeared to be a dolphin in the Thames in Richmond.
A baby dolphin was also sighted in February close to Embankment pier.
C rashing out of the EU without a Brexit deal would be calamitous for the UK, Irelands agriculture minister has warned.
Michael Creed told the Evening Standard that reverting to World Trade Organisation (WTO) tariffs post-Brexit would be worse for the UK than it would be for other EU countries.
No deal is a disaster for us, he said, speaking in Brussels. Thats also calamitous for the UK.
If the raison detre for Brexit in the UK was about striding the globe and doing their own trade agreements, a hard Brexit is walking away from a market of 450 million people in Europe. And that is bad for Ireland - it is worse for the United Kingdom.
Ireland's agriculture minister: Michael Creed / Twitter
His warning came as businesses said the countdown had started for them to move jobs abroad unless reassured quickly that there would be a trade deal or, as a stop-gap, a transitional period of two years or more.
* Carolyn Fairbairn, head of the Confederation of British Industry said: Were now in the window of decision making. CBI research found six in 10 firms will trigger contingency plans by the end of next March.
* Nearly two-thirds of EU businesses expect to move some of their supply chains out of the UK because of Brexit, a new survey found. Four in 10 UK firms are looking to replace their EU suppliers, found the study for Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.
* Theresa May said Britain should look forward to life after Brexit with rational optimism, telling the CBI: There are huge opportunities ahead. Making the most of them will demand hard work, imagination, and commitment.
Mr Creed also cautioned the Government against overlooking the impact of Brexit on the Northern Ireland peace process.
How we could retreat so quickly is, I dont think, recognised by the current government in the UK - the real dangers of going into reverse on the peace process in Northern Ireland - and thats a real worry.
He added: They say nothing concentrates the mind like a hanging.
Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire is in Brussels today to meet EU lead Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, security commissioner Julian King and agriculture chief Phil Hogan.
Ahead of his visit, Mr Brokenshire said there should be no physical infrastructure at the border and that he was confident that specific solutions will be found for Northern Ireland.
The British government will do all in its power to secure an outcome that works for all parts of the United Kingdom, Mr Brokenshire said ahead of his visit.
He will also brief EU officials on the latest developments in Northern Ireland power-sharing talks, which broke down again last week.
S cotland Yard spends more than a million pounds a year locking up recreational cannabis users, a former Cabinet minister said today.
Met Police spent 3.1 million holding people in cells for possession or intent to supply the class B drug over a three-year period.
Lib-Dem Sir Edward Davey said the Home Office should order police to prioritise tackling drug barons and stop pursuing casual users.
A series of Freedom of Information requests revealed it costs 450 to hold a suspect for 12 hours in a cell.
Sir Edward, who is pushing to decriminalise the Class B drug, said: Police officers are being cut, violent crime is spiralling and were spending millions locking people up overnight in police cells for cannabis possession.
This is a damning indictment of the Governments expensive and failing approach.
Elsewhere in the world, evidence is mounting that the best way to hit the real drug villains is to put them out of business with a legal, regulated market where you can properly protect young people and public health.
Figures released by the Met to the Lib Dems show that 6,924 people spent up to 12 hours in custody solely for cannabis offences between 2013 and 2016.
The Met said it only arrests people on their third offence and pointed out that criminal networks use cannabis sales to fund more serious crimes.
A Home Office spokesman said: This Government has no plans to decriminalise cannabis.
There is a substantial body of scientific and medical evidence to show that cannabis is a harmful drug and can damage peoples mental and physical health, and harms individuals and communities.
T heresa May is set to tell business leaders to be optimistic over plans for a trade deal with the EU after Brexit.
In a speech to trade chiefs at the Confederation of British Industry today, the Prime Minister is set to highlight the importance of a transitional agreement despite recently claiming no deal would be made until divorce agreements are finalised.
She will tell leaders any deal will be introduced with a strictly time-limited implementation period to get things moving more quickly.
Mrs May will also call on traders to show rational optimism about the economy over the next decade once Britain has left the EU.
The talks come after months of pressure on Mrs May to commit to a basic idea of what a trade deal will look like in 2019.
Brexit: Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the Commons on the recent EU summit / AFP/Getty Images
International businesses have become increasingly vocal in recent weeks over fears that Britain could crash out of the worlds biggest trading bloc without a deal.
Mrs May surprised many executives two weeks ago when she said that any transition deal would only be part of a wider trade agreement - potentially stripping companies of the time they needed to prepare to leave the EU.
On Monday, she will say that she is confident that Britain and the EU will soon be able to start discussing the outlines of any transitional deal.
Davis expects 'exciting' Brexit negotiations to go down to the wire
Many business leaders are opposed to Britains plans to leave the EU fearing leaving the trading bloc amid claims prices business costs will soar.
But supporters of Brexit say although there may be a short-term hit to the economy, Britain will benefit over the long term by being able to set its own rules.
Ahead of a policy document on industrial strategy that will be published this month, Mrs May will also signal a break with traditional Conservative economic policy.
This will take lessons from the past failures of governments to give sectors and places across the country the long-term support they need to cope with economic change and compete in a changing global market place, the Prime Minister will say.
T hree of the UKs top writers have accused the Labour party of widespread anti-Semitism which is being disguised as criticism of Israeli governments.
Historians Simon Schama and Simon Sebag Montefiore and Booker Prize winner Howard Jacobson wrote a letter published in The Times today expressing their concern over the tone and direction of debate about Israel and Zionism in the party.
A Labour spokeswoman said the party takes allegations of anti-semitism "extremely seriously" and that its governing body the NEC had recently agreed a strong code of behaviour and pledge to tackle abuse.
In the letter the writers claim that constructive criticism of Israeli governments has morphed into something closer to anti-Semitism under the cloak of so-called anti-Zionism.
And they described Jeremy Corbyns reaction to accusations of ant-Semitism as derisory, writing: It is not enough to denounce all racisms in general when this specific strain rages unchecked.
Criticism: Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore signed the letter in the The Times / PA Archive/PA Images
They stated they have no objection to fair criticism of Israel governments but said it has become akin to a demonisation of Zionism itself.
They argue that although anti-Zionists claim innocence of any anti-Semitic intent, anti-Zionism frequently borrows the libels of classical Jew-hating.
Zionism is the national movement of the Jewish people that supports the right of them to a Jewish homeland and terrority in Israel.
Anti-Semitism accusations: Howard Jacobson, winner of the 2010 Man Booker Prize, was one of three writers to pen the note / PA Archive/PA Images
The writers argue that accusations over Jewish conspiracy and control of the media equate Zionism with colonialism and imperialism and the promotion of vicious, fictitious parallels with genocide and Nazism.
How, in such instances, is anti-Zionism distinguishable from anti-Semitism? they wrote. Such themes and language have become widespread in Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party.
They said they support the right for a Palestinian state to exist peacefully alongside Israel, and acknowledged that the Palestinian people have suffered wrongs that must be healed.
Letter: Simon Schama was one of three writers to accuse the party of 'widespread' anti-Semitism / PA Archive/PA Images
We do not attempt to minimalise their suffering nor the part played by the creation of the state of Israel. Yet justice for one nation does not make justice for the other inherently wicked.
A Labour spokeswoman said: the party takes all allegations of anti-Semitism extremely seriously.
She added: The NEC recently agreed a strong code of conduct for both online and offline behaviour and a strong pledge on abuse that all members are expected to abide by, and Conference this year voted overwhelmingly to introduce tough new rules to tackle discrimination.
Corbyn: We will not tolerate anti-Semitism or other racism
At the party conference in September Mr Corbyn faced criticism for not condemning anti-Semitism in his keynote speech and was urged to investigate a left-wing group accused of circulating anti-Semitic literature discussing the commonality between Zionists and Nazis.
T he Queen should apologise if her advisers invested money offshore in order to avoid tax, Jeremy Corbyn suggested today.
The Labour leader waded into the row over the Paradise Papers release of millions of secret tax documents.
The Duchy of Lancaster, which manages Her Majestys private estate, faces claims that 10 million of her personal fortune was invested in funds in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.
Asked if the Queen should apologise for her private estate making offshore investments, as claimed in the Paradise Papers, Mr Corbyn said: Anyone that is putting money into tax havens in order to avoid taxation in Britain and obviously investigations have to take place should do two things: not just apologise for it, but also recognise what it does to our society, because if a very wealthy person wants to avoid taxation in Britain and therefore put money into a tax haven somewhere who loses? Schools, hospitals, housing, all those public services lose.
The rest of the population have to pay to cover up the deficit created by that.
The Duchy of Lancaster, which manages Her Majestys private estate, faces claims that 10 million of her personal fortune was invested in tax haven funds / Getty Images
Hundreds of the worlds super-rich face the prospect of revelations about their tax affairs after the leak of 13.4 million confidential documents, mainly from one leading firm in offshore finance.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell also called on the Duchy of Lancaster to be grilled. What we need is a public inquiry on tax avoidance overall, said Mr McDonnell. The Duchy of Lancaster manages on her [the Queens] behalf so they will have to be involved in a public inquiry like this.
Dame Margaret Hodge, former chairwoman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, said she believed the Queen would be completely shocked to learn that her funds had been invested in a way that sullied her reputation. In 1993 the Queen agreed to voluntarily pay tax on her private income and personally absorb a larger share of the public cost of the royal familys expenses.
It came amid festering resentment over royal wealth and lifestyle although Buckingham Palace denied it was related to public concern about the rising cost of the monarchy.
A spokesman for the estate said: We operate a number of investments and a few of these are with overseas funds. All of our investments are fully audited and legitimate.
Downing Street said Theresa May had no direct offshore investments and that she had a blind trust, like previous Prime Ministers, to ensure there were no conflicts of interest.
The Paradise Papers represent the biggest data leak since the Panama Papers release last year. Hundreds of individuals and companies reportedly have had their overseas investments exposed by the files.
There is no suggestion that those involved in investing their money in the tax havens acted illegally.
But the revelations sparked a fresh furore over whether the wealthy were using mechanisms to avoid paying tax in the UK.
Among those said to be named in the papers were former Tory treasurer Lord Ashcroft, who denies wrongdoing.
The US commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, allegedly had cash in a shipping company, Navigator, that deals with an energy firm allegedly co-owned by Russian leader Vladimir Putins son-in-law.
Mr Ross has denied hiding his involvement with Navigator when disclosing his financial affairs to a Senate committee earlier this year.
A UK Treasury spokeswoman said: Since 2010, the Government has secured an additional 160 billion by tackling tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance.
F ormula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton avoided paying tax on his 16.5million private jet, according to the Paradise Papers leak.
The 32-year-old received a 3.3million VAT refund when he imported his Bombardier Challenger 605 into the Isle of Man from Canada in 2013, according to the papers.
Accountancy firm EY and Appleby allegedly helped him and others set up leasing businesses through which jets were rented, while still allowing them use of the jets for personal journeys.
Hamilton finalised the deal at Ronaldsway Airport on the Isle of Man with his then-girlfriend Nicole Sherzinger.
Any private jet purchased outside the European Union is subject to 20 per cent VAT in order that it can move freely around the continent.
Under the scheme a screen company in Guernsey leased the jet from Hamilton's British Virgin Islands company, Stealth Aviation Limited, and imported it into the Isle of Man.
Hamiltons lawyers said a tax barrister review of the structure found that it was not illegal.
There is no suggestion Hamilton was directly involved in creating the scheme and legal sources close to him say it is practice for him to rely on professional advice.
Under UK and EU legislation, if the jet was to be used for business purposes only, he would have been entitled to a VAT rebate.
However the BBC's Panorama programme has seen documents which suggest the Mercedes star intended to make private flights about a third of the time.
Hamiltons social media accounts show him using the plane for holidays around the world, while he has also posted photos of his two bulldogs, Roscoe and Coco, on board.
Rita De La Feria, professor of tax law at Leeds University, told the BBC: If private usage of the jet is being disguised as business usage of the jet, then what you essentially have is a tax avoidance scheme.
You're using it for your own private interests, you're going on holidays, meeting friends. You're supposed to pay the tax on private consumption.
Among others said to be named in the tranche of material is former Tory treasurer Lord Ashcroft and US President Donald Trump's commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, who is reportedly linked to a Russian firm.
The Duchy of Lancaster, the private estate of the Queen, was found to have millions of pounds invested in offshore arrangements.
Around 10 million from the Queen's private fund was paid into funds in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda between 2004 and 2005, according to reports.
T he Queen's advisers should be forced to give evidence to a full public inquiry into offshore tax havens, Labour demanded today.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell called on the Duchy of Lancaster, which manages Her Majestys private estate, to be grilled over claims that 10 million of her personal fortune was invested in funds in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda.
He issued the demand as hundreds of the worlds super-rich faced the prospect of revelations about their tax affairs after a leak of 13.4million confidential documents, dubbed the Paradise Papers, mainly from one leading firm in offshore finance.
What we need is a public inquiry on tax avoidance overall, said Mr McDonnell.
The Duchy of Lancaster manages on her behalf so therefore they will have to be involved in a public inquiry like this.
Dame Margaret Hodge, former chairwoman of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, said she believed the Queen would be completely shocked to learn that her funds had been invested in a way that sullied her reputation.
The Queen voluntarily pays tax on any income she receives from the Duchy.
A spokesman for the Duchy of Lancaster estate said: We operate a number of investments and a few of these are with overseas funds. All of our investments are fully audited and legitimate.
The Paradise Papers represent the biggest data leak since the Panama Papers release last year.
Hundreds of individuals and companies reportedly have had their overseas investments exposed by the files, which are also said to reveal that major global companies have exploited offshore schemes to avoid tax.
There is no suggestion that those involved in investing their money in the tax havens acted illegally.
But the revelations sparked fresh furore over whether the wealthy are using mechanism to avoid paying tax in the UK.
Angel Gurria, head of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, said 50 countries were already sharing details of peoples overseas investments, with another 50 countries due to join the transparency programme in the next year.
Theresa May said: We want people to pay the tax that is due.
Among those said to be named in the papers are former Tory treasurer Lord Ashcroft, who denies any wrongdoing, and US president Donald Trumps commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross.
Mr Ross is allegedly shown by the papers to have had cash in a shipping company which deals with an energy company allegedly co-owned by Russian leader Vladimir Putins son-in-law.
A US commerce department told the BBC that Mr Ross recuses himself from matters focused on transoceanic shipping vessels and works closely with Commerce Department officials to ensure the highest ethical standards.
The UK Government responded to the disclosure by defending its record on combating tax avoidance and evasion.
A Treasury spokeswoman said: Since 2010, the Government has secured an additional 160 billion, more than the annual UK NHS budget, for our vital public services by tackling tax avoidance, evasion and non-compliance.
This includes more than 2.8 billion from those trying to hide money abroad to avoid paying what they owe.
W omen from Northern Ireland will now be offered free abortions through the NHS in Scotland.
Abortions are currently illegal in Northern Ireland except for cases in which the woman's health is at risk.
These rules led to large waves of women travelling to Britain, where they had no choice but to pay for their terminations.
Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon was strongly criticised by anti-abortion protesters when she first proposed the changes.
Ms Sturgeon was criticised by anti-abortion campaigners when she first suggested the plans / PA
It follows the UK government's announcement that it would offer Northern Irish women free abortion services in England.
Scottish public health minister Aileen Campbell said: "Abortion can be an emotive subject but I am proud this government is working hard to ensure women are always able to access clinically safe services.
"That's why we have taken action to ensure that women from Northern Ireland can freely access abortion services through NHS Scotland.
"I also recognise the barriers that women from Northern Ireland face when they have to travel to access abortion services, which is why we are exploring what more we can do to address them.
"Once again this underlines Scotland's commitment to ensuring we have a health service that puts patient care and dignity at its very heart."
D onald Trump was faced with misplaced criticism today after dumping an entire box of fish food into a pond in Japan despite the countrys Prime Minister doing exactly the same thing.
Footage emerged of the two leaders delicately spooning food into a pond below a dining room at Japans Akasaka Palace, a state house used by the government to entertain guests.
Initial clips only showed Mr Trump emptying the entire contents of his wooden tray into the pond. Critics blasted him for overfeeding the creatures, when only a short snippet of the footage was aired.
However, later footage showed Shinzo Abe using the exact same technique.
Fish fans slammed the presidents feeding method on Twitter with some branding the US President a "murderer".
One user shared an image of Mr Trump feeding the Koi Carp during his tour of Asia with the simple caption: Donald Trump: Koi murderer.
John Ladarola added: Our only hope is that Donald Trump exercises greater control over our nuclear arsenal than he does a box of fish food.
The pair fed the fish during a visit to Akasaka Palace / Toru Hanai/Pool/AP
And, another person said: Trump was told this was batter and that dumping the box in is how you make fish sticks.
Others dubbed the moment fishgate after a row erupted between those criticising Mr Trumps technique and those defending him.
One supporter hit back: Donald Trump didn't know the exact specifications to feed Koi fish, and instead followed the example of President Abe? Impeach! Impeach!
While another said: Abe dumped his fish food first.
A British missionary who was being held hostage in Nigeria has been killed and three others have returned home safely.
The circumstances surrounding Ian Squire's death, three weeks after his kidnap, were not immediately clear.
It is understood that Mr Squire and fellow Christian charity workers David and Shirley Donovan and Alanna Carson were working as missionaries when they were abducted from their accommodation in Delta State in the south of the country in the early hours of October 13.
The west African country's authorities had negotiated their release.
A UK Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the families of four British people who were abducted on October 13 in Nigeria, one of whom was tragically killed.
"This has clearly been a traumatic time for all concerned, and our staff will continue to do all we can to support the families.
"We are grateful to the Nigerian authorities, and are unable to comment given the ongoing nature of their investigations."
In a statement, the families of the four hostages said: "Alanna, Ian, David and Shirley were kidnapped in Nigeria some three weeks ago.
"We are grateful for the support received by the British High Commission and help from the Nigerian authorities in negotiating their release.
"We are delighted and relieved that Alanna, David and Shirley have returned home safely. Our thoughts are now with the family and friends of Ian as we come to terms with his sad death.
"This has been a traumatic time for our loved ones who were kidnapped and for their families and friends here in the UK. We would therefore ask that the media respect our privacy as we come to terms with the news. We will not be making any further comment."
A mother and her two children are among the first named victims of a massacre at a church in Texas.
The church pastor's teenage daughter was also one of 26 people killed when a gunman, named as 26-year-old Devin Kelley, opened fire during an 11am service on Sunday.
A 72-year-old pensioner was the oldest person to die in the shooting. The youngest was aged just five. Around 20 others were injured.
The attack in Sutherland Springs, southern Texas, was the state's deadliest mass shooting.
Killed: The pastor's daughter Annabelle Pomeroy, 14, was one of the first victims to be identified
The man believed to be behind the attack was a former Air Force serviceman, according to reports.
The attacker has not been confirmed by police, however, anonymous officials told the Associated Press it was Kelley, who lived in a San Antonio suburb.
The attack took place at the town's First Baptist Church.
Around 50 people usually attend the service, locals said.
Investigators work at the scene of the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs / AP
Among those killed as Kelley allegedly stormed the church armed with an assault rifle was church pastor Frank Pomeroy's 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy.
The pastor's wife, Sherri Pomeroy, said she and her husband were out of town in two different states when the attack occurred.
She wrote in a text message: "We lost our 14-year-old daughter today and many friends. Neither of us has made it back into town yet to personally see the devastation. I am at the charlotte airport trying to get home as soon as I can."
Brooke Ward, left, and Emily Garza, middle, were both killed in the shooting
She was "one very, beautiful, special child," Mr Pomeroy told ABC News, adding that the dead were all close friends of his.
Joann Ward and her two daughters were killed during the shooting, according to her family. Brooke Ward, five, and Emily Garza, seven, died alongside their mother, according to the Dallas Morning News.
Ms Ward's son, Ryland Ward, five, was also shot and is in hospital with serious injuries.
Mother-of-four, Joann Ward, is also said to have died in the shooting, according to her family
Her eldest daughter Rihanna Garza, nine, reportedly escaped injury despite having her glasses shot off her face.
John Alexander, a relative, told how Mrs Ward saved one of her children by using her body as a shield.
He said: We know [Joann] saved one of her children by jumping on top of her, another of her children passed away after four hours. I cant remember ever being more sad than this day. Leslie Ward, another relative, told how she rushed to the church after hearing gunfire from her home.
She said: I found my nephew in the front, in pain. It was bad.
Brooke Ward, bottom right, was killed in the shooting alongside Emily Garza, middle right. Ryland Ward, bottom right, was injured. Pictured with family members.
There was just dead bodies everywhere. It wasnt what I wanted to see but at the time, I wasnt worried about it. I was worried about finding my family.
Ryland was carried out of the church by his uncle, Michael Ward, just minutes after the shooting ended. He had been hit in the stomach, groin and arm and was today said to be in a stable condition in hospital.
Ryland's father Chris was sleeping while his wife and children were at church after working a night shift.
Bryan and Karla Holcombe, who had been married for 25 years, were also among those killed, according to family members.
Their daughter-in-law Crystal Holcombe, who was eight months pregnant, was also killed alongside three of her children.
Her cousin Nick Uhlig confirmed the group died in Sunday's attack.
Killed: Bryan and Karla Holcombe, who attended the church for 25 years, are also among the 26 dead (Facebook) / facebook
Ms Holcombes husband, John, survived the shooting, but their children Megan, Emily and Greg were killed.
Their two other children, including a three-year-old, were shot, and are in critical condition, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Until Sunday, the worst mass shooting in Texas was a 1991 attack in Killeen, when a man crashed his pickup truck through a restaurant window and opened fire, killing 23 and injuring more than 20 others.
M ore than a quarter of British holidaymakers are put off visiting the US while Donald Trump is president, a survey has found.
Just six per cent of people said they are more likely to book a trip across the Atlantic while President Trump is leader.
The stats come despite Lonely Planet naming Americas Deep South and Alaska as two of its top 10 regions to visit in 2018.
The research also found that 40 per cent of travel trade executives disagree that America "is a country to do business with" while President Trump is in power.
The surveys results were published to mark the opening of trade show World Travel Market (WTM) at the Excel exhibition centre in east London on Monday.
In January, just weeks after entering office, the billionaire businessman introduced a controversial executive order banning visitors from seven Muslim countries hours after Theresa May became the first foreign leader to meet him in the Oval Office.
Donald Trump's shakes - in pictures 1 /18 Donald Trump's shakes - in pictures North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit AFP/Getty Images North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the start of their historic US-North Korea summit AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un as they sit down for their historic US-North Korea summit, at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore AFP/Getty Images Mr Trump and Kim shake hands for the cameras before sitting down to sign a document Reuters US President Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un at the Capella resort on Sentosa AP Le Crunch Trump and President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands at the US ambassador's residence, on the sidelines of the NATO summit, in Brussels AFP/Getty Images The Hug Swerve Back in 2016, Hillary Clinton swerves a hug from Trump following the first presidential debate AFP/Getty Images The Comey Shimmy FBI director James Comey rejects a Donald Trump handshake in favour of a handshake The Soft Touch Theresa May shakes hands with Trump in Washington earlier this year Getty Images The Power Struggle President Donald Trump reaches to shake hands with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the Oval Office AP Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping AFP/Getty Images Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin AFP/Getty Images US President Barack Obama and President-elect Donald Trump shake hands during a transition planning meeting in the Oval Office at the White House AFP/Getty Images Vice president-elect Mike Pence and Republican president-elect Donald Trump shake hands Getty Images
The president said the measure - subsequently challenged in the courts - was necessary for security reasons.
Some 1,025 holidaymakers and 1,622 travel trade executives took part in the survey. Its results support previous evidence showing Mr Trump's election has had a negative impact on US inbound tourism.
Online travel firm Kayak reported a 30 per cent fall in searches for flights to the US when the result of the presidential election was confirmed in November last year.
The Global Business Travel Association has predicted that a drop-off in tourism will result in 4.3 million fewer visitors to the US this year, worth 7.4 billion US dollars (5.7 billion) in lost revenue.
WTM London spokesman Paul Nelson said: "There is now clear evidence that some people are being put off visiting the US and some of travel's top executives are concerned about the Trump effect on their businesses.
"The US is one of the world's key destinations and has long been popular among Brits. It is important that America gets the message out that not only is it still open for visitors but that it continues to be a warm, welcoming and great value destination."
T he Sutherland Springs gunman was pursued and shot by a have-a-go-hero whose actions helped prevent further victims, it emerged today.
Stephen Willeford, 55, grabbed his own rifle and rushed to confront Devin Kelley after being told an attack was underway by his daughter.
As he arrived outside the church he came face-to-face with Kelley.
Mr Willeford, a plumber with no military experience, shot him in the side through a gap in his body armour, forcing the killer to flee.
Donald Trump Says Texas Shooting Is A Mental Health Problem, Not A Gun Problem
Mr Willeford and another passing resident, Johnnie Langedorff, then chased him at almost 100 miles per hour in a car as the wounded killer tried to make a getaway after taking a hostage.
Kelley is said to have killed 26 people including a child aged five when he stormed into the church on Sunday dressed in black tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle.
Forensic investigators at the scene of the church shooting in Texas / Rex
Freeman Martin, regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said: The suspect dropped his rifle, which was a Ruger AR assault-type rifle, and fled from the church. The man then chased the gunman.
Mr Langedorff said: He got a little bit of a jump on us. So we were doing about 95 miles per hour, going around traffic and everything.
Stephen Willeford, 55, grabbed his own rifle and shot dead Devin Kelley
He just lost control and thats whenever I put the vehicle in park. The other gentleman jumped out and had his rifle drawn on him and he didnt move after that.
Kelley was found a short distance away in his crashed vehicle, dead from a bullet wound. He had several more guns in his car, but the hostage was unhurt.
Kelley is said to have killed 26 people including a child aged five - before being shot and killed
Police are still trying to establish whether Kelley died from Mr Willefords shot, or if he committed suicide.
President Donald Trump praised Mr Willeford for preventing further casualties, as he ignored questions about whether the US needs to consider tightening gun laws.
Mass shooting: FBI officials arrive at the scene in Texas / REUTERS
Speaking at a news conference in Japan, Mr Trump said: Fortunately somebody else had a gun that was shooting in the opposite direction, otherwise it would have been as bad as it was it would have been much worse.
More details emerged today about Kelley, a former Bible study teacher.
Texas shooting: A police car and a medical vehicle are seen near the First Baptist Church / REUTERS
He served in logistics readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, and was jailed for one year in 2012 on two counts alleging assault on his wife Danielle Shields and their child.
In 2014, he was kicked out of the military.
Old school friends described Kelley, who lived in nearby New Braunfels, Texas, as a creep who made no secret of his anti-religious views.
'Terrible': The scene outside the church on Sunday / AP
Nina Rose Nava, who went to school with Kelley, said: He was always talking about how people who believe in God were stupid and trying to preach his atheism.
On Kelleys Facebook page, he appeared to have a fascination with guns. He had recently shared a photo of an AR-15 style gun with the caption: Shes a bad b***h.
Kelleys mother-in-law, Michelle Shields, is understood to be a parishioner at the First Baptist Church and was friends on social media with First Baptist Pastor Frank Pomeroy and his wife.
The shooting comes just over a month after a gunman opened fire on an outdoor music festival on the Las Vegas Strip from the 32nd floor of a hotel-casino, killing 58 people and wounding more than 500.
A Russian zookeeper is fighting for life after being attacked by a Siberian tiger in front of horrified tourists in Russia.
The huge cat leapt on the keeper at Stalingrad Zoo after its cage was accidentally left open as she went in to feed it, according to Russian media.
The beast, called Typhoon, pinned the woman to the floor in front of terrified onlookers.
Brave visitors hurled stones at the big cat in a bid to scare it off.
According to reports, a group of men threw chairs and tables from a nearby cafe into the enclosure causing the tiger to flee.
The woman then managed to seek shelter in a room behind the enclosure, a spokesman for the zoo said.
She was rushed to the intensive care unit at a hospital in Kalingrad where she is in a critical but stable condition, officials said.
One witness told reporters: The girl's face face was bleeding.
"She screamed and tried to fight off the animal.
Kalingrad Zoo has launched an official investigation into the incident but a spokesman said the animal will not be destroyed.
A statement given to the Daily Mail read: The animal, which also suffered a lot of stress, is in its enclosure.
No measures will be taken against him. The predator is not being blamed for its attack on the keeper.
This is the first time in the history of the zoo that a tiger attacked a man.
The spokesman added: The Siberian tiger is a territorial animal. Protecting its territory is its natural instinct.
This animal acted in full accordance with its instinct. It was not aggression. It was the defence of its territory.
D onald Trump has said the shooting at a church in South Texas is not to do with guns and is instead connected to a mental health problem.
Speaking at a news conference in Japan a day after 26 people were killed in the shooting, the President said: "Mental health is your problem here.
He noted that early investigation suggested the 26-year-old gunman was "a very deranged individual who had " a lot of problems over a long period of time."
"We have a lot of mental health problems in our country, as do other countries," he said.
"But this isn't a guns situation... Fortunately someone else had a gun that was shooting in the opposite direction otherwise, as bad as it was, it would have been much worse."
Briefing: US President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference / AFP/Getty Images
He went on: "But this is a mental health problem at the highest level. It's a very, very sad event. A very, very sad event, but that's the way I view it.
According to reports, the gunman was 26-year-old former Air Force officer Devin Kelley who was dishonourably discharged after allegedly assaulting his wife and child.
Suspect: Kelley, a former serviceman, was discharged from the Air Force for allegedly assaulting his wife and child
He stormed into the church mid-way through the 11am service and opened fire on worshippers, killing 26 and injuring around 20. The youngest victim is said to have been five-years-old.
Kelley had posted pictures of what appeared to be an automatic weapon on social media in the days leading up to the shooting.
Mourning: Residents held an emotional vigil for those killed on Sunday evening / REUTERS
Police have not outlined a possible motive.
In the wake of the incident Trump, who is currently in Japan on the first leg of his Asia tour, called on US citizens to do what we do best: we pull together. We join hands.
"We lock arms and through the tears and the sadness, we stand strong...
He called the shooting an "act of evil.
On Sunday evening, two sheriff's vans were parked outside the gate of a cattle fence surrounding the address listed for Kelley on the rural, western outskirts of New Braunfels, north of San Antonio.
T he man who opened fire on a church full of worshippers in South Texas has been identified by US media as former Air Force serviceman Devin Kelley.
Kelley is said to have killed 26 people including a child aged five when he stormed into the church on Sunday dressed in black tactical gear and armed with an assault rifle.
The oldest of those killed in the states deadliest mass shooting was 72. About 20 more were injured.
Police have not officially identified the attacker but anonymous officials told the Associated Press it was 26-year-old Kelley, who lived in a San Antonio suburb.
More than 20 dead in Texas church shooting
Kelley is reported to have been dishonourably discharged from the Air Force for allegedly assaulting his spouse and child, and was sentenced to 12 months' confinement after a 2012 court-martial.
According to reports, initial investigations did not appear to link him to an organised terrorist group but said he had posted pictures appearing to show an AR-15 semiautomatic weapon in the days before the attack.
Suspect: Kelley, a former serviceman, was discharged from the Air Force for allegedly assaulting his wife and child
At the news conference, the attacker was described only as a white man in his 20s who was wearing black tactical gear and a ballistic vest when he pulled into a gas station across from the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio, around 11.20am.
He crossed the street and started firing a Ruger AR rifle at the church, said Freeman Martin, a regional director of the Texas Department of Safety, then continued firing after entering the white wood-frame building, where an 11 a.m. service was scheduled.
Suspect: Kelley posted pictures of what appear to be automatic weapons on social media in the days leading up to the shooting
Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr., whose territory includes Sutherland Springs, said there was likely "no way" for the church congregation to escape once the shooting started.
"You've got your pews on either side. He just walked down the centre aisle, turned around and my understanding was shooting on his way back out," said Tackitt, who said the shooter also carried a handgun but that he didn't know if it was fired.
'Terrible': The scene outside the church on Sunday / AP
Tackitt described the scene inside the church as "terrible."
"It's unbelievable to see children, men and women, laying there. Defenceless people," Tackitt said. "I guess it was seeing the children that were killed. It's one thing to see an adult, but to see a five-year-old ..."
As he left, the shooter was confronted by an armed resident who "grabbed his rifle and engaged that suspect," Martin said.
Mourning: Residents held an emotional vigil for those killed on Sunday evening / REUTERS
The resident then pursued the suspect in a vehicle before the gunman lost control of his car and crashed.
Police found the suspect dead in the vehicle which contained several weapons but it was unclear if the attacker died of a self-inflicted wound or if he was shot by the resident who confronted him.
Mother-of-four, Joann Ward, is also said to have died in the shooting, according to her family
Investigators have not revealed a possible motive.
Martin said 23 of the dead were found in the church, two were found outside and one died after being taken to a hospital.
Gov. Greg Abbott called the attack the worst mass shooting in Texas history.
Killed: The pastor's daughter Annabelle Pomeroy, 14, was one of the first victims to be identified
"There are no words to describe the pure evil that we witnessed," Abbott said. "Our hearts are heavy at the anguish in this small town, but in time of tragedy, we see the very best of Texas. May God comfort those who've lost a loved one, and may God heal the hurt in our communities."
Among those killed was the church pastor's 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy. Pastor Frank Pomeroy, and his wife, Sherri, were both out of town when the attack occurred, Sherri Pomeroy wrote in a text message.
Wounded: Five-year-old Rylan Ward was shot four times and is being treated in hospital
"We lost our 14-year-old daughter today and many friends," she wrote. "Neither of us has made it back into town yet to personally see the devastation. I am at the charlotte airport trying to get home as soon as I can."
Church member Nick Uhlig, 34, wasn't at Sunday's service, said his cousin, who was 8 months pregnant, and her in-laws were among those killed. "We just gathered to bury their grandfather on Thursday," he said, shaking his head.
Brooke Ward, 6, is missing after the shooting
President Donald Trump, who was in Japan, called the shooting an "act of evil" and said he was monitoring the situation.
He later tweeted: Americans do what we do best: we pull together. We join hands. We lock arms and through the tears and the sadness, we stand strong...
Later Sunday, two sheriff's vans were parked outside the gate of a cattle fence surrounding the address listed for Kelley on the rural, western outskirts of New Braunfels, north of San Antonio.
Ryan Albers, 16, who lives across the road, said he heard intensifying gunfire coming from that direction in recent days.
"It was definitely not just a shotgun or someone hunting," Albers said. "It was someone using automatic weapon fire."
Killed: Bryan and Karla Holcombe, who attended the church for 25 years, are also among the 26 dead / facebook
Until Sunday, the deadliest mass shooting in Texas had been a 1991 attack in Killeen, when a mentally disturbed man crashed his pickup truck through a restaurant window at lunchtime and started shooting people, killing 23 and injuring more than 20 others.
The shooting comes just a month after the mass killing in Las Vegas shooting which left 58 dead and more than 500 injured.
T ributes have been paid to a British aid worker who was kidnapped and killed in Nigeria last month.
Ian Squire, 56, was an optometrist and one of four Britons working for a medical charity in the Niger Delta when taken by suspected militants.
The other three aid workers - Alanna Carson and David and Shirley Donovan - were released following negotiations by UK and Nigerian authorities.
Mr Squire spent most of his time running a practice in Shepperton, Surrey, but travelled to Africa every year to undertake charity work.
Shirley and David Donovan were also kidnapped / Foreign Office
Paul Allan, a friend of Mr Squire's who ran a neighbouring business, told the BBC: "He was a good friend...and a very straight forward, nice, gentle guy.
"I just can't believe what's happened.
"I find it shocking to believe for someone who has gone out to do good in the community overseas that the action has cost him dearly.
A statement released on behalf of the other three kidnap victims read: "Our thoughts are now with the family and friends of Ian as we come to terms with his sad death."
Kidnapping is a lucrative business in Nigeria, which has one of the highest kidnap rates in the world.
The Foreign Office currently advises against all but essential travel to much of Delta state, saying there is a "high threat of criminal kidnap".
T wo gay lions are controlled by "demonic forces" and must have been influenced by human behaviour, a Kenyan official has insisted.
Ezekial Mutua, chief executive of the Kenya Film Classification Board, said the lions should be "isolated" for biological study and counselling due to their "bizarre behaviour".
The animals were pictured after one mounted the other in the bushes of the Masai Mara game reserve in the south-west of the African country.
Mr Mutua, known as the "moral policeman" in Kenya, was shocked to hear the news, which he called a "phenomenon".
He insisted that the two gay lions must have been influenced by human behaviour.
He spoke after he saw images of the rare display captured by wildlife photographer Paul Goldstein.
Mr Mutua told Nairobi News: "It is a bizarre phenomenon.
"I wish I could get the bio to confirm that these are two male lions because this is not normal. The very nature of intimacy is male and female.
"It's interesting for scientific discoveries, some research needs to be done.
"They should be isolated, ideally," he said.
He went on to claim that the male lions may have learnt the behaviour after watching a same-sex human couple.
"We have normalised abnormal behaviour to the point where even animals are helping," he said. "They must have appropriated it somewhere."
He added: These animals need counselling, because probably they have been influenced by gays who have gone to the national parks and behaved badly. I dont know, they must have copied it somewhere or it is demonic.
Mr Mutua is known in Kenya for his controversial and often anti-LGBT public opinions. He has previously banned "pro-gay" movies and cartoons.
The Kenya Film boss warned that "demonic forces are breeding across Kenya" and said that evil spirits caused homosexuality.
He suggested that the lions may have been possessed by the same force.
He said: The demonic spirits inflicting in humans seems to have now caught up with animals.
Some biologists claim homosexual behaviour has been observed in more than 1,500 species, and reliably recorded in a third of these cases.
R egent Street got a dose of festive spirit over the weekend as Liberty unveiled its 2017 Christmas window display exclusively to the Evening Standard.
Thanks to its near 150 year heritage and iconic building on Regent Street, Liberty London has become one of the capitals most recognisable landmarks, so its little wonder that this years windows reflect the city we live in.
The rooftops of Liberty and the surrounding buildings are the stars of the show this year after the team behind the creations drew inspiration from the famous poem, ''Twas the Night Before Christmas' by Clement Clarke Moore.
Reflecting the magic of Christmas Eve, the silhouetted skyline is lit up by a super moon and in the background and fringed with hanging foliage.
Liberty London Christmas window display - in pictures 1 /10 Liberty London Christmas window display - in pictures Liberty London Liberty London Liberty London Liberty London Liberty London
Snow- dusted chimneys and old fashioned tiled roofs play host to a range of products Libertys luxury accessory department, many of which are bound to make their way on to Londoners' lust lists this year . Moving elements such as a pulley rope and weather vane showcase the various shoes, bags and candles and will be changed bi - weekly.
Inside the building, the Liberty Christmas shop , is now open and will welcome Father Christmas every Sunday from November 19 until December 10.
After last years Nutcracker display , Liberty has once again opted for a more traditional theme in festive colours, with products playing a background rather than central role in the scenes.
Given the series of difficult and tragic events that have blighted the capital over the last year, a reminder of the spirit of Christmas is sure to be welcomed by residents and tourists alike.
B ake Off champion Candice Brown has clapped back at reports of a romance between her and Paul Hollywood.
Pictures were published of the pair sharing a friendly kiss goodbye after attending an after party at Grosvenor House for the Pride of Britain awards.
The Sun claimed the pair looked so close on the night that other celebrities thought she was his wife.
Brown mocked the alleged intimacy on Twitter, claiming she will stop dishing out goodbye hugs or kisses.
Married man: Paul Hollywood and his wife Alexandra / Anthony Harvey/Getty
She tweeted: (1/2) So invisibility cloaks are real. I was so sure you were there all night too!! @StaceySolomon @ShelaghFogarty @Poppy_Talent
(2/2) No kisses or hugs hello or goodbye from now on- handshakes or waves only!
Stacey Solomon, who was among those with Brown and Hollywood on the night, confirmed that there were no intimate kisses.
She tweeted: Well I was there the entire time no intimate kisses from where I was standing just a goodbye peck! I got one too...(sic).
Brown replied: Whatttt you got a goodbye peck too? Remember handshakes and waves from now! Lovely to see you beautiful lady x.
Hollywood also thanked Solomon for her tweet and deemed Shelagh Fogarty's suggestion that they simply 'salute each other' from now on as incredible.
The pictures come days after Brown announced her engagement to partner Liam McAulay.
She revealed that McAulay had ended up proposing in a car park, after taking her to the Bedfordshire restaurant where they'd shared their first date.
She told Hello!: I get emotional because its been such an amazing year. I feel very lucky. Ive had such incredible opportunities Bake Off opened so many doors and to top it off he puts a ring on it.
Brown, who rose to fame after winning The Great British Bake Off in 2015, is currently in training for the upcoming series of Dancing on Ice.
K atie Price was not in the mood to face Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain.
The former glamour model told the controversial presenter to shut up as she joined the ITV breakfast show to discuss her new book, Playing With Fire and the alleged kidnap plot of her son Harvey.
Morgan kicked off the chat by addressing Price's dental work, asking: She cant speak which is quite funny. Youre in agony right?
Price replied: Ive got luminous teeth because Ive got a gum shield on because Im having my teeth done.
ITV
My mouth is full of ulcers and Im flying off to Turkey later to get new teeth.
Morgan quipped: And you forgot to put any clothes on.
Price quickly shut him down, saying: Oh shut up Piers Im not in the mood this morning. Just because you want to pick on someone. You want to pick on me, go on then what else are you going to give me today?
He then took aim at her 11th novel by probing her to see how well she knows the storyline.
On correctly answering his questions she said: Oh shut up Piers picking on me. Yes I did [write it].
Viewers were unimpressed by the pointless interview with one branding it a waste of time.
Price also addressed her marriage to Kieran Hayler, who has been accused of cheating on her with their nanny. Asked if she wanted to talk about it, she told Susanna Reid: What do you want me to say? 'Hi?'
Unless they see a removal van going down the drive way... I've got so much I'm dealing with at the moment. I've got to do one at a time.
She said the past few months have been the worst ever after learning of Hayler, being told her mother has terminal lung disease and claiming there was an alleged plot to kidnap Harvey.
Katie Price 'Playing With Fire' - In pictures 1 /9 Katie Price 'Playing With Fire' - In pictures Katie Price poses for her new novel 'Playing With Fire' at The Worx Studio's Rex Features Katie Price poses for her new novel 'Playing With Fire' at The Worx Studio's Rex Features Katie Price poses for her new novel 'Playing With Fire' at The Worx Studio's Rex Features Katie Price poses for her new novel 'Playing With Fire' at The Worx Studio's Getty Images Katie Price poses for her new novel 'Playing With Fire' at The Worx Studio's Getty Images Katie Price poses for her new novel 'Playing With Fire' at The Worx Studio's Getty Images Katie Price poses for her new novel 'Playing With Fire' at The Worx Studio's Getty Images
Good Morning Britain is on ITV, weekdays at 6am.
The trainee stuntwoman revealed that she had been the one to alert show bosses, as well as Leiths assistant, to the mishap.
Speaking to Ok! magazine, she said: I spotted it on my news feed when it had been up for 42 seconds! I knew straight away a clanger had been dropped.
It was actually me who rang Prues assistant and I passed it on to Love Productions [the creators of Bake Off]. I wanted to do as much damage limitation as I could.
Difficult Decisions On the Great British Bake Off
She continued: It didnt make any difference to me, but I suspect there are a lot of viewers that were a bit disappointed as it was spoilt. I know how absolutely devastated Prue was.
Leith, who was in Bhutan at the time, blamed a time difference for the mishap.
She posted: No one told me judging a #gbbo final would be so emotional. I wanted them all to win. Bravo Sophie.
The Great British Bake Off 2017 - The Contestants 1 /17 The Great British Bake Off 2017 - The Contestants Meet the line-up Prue Leigh and Paul Hollywood will judge this year's batch of hopefuls Mark Bourdillon/Channel 4 Television/PA Wire Kate, 29, from Merseyside A health and safety inspector from Merseyside, Kate also dabbles in blacksmithing, furniture restoration and yoga. She also loves the outdoors. When she's indoors though, indulging in her love of baking, she is a fan of "old-fashioned" baking techniques. She taught herself to bake when she began to grow her own vegetables two years ago PA Sophie, 33, from Surrey A former Officer in the Royal Artillery, Sophie did not discover her talent for baking until she volunteered to make a friend's birthday cake. The psychology graduate, who lives in Surrey with her boyfriend and a cat named Loki, has also developed a passion for patisserie. When she is not baking, Sophie enjoys track cycling, rowing, teaching military boot camps and is also training to be a stuntwoman. PA Flo, 71, from Merseyside Flo is retired and the oldest amateur contestant to appear on Bake Off to date. She was one of 11 children and was raised in Huyton, Liverpool. She met her late husband Richard when she was 21 years old and working at a sausage factory. Following Richard's death two years ago, her son Stephen encouraged her to take up baking. She bakes treats for his restaurant when she's not baking for the family - or 'having a boogie' with friends. PA Peter, 52, from Essex Born in Brixton originally, IT programme manager Peter had a well-travelled youth. He lived in Nigeria from the age of seven and moved back to the United Kingdom when he was 24. He has a wife, Tito and two children - Temi and Toni. He was bitten by the baking bug eight years ago when he started making his own bread. He reckons one of his specialities is making a melt-in-your-mouth Macaron, which is based on a recipe from French pastry maestro Pierre Hermes. When he's not kneading dough he loves running on the beach, spinning, playing chess and badminton PA Tom, 29, from Edinburgh Architect Tom lives in Edinburgh with his partner David, where he can often be found making fresh shortbread for family and friends. Baking has always been a huge part of family life for Tom and his siblings, who were taught to bake by their mother, a home economics teacher. The family cherishes recipe books passed down by grandparents from both sides of the family PA Steven, 34, from Hertfordshire Despite having a background in marketing, Steven's heart lies in the kitchen. His mum, Judi, has been his cooking mentor. He cooks and bakes all of his own food and has lost an impressive five stone thanks to his own home-cooking. He likes putting a twist on recipes from his mum's old cookbooks PA James, 46, from Essex James describes himself as a bald, baking banker - but his friends say he looks more like a bank robber than a banker. He was taught to bake by his father more than 40 years ago and grows his own fruit and vegetables to incorporate into his recipes. James lives in Essex with his wife Ann, sons Oliver and Ethan and their three chickens: Sparkles, Superman and Jeff PA Chris, 50, from Bristol A software developer who loves the science behind baking and developing quirky flavour combinations. He is a cancer survivor and passionate about helping other people whose lives have been affected by cancer. He is married (his wife's name is Catherine), and he loves sailing, travelling (especially visiting bakeries) and writing PA Stacey, 42, from Hertfordshire Former school teacher Stacey has fond memories of helping her grandmother make bread and butter pudding when she was a little girl, but it was during university that she really started to bake seriously. Stacey likes to incorporate her Jewish heritage into her baking, with a traditional homemade Challah with every Friday night dinner PA Julia, 32, from West Sussex Julia has spent three years honing her baking prowess so she could enter Bake Off. She is originally from Kemerovo, Siberia. She met her husband Matt while on holiday in Turkey as a 17-year-old. PA Liam, 19, from North London Hackney-born Liam has been baking for four years and is fondly known as the 'Cake Boy' amongst his university friends. He believes that baking is a universal language that can bring people together from all walks of life, and he wants to make it acceptable amongst his peers and the younger generation PA Yan, 46, from North London Hong Kong-born Yan moved to the UK with her family when she was two. She started to bake seriously 10 years ago when she found herself in between 24 hour shifts, working as a molecular biologist for the NHS. Currently working as a laboratory research scientist, Yan now lives in north London with her wife, Marian and cat Kacey. PA
The judge, who replaced Mary Berry on this years series of the show, later admitted that she was mortified by the mistake.
I am so sorry to the fans of the show for my mistake this morning. I am in a different time zone and mortified by my error, she tweeted.
Despite an almost immediate backlash from fans saying the accidental reveal had ruined the final for them, the last episode still managed to pull in record viewing figures for Channel 4.
A huge 7.7million people tuned in to see Faldo crowned the champion, which represented the broadcasters biggest audience for six years.
The Great British Bake Off returns to Channel 4 in 2018.
R umour has it that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are due to announce their engagement any moment.
If youre still not sufficiently informed on the match of the moments love story, then new ITV documentary Prince Harry and Meghan: Truly, Madly, Deeply well get you clued-up in time for any Kensington Palace update that may or may not be on the horizon.
Heres everything you need to know.
Whats it about?
The programme takes a look back over Harry and Meghans royal romance, from the parallels between the pairs childhoods to the Suits stars first meeting with the Princes brother William.
With the help of some historical experts it also situates the relationship and the reported engagement in the context of the past few centuries of royal unions.
Plus, with Markles status as a divorcee, the show asks whether their relationship represents a new, more modern future for the Windsors.
Who features in the show?
The documentary features contributions from Markles relations, including her half-sister Samantha Grant.
Meanwhile historian David Starkey gives viewers an idea of how the actress, were she to become a princess, could impact the British monarchy.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in first public appearance together 1 /9 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in first public appearance together The couple could be seen laughing and smiling Getty Images for the Invictus Ga attend a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games Getty Images They were both at this weekend's opening ceremony of the Paralympics-style event for wounded and injured servicemen and women Reuters It is the couple's first public appearance together Reuters Royal watchers are viewing it as a milestone in their relationship Getty Images for the Invictus Ga Harry and Meghan were both casually dressed AP They could be seen holding hands Getty Images
How long have Prince Harry and Meghan Markle been dating?
The duo are said to have met last year, but didnt confirm their relationship until November. Shortly after, Harry memorably spoke out against the press treatment of Markle, describing it as abuse and harassment.
In September this year the pair made their first public appearance together at the Invictus games in Canada.
Recently Markle is reported to have joined Harry for tea with the Queen, one of the surest signs yet that an engagement is on the cards.
Whens it on?
Prince Harry and Meghan: Truly, Madly, Deeply airs Monday, November 6 at 9pm on ITV. Viewers can also watch the show after it airs on catch up service ITV Hub.
Q ueen Elizabeth II hints at betrayal and warns Prince Philip that she is growing tired of his restlessness in the gripping second-look at the next instalment of The Crown.
The two and a half minute minute teaser hints at troubles in the royal household, with the monarch, played by Claire Foy, telling Matt Smiths Philip to behave.
This restlessness of yours it has to be a thing of the past, she says. The monarchy is too fragile you keep telling me yourself.
One more scandal, one more national embarrassment and it would all be over.
Warning: Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth II / Netflix
Philip is still struggling to cope with the realities of being a royal, telling her Majesty: I will earn their respect right now. I am currently outranked by my eight year-old son.
The trailer also ushers in the revolutionary 60s as society in Britain has changed, with the Queen promising to not sit back and do nothing.
Fans are also given a more in depth look at the blossoming relationship between Princess Margaret and Lord Snowden, played by Vanessa Kirby and Matthew Goode.
The upcoming series will follow the famous monarch from 1956-64 as she welcomes her sons, Princes Andrew and Edward, deals with an illegal war in Egypt, and witnesses the downfall of her third Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan.
Penned by Peter Morgan, The Crown became the most expensive TV series of all time, with its first series costing $130m (101.5m) to produce.
It was honoured with a haul of gongs across the pond, including Golden Globe and SAG awards for Best Actress and Best TV series, but it failed to scoop a BAFTA TV award at this year's ceremony.
The Crown premiere 1 /16 The Crown premiere All smiles Matt Smith and Claire Foy attend the World Premiere of new Netflix Original series "The Crown" at Odeon Leicester Square Dave Benett Over the shoulder Vanessa Kirby, who plays Princess Margaret, dazzles in a mint gown Dave Benett Leading man Matt Smith strikes a pose for photographers Dave Benett Group photo Matt Smith, Dame Eileen Atkins, Claire Foy, Peter Morgan and Stephen Daldry pose with the Queen's favourite breed of dog - a corgi PA Chemistry Matt Smith and Claire Foy play Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II in the big budget drama Dave Benett Leading lady Claire Foy works a patterned dress for the red carpet bash PA Red carpet ready Vanessa Kirby knows how to work the red carpet Dave Benett On guard The cast are guarded by two soldiers on the red carpet PA Fooling around Matt Smith points to the cameras as he poses alongside his co-star Claire Foy Dave Benett Pretty in pink Gemma Oaten puts on an elegant display Dave Benett Regal red Gillian Anderson colour co-ordinates with a velvet red dress PA Royalty Dame Eileen Atkins plays the Queen's mother in the hotly anticipated Netflix series Dave Benett
The Crown returns to Netflix on December 8.
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In mid-2017 Russia ordered 540 upgraded BMP-2 and BMD-2 IFVs (infantry fighting vehicles) as part of its 2018-2025 military modernization program. Upgrading the current fleet of BMPs and BMDs will take a while as 540 vehicles are a small portion of 4000 BMP-2 and BMD-2 IFVs in service and considered part of the modernization. There are also a few newer BMP-3 IFV (500 vehicles) that are already quite up-to-date and what troops have been calling for are upgrades for the more numerous but dated BMP-2s.
The modernization will mainly be about improving firepower and fire control capabilities while other areas like armor or mobility remain unchanged. The 14.6 ton BMP-2 and 11.5 ton BMD-2 were designed in the 1980s as upgrade successor of famous BMP-1 from 1960s. The BMP-2 needs major mechanical and engine upgrades to support major upgrades. Thats why the BMP-2M weighs about 15 tons and basically has a new turret and fire-control system. The BMD-2 is for airborne forces and is lighter but is otherwise similar to the BMPs.
The BMP-2M IFV will receive the Berezhok turret, fitted with four ready-to-launch Kornet ATGMs ( laser guided anti-tank missiles) in two twin launchers on each side of the turret. Kornet has with the range up to 5,500 meters and is much easier to use. Kornet is a big improvement over older Fagot or Konkurs single tube ATGMs previously used on IFVs. Not only were these older systems outdated versus more capable enemy IFVs but with only one launch tube had to be reloaded manually by the crew. These four ready to fire missiles are especially useful because Kornet can firea two missile salvo at one target. Moreover the 30mm cannon will receive improved stabilization and remote controlled weapon station fitted with 30 mm automatic AGS-30 grenade launcher. The commander/gunner sight, thermal imagers, missile guide channel and laser rangefinder will receive an upgrade as well. These upgrade will raise BMP-2 weight by half a ton. Nearly half of that is missiles and ammunition for the AGS-30. Meanwhile the airborne BMD-2M will receive similar weapons upgrades but with only two Kornet missiles.
This upgrade will seriously upgrade BMP-2 and BMD-2 firepower capability and make it equal or superior to Western vehicles like the PUMA, CV90 or VBCI. This creates an interesting situation in which Russia will have very well armed IFV but very poor armored IFV compared to western designs which lack firepower (no ATGMs on CV90 or VBCI). Moreover this upgrade seems like a desperate attempt to modernize their mechanized forces because the new Kurganiec-25 IFV based on Armata chassis is untried in combat and very expensive. Russia has basically declared the Armata based vehicles will remain at low production levels (a few a month at most) for years while problems are discovered and worked out.
This Armata approach also applied to the BMP/BMD-2 upgrades. Thats mainly because of the problems encountered with getting the BMP-3 into service. That became obvious in 2013 when, after a three year delay, the Russian Army finally agreed to accept new BMP-3M IFVs. Initial attempts to deliver in 2010 were refused because of quality and reliability issues. In 2013 the army had 300 BMP-3Ms and 400 BMP-3s and the BMP-3 was supposed to replace all earlier models. Deliveries were halted after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and began again in 2007, with about 40 a year until 72 were shipped in 2010, and thats when the army began refusing to accept what the manufacturer was delivering.
The 3M model of the BMP has been upgraded with a new turret and engines. The turret and its fire control system are what the BMP/BMD 2 are getting. The BMP-3M electronics included an automatic fire control system and a gunner's sight with a thermal imager and laser illuminator. The commander's periscope has a laser infrared illuminator. There is a new ammunition loading system. The 100mm gun fires laser-guided projectiles, high explosive/fragmentation rounds, 30mm APSDS (Armor Piercing Discarding Sabot) rounds, and two other ammo types. Also in the turret there is a 30mm automatic cannon with 500 rounds of ammo and a 7.62mm machine-gun. On top of the turret there is a 14.5mm machine-gun. The basic armor protects against machine-gun rounds up to 12.7mm. Explosive reactive armor can be added. There is also an active anti-missile system, as well as air conditioning for the crew.
But the BMP-3 was a lightweight (19 tons) compared to Western vehicles like the U.S. M2 Bradley (31 tons). It is smaller at 7.14 meters (23.4 feet) long, 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) wide, and 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) tall compared to 6.6 x 3.6x3 meters for the M-2. Moreover, while both have a crew of three (commander, driver, and gunner) the BMP-3 sits seven, very uncomfortably, in the back, compared to six more comfortably in the back of the M2.
The original BMP-3, which entered service in 1987, was an improvement over the original BMP models of the 1960s and 1970s, but was still cramped and uncomfortable for the passengers. The Russians believed the smaller size made it harder to hit and cheaper to manufacture (20-40 percent cheaper, depending on add-ons). It's the additional electronics and other gadgets which really drives up the costs of these vehicles.
The BMP-3M quality problems were kept quiet as it would also interfere with export orders. But rumors did leak and a Greek order for 460 BMP-3s was delayed then cancelled in 2011. The quality problems with the BMP-3 had been around for a long time and became more of an issue back in 2006, when Russia decided to greatly increase its military procurement. This was necessary to replace aging Cold War era equipment. Even those new orders were miniscule compared to Cold War era production. Before 1991, the Soviet Union would produce about 10 times as much gear annually. But in 2006, for the first time in 15 years, the Russian army began receiving significant quantities of new and refurbished equipment. -- Przemysaw Juraszek
The government is once again under intense criticism for the poor performance of National Anti-Corruption System. A major study conducted by an international anti-money laundering association sounds like complaints voiced in Mexican media. The new study estimated that in 2014 criminal activity in Mexico generated $58.5 billion. Narcotics trafficking contributed to that figure but so did tax fraud and illicit monetary transactions (money laundering be one of them). The study relied on data supplied by the Bank of Mexico as well as major government agencies. $58 to $60 billion is just about seven percent of Mexico's GDP. The figure is in line with other estimates including one by a major non-governmental organization. The study recommended the government increase transparency and standardize penalties for tax fraud and illicit financial operations. Another recent study, this one conducted by Transparency International, focused on corrupt public sector employees in the federal government and state governments. That study concluded 51 percent of Mexican citizens must pay kickbacks to state sector employees in order to receive basic services within the education system, court system and medical (hospital) system. Policemen also demand kickbacks in return for routine police services. The Transparency International report documents complaints Mexican citizens have been making for decades. Last year another study estimated nine out of ten crimes in the country go unreported because the people don't trust the police. (Austin Bay)
November 5, 2017: This year has been a bloodbath and authorities believe the carnage will continue for the rest of 2017. The murder rate has been around 2,300 victims a month. Do the math. That means the yearly total will be somewhere between 27,500 and 28,000. In 2016 470 people were murdered in Ciudad Juarez. That was the yearly increase since 2012. Security officials believe 95 percent of the homicides involved organized crime -- meaning cartel-related violence. From January 1 to September 30 this year, 446 people were murdered in Ciudad Juarez. The official figure for November is not yet available.
November 4, 2017: In the north (Tamaulipas state) cartel gunmen assassinated a man identified as a government informant in Piedras Negras. This place is just south of Eagle Pass, Texas. The assassins also killed the driver of the SUV in which the informant was traveling. The targeted individual worked for Mexicos Attorney Generals Office (PGR).
November 3, 2017: In central Mexico (Puebla State) Jesus Martin, leader of a local gang in Puebla was murdered in a clinic in the city while undergoing plastic surgery. The surgery would change his face and disguise his fingerprints. Gunmen broke into the clinic while Martin was undergoing the procedure. The gang Martin ran is involved in fuel theft schemes in the state.
U.S. prosecutors confirmed the sentencing of a former U.S. Army sergeant who pled guilty to six federal weapons charges in December 2016. The man was sentenced to 16 year and 8 months in prison for obtaining over 40 assault rifle in the U.S. and then smuggling the weapons to Mexico. The weapons went to members of the Gulf Cartel. The convicted sergeant recruited three other soldiers to help him buy the weapons. Earlier this year those three soldiers pled guilty to charges of "straw purchasing" weapons. These men received two years probation. The sergeant who masterminded the operation knew the weapons were going to the Gulf Cartel.
October 31, 2017: Cartel War violence is once again driving away tourists. In the south (Quintana Roo state) Cancun has seen a ten percent decline in hotel occupancy in 2017. Since the US State Department issued a travel warning in late August, the Pacific resorts on the southern tip of Baja California have also seen a steep decline in bookings. The government also reports that international passenger arrivals dropped two percent in September. Officials believe the drop is due to the State Department warning though hurricanes and earthquakes also played a role. Tourism earns Mexico about $20 billion per annum.
October 28, 2017: In the west (Michoacan state) security officials believe that during October 26-27 members of the cartel murdered at least 20 people in the state. The executions followed four to five days of gun battles involving cartel members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and Los Viagras cartel. Early on the morning of October 27 police in the town of Buenavista Tomatlan found the body of a victim. Near dawn another body turned up in the city of Apatzingan, gunmen left a body behind near the municipal graveyard. A note threatening Los Viagras was found with the body. The body was in the same place another corpse was found on October 26. That corpse had a note threatening the CJNG. Another body turned up near the town of Antunez. In Puruaran, authorities found the body of a local leader of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and his party secretary. They were kidnapped on October 23. Later during the day, police found the bodies of three executed victims in Morelia (the state capital) and two in the town of Chucandiro. All five victims were tied up with plastic and rope and shot in the head with a pistol. A body found in the city of Zamora had a note claiming the deed was done by Nueva Familia Michoacana.
October 26, 2017: Government officials announced the arrest of Victor Manuel Felix. He is identified as the chief of financial operations for the Sinaloa Cartel. The arrest took place in central Mexico (Mexico state).
October 23, 2017: Get this. Media report that following the series of earthquakes that rocked southern Mexico in September 2017, the Gulf Cartel sent "humanitarian aid" to some of the damaged area. Another small cartel faction, Gente Nueva del Tigre, sent aid to Cuauhtemoc City borough of Mexico City.
October 20, 2017: Federal police seized a drone carrying an improvised explosive device. The police called a "drone bomb." The seizure took place after the police stopped a vehicle Guanajuato state on the Salamanca-Morelia highway. Police arrested the four men in the vehicle. Subsequent analysis confirmed small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was indeed a weaponized drone. Security officials did not identify the criminal organization the men are associated with. The Gulf Cartel, the CJNG, La Familia Michoacana, Los Zetas and the Knights Templar cartels all operate in the state.
October 19, 2017: In central Mexico (Guanajuato state) Enrique Eguia Lopez, a senior commander in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was killed during a gunfight with police in the town of El Terrero.
October 16, 2017: Mexico's Attorney General, Raul Cervantes, resigned his office. Cervantes is a close political ally of president Pena and a leading member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). Critics regarded Cervantes as ineffective. He was also prone to protecting PRI interests and protecting PRI members from anti-corruption investigations. In September, media discovered that Cervantes was evading Mexico City taxes. That discovery put pressure on Pena who continues to face allegations of conducting shady business deals and receiving potentially illicit gifts. Critics of Pena's administration want the attorney general to be de-politicized. The "independent" attorney general would have no political affiliation. Cervantes resignation is something of a victory for Mexicans who oppose the "culture of impunity" epitomized by the September 2014 Iguala Massacre, the murder of journalists and the inability of the government to end the drug war. (Austin Bay)
In the north (Tamaulipas state) five gunmen died in a firefight between two factions of the Gulf Cartel. The battle took place near the town of Rio Bravo, just south of the Rio Grande River near the city of Reynosa. Reynosa is across the border from McAllen, Texas. Gulf Cartel gunmen also fought a series of battles with the Mexican military and other security forces. Four gunmen died in a firefight with a military patrol. The gunmen were in a gas station near Reynosa when the patrol approached.
October 15, 2017: In the west (Guerrero state) a senior member of a small left-wing political faction, his driver, and two members of his family were found murdered and their bodies burned. Ranferi Hernandez Acevedo was a former member of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) who quit the party to form his own group.
October 10, 2017: In the north (Tamaulipas state) security officials reported that 13 prisoners were killed in a riot at the Cadereyta state prison. The prison is near the city of Monterrey. Some of the prisoners were killed in the riot, others died when police had to use lethal force to stop the melee. Police tried to end the riot using non-lethal force but those attempts failed. The prison houses 4,000 inmates. About 150 prisoners were involved in the riot. A policeman was seriously wounded during the riot.
October 7, 2017: The new U.S. government has made combating transnational criminal organizations that operate in America a priority. The Drug Enforcement Administration reported last year that the drug-trafficking organizations with the most influence in the U.S. are the Sinaloa Cartel, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Juarez Cartel and Gulf Cartels and the Beltran Leyva Organization. These six control a large portion of the illegal drugs that are produced outside the U.S. They also control the transportation (smuggling) process. However, once the drugs are in the U.S., the cartels rely on "operational ties" with domestic gangs and other criminal organizations. The cartels let American criminals handle retail distribution.
October 6, 2017: In the north (Durango state) a military helicopter crashed near the town of El Salto. Seven people were killed. The lone survivor was seriously injured. The helicopter was on a training mission.
Eugenio Hernandez, former governor of Tamaulipas state and a leading member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), was arrested in the state capital, Ciudad Victoria. Hernandez was governor from 2005 to 2010. He faces money laundering charges in the U.S.
In east central Mexico (San Luis Potosi state) security personnel found the dead body of photojournalist Edgar Daniel Esqueda near the city of San Luis Potosi's airport. Esqueda had been tortured before he was murdered. He is the eleventh journalist murdered in Mexico this year. Witnesses claim that men claiming they were policemen enters Esqueda's home on October 5 and then seized him. Since 2000, 111 journalists have been murdered in Mexico.
October 5, 2017: A recent government report emphasized that crime organizations within Mexico continue to fragment. Nine major cartels continue to operate. However, the government has identified 43 "criminal groups" in the country. In some cases the criminal groups operate as "subsidiaries" of the cartels. Some of these criminal groups are cartel factions who regard other factions as competitors. Some of the criminal groups had loose-knit alliances.
On Tuesday, Brazilian President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with envoys from the U.S. and China in the framework of the 27th United Nations Climate Change Conference. | Read More
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This article was published 06/11/2017 (1836 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
When it comes to statistics on Steinbach immigration, Eastman Immigration Services data and recent census findings paint similar pictures using different colours.
Program director Richard Harder said despite some discrepancies with EIS annual summaries, last weeks census data on recent immigration are valuable tools for envisioning Steinbachs diversifying ethnic landscape.
Due to language barriers and the nature of self-reporting, Harder noted both census responses and EIS counts are limited in scope and explanatory power.
At the end of the day, nobody must come to our office if youre new to the region, he observed. We have no way of checking whether or not 100 percent of the newcomers do, so we cant even guess what percentage were missing.
Nevertheless, comparing and contrasting census data and EIS counts clarifies immigration patterns, Harder said, and gives the organization a consistent feel for whos coming when, and from what country.
According to the 2016 census, the most common countries of origin for the 890 Steinbach newcomers who obtained landed immigrant or permanent resident status between January 2011 to May 2016 were the Philippines (535), unspecified Asian countries (55), India (45), Germany (40), and Russia (30).
Thats exactly what were seeing, Harder replied. The Philippines is, in the last couple of years, by far the largest, and its still growing.
EIS data shared by Harder showed 246 Filipino families arrived over the same five-year period.
Harder was unsurprised that Indias census totals outpaced Germanys in Steinbach. While EIS data showed 39 Indian families immigrated to Steinbach during the latest census perioda tenth of Germanys totalIndian immigration is rising, while German immigration has steadily fallen since peaking in 2013.
With India, we have seen an uptick, he said. It happens in colleges, it happens at Valeant, it happens at Harvs Air at Providence.
South American immigration, however, confounds simple comparisons between the two data sets. Statistics Canada provides no dedicated total for Paraguay, a country Harder said continues to be a strong source of immigration. Nearly 170 Paraguayan families came to Steinbach during the census period, EIS founda number buried in the census under other places of birth in Americas.
But the last couple of years, Brazil is climbing, he said, due to political corruption and effective university recruitment.
Nine Brazilian families arrived in the city in 24 months, according to EIS counts. Census responses, by contrast, registered zero Brazilian immigrants in Steinbach over five years, a finding Harder disputed given that some Brazilians living locally have already obtained Canadian citizenship.
Immigration from African countries, too, is difficult to compare. Fifteen South Africans came to Steinbach in the past five years, with five more arriving from other African countries, the census found.
Harder said the number of privately sponsored refugee families in the area should produce higher totals.
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This article was published 05/11/2017 (1837 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Celebrating 150 years of immigration is the theme for an event on Nov. 9 at Mennonite Heritage Village. As part of commemorating Canadas 150th birthday, MHV Auxiliary is planning an evening of stories, music and appetizers from the ethnic groups that have settled in southeastern Manitoba over the years.
The program will go back in time to recognize the first settlers. Glen Klassen will present a short piece on the coming of Mennonites in 1874, followed by a nod to the French culture with French folk music and fiddling under the direction of Denise LeBlanc Reimer of Lorette.
Then came the 1970s and 1980s when Manitoba saw families fleeing Vietnam make their home in the province. Thanh and Te Trinh with their family of six arrived in Manitoba on a blustery February day in 1980. Daughter Dr Hang Trinh will tell the story of the family who has become part of the fabric of Steinbach life.
In the 1990s, the news brought us the accounts of the genocide in Rwanda. Jean-Luc Ndahayo, now living in Landmark, and members of his family will tell us their story of escape. Romell and Rosalita Gallego will represent people from the Philippines who have settled in Steinbach and area.
Interspersed with these stories will be music by Esther, Grace and Elodie Mulamba originally from Burundi.
After the formal program, appetizers from the various ethnic groups will be served. Tickets for $15 which include refreshments will be available at the door. The event begins at 7 p.m.
Photo: (c) picturegarden
New Yorks Sex Diaries series asks anonymous city dwellers to record a week in their sex lives with comic, tragic, often sexy, and always revealing results. This week, a Ph.D. candidate has something to tell her friend-with-benefits: 31, straight, single, Boston.
DAY ONE
7:10 a.m. I wake up very horny, unusually so. Im also unusually wet for this hour Im able to masturbate quickly and easily.
12:30 p.m. At work. Im doing a Ph.D. in Social Policy and I work at a nonprofit that provides out-of-school support at low-income schools across the country.
4:30 p.m. Still horny. A little strange but I have class soon so Im distracted. During class I wonder if I can get Dubman to come over. Its a weekday.
Almost exactly three years ago, I made out with Dubman for the first time. We were at a Halloween party, and he said he worked at a nonprofit as well. I was Jigsaw and he was in blond pigtails and a white tie-up shirt. I won creepiest costume; he won sluttiest. He seemed like everything I like in a guy easygoing, funny, generally well read, decent looking. He also seemed like everything I detest privileged, aware of his laid-back-ness and wit. I didnt expect it to go anywhere.
But somehow over the past three years hes become my best friend. The sex has continued. My feelings for him have ebbed and flowed, then became stronger a few months ago. I have no idea why. Hes never hid the fact that he has regular sex with three ex-girlfriends, two colleagues, and a neighbor.
10:15 p.m. STILL horny. Watch some porn to help me sleep.
DAY TWO
6:47 a.m. Wake up earlier than usual. My first thought is to text Dubman for a romp tonight. Make a mental note to move condoms and lube into the bedside table drawer from the bag stashed behind my shoe shelf. It was for when my parents visited over a month ago. My parents are Indian and like to believe Im a 30-year-old virgin. And Dubman doesnt like wearing condoms so I have to remember to get one out each time.
11:05 a.m. Get a G-chat from Dubman; its a Funny Onion article Man Unknowingly Buys Lifetime Supply of Condoms. Its a good sign. Hes thinking about a romp.
3:30 p.m. He still hasnt asked me about my plans tonight. Its usually something casual like a movie or a Ken Burns show that will safely turn into a night of sex. Im frustrated.
6:02 p.m. I send him a quick text from the bus asking what hes doing this evening. He replies hes on his way to an OKCupid date. It isnt the first time hes told me that, but it still makes me mad. I have no problem with the other women, most of the time so why cant he be available when I need him?
8:15 p.m. I make an OKCupid account. It takes me a while to write a profile and choose pictures from Facebook. Finally get to view profiles. Too many sarcastic men looking for partners in crimes. I lose interest fast. I want Dubman.
9:47 p.m. I watch porn thinking about Dubman, constantly checking my phone to see if hes contacted me to get together. Hes done that before after a first or second date he never sleeps with these dating-app-women until the third date.
DAY THREE
6:10 a.m. Im up early again. I check my OKCupid and respond to a few guys. Many of them have the same question: Where are you from originally?
8:17 a.m. Im on the bus and suddenly feel a wave of nausea, but am able to compose myself.
9:01 a.m. Im in the office still feeling a little sick. I wonder what it is. I eat the same food for every meal at almost the same times almost every day. I get teary watching a Facebook video for National Coming Out Day. I must be getting my period.
12:48 p.m. Actually, I dont think its my period I think I might be pregnant. Ive never felt this nauseous. I think over this calmly and try to remember my last session of unprotected sex with Dubman. It was two weekends ago in a single tent in Acadia. Like some fuckin Adam and Eve.
3:18 p.m. The pregnancy hormones or just the thought are making me feel crazy. I dont think Im going to tell Dubman until I see him in person. I send him a text. No response.
6:35 p.m. Simmering with anger and determined to deal with this myself, I decide to give him a few hours.
7:53 p.m. Overcome by extreme exhaustion I suddenly cant move. I collapse on my bed and pass out.
DAY FOUR
6:12 a.m. I wake up after almost sleep. I decide to be responsible, get a pregnancy test, and talk to Dubman after work.
10:07 a.m. Work is crazy, and Im cramping. Is it my period? No time to think about it.
2:15 p.m. A quick Google search for cramping without bleeding. Yup, implantation pain. I knew it.
4:55 p.m. Allow myself a quick daydream about Dubman and me with a brown-skinned, redheaded, Jewish baby. Im brought back to reality with an email from my adviser.
6 p.m. G-chat from Dubman asking what I am doing tonight. I secretly giggle, relishing my secret power of pregnancy knowledge over him. He says hes hanging out with a co-worker whos staying with him this weekend. He confirms that theyve recently hooked up. I stop texting him.
8 p.m. I get off the bus, walk home, get on my bike and ride to the closest Walgreens. My mind is a blur. I buy a pregnancy test and ride home. I pour myself some whiskey and go into the bathroom to pee. Its positive.
2:12 a.m. Im awake all night. Torturing myself with thoughts of dealing with a lonely pregnancy or the guilt of an abortion. While Dubmans fucking some girl he barely knows.
4 a.m. I text Dubman I need to see you today as soon as possible.
DAY FIVE
10:08 a.m. Dubman says hes busy all day but available on the phone. I do the second pregnancy test and scream into my pillow.
11:25 a.m. I call my best friend in D.C. Shes in Mexico for a wedding and drinking a mezcal cocktail with breakfast. I tell her Im pregnant. Shes livid. Shes walking on a street in Guanajuato yelling at me to call Dubman. I tell her I need to think and hang up.
12:52 p.m. Multiple texts from my friend urging me not to let Dubman get away with this. She says he needs to be there and he needs to pay for at least half of everything whatever I choose to do. Dubman isnt like that, of course he would be there and would want to pay. Hes just occupied with his co-worker. My friend emphasizes making him acknowledge emotional and financial responsibility.
2:50 p.m. Lose all my bravado and pride and text Dubman Im pregnant. He says hell be right over and is there in five minutes. Im not prepared to see him so soon.
3:03 p.m. Im not prepared for his reaction: He feels strongly that I should get an abortion. He says hes never developed romantic feelings for me and has never seen a future with me. Im in shock, but shouldnt be. I tell him theres nothing to talk about and that I feel fine.
3:41 p.m. He leaves and I research abortion. I reserve the earliest appointment for the next evening.
6:45 p.m. Im bored and lonely but dont feel like seeing any of my friends. I get back on OKCupid. Theres too much to read. I make a Tinder account.
9:05 p.m. I dont know what I want. I know I dont want Dubman snuggling with this co-worker. I call him and tell him I need him to spend the night with me. He says theres no way he can do that. I cry. He agrees to come over.
11:15 p.m. He arrives looking stressed and saying he had to tell his co-worker and she was very upset. He makes it clear he doesnt want to be here. We sleep as far from each other as we can.
DAY SIX
7:33 a.m. I hardly sleep all night. When Dubman wakes up I tell him I have an abortion appointment. He agrees to come but bargains with me to get out of spending the night with me. He says he can stay over after his co-worker leaves.
An at-home abortion consists of consuming one set of pills with a doctor at the clinic and a second set at home the following day. The clinic asks that you bring someone to accompany you home since there is nausea, pain, and emotions involved.
3:15 p.m. I get ready to leave work. Ive told my closest co-worker why. He says it isnt a big deal and a lot of his friends have been through it.
3:55 p.m. We are both early at Planned Parenthood. There are some old men holding posters of fetuses, chanting at passersby not to kill babies. Im told that insurance wont cover the procedure. Dubman offers to pay half. In the next two hours I go through an ultrasound, two blood tests, two information sessions, then am finally given a pill to start passing the pregnancy. Everyone at the clinic has been kind and supportive.
6:30 p.m. We are finally on our way home. I feel fine, no nausea, no emotions.
7:05 p.m. Dubman claims to have a lot of work and leaves. Doesnt mention the co-worker sharing his bed. I need a distraction and end up on Tinder. I swipe right often and immediately matched with someone.
8:15 p.m. An hour of outright flirting later I give him my address. While he is en route I quickly look up the rules on sex during a medical abortion. There isnt much information. I shower to get the ultrasound gel off me and change into a different dress.
8:50 p.m. Hes cute, with a disheveled beard, and he brings a box of home-brewed IPA. I wish wed met under different circumstances. I pour him a scotch, while I pretend to be drinking a whiskey-ginger thats really all ginger.
9:32 p.m. We waste no time and once in bed I realize I neednt have been worried about the first pill that stops estrogen production I was wet and ready. Hes the first new guy Ive been with in over three years but I make him do all the things I do with Dubman. All with a condom, of course.
11:40 p.m. He leaves and I fall asleep easily for the first time in days.
4:05 a.m. My body finally reacts to the first pill and I barely make it to the toilet to throw up. My head is woozy. I have a text from Dubman asking how Im feeling and saying he can come over after work. The second pill is to be kept under my tongue till it dissolves. Its supposed to start contractions immediately and there is severe cramping to be expected for up to eight hours. The pain is likened to labor pains.
DAY SEVEN
7:00 a.m. I go on a bike ride to distract myself. I stop at a greenhouse and buy a cactus with two yellow blossoms. I tell myself Im not an emotional person. I know, however, more than ever that I am looking to be in a stable relationship.
9:52 a.m. I buy groceries. The doctor told me to buy everything I might need for a few days. She suggested stocking up on a lot of comfort food. I leave with a double chocolate ice cream, spicy Indian banana chips, a jar of Nutella, and some frozen burritos.
2:09 p.m. Ive spoken to my closest friends, made a list of movies to watch, and read blogs and reviews of misoprostol, the abortion pill, by women who have been through the process.
3:37 p.m. Dubman is on his way. I take a shower and brush my teeth.
4:30 p.m. Dubman pours himself a scotch and I roll myself a cigarette and we sit in my backyard. No one passing by could ever imagine our circumstance.
5:11 p.m. I take the pill and start cramping. We watch a funny American movie. Dubmans been introducing me to American classics since we met. There are so many. I get nauseous, throw up, and pass out.
8:14 p.m. I wake up alone in the dark. I recall Dubman waking me up to give me a painkiller and a hot water bottle. Hes texted me saying he left because I was snoring and he didnt think there was anything else for him to do.
9 p.m. Im cramping severely. I get a notification from Tinder I have more than 100 matches. It might not seem like it at the moment, but I know Im going to be all right.
Want to submit a sex diary? Email sexdiaries@nymag.com and tell us a little about yourself.
FBI officials arrive at the site of a mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, on Nov. 5, 2017, in this picture obtained via social media. (MAX MASSEY/ KSAT 12/via REUTERS)
First Photo, Facebook Post of Church Shooter Devin Patrick Kelley Emerge Online
After Devin Patrick Kelley was identified as the shooter at a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, a photo of him has emerged online.
A U.S. government official told The Daily Beast that Kelley, 26, was identified as the gunman in the shooting, which left at least 20 people dead and more injured on Sunday, Oct. 5. Hes a resident of New Braunfels, a suburb of San Antonio, Texas. CBS News and NBC News also confirmed him as the shooter.
CBS News posted a photo of Kelley on Sunday evening.
It was reported that Kelley posted a Facebook photo on Oct. 29 with a message of a rifle: Shes a bad [expletive].
Records show he was married and his mother-in-law had a P.O. box in Sutherland Springs.
The Daily Beast and The Daily Mail both tweeted photos that purport to be of Kelly. Other media outlets have not yet confirmed theyre of the suspect.
PICTURED: Texas church shooter is identified as Devin Patrick Kelley, a 26-year-old Bible studies teacher https://t.co/dZiGtDsvGP pic.twitter.com/t5kCbPQKxw Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) November 5, 2017
The suspect was later found dead after a police chase in Guadalupe County.
Details about Kelley, including a motive have not been released.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott revealed that 26 people died in the church attack, making it the deadliest mass shooting in Texas state history, The Associated Press reported.
The Daily Beast reported that Kelley entered First Baptist Church at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to witnesses. He then opened fire.
U.S. officials confirmed that Kelley wore a ballistic vest and was dressed in all black.
A law enforcement official confirmed to the Daily Beast that its assumed Kelley used the same rifle to carry out the rampage that was posted on Facebook.
The banner image from Devin Patrick Kelleys now-deleted Facebook account. https://t.co/dED5Y9zhFI pic.twitter.com/ru1IXorfJr Scott Bixby (@scottbix) November 5, 2017
In a statement, officials called the shooter a male wearing black clothing, MySanAntonio.com reported.
According to preliminary information, the shooter entered the church and fired a rifle, killing 25 and wounding 20 before leaving the scene in a vehicle, Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt and the Texas Department of Public Safety stated.
The gunman was killed several miles from the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, about 40 miles (65 km) east of San Antonio, said Guadalupe County Sheriffs Sergeant Robert Murphy to Reuters.
Witnesses described the scene to media outlets. We heard several shots and we all started running inside the store, said an unnamed woman to ABC. It lasted about 15 seconds, she added. I yelled, Get down! Get inside! and we all went into hiding.
Devin Patrick Kelley had recently posted a photo of an AR-15 style gun on his Facebook page https://t.co/2YGcaO5fmf pic.twitter.com/ixy524sHx7 Daily Mail US (@DailyMail) November 6, 2017
Among the victims was the 14-year-old daughter of a Texas churchs pastor. First Baptist Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy confirmed to ABC News that his teen girl, Annabelle, was among those killed in the mass shooting.
Annabelle, Pastor Pomeroy said, was one very beautiful, special child, ABC reported. He wasnt at the church this morning, adding that he was in Oklahoma.
Other victims in the shooting are close friends of his, he said.
My husband and I were ironically out of town in two different states. We lost our 14-year-old daughter today and many friends, her mother Sherri Pomeroy told CBS News on Sunday.
She added, Neither of us have made it back into town yet to personally see the devastation. I am at the Charlotte airport trying to get home as soon as I can.
2 Locals Hailed as Heroes for Taking Down Texas Church Shooter
An armed citizen reportedly shot Texas church shooter Devin Patrick Kelley on Sunday, hitting him through a gap in his body armor.
Stephen Willeford, a local plumber, happened to be near the church when the incident took place. At least 26 people died in the attack and more were injured in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Willeford, 55, grabbed his rifle after he was told by his daughter that an attack was underway, the Telegraph reported. When he arrived at the church, he shot him in a side through the gap in his body armor, forcing Kelley to flee the scene.
The plumber and another resident, Johnnie Langedorff, then chased him at 100 mph as the killer tried to escape after he took a hostage.
Reports indicate that Kelley was armed with a rifle and combat gear.
Freeman Martin, who is the regional director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, was quoted as saying: The suspect dropped his rifle, which was a Ruger AR assault-type rifle, and fled from the church. The man then chased the gunman.
He got a little bit of a jump on us. So we were doing about 95 miles per hour, going around traffic and everything, Langedorff told KSAT TV. He just lost control and thats when I put the vehicle in park. The other gentleman jumped out and had his rifle drawn on him and he didnt move after that.
Langendorff said an armed citizen stood guard over the gunmanafter he crashed his caruntil police arrived about five minutes later.
I was strictly just acting on whats the right thing to do, Langendorff said.
The neighbor with the rifle came to my truck and he opened my door and said, He shot up the church, and got in, Langendorff told Good Morning America. He said, Chase him so thats what I did. I just chase him.
It semeed everybody had headed up to the church. Im not sure if anybody really realized that he had left and gone that direction, he said.
A local sheriff indicated that Kelley committed suicide.
We know that his ex-in-laws or in-laws came to church here from time to time, Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt Jr. told CNN. They were not here yesterday.
President Donald Trump praised Willeford for preventing more casualties.
Fortunately somebody else had a gun that was shooting in the opposite direction, otherwise it would have been as bad as it was it would have been much worse, he said, according to published reports.
3-Year-Old Boy Killed in Drive-By Shooting in Texas, Suspect Still at Large
A young boy was killed on Saturday night, Nov. 4, after being hit by gunfire in San Antonio, Texas.
San Antonio police said the family was driving down New Laredo Highway near Briggs Avenue on the South West Side when another car pulled up beside them and fired one single shot, ABC affiliate KSAT reported.
Renee Blancs, a 3-year-old boy, was shot in the head according to police. The family drove to the nearest hospital, Southwest General Hospital, where the baby was later air-lifted to University hospital. It was there where he was pronounced dead.
Max Massey, a reporter for KSAT first broke the news in a tweet.
#BREAKING 4-year-old is dead after shot in the head while in car. Family was driving on New Laredo HWY when car pulled up & started shooting Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
In an update, San Antonio detectives said they are now searching for a gold or beige 4-door 2000 model Honda Civic, in connection to the murder, KSAT reported.
As of writing, police are still investigating the incident to find out who fired the shots, and what their motive was.
Renee was only three days away from celebrating his fourth birthday this coming Wednesday on Nov. 8, KSAT reported.
#UPDATE child shot and killed was only 3-years-old his 4th birthday was this coming Wednesday 11/8 https://t.co/XO1FkgBecT Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 5, 2017
According to San Antonio Express-News, Renee was riding in the back seat of his families vehicle when he was shot around 11:30 p.m, on Saturday.
The single round fired from the suspect traveled through the trunk, before striking the child in the head.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP (7867).
The murder of the boy came just a day before the shooting massacre at a rural Texas church on Sunday.
Suspected gunman Devin Patrick Kelley killed 26 people and injured another 20 when he opened fire in the white-steepled First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs. The attack ranks among the five deadliest mass shootings carried out by a single gunman in U.S. history.
As he left the church, Kelley, 26 was confronted by a man identified by media as Stephen Willeford, who was armed with an assault rifle. He shot and wounded Kelley, authorities said.
As Kelley fled in a Ford Expedition, Willeford waved down a passing motorist and they chased the suspect at high speeds.
This good Samaritan, our Texas hero, flagged down a young man from Seguin, Texas, and they jumped in their vehicle and pursued the suspect, said Freeman Martin, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Kelley called his father during the chase to say he had been shot and might not survive, officials said. He later crashed his vehicle, shot himself and died, they added. An autopsy will determine if he died from the self-inflicted wound or after being shot in the gunfight, officials said.
Kelley was involved in a domestic dispute with the family of Danielle Shields, a woman he married in 2014, and the situation had flared up, according to officials and official records. It was unclear if the two were still married.
There was a domestic situation going on within the family and the in-laws, Martin told reporters outside the church on Monday morning. The mother-in-law attended the church she had received threatening text messages from him.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt Jr. said in an interview that the family members were not in the church during Kelleys attack.
I heard that (the in-laws) attended church from time to time, Tackitt said. Not on a regular basis.
The Texas death toll matched the fatalities at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a man shot and killed 26 children and educators after slaying his mother at their home in December 2012.
The dead ranged in age from 18 months to 77 years.
Ten of the wounded in Texas remained in critical condition on Monday morning, officials said.
Reuters contributed to this report.
From NTD.tv
Visitors walk around the base of Uluru on the base walk trail on Nov. 27, 2013 in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia. Uluru/ Ayers Rock is a large sandstone formation situated in central Australia approximately 335km from Alice Springs. The site and its surrounding area is scared to the Anangu people, the Indigenous people of this area and is visited by over 250,000 people each year. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
A Momentous Win For The Indigenous Anangu People of Australia
A historic decision to ban tourists from climbing Uluru (Ayres Rock) in Australiaan activity considered disrespectful by its traditional ownerswas announced on November 1.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park board, made up of a majority of Aboriginal traditional owners, unanimously voted to ban climbers from the popular Australian tourist attraction from Oct. 26, 2019.
This decision to end the climb seemed to be a natural progression of events, with the number of visitors actively scaling the national icon has in recent times fallen below the 20 per cent threshold stated in the Parks management plan.
Between 2011 and 2015, only 16 percent of visitors made the climb, according to the latest figures.
Uluru traditional owner and board chairman Sammy Wilson said the decision should be something to be proud of.
This decision is for both Anangu (the traditional owners) and non-Anangu together to feel proud about; to realise, of course its the right thing to close it, Wilson said in a media statement on Nov. 1.
Closing the climb is not something to feel upset about but a cause for celebration.
Uluru is regarded sacred to the Anangu people who have strongly discouraged tourists from scaling the rock for many years.
According to news.com.au, 35 people have died while climbing across Uluru since it started getting visitors in the 1950s.
It is an extremely important place, not a playground or theme park like Disneyland, Wilson said.
If I travel to another country and there is a sacred site, an area of restricted access, I dont enter or climb it, I respect it. It is the same here for Anangu, he added.
Director of National Parks Sally Barnes, also a member of the Board, added a few personal words. This is a significant moment for all Australians and marks a new chapter in our history. It clearly says we put country and culture first when managing this place for all Australians and our visitors from around the world.
Police stand outside the site of a shooting at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, U.S. Nov. 6, 2017. (Reuters/Rick Wilking)
Church Shooting Suspect Was Denied Gun Carry License, Governor Says
The man suspected of killing 26 people in a Texas church on Sunday was denied a license to carry a gun, according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Suspected gunman Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, walked into the white-steepled First Baptist Church in rural Sutherland Springs carrying an assault rifle and wearing black tactical gear, then opened fire during a Sunday prayer service. He wounded at least 20 others, officials said.
Kelley was thrown out of the U.S. Air Force for beating his wife and child. The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits possession of firearms by those who were dishonorably discharged.
After Kelley left the church, two local residents, at least one of whom was armed, chased him in their vehicles and exchanged gunfire with Kelley, who crashed his car and shot himself to death, Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt told CBS News in an interview on Monday morning.
At this time we believe that he had a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Tackitt said.
The attack came a little more than a month after another gunman killed 58 people in Las Vegas in the deadliest shooting in U.S. history.
The initial death toll matched the number of dead in the December 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, where a man shot and killed 26 children and educators. Those attacks now stand as the fourth deadliest in the United States.
Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott told CBS there was evidence that Kelley had mental health problems.
Its clear this is a person who had violent tendencies, who had some challenges, and someone who was a powder keg, seeming waiting to go off, Abbott said.
The victims in Sutherland Springs, a community of fewer than 400 people, located about 40 miles east of San Antonio, included the 14-year-old daughter of church pastor Frank Pomeroy, the family told several television stations.
One couple, Joe and Claryce Holcombe, told the Washington Post they lost eight extended family members, including a pregnant granddaughter-in-law and three of her children.
At the suspects home, located in an isolated area of New Braunfels about 35 miles north of Sutherland Springs, a Comal County Sheriff vehicle blocked the entrance. A beware of dog sign was affixed to the gate where a dented mailbox bears the address.
Kelley served in the Logistics Readiness unit at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his discharge in 2014, according to the U.S. Air Force.
Kelley was court-martialed in 2012 on charges of assaulting his wife and child, and given a bad-conduct discharge, confinement for 12 months and a reduction in rank, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said.
Reuters contributed to this report.
From NTD.tv
An American flag hags upside down from a home near the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs on Nov. 6, 2017 in Sutherland Springs, Texas. On November 5 a gunman, Devin Patrick Kelley, killed 26 people at the church and wounded 20 others when he opened fire during a Sunday service. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Courageous Townspeople Shot, Chased Texas Church Shooter
A sharpshooting plumber fired the shot which hit a gap in the body armor of Texas church shooter Devin Kelley, inflicting the wound which would eventually kill him.
Stephen Willeford learned from his daughter that a man clad in body armor was on a rampage in the nearby church.
Willeford grabbed his rifle and engaged the suspect said Texas Department of Public Safety chief Freeman Martin.
Willeford ran into Kelley as the shooter left the Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church, where he had just killed 26 people.
Willeford, a 55-year-old motorcycle enthusiast, had no particular training in firearms combat; he had never been in the military. Yet when confronted with a hostile gunman, he didnt hesitate. He squeezed off a quick shot, hitting a gap in Kelleys armor. Kelley dropped his gun and fled to his vehicle.
Another resident, Johnnie Langendorff, was passing the church in his pick-up truck and saw the whole scene.
I pulled up to the intersection where the shooting happened and I saw two men exchanging gunfire, the other being a citizen of the community, Langendorff explained.
The shooter of the church had taken off, fled in his vehicle, and the other gentleman came and he said, We need to pursue him, that he just shot up the church. So thats what I did. I just acted.
Langendorff didnt recognize Willefordhe just knew that he was a local.
He was just a member of the community, and whenever he came to my vehicle in distress with his weapon, he explained very quickly what happened and he got in the truck and I knew it was just time [to go].
The two townsmen charged off after the fleeing killer, speeding through traffic.
We were doing about 95 mph, going around traffic and everything, said Langendorff.
Langendorff said he was on the radio with the police dispatcher throughout the pursuit, relaying information.
After eleven miles of hot pursuit, Kelley lost control while trying to round a sharp left turn.
Eventually he came to kind of a slowdown and after that, we got within just a few feet of him and he got off the road He just lost control and thats when I put the vehicle in park The other gentleman jumped out and had his rifle drawn on him and he didnt move after that.
The police arrived several minutes later.
Langendorff said Kelley was nearly dead when he and Willeford reached the car.
He was bleeding pretty bad, Langendorf said of Kelley. He didnt live much longer than that.
Public Safety chief Freeman Martin confirmed Kelley was found dead at the scene.
The police official said at the time they were not sure if it was self-inflicted or if he was shot by a local resident.
Kelley, 26, served two years in the Air Force starting in 2010. In 2012 he was court-martialed for beating his wife and child. He spent twelve months in a military prison and was discharged for bad conduct.
He had also been charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty on Aug. 1, 2014, when he lived in a mobile home park near Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was given a deferred probationary sentence and was ordered to pay $368 in restitution. The charge was dismissed in March 2016 after he completed his sentence.
From NTD.tv
Law enforcement officials investigate a mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas on Nov. 5, 2017. (Nick Wagner/AMERICAN-STATESMAN via REUTERS)
Former Classmates Speak out on Texas Church Gunman, Says He Preached Atheism
Some former classmates on Monday suggested the Texas church gunman who killed 26 people and wounded 24 more was weird and creepy.
Patrick Boyce, who attended New Braunfels High School with the gunman, Devin Patrick Kelley, told MailOnline that he was an outcast who preached his atheism on the Internet.
He had a kid or two, fairly normal, but kinda quiet and lately seemed depressed, Boyce added. He was the first atheist I met. He went Air Force after high school, got discharged but I dont know why.
I was just shocked [to hear the news]. Still havent quite processed how he could have done that, Boyce continued.
Another person who went to high school with him, Nina Rose Nava, wrote on Facebook: In complete shock! I legit just deleted him off my fb cause I couldnt stand his post (sic).
He was always talking about how people who believe in God were stupid and trying to preach his atheism, she added.
Another person, Christopher Leo Longoria, added on Facebook: I removed him off FB for those same reasons! He was being super nagtive (sic) all the timd (sic).
Nava added to the Mail: I went to school with him. We had a few conversations here and there. Its not something I expected from him.
He was an outcast but not a loner. He was popular among other outcast. I havent spoke to him since high school.
Cord Eubank Brown said on social media: I cannot believe this. I went to high school with this maniac. There were people I knew who stayed away from this guy for many reasons, which all make sense now. He just requested me on facebook recently.
Kelley is suspected of walking into First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, located near San Antonio, on Sunday before opening.
CBS News reported that Kelly joined the U.S. Air Force in 2010 and left in 2014 after he was dishonorably discharged. The military said Kelly served in Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.
His mother-in-law has a P.O. box in Sutherland Springs, where the massacre took place. He was married and lived in a wooded area outside New Braunfels.
Neighbors told the Dallas News that they heard rapid-fire gunshots at night on the large Texas property, adding they heard someone in his home hauling large household items such as couches, recliners and bikes, to the curb.
A North Korean restaurant worker tries to attract customers in the border city of Dandong, Liaoning province, northern China across the Yalu River from the border city of Sinuiju, North Korea on May 23, 2017 in Dandong, China. Reports from inside China reveal North Korean workers are being forced out of the country. (Kevin Frayer/Getty Images)
North Korean Workers Ejected From China Ahead of Sanctions Deadline
Reports from inside China reveal sanctions are pushing North Korean workers out of the country, cutting off one of the final key sources of foreign-made income for the North Korean regime.
Many workers are even being sent home earlier than required by the sanctions.
In one instance, a Chinese pharmaceutical factory in the border city of Longjing, Jilin province, canceled contacts with over 70 North Korean workers in the middle of October and hired more expensive Chinese workers to replace them.
Although they hadnt even been here for a year, their contracts were canceled in the middle of their term and they returned to North Korea, a local Chinese source told Daily NK, on Nov. 2. Daily NK specializes in accessing stories from within the isolated communist state.
A similar trend has been playing out across China as the Chinese regime implements sanctions arising from U.N. Security Council Resolution 2375 from September.
The resolution requires all existing North Korean overseas laborers to return home at the end of their current contracts, but many workers are being sent home early.
The fact that these workers were sent home before the end of their contract suggests that the Chinese authorities are actively intervening or pressuring businesses through unofficial means to dump their North Korean workers, reported Daily NK.
Earlier reports from the specialized news site revealed Chinese authorities pushing factories in Dandong City to cancel employment contracts with North Korean workers.
In October, about 30 workers in the city of Yanji, Jilin Province, close to the North Korean border, were reportedly sent back to North Korea.
They were last seen shopping at the market in Yanji.
They bought a large number of products and then werent seen in the markets for some time, a local source told Daily NK. I asked about this, and found out that they had all returned to North Korea.
Many of the workers paid bribes for the opportunity to send money home to North Korea. While overseas workers often see the majoritysometimes the entiretyof their salary claimed by the North Korean regime and their local handlers for costs like housing and food, the chance to get out of North Korea and earn money is attractive to many.
Daily NK has found several instances of sanctions impacting businesses inside China, according to its sources.
In October, the site reported that China officially notified North Korean companies that they must leave China within 120 days.
In accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2375, Chinese-North Korean joint ventures and foreign-funded enterprises in China must cease operations, read the Sept. 28 directive on the website of Chinas Ministry of Commerce and the State Administration for Industry and Commerce.
The also found that North Korean restaurants appeared to be under some kind of unofficial boycott.
Over 100 North Korean restaurantsmost of them operating as joint ventures with Chinese partnersface possible closure.
An order was handed down from Kim Jong Un to pull out all overseas laborers and restaurant workers from China by the end of the year, a source close to North Korean affairs told Daily NK.
Polygamous Pedophile Cult Leader Arrested in Mexico After Three Turn Up Dead
The fugitive leader of a cult that splintered from the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints, which itself splintered from the Mormon Church, was arrested at his Mexican compound after three men turned up dead, AP reported.
Cult leader Orson William Black Jr arrested after triple murder https://t.co/wMrs2hzk2Z Pete (@LighthouseForum) November 6, 2017
Orson William Black Jr. was already wanted in the United States for sexual misconduct with minors. He ran away from FLDS property on the border of Utah and Arizona to escape punishment. In 2011, the leader of FLDS, Warren Jeffs, was sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault related to two of his underage brides, BBC reported.
Black escaped the United States around 15 years ago and lived on land belonging to a Mennonite settlement in Mexico. Police became suspicious enough to contact the U.S. Consulate in Mexico after Blacks group in Mexico reacted oddly to the investigation of the dead men aged 15, 19, and 23.
During the investigation, it was notable that the victims did not have birth certificates and that the members of the religious community who appeared to identify the dead did not claim the bodies, and so the U.S. Consulate was contacted to provide information on this group, the local state prosecutors office said, via AP.
Local authorities conducted a series of raids over two days on the groups property in a town along the Mexican border. They found 65 dead animals. Some were frozen and some were of only the head, and some were complete carcasses. The animals consisted of zebras, buffalo, a lion, and even a bear.
Police arrested Black, his four wives, a concubine, and around 20 followers of Blacks cult after finding they did not hold Mexican citizenship. Black was charged with illegal possession of wildlife and human smuggling. The others in his group could face deportation. Authorities are still investigating the deaths of the three men.
The FLDS are known for splitting from the main Mormon Church so they could continue the practice of polygamy. They are one of a number of groups that split for the express purpose of continuing polygamy after the practice was terminated by the main church around the start of the 20th century. The group evades laws relating to polygamy by having one legal marriage and several spiritual marriages. Sometimes the marriages include children or teen girls marrying men decades older than them, according to the Los Angeles Times.
From NTD.tv
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump meet with an abductee and families of others still abducted by North Korea, in Tokyo on Nov. 6, 2017. (KIMIMASA MAYAMA/AFP/Getty Images)
President Trump Meets With Family of Japanese Abducted by North Korea
During his visit to Japan, President Donald Trump met with relatives of Japanese citizens who have been abducted by the North Korean regime.
President Donald Trump said that he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are trying to get the abductees back.
Most of the abductions took place between the late 1970s and early 1980s. The abductees were kidnapped from Japanese coastal areas by North Korean agents intending to use them to teach spies Japanese language and culture.
North Korea has admitted to having carried out at least 13 such abductions. Tokyo believes at least 17 Japanese citizens have been abducted.
In total, Trump met with 16 family members of abductees, and one former abductee.
Its a tremendous disgrace, President Trump said after hearing their stories. And I just met some really wonderful people who have gone through a lot.
President Donald Trump meets with families of abductees by North Korea in Tokyo on Nov. 6, 2017. (KIMIMASA MAYAMA/AFP/Getty Images)
Japanese Prime Minister Abe thanked Trump for his concern for the families.
Im particularly grateful for President Trump and Madam First Lady, who kindly spent their time with a former abductee and the family members of those who had been abducted by North Korea, Abe said.
Abe also thanked Trump for bringing up the issue of Japanese abductions during his speech before the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Sept. 19.
The speech by the American President on the occasion of the U.N. General Assembly is something that the entire world would pay attention to, Abe said.
In his speech before the U.N. General Assembly on Sept. 19, Trump talked about one of the victims, a 13-year-old Japanese girl.
We know it [North Korea] kidnapped a sweet 13-year-old Japanese girl from a beach in her own country to enslave her as a language tutor for North Koreas spies, Trumps said in his UN speech.
Megumi Yokota was kidnapped by North Korean agents while on her way home from school in 1977. She was only 13 years old at the time.
According to a 2014 report by the United Nations Human Rights Council, North Korea is estimated to have kidnapped over 200,000 foreigners since 1950.
Most of the abductions and disappearances happened during the Korean War. In addition, there was an organized movement of ethnic Koreans from Japan to North Korea that started in 1959.
Among the foreigners are women from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Asia who were abducted in order to be given as wives to foreigners already present in the DPRK.
The DPRK used its land, naval and intelligence forces to conduct abductions and arrests. Both Korean War and post-war operations were approved at the level of the Supreme Leader, the U.N. report states.
In one such a case, former North Korean dictator, Kim Jong Il, directly had contact with abduction victims. South Korean film director Shin Sang-ok and actress Choi Un-heeboth abducteeswere used to make several North Korean propaganda movies for which Kim was the executive producer.
Saudi Arabian royal Al-Waleed Bin Talal bin Abdulaziz al Saud looks on during a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake in Colombo on July 4, 2017. (ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)
Saudi Prince Who Opposed Trump Detained in 5-Star Hotel After Arrest
The billionaire prince who opposed President Donald Trump during the 2016 U.S. election is being held in a 5-star hotel after he was arrested earlier this weekend on money laundering charges.
Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal is one of the richest men in the world and described himself as the largest individual foreign investor in the United States. He was among 11 princes and 38 high-level officials who were arrested during a large-scale purge in Saudi Arabia that started on Saturday evening.
Alwaleed owns a majority stake in Kingdom Holding, which invests billions in U.S. companies, including Citigroup, Twitter, Apple, 21st Century Fox, Apple, eBay, and Time Warner, according to Business Insider.
Alwaleed is reportedly being held at the Ritz Carlton in Riyad, which was evacuated on Saturday, New York Times reported.
Alwaleed opposed President Trumps run for office.
Withdraw from the U.S presidential race as you will never win, Alwaleed wrote on Twitter on Dec. 11, 2015.
Within hours, Trump fired back.
Dopey Prince @Alwaleed_Talal wants to control our U.S. politicians with daddys money, Trump wrote on Twitter. Cant do it when I get elected.
Dopey Prince @Alwaleed_Talal wants to control our U.S. politicians with daddys money. Cant do it when I get elected. #Trump2016 Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2015
Hour before the arrests in Saudi Arabia began on Saturday, Trump sent a message on Twitter inviting the Saudis to list oil company Aramco on the New York Stock Exchange.
Would very much appreciate Saudi Arabia doing their IPO of Aramco with the New York Stock Exchange, Trump wrote. Important to the United States!
Days before Trumps Aramco tweet, Jared Kushner traveled to Saudi Arabia on an unannounced visit. Although the White House would not confirm who Kushner met, Politico reported that he had cultivated a close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The crown prince is the favorite son of King Salman and is set to take over the reins from his father. Mohammed Bin Salman was also the head of the anti-corruption task force in the hours leading up to the arrests.
Trump met with Mohammed Bin Salman in at the White House in March.
The campaign of mass arrests expanded on Monday after a top entrepreneur was reportedly detained in the biggest anti-corruption purge of the kingdoms affluent elite in its modern history.
Saudi Arabias attorney general called the arrests phase one.
The crackdown has drawn no public opposition within the kingdomneither on the street, nor social media. Many Saudi citizens applauded the arrests.
Saudi banks have begun freezing suspects accounts, sources told Reuters.
Millions in Saudi Arabian money has gone to non-profits linked to top U.S. politicians, including the Clinton Foundation and The McCain Insitute.
Reuters contributed to this report.
From NTD.tv
Police cars are seen at Sutherland Springs in this picture obtained from social media on Nov. 5, 2017. (Liz Summers/via Reuters)
Suspect in Texas Church Massacre Called His Father as He Fled Scene
The gunman suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting at a Texas church on Sunday called his father as he fled the scene in his car, authorities revealed at an official press conference.
Devin Kelley, 26, entered the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs at around noon on Sunday, Nov. 5, clad in armor and armed with an assault rifle, killed 26 people, wounded 20, and walked out.
Outside the church, he encountered an armed good Samaritan who shot and wounded Kelley. The suspect dropped his rifle, ran to his car, jumped in and began to flee.
The good Samaritan flagged another Texas man and the two began to pursue the suspect in their vehicle.
We know during that pursuit the suspect used his cellphone to notify his father that he has been shot and didnt think he was going to make it, said Freeman Martin, a regional director with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Investigators believe that Kelley then shot himself. He was found dead in his vehicle when authorities arrived.
Martin said that although investigators believe Kelley died from a self-inflicted wound, the pathologists will provide a final say on his cause of death.
Once the shooting started Sunday at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, there was probably no way for congregants to escape, Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr. said.
The gunman fired an assault rifle as he walked down the center aisle during worship services. He turned around and continued shooting on his way out of the building, Tackitt said.
The gunman also carried a handgun, but authorities he did not know if it was fired. Tackitt described the scene as terrible.
Its unbelievable to see children, men, and women, laying there. Defenseless people, he said.
The dead ranged in age from 5 to 72 years old. About 20 other people were wounded.
The gunmans former in-laws attended services at the church from time to time but were not there Sunday, Tackitt told CNN on Monday.
Kelley received a bad conduct discharge from the Air Force for assaulting his spouse and child and was sentenced to 12 months of confinement after a 2012 court-martial.
The Gun Control Act of 1968 prohibits possession of firearms by those who were dishonorably discharged.
The attacker pulled into a gas station across from the church, about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio, around 11:20 a.m. Sunday.
He crossed the street and started firing the rifle at the church, then continued firing after entering the white wood-frame building, said Martin.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From NTD.tv
Virginia teen Sinahi Aguilar-Cruz, feared abducted and in danger (Juan CARLOS/AFP/Getty Images and courtesy of Prince William County Police Department)
Teen Missing Again and In Need of Assistance Just Days After Knife-Point Kidnapping by MS-13 Gang
Police say missing teen is in danger and needs help
A Virginia girl kidnapped at a party by an MS-13 gang member a week ago and rescued by police is now missing again, reports WJLA news. Police have stated that Sinahi Aguilar-Cruz, 16, is likely in danger and in need of assistance.
MISSING ENANGERED JUVENILE: Sinahi Aguilar-Cruz, 16, 125lbs, black hair, brn eyes. Last seen Nov 4 at 11:30pm at residence in Endsley Turn. pic.twitter.com/mJshAXoKTT Prince William PD (@PWCPolice) November 5, 2017
The teen was last seen at her residence in Prince William County, about 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, just days after she was rescued by police.
In the previous incident, Roberto Medrano-Segovia allegedly forced Aguilar-Cruz into a car in the early hours of Oct. 29, after the two got into a fight at a party. Earlier in the night Medrano-Segovia pulled out a knife and threatened partygoers, claiming to be a member of the notorious MS-13 gang, police said.
Medrano-Segovia, 21, was apprehended by law enforcement on Oct. 29 and charged with kidnapping, gang participation, destruction of property, and using a false name.
Prince William County Police describe Sinahi Aguilar-Cruz as a missing endangered juvenile, weighing 125 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Aguilar-Cruz is requested to call Prince William County Police at 703-792-6500.
MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is a Central American gang that has been operating in the United States for decades.
Estimates vary on the number of MS-13 gang members in the United States. According to the Justice Department, the figure ranges from 6,000 to 10,000 members.
The vast majority of MS-13 gang members are in the country illegally, according to a report by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The report, which looks at arrests made over a 10-year period, puts the number at 92 percent.
It is a stated priority of the Trump administration to combat the Central American gangs operations in the United States.
Below are remarks made by President Trump on battling the threat posed by MS-13.
Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, of New Braunfels, Texas, as pictured in his driver license photo. (Texas Department of Public Safety)
Texas Church Shooter Wore a Skull Mask: Report
Texas church gunman Devin Patrick Kelley was described as a loner and heavily medicated, according to media reports.
Hes accused of opening fire at a church, killing 26 people and wounding others.
The Texas Department of Public Safetys (DPS) regional director wrote Monday that Kelley had a domestic situation with his family, according to Circa.
One thing everybody wants to know is why something like this can happen, Freeman Martin said in a press conference in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Its a senseless crime.
But we can tell you there was a domestic situation going on inside the family, he added. This was not racially motivated. It wasnt over religious beliefs.
It was a horrific event. We know he expressed anger toward his mother-in-law who attended this church. We can only speculate, Martin said.
Martin noted that Kelley was dressed in black in Sundays attack and wore a face mask with a white skull on it.
I can tell you that there is video footage from inside the church that we have secured, he said on the call. And at this point were not prepared to talk about the video.
Former classmates have spoken out.
He recently added me on [Facebook]. I accepted hence we went to school together, and any time I saw him on my timeline he was sharing stuff about guns and being atheist, one former classmate told Fox News. He was pretty negative. The last post I remember was of a rifle. That person spoke on condition of anonymity.
His parents had him on high doses of psych meds from 6th to 9th grade, the time I knew him, said another student, named only as Reid.
Courtney Kleiber, a former New Braunfels High School student, said she was his best friend for a number of years.
I was his best friend for a number of years and he was a happy, caring person back then. Its crazy what time and [mental] illness can do to you, she wrote, Fox News reported.
Great, now I cant even look through my senior yearbook without seeing this, she posted on her Facebook page.
Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, of New Braunfels, Texas as pictured in his driver license photo. (Texas Department of Public Safety)
Texas Church Shooter Worked as a Security Guard, Seemed Like Nice Guy
The manager of a vacation resort outside of San Antonio said the gunman who opened fire at a church in Texas worked there as a security guard, The Associated Press reported on Monday.
Claudia Varjabedian told AP that Devin Patrick Kelley worked at the Summit Vacation Resort in New Braunfels for the past month or so and seemed like a nice guy.
I had no complaints. I was as shocked as anyone else, added Varjabedian.
The resort is located near Kelleys home near a rural highway in New Braunfels, Texas, AP reported. Thats located some 35 miles from Sutherland Springs, where the church shooting took place.
Hes accused of killing 26 people and wounding 20 more on Sunday, Nov.5. Officials said he was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and locals told ABC News that they chased him via truck before he lost control of his vehicle.
Kelley was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force for assaulting his child and wife, a representative told AP. He got 12 months of confinement after a 2012 court-martial, spokeswoman Ann Stefanek confirmed. He served in Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 to 2014.
AP reported that he was charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty in Colorado, but other details arent clear.
One U.S. official told AP that Kelley doesnt appear to be connected to and domestic or foreign terrorist groups. But he made one post on social media in the days leading up to the shooting about a rifle.
Neighbors said they heard gunfire near the property where Kelley lived.
Its really loud. At first I thought someone was blasting, said Ryan Albers, 16, who lives nearby. It had to be coming from somewhere pretty close. It was definitely not just a shotgun or someone hunting. It was someone using automatic weapon fire.
He had sent threatening text messages to his in-laws who sometimes attended the house of worship before launching the latest U.S. mass shooting, officials said on Monday, Reuters reported.
There was a domestic situation going on within the family and the in-laws, Freeman Martin, a spokesman for the Texas Department of Public Safety, told reporters. The mother-in-law attended the church. We know he sent threatening that she had received threatening text messages from him.
After he left the church, two local residents, including one who was armed, chased Kelley in a truck and they exchanged gunfire. The chase ended when Kelley crashed his car, and may have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound or from the good Samaritans weapon, said Martin.
Law enforcement officials enter the property of Devin P. Kelley on Nov. 5, 2017, near New Braunfels, Texas. (Erich Schlegel/Getty Images)
Texas Church Shooting: Man Who Chased Down Suspect Speaks Out
One of the two men who helped chase down the Texas church gunman on Sunday is speaking out.
Johnnie Langendorff is being hailed a hero for potentially preventing even more, bloodshed after the deadly shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs that killed at least 26 people and wounded 20 others.
Langendorff drove near the church on Sunday morning, Nov. 5, on his way to his girlfriends house. He said he didnt get a good look at the shooter because he was in all black but he witnessed and heard the gunfire.
He told ABC affiliate KSAT he witnessed a neighbor exchanging fire with the gunman Devin Kelley. That neighbor, whose identity has not been revealed yet, appeared to have an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle, while the shooter was using a pistol at that point in time.
It was at that moment, Langendorff said he made the decision to track down the gunman who was fleeing the scene.
The gentleman with the rifle came to my truck as the shooter took off, and he briefed me quickly on what had just happened, and said that we had to get him and so thats what I did, Langendorff told KSAT.
Langendorff said he chased after the mass shooter in his car, with the armed stranger beside him.
He just hurt so many people, and he just affected so many peoples lives, Langendorff told KSAT. Why wouldnt you want to take him down?
The pair chased after Kelley, hitting 95 mph as they followed the SUV driven by the shooter. Langendorff stayed on the phone with dispatch as they drove, giving them updates on their location and direction as they were getting closer and closer.
Langendorff said the chase covered 11 miles before Kelleys car crashed and law enforcement arrived at the scene. According to KSAT, Kelley appeared to lose control of his SUV near the intersection of Hartfield and Sandy Elm roads.
Its like he just gave up. He just kind of went off in the ditch, hit a hay bale from what I could see, and then he just never moved after that, Langendorff told KSAT.
The gentleman that was with me got out, rested his rifle on my hood and kept it aimed at him, telling him to Get out. Get out. There was no movement. There was none of that, Langendorff added.
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Freeman Martin, said the neighbors shooting caused Kelley to drop his weapon. Martin could not confirm if the neighbors bullets actually hit Kelley, but he said his actions prevented more mayhem.
Langendorff also said that Kelleys brake lights were flashing on and off.
So he might have been unconscious from the crash or something like that, he told KSAT. Im not sure.
It took around five to seven minutes until law enforcement arrived at the scene. According to a DPS news release and Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt, Kelley was found dead inside his vehicle.
A day later, Sheriff Tackitt told CBS News that he believes Kelley died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
A "hero here in town" heard gunshots and he got his rifle, Sheriff Tackitt describes resident who pursued gunman https://t.co/fcCJlnqE2G pic.twitter.com/HPGsqJK4M6 CBS News (@CBSNews) November 6, 2017
According to Fox News, additional weapons were found inside Kelleys vehicle.
It was a horrible tragedy, Langendorff told KSAT, but I hope the families affected can sleep a little better at night knowing that he was taken care of.
From NTD.tv
Emergency vehicles are parked outside the first Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs as law enforcement officials continue their investigation of a shooting on November 6, 2017 in Sutherland Springs, Texas. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Texas Gunman Had Previous Conviction for Cruelty to Animals
The gunman who allegedly killed more than 26 people at a Texas church had previously been cited for cruelty to animals, according to the Denver Post.
Criminal and voter records reveal that Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, was cited in 2014 for misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
Kelley was identified by law enforcement officials on Sunday evening as the perpetrator of the worst mass shooting in Texas history.
He shot and killed 26 people using an assault rifle during a Baptist church service in a small town outside San Antonio.
More than 20 others were injured in the attack.
The cruelty to animals charge resulted in Kelley being handed a deferred probationary sentence and paying $368 in restitution.
The charge was dismissed in 2016, according to court records, with Kelley having completed his sentence.
Kelley was also denied a license to carry a gun due to a dishonorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force for beating his wife and child. The Gun Control Act of 1968 automatically prohibits possession of firearms in such cases.
Texas Shooting Suspect Had Ties to Church Through Family Members
The man suspected of carrying out a deadly shooting in a Texas church on Sunday, Nov. 5, had ties to the house of worship through family members, according to the county sheriff.
Authorities in Texas confirmed the identity of the suspect on Monday morning. The Texas Department of Public Safety said that 26-year-old Devin Kelley is suspected of killing 26 people in a Sutherland Springs church.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr. told ABC 11 that the gunmans former in-laws attended the church occasionally, but were not there on Sunday.
Earlier on Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott suggested there may have been a connection between the gunman and the Baptist church where the slayings happened.
Abbott told ABCs Good Morning America he expects people will learn about any such link in a few days. He said he didnt want to go further, saying law enforcement is looking very aggressively into this.
I dont think this was just a random act of violence, Abbott told anchor George Stephanopoulos. But when pressed to elaborate on his connection theory, the governor replied,Its very important that law enforcement have the ability to tie the loose ends of this investigation up.
Abbott called the suspect a very deranged individual.
Kelley walked into the church armed with an assault rifle and wearing black tactical military gear.
Kelley was found dead in his vehicle shortly after the shooting.
An Air Force spokeswoman confirmed that Kelley received a bad conduct discharge after being court-martialed in 2012 for assaulting his spouse and child.
Authorities said they have yet to discover the motive for the attack.
School districts surrounding the South Texas town where a gunman killed 26 people at a church have added counselors to help comfort children, their families, and staff.
Sutherland Springs is a town of about 400 that does not have its own school. Nearby districts offered messages of caring and concern Monday, a day after the gunfire.
Officials said the victims ranged in age from 5 to 72 years old. Along with 26 dead, 20 others were wounded in the attack.
Superintendent Sherri Bays, of the Floresville Independent School District, wrote, Our hearts are breaking for the families of the deceased and injured.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
From NTD.tv
Law enforcement officials continue their investigation at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs on Nov. 6, 2017, in Sutherland Springs, Texas. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
Texas Shooting Suspect Previously Court-Marshaled for Assaulting Wife and Child
The suspect who opened fire in a Texas church on Sunday was a former U.S. Air Force member who had been court-marshaled for assaulting his wife and child.
Devin Patrick Kelley was identified on Monday morning, Nov. 6, as the suspect in the shooting that left at least 26 people dead, according to CBS and AP, citing police sources.
Authorities have only formally identified the suspectwho killed himself after a car chaseas a young white male dressed in tactical gear.
Kelley is a former member of the U.S. Air Force, who served from 2010 to 2014.
The Air Force confirmed that Kelley was court-martialled in 2012 for two counts of assault on his then-wife and for assault on their child.
In a widely reported statement, an Air Force representative said that Kelley had received a bad conduct discharge and been confined for 12 months.
Kelley served in its Logistics Readiness unit at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his discharge in 2014.
Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott told CBS, Its clear this is a person who had violent tendencies, who had some challenges, and someone who was a powder keg, seeming waiting to go off.
He said there was evidence that Kelley had mental health problems.
Kelleys former in-laws and ex-wife sometimes attended the church where the shooting occurred, said officials, according to CBS.
Reuters reported that at Kelleys home located in an isolated area of New Braunfels, about 35 miles north of Sutherland Springs, a Comal County Sheriff vehicle blocked the entrance. A beware of dog sign was affixed to the gate where a dented mailbox bears the address.
Kelleys Facebook page has been deleted, but cached photos show a profile picture where he appeared with two small children. He also posted a photo of what appeared to be an assault rifle, writing a post that read: Shes a bad bitch.
The shooting, which took place in the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, was described as the worst mass shooting in the states history by Gov. Abbott.
Statement on shooting in Sutherland Springs, TX. pic.twitter.com/ffUbQgYdWD Gov. Greg Abbott (@GovAbbott) November 5, 2017
Abbott has ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff to honor those lives lost in the shooting. Flags will remain at half-staff through Thursday Nov. 9.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Thousands Raised for Man Blinded and Fighting for Life After Vicious Acid Attack
Thousands of people have donated to an online fundraising page to help a fast food delivery driver who is a victim of a horrific acid attack.
Doctors fear that the man, 32-year-old Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, will lose his sight in both eyes.
Police officers arrested a 14-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.
Kamal was attacked on November 2 around 6 p.m. by two thugs on a moped as he delivered a pizza to an address in Walthamstow, east London, according to police.
Detective Chief Inspector Gordon Henderson said the attack left the man fighting for his life and with terrible eye injuries.
This was an innocent man going about his work as a delivery driver, who may never see again, he said.
The thieves demanded Kamal hand over his keys to his 2,500 ($3,270) scooter, The Sun reported. When Kamal refused, the pair attacked him. He banged on the door of the house he had just delivered to, but they were too scared to open the door.
The thugs sprayed and drenched the driver in the face with corrosive liquid, according to reports.
Walthamstow acid attack: First picture of delivery driver Muhammed Nawshad Kamal left fighting for life
https://t.co/VsgqKCq8RB Miqdaad Versi (@miqdaad) November 4, 2017
The victim was treated with water at the scene, but was taken to hospital in critical condition.
Half an hour later on the same night, a second man, also a delivery driver, was attacked by two men who attempted to steal his moped in Tottenham, north London.
A corrosive liquid was thrown in his face by the two thugs riding a moped. The man went to hospital but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening or life changing.
On Saturday, Najma Bhatti launched an online petition to raise money for Kamal.
Bhatti is a good samaritan, according to the Evening Standard, and her fundraising page has already raised over 8,000 ($10,460) at the time of writing.
The Muhammed Nawshad Kamal was the victim of a horrific acid attack in Walthamstow London on Thursday the 2nd of November, she wrote on the page.
He has suffered catastrophic life changing injuries and reports say he may lose his sight.
He was attacked whilst going about his work, earning an honest livingand now will no doubt need as much support as he can get from all of us.
Please contribute whatever you can so we can help him and his family not have to worry about finances at least right now, so he can focus on recovery.
Supporters left heartwarming messages for Kamal.
One user wrote, So sorry this terrible thing has happenedhope he makes as quick a recovery as possible given the circumstances.
Another said, The only way for Evil to win is for Good people to stand by and do nothing. Dear Muhammed this will not take away your suffering but know that a whole community stands behind you thinking of you.
Attacks involving corrosive substances in London jumped from 261 in 2015 to 454 in 2016an increase of 74 per cent.
A candlelight vigil is observed on Nov. 5, 2017, following the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. (SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP/Getty Images)
Three Generations of Family Massacred in Texas Church Shooting
In one day, John Holcombe lost his pregnant wife, three children, and his parents. They were among the 26 killed by a lone gunman in a small-town Texas church on Sunday, Nov. 5. Eight of his family members died that day.
Crystal Holcombe was in an advanced stage of pregnancy, sharing happy moments on her Facebook page until Saturday night, when she boasted the third and first places her daughters earned at a cooking show. Hours later, the mood of the page turned to alarm, with friends asking about her whereabouts. Then came the condolences.
John Holcombes page has since been filled with words of supportmany from people who didnt know him, some from as far as Norwayoffering sympathy and prayer.
The names of the victims havent been released yet, but authorities have said the ages range from 5 to 72 in age. About half of them were children, including Annabelle Renee, 14-year-old daughter to the churchs pastor, Frank Pomeroy. The pastor and his wife were out of town that day.
Heaven truly gained a real beautiful angel this morning along with many more, Scott Pomeroy, the girls uncle, shared on Facebook. I know all that have taken their last breath of dirty air and took their first breath of heavenly air with new bodies with no pain and suffering.
The visiting pastor was among the killed, as well as Crystal Holcombes brother-in-law and his young child.
About 20 more were wounded. None of the people in the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs escaped unscathed, said Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt, according to CNN.
The shooter, allegedly Devin Patrick Kelley, 26, had massacred some 4 percent of the tiny towns population.
The Holcombes were a wholesome family, according to Crystals cousin, Nick Uhlig.
She doesnt even drink, smoke or nothing, Uhlig told the Houston Chronicle, the Associated Press reported. She just takes care of kids; she raises goats and makes homemade cheese. That kind of thing, you know? They dont go out dancing or anything like that. Theyre real old-fashioned, down-to-earth.
John Holcombes father, Bryan Holcombe, had done prison ministry, Uhlig said. He would go up to the prison with a ukulele to sing.
The shooting happened around 11:20 a.m. Upon leaving the church, the shooter was confronted and shot at by a local resident, who then chased him down the road for about 11 miles until the shooter crashed his car. He was found dead inside the vehicle with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement.
Local residents held a candlelight vigil for the victims on Sunday night.
President Donald Trump waves as he arrives to speak to U.S. military personnel at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo on Nov. 5, 2017. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
Trump Praises Military in Japan, Sends Warning to Tyrants
President Donald Trump praised American airmen and Marines, as well as Japans Self-Defense Force, during a visit to the Yokota Air Base in Japan on Nov. 5.
Trump also issued a stark warning against dictators and other regimes not to underestimate Americas resolve.
Together with our allies, Americas warriors are prepared to defend our nation using the full range of our unmatched capabilities, Trump said.
Trump praised the troops as the greatest hope for people who desire to live in freedom and harmony. While at the same time being the greatest threats to tyrants and dictators who seek to prey on the innocent.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Commander of US Forces Japan Lt. Gen. Jerry Martinez as he arrives to speak during an event with US military personnel at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo on Nov. 5, 2017. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
History has proven over and over that the road of the tyrant is a steady march toward poverty, suffering, and servitude, Trump said.
But the path of strong nations and free people, certain of their values and confident in their futures, is a proven path toward prosperity and peace. We cherish our cultures, we embrace our values, and we always fight for what we believe in.
Trump is currently in Japan as part of a 12-day tour in Asia. One of the key objectives of the trip is to work with other countries in the region to counter the North Korean nuclear threat.
President Trump has vowed not to accept a nuclear-armed North Korea, and is using diplomacy, economic sanctions, and the threat of military force, to get the regime in Pyongyang to the negotiating table.
So far North Korea has been unwilling to negotiate abandoning its nuclear weapons program. However, there are increasing signs that new and stronger sanctions imposed on North Korea are having an effect.
In a letter by North Koreas U.N. envoy, sent on Friday, the regime complains of the significant impact the sanctions are having.
Trump is expected to pressure China to do more to put pressure on North Korea.
Trump praised the military service members for their service, as well as their families.
Because of you, the people of America, the people of Japan, and the freedom-loving people everywhere are able to fulfill their destinies and follow their dreams, he said.
We are grateful for your families, for their sacrifice and support that allows our brave men and women to serve. We also appreciate the sacrifice of dedicated civilians who keep this base going and take care of our military and their precious loved ones.
The Yokota air base houses an estimated 14,000 personnel. It is also home to the Air Defense Command of the Japanese Air Self-Defense force. The base is a critical center of coordination between Japanese and American troops.
With your presence here today, shoulder-to-shoulder, you put hope into every soul that yearns for peace. All of you have made Yokota one of the most capable operational bases in Japan and, actually, anywhere in the world, Trump told the American and Japanese service members.
President Donald Trump greets US troops after speaking during an event at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo on November 5, 2017. (JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images)
The Yokota air base was built in 1940 and was used during the Korean War for reconnaissance and bomber missions by American aircraft.
We dominate the sky, we dominate the sea, we dominate the land and space, not merely because we have the best equipment But because we have, more important than equipment, we have the best people. Each of you embodies the warrior creed. Your devotion, prowess, and expertise make you the most fearsome fighting force in the history of our world, Trump said.
Aerial view dated on April 14, 2009 shows the Niger Delta creeks, 35 kilometers away from Port Harcourt in Rivers State. (Pius Utomi Ekpei/AFP/Getty Images)
UK Says Briton Kidnapped in Nigeria Last Month Killed, Three Others Released
LONDONA Briton kidnapped in Nigeria last month has been killed with three others released after negotiations, Britains Foreign Office said on Monday.
The four Britons were taken hostage three weeks ago and although the British High Commission, with help from the Nigerian authorities secured the release of three of them, Ian Squire was killed, the Foreign Office (FCO) said in a statement.
It said it was unable to give further details because of an ongoing investigation by the Nigerian authorities.
We are supporting the families of four British people who were abducted on Oct. 13 in Nigeria, one of whom was tragically killed, the statement said.
This has clearly been a traumatic time for all concerned, and our staff will continue to do all we can to support the families.
A statement from the families of Squire and the other hostages, Alanna Carson, David Donovan and Shirley Donovan, said the last three weeks had been traumatic for the relatives and friends of those involved.
We are delighted and relieved that Alanna, David and Shirley have returned home safely. Our thoughts are now with the family and friends of Ian as we come to terms with his sad death, their statement said.
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What's next for SD Gov. Kristi Noem as she heads into her second term?
When House of Cards debuted in 2013, it catapulted Netflix to a new level of Hollywood recognition and acclaim. The dark political series about an unscrupulous Washington power couple became Netflixs first breakout hit, planting a flag for the streaming service in the competitive world of original TV programming.
But just as its protagonist Frank Underwood fell ignominiously from power last season, the series itself has collapsed in scandalous fashion following allegations around actor Kevin Spacey, who has been accused of sexual harassment and assault by numerous men, including employees on the show.
Netflix isnt the only company left holding the bag. Media Rights Capital is the production company that owns the series and licenses it to Netflix. Since news about Spacey broke last week, followed by additional allegations, the companies moved quickly to cancel the seventh season of House of Cards and put production of the sixth season on indefinite hold. Netflix said in a statement that it is cutting all ties with Spacey and that he will not be involved with the show that he has starred in since 2013.
Netflix will not be involved with any further production of House of Cards that includes Kevin Spacey, the company said.
While the scandal represents a public-relations debacle for Netflix, it isnt likely to materially affect the company, even though House of Cards remains one of its most popular series, experts said.
I think of House of Cards as a trampoline, said Paul Levinson, a professor of media and communications at Fordham University. Netflix put it up, jumped on it and Netflix got so high that it no longer needs House of Cards.
Netflix spent about $100 million to produce two 13-episode seasons for House of Cards. The political drama launched the companys venture into original programming, helping to transform the streaming service into a global powerhouse and disrupter of the TV business. The company now has 104 million paid streaming subscribers and has made big investments in new shows. It will spend as much as $8 billion on content next year alone.
As a result, Netflix now has multiple hit series including Stranger Things, Orange Is the New Black and The Crown that it can rely on to retain and attract subscribers.
The speed at which Netflix responded to the allegations against Spacey the first of which was made by actor Anthony Rapp to Buzzfeed is likely to work in the companys favour, said Michael Pachter, a digital media analyst at Wedbush Securities, where he covers Netflix.
I think Netflix is handling this extremely well, Pachter said. This is what you want them to do from an investors point of view.
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Analysts said the cancellation of House of Cards was probably an easy decision for Netflix to make because the series was already past its prime and nearing the end of its run.
Public scandals are rare for major TV series but not unheard of. The most recent instance was CBSs Two and a Half Men when Charlie Sheen left after his personal problems became public. His character was killed off from the show.
Among House of Cards fans, the most recent season was seen as something of a creative resurgence but the show was clearly on the decline and had lost a lot of its buzz. Creator and showrunner Beau Willimon had left the show last year after four seasons.
During the time I worked with Kevin Spacey on House of Cards, I neither witnessed nor was aware of any inappropriate behaviour on set or off, Willimon said in a statement. That said, I take reports of such behaviour seriously and this is no exception. I feel for Mr. Rapp and I support his courage.
Rapp alleged that he was 14 when Spacey made an unwanted sexual advance on him in the 1980s. Spacey responded by saying that he didnt recall the incident, but offered Rapp the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behaviour. The two-time Academy Award winner also used the opportunity to come out as gay.
On Thursday, eight current and former House of Cards employees alleged to CNN that Spacey created a toxic work environment with his behaviour. The allegations include a former production assistant who said Spacey sexually assaulted him during one of the shows early seasons.
A representative for Spacey could not be reached for comment.
Netflix could face civil legal exposure from any employee harassment that occurred on House of Cards because Spacey was also credited as an executive producer on the show, which means that he was in a supervisory position, according to Genie Harrison, an attorney who specializes in employment and sexual harassment cases.
The company will have strict liability because hes a supervisor and because he would be seen as acting on behalf of the company, Harrison said.
As the studio behind House of Cards, Media Rights Capital (MRC) could also face legal exposure for any of its employees who were harassed by Spacey on the show.
MRC declined a request for an interview but said in a statement that during the shows first year of production, in 2012, someone on the crew complained about a specific remark and gesture made by Spacey. The company didnt elaborate on the nature of the complaint.
Immediate action was taken following our review of the situation and we are confident the issue was resolved promptly to the satisfaction of all involved. Mr. Spacey willingly participated in a training process and since that time MRC has not been made aware of any other complaints involving Mr. Spacey, the company said in the statement.
Netflix, which also declined an interview request, said in a statement that it was just made aware of the 2012 incident and was informed that it was swiftly resolved.
Netflix is not aware of any other incidents involving Kevin Spacey on-set, the company said in a statement. We continue to collaborate with MRC and other production partners to maintain a safe and respectful working environment.
Both companies said they are evaluating the future of House of Cards. It remains unclear if writers and hundreds of crew members are being kept on the payroll as executives decide on the fate of the sixth season.
MRC would be on the hook for whatever expenses have to be absorbed as production on House of Cards is shut down, though the company could have insurance to cover such events.
House of Cards is estimated to cost several millions of dollars per episode, with each season consisting of 13 installments.
MRC sold the international rights for House of Cards to Netflix in a deal estimated to be worth more than $200 million, according to one industry executive familiar with the show.
Even if Netflix emerges relatively unscathed from House of Cards, the streaming service faces another challenge with an upcoming movie it is making with Spacey, in which he plays the late writer Gore Vidal.
The movie, which had been expected to be released next year, is believed to focus on the years that Vidal spent in virtual exile in Italy. Netflix said Friday night that it will not release the film.
Netflix rival Amazon Studios confronted its own scandal last month when Roy Price resigned as head of the studio after accusations made by an executive producer that Price had made lewd remarks and unwanted advances.
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NEW YORKWeWork says its mission is to help people do what they love. Now the office-sharing giant is testing that ethos on a smaller clientele: kindergartners.
The $20-billion (U.S.) startup, built on a vast network of hip co-working spaces where entrepreneurs and freelancers rent desks, is making its move into childrens education, launching a private elementary school for conscious entrepreneurship inside a New York City WeWork next fall. A pilot program of seven students, including one of the five young children of WeWork Cos. founders Adam and Rebekah Neumann, is under way.
In my book, theres no reason why children in elementary schools cant be launching their own businesses, Rebekah Neumann said in an interview. She thinks kids should develop their passions and act on them early, instead of waiting to grow up to be disruptive, as the entrepreneurial set puts it.
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The students this pilot crop is 5 to 8 years old spend one day at a 60-acre farm and the rest of the week in a classroom near the companys Manhattan headquarters, where they get lessons in business from both employees and entrepreneur-customers of WeWork.
Neumann, who attended the elite New York City prep school Horace Mann and Cornell University, studying Buddhism and business, said shes rethinking the whole idea of what an education means but is non-compromising on academic standards. The students will have to meet or exceed all of the states benchmarks for subjects such as math and reading.
At the farm, which the Neumanns bought last year, if they are learning math, they are not just sitting in a classroom learning about numbers. They are also using numbers to run their farm stand, theyre reading about natural cycles of plant life, she said. Its a very hands-on approach to learning.
WeWorks education ambitions are the latest offshoot of the rapidly growing companys We brand, which promotes a seamless integration of meaningful work and a purpose-driven existence make a life, not just a living, the motto goes. Last year, the company unveiled co-living residences under WeLive, furnished apartments in buildings with shared amenities, planned events and communal spaces.
Last month came Rise by We a facility that features gym equipment, coed saunas and yoga classes that connect wellness and spirituality with entrepreneurism and a coding boot camp. It is a brand, atop a real estate leasing company, that some critics say is overvalued.
With their foray into schooling, the Neumanns join a growing list of entrepreneurial billionaires trying to reshape American education with their influence and investments. Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg, along with other tech entrepreneurs, for example, are investing in public, charter and private schools that use technology to foster personalized education. While theres broad agreement that the nations education system has its failings, the solutions are especially fraught because the beneficiaries, or guinea pigs, are children.
The kids have already gotten lessons from the Neumanns employees in creating a brand and using effective sales techniques, and from Adam Neumann on supply and demand. Mentorships with WeWork customer-entrepreneurs are available.
Basically, anything they might want to learn, we have people in the field that can teach it, Rebekah Neumann said.
When one of their students, an 8-year-old girl named Nia, made T-shirts to sell at the farm stand the kids run, we noticed she has a strong aptitude and passion for design, Neumann said. She is securing an apprenticeship with fashion designers who rent space from WeWork.
The hands-on, project-based learning, encouraging children to ask questions and take ownership of their education, sounds like what progressive pedagogy has been teaching for 100 years, said Samuel Abrams, the director of the National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education, at Columbia Universitys Teachers College.
But WeWorks very instrumental approach to learning, essentially encouraging kids to monetize their ideas, at that age, is damaging, Abrams said. Youre sucking the joy out of education at a time when kids should just be thinking about things like how plants grow and why there are so many species.
Neumann argues its conventional education that is squashing out the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity thats intrinsic to all young children. Then, after college, she said, somehow were asking them to be disruptive and recover that spirit.
The Neumanns, who founded WeWork in 2010 with the chief creative officer, Miguel McKelvey, started out renting sleek office space to nomadic workers and entrepreneurs. Theres beer on tap, micro-roasted coffee, and aphorisms on the walls about working hard. But Adam, WeWorks CEO, has said he wants the company to be the architect of entire neighbourhoods.
A former officer in the Israeli Navy who as a child lived for a time on a kibbutz (McKelvey grew up in a commune), the 38-year-old is after a kind of entrepreneurial utopia, or a capitalist kibbutz, in his words. He has even branded his customers now about 150,000 of them in 52 cities around the globe the WeGeneration, a collaborative group that cares about the world, actually wants to do cool things, and loves working, as he told Fast Company last year.
Rebekah, a co-founder and the companys chief brand officer, launched the pilot in September with guidance from a family friend, Lois Weiswasser, a former principal of P.S. 41, one of the citys top public schools. For now, she has just two full-time teachers, one from the high-performing P.S. 234 and one from P.S. 77, a gifted-and-talented school. The first WeWork school probably will be built inside the headquarters and be accessible through a separate entrance. WeWork has enlisted the innovative Danish architecture firm of Bjarke Ingels, which has designed a building at the World Trade Center campus and a flood prevention plan for New York City.
Neumann plans to have about 65 students next fall with about 10 each in a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old class and 15 each grouped as kindergarten/first grade, second/third grade, and fourth grade and then go straight through 12th grade. Her grand vision for the project, which is called (wait for it) WeGrow, is to open schools in WeWorks around the world, move into higher and continuing education, and perhaps expand the business to training other teachers in WeWorks pedagogy. WeGrow talks about educating people from birth to death.
It isnt clear yet how all this will be funded, though the funds may come directly from the Neumanns. The company is still working on tuition and hopes to make the school accessible to a broad swath of parents through a sliding scale based on income, a spokesman said. Private school tuition in New York City can soar past $30,000 a year. WeWork hasnt decided whether the school should be a non-profit, either.
A certified yoga teacher and former actress, Neumann sometimes teaches a yoga or drama class herself in the pilot program. The kids learn to cook and do mindfulness and meditation exercises. Neumann sees the job as raising conscious global citizens who understand what their superpowers are . . . and use these talents and gifts to help each other and help the world.
And if entrepreneurial parents need to travel for several months? Take the whole family along, Neumann said, looking ahead to her international vision. There, as in New York, the kids will be just a staircase away.
In her own family, she said, there are no lines between work and life or home and office. My kids are in the office. Im doing what I love, hes doing what he loves, they are observing that, and they are doing what they love.
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SEATTLEAs Microsoft Corp. begins selling a new Xbox console, the focus of its video-game unit is shifting toward software and services.
The company plans to increase investment in developing in-house video games, including starting or acquiring studios to do so, Xbox chief Phil Spencer said in an interview last week. Thats an about-face from its approach the past several years, during which Microsoft has shuttered studios, cancelled games and faced criticism at an industry conference from gamers for its lack of hot first-party titles.
We need to grow, and I look forward to doing that, Spencer said. Our ability to go create content has to be one of our strengths. We havent always invested at the same level. Weve gone through ups and downs in the investment. Microsoft on Tuesday will start selling the Xbox One X, a high-end console targeted at hard-core gamers.
Historically some of Microsofts biggest sellers for Xbox have been games the company published itself, including the Halo and Gears of War franchises, but in recent years it has scaled back some in-house development, said Spencer, a 30-year Microsoft veteran who has spent the morning sipping tea from a Gears of War pint glass. A year ago, Microsoft shut down two studios, Lionhead in the U.K. and Press Play in Denmark.
The renewed investment marks an increasing focus on the Xbox business as a whole, while just a few years ago Microsoft viewed the unit as a sideline. In September, Spencer was promoted to report directly to chief executive officer Satya Nadella and now sits on the senior leadership team.
Restoring gaming to the forefront at Microsoft required winning over Nadella and the board initially to get them to agree to acquire cult favourite Minecraft in September 2014, and more recently to change directors mindset about gaming overall, Spencer said. In July 2014, Nadella declared that gaming was an important market, but one that was not core to Microsofts mission.
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As Microsofts Xbox devices continue to be outsold by rival Sony Corp.s PlayStation, the Redmond, Wash.-based company is also changing the way it measures success in the Xbox business away from console revenue and unit shipments toward more closely watching sales of games, subscriptions and related services not just on Xbox machines but on iPhones, Android devices and personal computers.
The company now tracks monthly active users and revenue from software and services, and is looking at opportunities such as further expansion of Xbox Live online usage, eSports and game streaming.
This means fundamentally rethinking how we measure progress in gaming, Nadella said on a conference call with analysts last month.
That changed focus lets Microsoft play to recent strengths Xbox software and services revenue grew 21 per cent last quarter, while console hardware sales dropped. Hardware sales will rise this quarter, owing to the new $500 Xbox One X model, and profit margins will narrow again because of the impact of the new hardware, the company forecast.
While software and services are becoming more important, the console isnt near death yet. Its still best for gamer enthusiasts and the top games, and will remain so for quite some time. But Microsoft will probably debut a streaming service that doesnt require a console for some types of content in the next three years, Spencer said. A 2012 trial of such a service inside the company was too costly and never made it to the market, but Microsofts progress in Azure cloud services over the past few years is changing the economics and quality level, he said.
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Imagine if you could discover your chance of developing cancer through a simple blood test. Your doctor could then customize a prevention and early detection plan based on your own personal risk.
Hundreds of scientists from around the world, including five teams from the University of Toronto, took a step closer to that reality last month with the identification of 72 new genes associated with breast cancer. You might have seen the headlines about this great news. But what does it mean for women in Ontario?
The discovery of the new breast cancer-linked genes is a major step forward in understanding how this terrible disease works. And the more we know about the biology of breast cancer, the faster we will be able to stop it from starting and spreading. This discovery may one day even help lead to the development of drugs that prevent breast cancer from occurring in the first place.
However, before that happens, we can use this information to help predict who is most at risk for breast cancer. As one of the scientists involved with this research, I am eagerly waiting for the day when these new genes are included in the software that physicians use to look for genetic links to breast cancer. But understanding how to accurately identify those at risk for breast cancer is more complicated.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, hopefully youve already considered getting the BRCA genetic test to learn whether youre at high risk of developing the disease. The BRCA gene mutations are infamous because they are highly likely to cause breast and ovarian cancer, both of which are important to catch early. Many women who test positive consider a pre-emptive strike, such as the removal of breasts and ovaries. But the BRCA mutations are also very rare the vast majority of women who develop breast cancer are not BRCA-positive.
That is where our discovery comes in. A worldwide group of scientists studied blood samples of 275,000 women to identify a group of mutations that arent as risky as BRCA, but occur much more commonly in the population. Some of these mutations may only raise your chance of getting breast cancer by a few percentage points not 80 per cent as in the BRCA mutations but you may carry enough of them to add up to a high risk. Alternatively, you may have one that is more sensitive to environmental risk factors such as smoking and obesity. In either case, you will want to work with your doctor to create an enhanced monitoring plan and work on lowering your risk with lifestyle changes.
That would be a huge improvement on the kind of breast cancer advice were able to offer now. Aside from BRCA testing, it is still mostly a one-size-fits-all approach. Thats a shame because the average lifetime risk of breast cancer is a high 12 per cent, which means one in eight women will be affected. And we know that for some women the risk is far higher and for others it is far lower.
Without a family history of breast cancer (and most breast cancer patients dont have a family history) Ontario women typically get a standard mammogram every two years starting at age 50. But some women need them to start earlier. An important goal of our research is to figure out whos most at risk so a doctor can recommend earlier monitoring.
This discovery is a step forward in the development of precision medicine. Its crucial to create precise treatments for each patient because were really starting to understand just how unique diseases such as cancer are to each patient.
It has long been known that breast cancer is not a single disease, but a collection of many distinct cancers that all take hold in the breast. We already know that some breast cancers are fuelled by hormones such as estrogen and others are driven by a protein called HER2 or other factors. In my lab, we helped discover that this does not just happen by chance. Women inherit not just the risk of breast cancer, but the risk of a particular type of breast cancer.
As our methods of detection get more detailed and powerful, I wonder if we will discover even more distinct types of breast cancer. So its important to develop personalized treatments for each womans breast cancer, and more generally each persons cancer, no matter where it occurs in the body.
Gary Bader is a professor at the Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, the Department of Molecular Genetics and the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto. Doctors Notes is a weekly column by members of the University of Torontos Faculty of Medicine. Email doctorsnotes@thestar.ca.
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On Friday, Nov. 3, eight pedestrians were hit by motor vehicles in Toronto before noon one of them a 2-year-old child, another in a hit and run, yet another was a woman taken to hospital in life-threatening condition. On Tuesday night, Oct. 31, a 14-vehicle crash resulted in a fiery explosion on Hwy. 400 killed three people, apparently after a fuel tanker truck approaching the area where traffic had slowed appeared to have crashed through other vehicles, setting off a chain reaction.
So, naturally, a public debate about road safety is in order. And for much of the past week, weve been having one, centred on . . . well, let me see. Ah, right, here it is:
Weve been debating whether Ontario should follow Honolulus lead in adopting a Zombie Law. I gotta say, I honestly dont know if the undead will be deterred by the threat of a provincial offences fine, though anything that will slow their relentless march through the hellscape of the post-apocalypse is worth a hold on.
Right. It seems what were talking about is not literal zombies, but instead those who text or use their phones while walking, especially while crossing the street. One Hawaiian city has banned the practice, and there are those who think we should follow suit.
Distracted walking is the less apocalyptic term, and I see Ive addressed it before, one year ago this week, actually. But apparently it needs addressing again, because this is kind of a zombie idea, in that it keeps resurfacing from the grave, and periodically feasts on the brains of decent, otherwise reasonable people.
Like Liberal MPP Yvan Baker, who proposes a private members bill to formally ban texting and walking, and Premier Kathleen Wynne, who may be entertaining supporting it. And like my esteemed colleagues Emma Teitel and Martin Regg Cohn, who have written supporting the idea. These latter two, at least, are smart people and good writers, though in this case they are wrong.
Lets take Teitels argument first, since it is so amusing and fun, as arguments go. She writes that a ban on texting and walking would help us all avoid the soul-crushing looks of disapproval from old people that no one should ever have to bear.
I would just point out that applying this things-some-stereotype-of-our-grandparents-disapprove-of principle more broadly would, if the chatter down at the Country Style is any indication, also mean banning that noisy rap crap from the radio, require most of us to hike up our pants and stop hiking up our skirts, and force us to get out of bed early on the weekend to catch the worm. This isnt a legislative agenda I would welcome, really.
A new Honolulu ordinance allows police officers to ticket pedestrians who look at a cellphone or electronic device while crossing a city street. The National Safety Council says Honolulu is the biggest city to pass this type of ordinance. (The Associated Press)
But Teitels other argument, and one Cohn focuses on, is that a fine for looking at your phone while crossing the road is a useful nudge because it is exceedingly dangerous.
The thing is, this seems intuitively right its a good idea to pay close attention to your surroundings when crossing the street. And yet theres not really any evidence that the obviously common practice of phone use in the streets is all that dangerous. At least not to the degree that ought to prompt legislative action, as the Stars editorial board recently argued.
As I observed last year, the vast majority of accidents are attributed to driver error. The only studies that ever cite pedestrian distraction as a factor in even a small percentage of accidents include things like walking dogs and supervising children as distractions. As Oliver Moore of the Globe and Mail reported recently, the Toronto Police Services Clint Stibbe could not recall a single instance of a pedestrian being struck because they were distracted by their phone in the five years hes served as the forces traffic spokesperson. More pedestrians are struck and killed while standing on the sidewalk, Moore observed on Twitter, than when distracted by their phones. Shall we ban the more dangerous practice of sidewalk use as well? (If only one life could be saved! you can imagine the MPP proposing forbidding ever leaving your home on foot saying.)
Still, Cohn writes, a small fine, probably rarely enforced whats the problem? Its a law, he implies in his column, that will function as a bit of a friendly reminder. Just as jaywalking laws are aspirational (and barely enforceable) so too a ban on distracted crosswalking could be educational (and rarely adversarial). In my experience, laws that are educational or aspirational and rarely enforced are vulnerable to being selectively enforced, employed as a means of harassment or intimidation, or as pretext for a stop and search, or as a way of filling quotas and employed most against certain groups of people authorities may want to target. The Stars pages have been filled with examples of such selective enforcement for more than a decade. This is especially a potential problem with something like phone use, where whether a person was looking at the phone in their hand or not is a matter thats usually unprovable unless there is videotape on hand.
Besides which, walking against the red light is already against the law. Dangerously darting into traffic is already against the law. There is no need to create new laws to ban behaviours that are already banned.
And in the meantime, the fact is that when someone is in the crosswalk walking on a green light, they have the right of way. This is true whether they are slow or quick. It is true whether they are walking a hard-to-control dog or using a cane. It is true if they are drunk and unsteady on their feet (drunk walking is something that legitimately seems to be a factor in a lot of pedestrian accidents, though no one seems to propose banning it). And it is true, even if they are distracted, by their phones or otherwise. If they have the right of way, drivers are obligated to be aware of them, not vice versa.
Now, principles of basic self-preservation, realizing that most drivers are human beings who make mistakes and that some of them are reckless, entitled jerks, besides means we are all well advised to pay close attention to our surroundings when in traffic.
We should teach our children to make eye contact with turning drivers and be aware of whether cars actually stop before venturing in front of them, and to keep their eyes up.
But we should teach our lawmakers to keep their eyes on the things that will actually make the roads safer and eliminate the vast majority of accidents such as intersection and road design, speed limits, and driver behaviour.
Edward Keenan writes on city issues ekeenan@thestar.ca. Follow: @thekeenanwire
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The death of 30 ducks and one heron at Woodbine Beach Sunday morning has the City of Toronto warning dog owners to keep their pets leashed in the area until the cause of death is determined.
Toronto Animal Services removed the deceased wildlife and is working on determining the cause of death. Tests will take about two weeks to complete, the City said in a news release.
All dog owners should ensure that dogs are leashed in Woodbine Park, including in the off-leash area, until the cause of death has been determined, the City said. Dog owners are encouraged to contact their veterinarian if their dog was in the park on Sunday and is experiencing signs of illness.
Joanne Ingrassia, a volunteer with the Toronto Wildlife Centre, spent Sunday at Woodbine Beach, searching for surviving ducks to rescue.
It was quite a disturbing sight to see that many ducks scattered right along the shoreline like that, she told the Star.
Ingrassia said the dead ducks were scattered across a couple hundred yards of shoreline. While the carcasses were collected, Ingrassia saw five or six more birds come in with the waves.
I was looking with binoculars, trying to see if any of them had their heads above water or look like there were any signs of life at all, she said. But sadly, no. That was pretty concerning.
The birds were in different states of decay, Ingrassia said. Some were covered with an invasive, carnivorous species of Asian beetle, their head and necks eaten down to the bone. Another duck still had its waterproofing evident and appeared physically unharmed.
It was really kind of surreal seeing such a different array of injury or decay to these birds, Ingrassia said.
The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) will do post-mortems on the ducks, which should be complete in about a month.
Doug Campbell, pathologist at the CWHC, speculated that the most likely cause of death was botulism.
We see Type E botulism on the Lower Great Lakes most years, Campbell told the Star. And typically, it occurs from late summer through the fall, and often the biggest die-offs occur during the late fall.
Diving ducks, which feed largely on mussels, and fish-eating birds, like common loons, can be affected by botulism. The disease is akin to food poisoning for birds and causes paralysis.
The environmental drivers of the process seem to be fairly complicated, and I dont think theyre really well understood, Campbell said. But since 1998, its been pretty much an annual occurrence on the Lower Great Lakes, in one place or another.
And in recent years, the area east of Toronto so between Toronto and Prince Edward County has been an area in which theres been quite a few bird deaths from this cause.
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A 37-year-old man critically hurt in a head-on collision in Etobicoke last week has died from his injuries, Toronto police said Monday.
The crash happened on the West Mall, south of Paxman Rd., on Thursday at 8:40 a.m.
Police said it appeared a northbound 2008 Honda Civic, driven by the 37-year-old, crossed into the southbound lanes for unknown reasons, hitting a 2004 Honda Civic. The driver of the second car, a 36-year-old man, was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
The 37-year-old was pronounced dead in hospital Saturday. Toronto police didnt release his name.
The crash is Torontos 52nd fatal collision of the year.
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Armadale Avenue residents Vicki and Martin Fox received a rude awakening early Saturday morning 10-foot flames shooting from their Little Free Library.
We woke up at 2:30 a.m. to someone knocking on our door, said Vicki, who is pregnant. It was a guy on his way home and he said, Your library is on fire, you might want to put it out.
While Martin rushed out with a bucket of water and hose in hand to douse the flames alongside a few helpful neighbours, Vicki called 911 to report that the couples small wooden take a book, return a book exchange box had been set ablaze.
(The library) was full of books and it really took off, she said. We were really worried because its right next to our shed, so the shed could have gone up, and its all connected to our house.
Const. Craig Brister said Toronto Police received the call reporting the Bloor West Village fire, which happened on Armadale Avenue near the South Kingsway at 2:51 a.m.
While responding officers took one man into custody near the scene, Brister said his arrest was not related to the fire, which police are investigating as an arson.
Meanwhile, the Foxes, who received the Little Free Library as a Christmas gift last year from their parents, said they were saddened by its destruction, along with the 20 to 30 books that were torched along with it.
It was great because it was full all the time, it was self-sufficient and people loved it in the neighbourhood, Vicki said, noting that she and her husband just moved to Toronto from England in January.
We were shocked because the neighbourhood is just so friendly and quiet and nothing ever happens here. So, we were a little sad but, you know, I guess these things happen sometimes.
Brister said the police investigation is continuing.
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OTTAWABuried within the millions of documents in a new offshore tax leak is a familiar Canadian name: Jean Chretien.
The former prime ministers name appears in an internal registry of Madagascar Oil Ltd., an onshore oil company operating in the remote island nation, but registered in the zero-tax haven of Bermuda. Joseph Jacques Jean Chretien is listed as receiving 100,000 stock options in the company.
Chretien released a statement Monday after his name was reported as appearing in the Paradise Papers leak. He called any reports that suggest I have or ever had or was associated in any way with any offshore account is false. In an interview last month, he told the Star and the CBC that he never had any knowledge the company was sheltering in an offshore tax haven.
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I worked for (Madagascar Oil), yes, but just for a few days, a few weeks. I never heard from (them) again, Chretien said. I never had any options. I was never sent any documents. I never received an annual report or anything I searched, I have nothing on it. They never told me I had options.
There is no evidence the options were ever exercised.
In 2007, Chretien had been out of public office for years and working for the now-defunct law firm Heenan Blaikie. Chretien says an oil man who used to work in Canada, then working for Madagascar Oil in Houston, asked him for assistance.
The company was exploring remote regions of Madagascar for heavy crude. The island nations onshore oil reserves had been the stuff of legend since at least the early 20th century, but nobody had yet mounted a serious effort to exploit them.
But the company needed face time with Madagascars president, and hoped Chretien with his connections to world leaders could help.
Chretien said he facilitated a meeting between Madagascar Oils CEO and Madagascars then-leader, President Marc Ravalomanana, at a summit of African leaders.
There was a meeting of African heads of state and it was a chance to meet with the president, Chretien said in an interview.
It wasnt a long meeting. We sat down and [Madagascar Oils CEO] talked about what he wanted to talk about.
Madagascar Oil was founded by U.K.-born, Canadian-raised Sam Malin in 2004, backed by Australian businessman Alan Bond, a convicted fraudster. Malin, who studied geophysics at Queens University, translated his success in Madagascar to a number of other natural resource projects in East Africa.
Chretien said he doesnt remember the specifics of the discussion between Madagascar Oils representative and Ravalomanana.
Madagascar Oils corporate headquarters was in Houston; its local operations are run out of the African nations capital of Antananarivo. But the company is registered in Bermuda, a zero-tax haven that is popular with offshore companies, where Appleby handled its affairs.
Registering companies offshore is legal, and there is no indication in the Paradise Papers that Madagascar Oil was engaged in anything otherwise. Tax havens simply allow companies to avoid taxes in other jurisdictions.
Chretien said, when he agreed to work with Madagascar Oils Houston-based team, he assumed the company was based in Texas.
Listen, when someone comes to see you (as a lawyer), you dont do an analysis of their corporate structure. They come to see you to ask for your professional opinion, Chretien said in an interview.
Every company has subsidiaries all over the place were not here to scrutinize that, he continued. They asked me to help, they had retained our law firm, and I did my job. I did what I was paid to do.
Asked for his personal opinion on structuring companies to take advantage of offshore tax havens, Chretien said thats not the right thing to do they must pay their taxes in countries where they operate.
Madagascar Oil Ltd. did not respond to repeated requests for an interview for this story.
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It was to be a little tax haven in Nova Scotia.
The idea was simple: the companies would be registered in Bermuda but the people processing the paperwork would be in Halifax.
Appleby, the leading offshore law firm in the Paradise Papers leak, explored this vision for outsourcing its back office administrative functions in 2007.
With direct Bermuda-to-Halifax flights, very reasonable operating costs and very significant payroll tax rebates, the case for Halifax was strong.
But Appleby needed assurances that its clients, who had incorporated in a zero-tax jurisdiction, wouldnt have to pay tax to Canada.
No problem, wrote Halifax lawyer Jim Cruickshank, who was hired to analyze the legal issues.
We do not believe the activities of (Appleby) could in any way constitute your clients carrying on business in Nova Scotia, Cruickshank wrote in a memo to Appleby.
What about extending offshore financial secrecy to the new office in Canada? For this, Cruickshank, had a creative solution.
We believe a paperless office and dummy terminals for (Appleby) would provide significant but not complete practical immunity from search and seizure by Canadian authorities.
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While the Halifax outsourcing project would never come to fruition, Applebys internal records reveal a preoccupation with secrecy that pervades tax havens. For this reason, governments around the world are targeting the law firms that operate in tax havens, to force them to reveal the hidden transactions that deprive public coffers of trillions of dollars each year.
Estimates put Canadas own losses to offshore activity at $6 billion to $7.8 billion each year.
But tax haven secrecy has, once again, been pierced by a massive leak.
Unlike last years Panama Papers leak, which exposed Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, a firm that has been criticized as a bad apple in the offshore world, the Paradise Papers leak reveals the business of one of the worlds most prestigious blue-chip law firms, Appleby, which caters to the worlds biggest multinational corporations and the wealthiest families on the planet.
Appearing in Applebys files are:
Two generations of Liberal party chief fundraisers, Leo Kolber and Stephen Bronfman, who are linked through a Cayman Islands trust fund. Through a lawyer, Kolber and Bronfman said they always acted properly and ethically, including fully complying with all applicable laws.
Former prime minister Brian Mulroney, who sat on the board of Said Holdings, a Bermuda company controlled by Syrian-Saudi businessman Wafic Said. Said was a key intermediary in a British-Saudi oil-for-arms deal that led to a $400-million (U.S.) criminal fine for bribery in 2010 against British airplane manufacturer BAE. Mulroneys lawyer said he is proud to have served on the board, and considers Said a good friend. Said said he is proud of the role I played in the arms deal.
Former Canadian prime minister Jean Chretien, who is listed as having received options in a Madagascar oil venture registered in Bermuda. He confirmed he consulted for the company in 2007 but says he never received any options.
Paul Martins former company, Canada Steamship Lines (CSL), which was one of Applebys biggest clients. CSL said it uphold(s) the highest ethical and business standards, while a spokesperson for Martin said he has not been involved in CSL in over a quarter century.
Much of the activity in tax havens is legal, and Appleby considers itself an ethical leader in the offshore industry. Documents found in the 6.8 million internal Appleby files in the leak show the firm was aware of multiple cases where it accepted dirty money.
The emails, client records, bank applications, court papers and other files were obtained by the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), the Star and CBC/Radio-Canada. They represent the inner workings of Appleby from the 1950s until 2016.
Canada is a big part of Applebys business. With more than 2,700 Canadians and 560 Canadian businesses named in the Appleby database five times more Canadians than were in the Panama Papers Canada is the firms fourth-biggest market behind the U.S., the U.K. and China.
Appleby has administered 1,450 offshore corporations and trusts with Canadian owners, officers or addresses, mostly in Bermuda. Its lawyers made regular trips to Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver to drum up business, meeting with accountants and lawyers.
Appleby billed Canadian clients and law firms at least $12 million between 2009 and 2013, the documents show.
Canada has a long history of working closely with Caribbean tax havens, said Universite de Quebec a Montreal professor Alain Deneault, who has written extensively on the subject.
Were so connected to tax havens, theyve become an integral part of our economy, he said. In the end, all the large Canadian companies and family fortunes are structured to circumvent Canadian laws in such a way to allow the owners to avoid taxes.
Among the Canadian companies who hired Appleby to set up offshore businesses are:
The Montreal Canadiens set up two trusts in Bermuda, including an employee benefit fund that was shut down in 2010. The organization says its offshore business was in full compliance with the existing Canadian tax legislation.
Food giant Loblaw says it paid all appropriate taxes on the two subsidiaries it set up with Applebys help in Barbados and Bermuda in 2005. They were used to insure cardholder balances from its Presidents Choice Financial MasterCard, according to leaked documents.
Hydro-Quebec incorporated an offshore company in Bermuda to invest in power-generation projects in China, even though the company is exempt from income tax in Canada. A representative for the public utility said the company was dissolved in 2007 and capital gains taxes were paid.
Brookfield, a Canadian investment giant, set up Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP) in Bermuda to hold international investments. Documents show how the company set up 29 corporations and limited partnerships in nine jurisdictions in a 48-step specific sequencing to ensure that units of BIP are not taxable Canadian property. A company spokesperson said the tax treatment of partnerships like BIP . . . is the same whether they are domiciled in Bermuda, Canada or the U.S.
Appleby also performed offshore services for many seemingly regular Canadians, including doctors, engineers, geologists, housewives, a police officer, a speech pathologist and a retired admiral in the Canadian navy.
The database also contains a Bermudian company incorporated by Gerald Bull, the late Quebec engineer who attempted to develop a supergun to shoot satellites into space but ended up working on a massive cannon for Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Also in Applebys files is online gambling baron Isai Scheinberg, who started the online gambling site PokerStars, but ran afoul of U.S. authorities and is now actively wanted by the FBI.
While Appleby prides itself on its high ethical standards and has been named offshore law firm of the year, internal documents reveal that it hasnt always succeeded in keeping out questionable clients.
Some of the crap we accept is amazing totally amazing, state presentation notes prepared by Applebys director of compliance in 2011. We have a current case where we are sitting on about 400K that is definitely tainted and it is not easy to deal with.
MONEY LAUNDERING IS A DIRTY CRIME, screamed notes accompanying the PowerPoint presentation. THERE IS USUALLY ALWAYS A VICTIM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PILE AND A RICH PERSON AT THE TOP.
The firm did not answer detailed questions sent by the ICIJ and the Star.
We are an offshore law firm who advises clients on legitimate and lawful ways to conduct their business. We do not tolerate illegal behaviour. It is true that we are not infallible. Where we find that mistakes have happened we act quickly to put things right and we make the necessary notifications to the relevant authorities, reads a statement put out by Appleby after it was contacted about the leak.
Appleby is already publicly associated with the Bermuda Longtail Trust, one of the biggest tax scams in recent Canadian history.
The scam, originally revealed by a Star investigation in 2007, duped almost 10,000 people, including nurses, teachers and at least one police officer, into making donations to bogus charities in order to receive a tax receipt worth four times more. Appleby administered the trust for Canadian businessman Edward Furtak. The trust had collected more than $100 million by the time the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) got wise to the scheme, and a group of clients sued. Appleby settled the class action for $17.5 million last summer. The firm admitted no wrongdoing.
As governments around the world have turned their attention to cracking down on offshore tax evasion including almost $1 billion pledged to the CRA in the last two years Appleby has publicly defended the use of tax havens (also known as offshore financial centres or OFCs).
The myth perpetuated by the OECD and G-20 nations is that OFCs encourage tax evasion, two Appleby lawyers wrote in the Cayman Islands Journal. In reality, excessive tax burdens in welfare states encourage tax evasion, leading to capital flight to OFCs. Logic dictates that if politicians wish to eliminate capital flight, they should lower their countrys oppressive taxes.
Applebys Canadian lawyers practiced what they preached.
All of them left the country to avoid paying Canadian taxes, according to an email sent by the firms managing partner in the BVI, Michael Burns.
There were a lot of them 21 of Applebys 182 lawyers spread out around the globe were educated in Canada, one indication of the surprisingly strong Canadian presence in Caribbean tax havens.
Burns, who declined to comment for this article, worried that a Halifax branch would draw these Canadian tax expats back into the reach of the CRA.
Are you able to provide us with any general guidance as to any possible concerns that might arise, such as a liability to Canadian tax? Burns inquired of his contacts in Halifax.
The CRA returned to Appleby with warm reassurances that no taxes in Canada would be owing if the firm decided to come. An advanced tax ruling in 2008 guaranteed Appleby that any future business in Halifax would not require staff or its clients to pay Canadian taxes.
Despite that green light, the firm ultimately bailed on the plan to bring a little piece of Bermudan tax haven to Halifax.
With regret, we are not now likely to take up the opportunity at this time of proceeding with the Halifax Outsourcing Platform, Burns wrote in 2009. Isle of Man was already our top choice for outsourcing, for many reasons, although Halifax was a very close second.
With files from Will Fitzgibbon, ICIJ
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It remains hazy whether the opposition parties at Queens Park will back the provincial Liberal governments legislation for recreational marijuana.
Attorney General Yasir Naqvi last Wednesday tabled the Cannabis Act, the blueprint for how and where marijuana will be sold in Ontario after the federal government legalizes it July 1.
Naqvis bill creates the Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation (OCRC), an LCBO subsidiary that will control online sales and operate 40 stand-alone weed shops as of next summer. That number will rise to 150 by 2020.
The OCRC will have the monopoly on Ontarios recreational marijuana market and dispensaries now operating illegally will be forced out of business under the threat of fines of up to $1 million and jail terms of as long as two years less a day.
We are committed to eliminating the illegal market and taking down illegal cannabis storefronts, Naqvi said Thursday.
Only those 19 and over will be permitted to buy, consume, or grow marijuana and its usage will be restricted to private homes. Consumption will be outlawed in all public places, offices and vehicles.
Those who opt to grow their own will be allowed to have up to four cannabis plants at home, but just for personal use.
The government will soon launch a public awareness campaign about the potential perils of smoking weed.
This . . . will help education, health, youth and social service providers who work to prevent and reduce the harms of substance use in youth and young adults, the attorney general said.
As we have in the past with cigarette smoke, we also need to take steps to limit the health impacts of second-hand cannabis smoke.
The Liberals have a majority in the legislature and do not need opposition support to pass the bill, which is likely to happen before MPPs break for Christmas on Dec. 14.
Neither the Progressive Conservatives nor the New Democrats are tipping their hand on whether they will back the Liberal law.
But with an Ontario election set for June 7, 2018, either Conservative Leader Patrick Brown or NDP Leader Andrea Horwath could succeed Kathleen Wynne as premier by the time Cannabis Day rolls around July 1.
So there is keen interest on where the Tories or New Democrats will land.
PC MPP Gila Martow (Thornhill) emphasized the need for clamping down on the black market.
They say theyre going to stop the illicit sale of cannabis. Well, we still have contraband cigarettes being sold. There are a lot of people concerned in our communities, Martow told the legislature on Thursday.
I didnt hear specifically how were going to address testing in terms of impairment. How are we going to be testing whether or not people are indeed taking cannabis when they took it, how long it will be in their system and how it actually affects them? she asked.
NDP MPP France Gelinas (Nickel Belt) said Naqvis bill is more of a disappointment than anything else due to the limited number of outlets.
The LCBO announced 14 municipalities Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Barrie, Kingston, Kitchener, London, Ottawa, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay and Windsor have the first legalized weed stores.
New Democrat MPP Taras Natyshak (Essex) said Friday that 40 retail locations cannot possibly serve the demand across Ontario.
By failing to locate retail outlets in places like Niagara, Brantford, Peterborough, Cornwall, Sarnia and North Bay and leaving large communities like Toronto, Hamilton and Ottawa underserved, its clear that Kathleen Wynne doesnt get it, Natyshak said.
While Tory MPP Bob Bailey (SarniaLambton) will not have to worry about a government-run marijuana shop in his riding, he warned of potential problems at the U.S. border.
Sarnia could be a toking tourist opportunity location, where people will cross to buy marijuana they cant buy in Michigan and other states, said Bailey, noting police are also alarmed at the pace of change.
I heard from the chief of police and other chiefs of police. They say they wont be ready for July. Theres no way that they can implement all the rules that will have to go along with this, he said.
Only Mike Schreiners Greens have yet to oppose the Liberal legislation.
The Liberals approach seems to ramp up criminalization of pot outside the government monopoly, which undermines the reasons for legalizing it in the first place, said Schreiner, whose party has no MPPs at Queens Park.
There is a better way highly regulated and licensed local businesses to allow local farmers, small businesses and Indigenous groups to participate in the market, creating local jobs and contributing tax dollars to local communities across the province, he said on Oct. 27.
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Some Ontario Liberal activists are calling for an end to public funding of Catholic schools, improvements to the recognition of foreign professional credentials, and a boost to childrens mental health services.
In a non-binding online policy-making exercise known as Common Ground launched by the governing party last weekend, those three ideas have the greatest support.
While amalgamating schools under one non-secular board is always popular fodder for such internet policy appeals, it would require a constitutional amendment to end publicly funded Catholic education in Ontario.
This is an issue whose time has come. If the Liberal Party of Ontario were to include this in their policy platform, they could win the next election in a landslide, said one commentator on the partys new website.
Enough with publicly funded religious schools, especially when it is only one specific religion that gets this unfair privilege, said another commentator, adding all publicly funded schools should be secular.
But another countered that efforts should be made to make the existing system better instead of blowing it up.
Why not focus on how to improve them, rather than creating massive disruption for the students and families in all our schools who would be effective by the change you suggest, the commentator said.
Amalgamating municipalities was a costly and ineffective exercise that almost everyone agreed was a disaster.
With an election set for June 7, 2018, the Liberals, who have been in office for 14 years, are again turning to grassroots members for policy ideas.
Its a reprise of what they did in September 2013 before the last election.
We want everyone to have their say when it comes to our next steps in building a fairer, stronger Ontario for everyone. People have great ideas and Im excited to hear them, Premier Kathleen Wynne said Saturday.
Wynne noted that the partys current policies such as increasing the $11.60 hourly minimum wage to $14 in January and $15 the year after that and free pharmacare for those 24 years and under are the result of a progressive and inclusive political movement built from the ground up.
Common Ground is one tool that will continue that open and collaborative engagement, she said.
According to the website, Liberals would also like to see foreign credentials more quickly recognized and children with mental health issues receive high quality treatment close to home within 30 days of being diagnosed.
Other items in the jam-packed online suggestion box include free textbooks for university and college students, improved dental care for seniors, and name-blind resumes to ensure job applicants are not discriminated against.
Voting on the Liberal site is open through December and, according to the party, the top proposals will be discussed and refined further but not all ideas that are popular in phase one will automatically advance to phase two.
If an idea is contrary to the values or principles of the Ontario Liberal Party, then it wont advance, the Grits said.
Patrick Browns Progressive Conservatives are also doing an online survey of members for policy ideas.
The Tories voting concludes this week in time to be tabulated for the partys conference in Toronto on Nov. 25.
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NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXASThe man authorities have identified as the gunman in a mass shooting at a Texas church was discharged from the Air Force for allegedly assaulting his spouse and child, according to an Air Force spokeswoman.
The spokesperson, Ann Stefanek, said Sunday that Devin Kelley served 12 months confinement after a 2012 court-martial. He ultimately received a bad conduct discharge and reduction in rank.
She said Kelley served in Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico from 2010 until his discharge in 2014. He was responsible for moving passengers, cargo and personal property in military transportation.
Authorities did not announce his name at a news conference on the shooting, saying only that the suspect was a white male in his 20s.
But a U.S. official and a law enforcement official identified Kelley as the person who opened fire Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas, killing 26 people and wounding about 20 others.
The U.S. official told The Associated Press that Kelley lived in a San Antonio suburb and that he doesnt appear to be linked to organized terrorist groups. The official said investigators are looking at social media posts Kelley may have made in the days before Sundays attack, including one that appeared to show an AR-15 style semi-automatic weapon. The official requested anonymity because the person did not have authorization to speak publicly.
An address listed in online records as belonging to Kelley is located in New Braunfels, Texas, just outside San Antonio and about 56 kilometres from Sutherland Springs.
Local records of an August traffic ticket issued in New Braunfels, Texas, for an expired registration and not having auto insurance give a birthdate that would make him 26 years old.
Read more:
At least 26 killed, several children wounded in mass shooting at Texas church
Pregnant woman, her 3 children and in-laws die in Texas shooting
At the address listed for Kelley in New Braunfels, two sheriffs vans were parked outside and police officers stood at the gate of a cattle fence surrounding the property. Law enforcement officials gathered at the property declined to comment on why they were there. Several messages left for his relatives went unreturned.
Neighbours said that they heard intense gunfire coming from the direction of the address listed for Kelley in recent days.
Its really loud. At first I thought someone was blasting, said Ryan Albers, 16, who lives across the road. It had to be coming from somewhere pretty close. It was definitely not just a shotgun or someone hunting. It was someone using automatic weapon fire.
A person matching Kelleys name and date of birth also registered in 2014 to vote in Colorado, with an address listed in Colorado Springs, home of the U.S. Air Force Academy. The Colorado Secretary of States office lists his registration now as inactive.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety regional director Freeman Martin, the gunman arrived at a Valero gas station near the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs at around 11:20 a.m. Sunday. He was dressed in black, wearing tactical gear and a ballistic vest.
He crossed the street to the church, left his vehicle and started firing a Ruger AR assault-type rifle at the church. Then he entered the church and fired.
As he left the church, the shooter met an unidentified area resident with his own rifle who pursued him. The suspect was found dead in his vehicle near the border between Wilson and Guadalupe counties.
Martin says its unclear if he died of a self-inflected wound or was shot by the resident.
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LONDONA British missionary who was kidnapped in Nigeria last month has been killed, but three others have been freed, the U.K. government said Monday.
The Foreign Office said that Alanna Carson, David Donovan and Shirley Donovan have returned to their families, but Ian Squire was tragically killed.
The four were abducted in the Niger Delta region on Oct. 13. David Donovan, a medical doctor, and his wife Shirley worked for New Foundations, a Christian charity providing vaccinations, cataract surgery and other medical treatment to people in the Niger Delta.
Carson works at an opticians in Leven, Scotland, and store director Adrian McCann said staff were hugely relieved she had been freed.
In a statement, the families of the four thanked Nigerian authorities for negotiating the release.
It was unclear when and how the three were freed or how Squire died. The Foreign Office said it could not comment during an ongoing investigation.
Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria. A number of high-profile abductions have been carried out by militants in the Niger Delta region and by the Islamist group Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria.
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Houses of worship are among the few places left where families regularly gather together, sometimes extended and sometimes across many generations. The First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, is no different. And within those walls, gathered as they always are on Sunday mornings, were three generations of the Holcombe family.
Bryan Holcombe was walking up to the pulpit on Sunday, preparing to lead the audience in worship, when a gunman began to spray bullets at the congregation
Holcombe, an associate pastor for the church, was killed in the gunfire, his parents, Joe and Claryce Holcombe, said in an interview with The Washington Post.
Bryan Holcombes wife of about four decades, Karla Holcombe, was also in church Sunday. She died too, said Joe Holcombe.
Bryan and Karla had a son, Marc Daniel Holcombe, 36. He too was killed, Joe Holcombe said.
Marc Daniel had an infant daughter, named Noah Holcombe, who, according to Joe, was a year old. She is dead too.
Another son of Bryan and Karla, John Holcombe, is alive, said Joe.
But his wife Crystal Holcombe is dead.
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At least 26 killed, several children wounded in mass shooting at Texas church
Man linked to Texas shooting was discharged from Air Force over alleged domestic assault
Crystal Holcombe was pregnant. She and the unborn child were both killed.
Crystal had five children. Three of them, Emily, Megan and Greg, died.
She had been at church with her husband, John, who thankfully survived along with two of her children.
Thats eight members of the extended Holcombe family dead, in addition to the unborn child.
All at once, Joe and Claryce Holcombe lost children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a future great grandchild.
The act of violence that wiped out generations of their loved ones took place in the space that mattered to them most: their church.
The Holcombes were among the 26 people authorities say died in Sundays mass shooting, the worst in Texas history.
As the morning stretched to afternoon and evening, friends and family members in South Texas posted on Facebook, asking if anyone had heard from their loved ones.
Joe and Claryce Holcombe first heard about the shooting an hour after it happened, through a phone call from a member of the church they attend, a different Baptist church in nearby Floresville, Texas.
He said there was a big shooting and he didnt say much more than that, Joe Holcombe, 86, said.
Then, in a conversation with the churchs head pastor, they started to hear the wrenching news.
Bryan and Karla? Joe Holcombe asked the churchs pastor.
Theyre both in heaven, the pastor responded. As the day went on, they would learn of the others.
John Holcombe, who teaches Sunday school and runs the audio for Sunday services at First Baptist Church, was struck with shrapnel in his leg, he told Joe and Claryce Holcombe by phone later that day. His daughter remained hospitalized Sunday night, though mostly for observation, Joe Holcombe said. She was injured when another person fell on her, Claryce Holcombe said.
Their grandparents described them as fantastic parents, and a happy family.
Crystal Holcombe home-schooled her five children and was heavily involved in the church, like the rest of the family. On Facebook, she reported proudly of her childrens successes in competitions for their local 4H, and wrote about a recent bake sale in which the girls participated, benefiting families affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Her husband, John, posted frequently about his lesson plans for Sunday school. For this weeks lesson, he planned to focus on Exodus 16, he wrote in a Facebook post. It describes how God provided the Israelites with food as they traveled for 40 days in the desert, Manna from Heaven.
Bryan Holcombe was filling in Sunday for the churchs lead pastor, who was out of town when the shooting happened.
And according to his parents, the associate pastor has been involved in church work ever since he was young.
We knew when he was born, that he was going to be a preacher, Joe Holcombe, his father, told The Post. His first word was God.
His first sentence? See the light.
On Facebook, Bryan Holcombe is shown hoisting his grandchildren on his shoulders, dressing up in costumes for church events, and playing his ukulele. He would often play the instrument and sing for prison inmates, a relative told the Associated Press.
Grandkids, it doesnt get any better! Bryan Holcombe wrote on Facebook on one photo of his many grandchildren. Ill wake up at night and, in prayer, thank God for each of them . . . it takes a while:-)
He and his wife Karla lived near his parents, between Floresville and Sutherland Springs. He ran a business on his parents farm, making tarps for cattle trailers, Joe Holcombe said.
A man dressed in black and armed with an assault rifle opened fire inside a church in South Texas on Sunday, killing 26 and wounding at least 16 others in what the governor called the deadliest mass shooting in the state's history. (The Associated Press)
Bryan and Karla Holcombe were high school sweethearts. One day, their high school was selling roses, offering to deliver them to the classrooms of admirers. So Bryan Holcombe delivered a rose to each and every one of Karlas classes that day.
He thought she was cute, and she was, Joe Holcombe said.
Karla Holcombe had the gift of hospitality, her mother-in-law said. She had planned on hosting the familys Thanksgiving.
Joe and Claryce Holcombe, who are both retired teachers, hosted a group of nearby pastors and churchgoers at their home on Sunday as they waited for details about the deceased. They prayed together.
Its of course going to be difficult, Joe Holcombe said about the days ahead.
But, he said, we are Christians, we have read the book. We know the ending, and its good.
Theyre in heaven, he added. And theyre a lot better off than we are.
The shooting at First Baptist Church shattered scores of other families in this rural, tightknit community.
Frank Pomeroy, the pastor of First Baptist Church, told ABC News that he did not attend the church service but that his teenage daughter, Annabelle Pomeroy, 14, was killed.
She was very quiet, shy, always smiling, and helpful to all, Cynthia Rangel, 50, a resident of Stockdale, said of Annabelle Pomeroy. Rangel, a local emergency medical technician, said she knew three individuals who were hospitalized after the shooting and were undergoing surgery. This just all seems like its not real.
As Michael Ward pulled wounded congregants out of the church, he searched for his nephew, three nieces and his sister-in-law, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
My nephew was outside with four bullets in him, he said of Rylind Ward, 5.
And Rhianna, the bullet broke her glasses, and broke em off, and she said she hid underneath the pew and didnt get hit, he said of his 9-year-old niece.
Sandy Ward told MSNBC that her 5-year-old grandson was in surgery, and her 7-year-old granddaughter was killed.
She waited at the hospital Sunday with her son.
Hes a wreck, of course, as you can imagine, Ward told MSNBC. Im just in shock.
Im numb, she added. My whole bodys just numb.
Joe and Claryce Holcombe said theyre still coming to terms with what happened. The shooter, Joe Holcombe said, is being rewarded right now for what he did, and for all of eternity.
But, Claryce added, we need to pray for his family, because theyre going through a terrible time, too.
God will see us through, Joe Holcombe said. Well all be together soon.
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Saudi Arabias attorney general said the weekend arrests of princes, businessmen and officials were only phase one of an anti-corruption drive that has rattled the kingdom and shocked investors.
The arrests were merely the start of a vital process to root out corruption wherever it exists, Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb said in a statement on Monday. The suspects will have access to legal counsel and pledged to hold trials in a timely and open manner, he said.
Local banks also began freezing the accounts of those implicated, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. Central bank officials and the governments Center for International Communication didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.
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Dozens of Saudi Arabian princes, businessmen arrested in anti-corruption probe
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In all, 11 princes including Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, one of the worlds richest men four ministers and dozens of former ministers and well-known businessmen were taken into custody, according to Saudi media and a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The detentions ordered by King Salman reinforced speculation that he was clearing any remaining obstacles to his son Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans accession to the throne. But they were also lauded by many Saudis bearing the brunt of low oil prices who have long complained that the kingdoms elite were above the law.
Its almost the equivalent of arresting Bill Gates to have Prince Alwaleed bin Talal under arrest, Robert Jordan, former U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, told Bloomberg TV.
Power struggle
The royal family, for years, has behind the scenes had a series of power struggles, rivalry among tribal aspects of the royal family, but this is about the most breathtaking revelation I think we could possibly have imagined, he said.
The king also relieved Prince Miteb bin Abdullah from his post as head of the powerful National Guard, taking out one of the last senior royals that had survived a series of cabinet reshuffles that promoted allies of his son. Prince Mohammed became heir to the throne in June when his cousin was removed in a palace shakeup.
Authorities have not disclosed the allegations that prompted the arrests. Shares in Prince Alwaleeds Kingdom Holding tumbled 5.3 per cent at the close in Riyadh. Kingdom said in a statement that the Saudi government has full confidence in the company.
The powerful new anti-corruption commission said in a statement that authorities have worked painstakingly for three years to investigate the crimes in question and expose their perpetrators, a very difficult task when it involves influential officials and senior executives.
Shock and awe
The commission asserted its right to freeze assets and take other appropriate measures. Reuters, citing bankers it didnt identify, reported that the freezing of accounts was a precautionary move.
The scale of the campaign fits into the style of the royal with a knack for shock and awe. Since 2015, the prince known overseas as MBS has embarked on an unprecedented shakeup to prepare the economy for the post-oil era, plunged the kingdom into war in Yemen and severed diplomatic and transport links with neighbouring Qatar. In the meantime, he has taken control of every lever of power from defence to oil policies.
Jordan said a genuine push against corruption would add to the credibility of Prince Mohammeds push to overhaul the economy, which include selling a stake in oil giant Saudi Aramco.
If it turns out to simply be a power grab, then I think its going to hurt the Saudis in the long run, and certainly hurt this crown prince, he said.
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GRIFFIN, GA.When 23-year-old Timothy Coggins was found dead and disfigured beside a Georgia highway in 1983, the young Black mans family and neighbours whispered that his killing may be linked to racism.
It was always mentioned, and it was always suspected, said his niece, Heather Coggins, who still lives not far from where he was killed.
Now, more than three decades later, authorities say, its been confirmed.
A Georgia district attorney says Timothy Coggins was killed for socializing with a white female. Prosecutor Ben Coker told a judge Wednesday that Coggins was dragged behind a truck through the woods, news outlets reported. Arrest warrants say he was stabbed and sliced to death and suffered severely disfiguring wounds.
A break in the cold case came in mid-October, when local and state law enforcement officials announced the arrests of five longtime local residents on charges stemming from the slaying. All five are white; two worked in law enforcement.
Spalding County sheriff Darrell Dix was emphatic about the motive during an Oct. 13 news conference in Griffin, about 64 kilometres south of Atlanta.
Based on the original evidence recovered in 1983 and new evidence and interviews, there is no doubt in the minds of all investigators involved that the crime was racially motivated, and that if the crime happened today it would be prosecuted as a hate crime, he said.
Two men are charged with murder: Frankie Gebhardt, 59, and Bill Moore Sr., 58. Arrest warrants accuse them of stabbing and slicing Coggins to death and giving him seriously disfiguring wounds.
Moore and Gebhardt were just a year or two older than the victim, and Heather Coggins says she believes her uncle was acquainted with them. But she said the rest of the family didnt know them.
This is the first time weve heard their names and seen their faces, she said in a recent interview.
Three other suspects Sandra Bunn, 58; her son Lamar Bunn; and 47-year-old Gregory Huffman are charged with obstructing the investigation. Sandra Bunn worked as a Spalding County detention officer until her arrest, when the sheriff fired her. Huffman was also a detention officer and later a police officer in nearby Milner. Hes charged with revealing the identity of a confidential informant who was being used against Gebhardt.
Officials havent detailed the suspects connections with each other, but court records show Sandra Bunn sued Gebhardt in 2003 to have him evicted from a property she owned. Gebhardt has been convicted in the past of aggravated assault and criminal damage, both felonies, along with multiple misdemeanours, records show.
Coker said he will seek indictments in December but hasnt decided whether to seek the death penalty against Gebhardt and Moore.
Heather Coggins was just 6 years old when her uncle was killed, but she still tears up at how his slaying wracked her large extended family, longtime residents of the community, with uncertainty, heartbreak, fear.
She remembers her uncle as just a fun person. If anything, I remember just the joy, the playfulness of him. He didnt finish high school and had no regular job but worked for his stepfather, a plumber and carpenter in Griffin.
He loved the R&B music of Frankie Beverly and loved to dance.
But his life ended in horrific violence.
A 1983 article in the Griffin Daily News said his body was found by hunters in a field not far from a highway in the Sunny Side community a few miles north of Griffin. He wasnt immediately identified.
He had been worked over with a knife pretty well, an investigator told the newspaper stab wounds in the back, punctured lungs and defensive wounds on his arm.
Heather Coggins said that when investigators passed around the unknown victims photo to the local community, Timothy Coggins own mother didnt recognize her dead son, but Heathers mother, the victims oldest sister, said: No, thats Tim.
His mother was burdened by his slaying until she died in February 2016. She called out his name on her death bed, Heather Coggins said.
I really dont think my grandmother ever recovered from losing her son ... not because of his death, but because of the uncertainty of who did it, she said. She felt like justice wasnt done.
In July, authorities announced that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation had new information.
Seeking to bolster that new lead, the sheriff issued a July 24 news release, imploring witnesses to step up.
We understand that over the years those suspected of being involved in the murder of Timothy Coggins have threatened and intimidated potential witnesses, he said. We believe that there are people with pertinent information regarding this case that are still out there and we are asking them to come forward.
As witnesses did so, he said, they told investigators they had been living with this information since Coggins death but had been afraid to come forward or had not spoken of it until now.
Heather Coggins said the family wont rest easy until those responsible for killing him are convicted. But she said they are deeply grateful to the sheriff, the GBI and other officials who didnt give up on solving her uncles killing.
Were totally thankful that someone has been arrested, she said. Were grateful because that didnt happen for 34 years.
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The man accused of attacking Sen. Rand Paul on Friday may soon face more serious criminal charges because the Kentucky Republican is suffering from several rib injuries, law enforcement officials said Monday.
An attorney for the man charged in the attack, Rene Boucher, also said Monday that the dispute had absolutely nothing to do with eithers politics or political agendas and was merely a very regrettable dispute between two neighbours over a matter that most people would regard as trivial.
But new information about the extent of Pauls injuries could prompt prosecutors to charge Boucher with a felony, according to Trooper Jeremy Hodges, a spokesperson for the Kentucky State Police.
Paul, a second-term senator and former GOP presidential candidate, was attacked by Boucher, 59, on Friday outside his home in Bowling Green, Ky., police said. Boucher was charged with fourth-degree assault and released on Saturday on $7,500 bond.
The misdemeanour charge against Boucher applies to cases in which no weapon is involved and the victim receives minor injuries, Hodges said.
At the time of the assault, Paul had trouble breathing due to a potential rib injury, according to a criminal complaint filed in Warren County District Court. On Sunday, Pauls office announced he was recovering from five rib fractures, including three displaced fractures, meaning the bones are partly or completely cracked. He has lung contusions, or bruises, caused by the broken ribs, and his recovery could last several months, his office said.
Given those injuries, Hodges said police and prosecutors will now consider upgrading the charges.
It requires serious physical injury in order for someone to be charged with a felony, Hodges said. Our arresting officer will submit his completed case report and then the prosecutors will make a decision about whether to upgrade those charges.
The state police investigation remains open and active and the formal police report on the incident has not yet been filed with county officials, Hodges said.
County and state prosecutors didnt immediately return requests for comment.
The FBI is assisting state and local authorities to see whether there were any violations of federal law, but an FBI spokesperson declined to comment Monday on a possible motive.
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Bouchers attorney, Matthew J. Baker, said Monday that the two men have been neighbours for 17 years and are both prominent members of the Bowling Green medical community and had worked together in the past. Paul is an ophthalmologist and Boucher is a retired anesthesiologist.
What could cause Boucher to attack Paul and break five of his ribs remained unclear on Monday. Baker didnt immediately clarify his statement, and a number listed for Boucher went unanswered on Monday.
We sincerely hope that Senator Paul is doing well and that these two gentlemen can get back to being neighbours as quickly as possible, Baker added.
Paul did not return to Washington on Monday as he normally would for U.S. Senate proceedings, according to his chief of staff, Doug Stafford.
It is a pending, serious criminal matter involving state and federal authorities. We wont have any further comments at this time, Stafford said in an email.
After the incident on Friday, Paul told police that Boucher had come onto his property and tackled the senator from behind, forcing him to the ground and causing him pain, according to the criminal complaint.
Boucher admitted to going onto Pauls property and tackling him, the report said.
In addition to his broken ribs, Paul suffered small cuts to the nose and mouth area.
Boucher was released on Saturday on $7,500 bond and ordered to not have any contact with Paul, his family or offices or to obtain any firearms or weapons of any kind, according to bond paperwork provided by the county.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday wished his Bluegrass State colleague a speedy recovery. McConnell told reporters in Kentucky that Pauls absence creates another challenge in what he described as a daily Maalox moment prompted by the struggles to hold together his 52-member caucus, according to The Associated Press.
Its potentially a challenge any time a Republican senator is absent from the Senate, McConnell added, because his caucus isnt always totally in lockstep, The Associated Press reported.
Even as local authorities tried to piece together charges and a potential motive, there was an effort among some in national conservative media circles to find a political motive for the attack.
The Daily Caller noted that Boucher had been a registered Democrat and shared a post from his Facebook page citing left-wing academic Noam Chomskys criticism of the Republican party.
The Blaze, Glenn Becks online news site, told readers on Sunday that FBI investigators believed the attack, which occurred Friday afternoon, was politically motivated. That claim, widely circulated on Monday, came from a report on Kentuckys WNKY-TV, which did not quote or name a source. As Pauls office kept mostly quiet about the case, speculation ran rampant.
It appears that Bouchers assault of the Republican senator is another instance of political violence prompted by the climate of hate that has been fostered by the Democratic Party, wrote John Hinderaker on the conservative blog Powerline. Where will it end?
The conservative Media Research Center, citing the Facebook posts, told subscribers to its newsletter that Rand Pauls Injuries From His Socialist Neighbor May Be Worse Than First Thought.
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For decades watchdogs and researchers have attempted to draw attention to the disturbing overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the countrys prison systems.
Yet despite urgent warnings from domestic and international organizations, the latest report from federal prisons watchdog Ivan Zinger makes clear the situation continues to get worse.
Between 2007 and 2016, while the overall federal prison population increased by less than 5 per cent, the number of Indigenous prisoners rose by 39 per cent, Zinger reports.
In fact, for the last three decades, there has been an increase every single year in the federal incarceration rates for Indigenous people. While they make up less than 5 per cent of the Canadian population, today they represent 26.4 per cent of all federal inmates. And for Indigenous women the situation is even worse. They comprise 37.6 per cent of the federal female prison population.
As Zinger writes, The over-incarceration of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit people in corrections is among the most pressing social justice and human rights issues in Canada today.
So what can be done?
The overabundance of Indigenous people in Canadian prisons no doubt reflects larger socioeconomic disadvantages for which there are no simple solutions. Clearly, until governments start taking more aggressive steps to address the poverty, mental health issues and other intergenerational scars of failed colonial policies past and present, the problem will persist.
But in the shorter term, there are a number of simple, long-overdue changes to the court and prison systems that could begin to redress this persistent injustice.
The first is to ensure that the Gladue principle, in place since a 1999 Supreme Court decision, is consistently followed. Under this principle, judges must take into account information, contained in so-called Gladue reports, about an Indigenous persons background, such as their history with residential schools, child welfare removals, physical or sexual abuse, and health issues such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Research has shown these reports do affect sentencing, but as legal aid across much of the country shrinks so, too, does the ability of many Indigenous offenders to make courts aware of their particular circumstances. Governments must ensure resources are in place to allow the court system to truly abide by this important principle.
The Zinger report contains other valuable suggestions. For one, it recommends that Corrections Canada finally implement proposals from the 2016 federal auditor generals report to more quickly get Indigenous offenders out of jail and reintegrated into society.
The auditor general found that in 2015-16 most Indigenous offenders werent released from custody until their statutory release date, after serving two-thirds of their sentence. Of those, 79 per cent were released into the community directly from a maximum or medium security institution without benefit of a graduated and structured return to the community.
Nor was Corrections Canada effectively getting Indigenous prisoners into programs within jails that could help them upon their release. Only 20 per cent were able to complete their programs by the time they were eligible for parole.
In response to the AGs report, Corrections Canada promised to expand programs tailored to the needs of Indigenous offenders, including preparing them for early release. Yet Zinger found that Indigenous prisoners continue to be released just as late, likely in part because the parole board remains unsatisfied that applicants have in fact been adequately prepared to reenter the community.
This lack of preparation partly explains, too, why Indigenous offenders are so much more likely to be returned to prison due to the suspension or revocation of their parole. And once inside, Indigenous prisoners suffer more than others: they are over-represented in segregation cells, use-of-force interventions, maximum-security institutions and incidents of self-injury.
Canadas shameful history of Indigenous injustice continues to play out graphically and painfully in our courts and prisons, which both reflect and reinforce these communities disadvantage. But the justice system need not deepen these inequalities; indeed, it can play a role in healing Indigenous communities and Canadas relationship with them. Reversing the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in our prison population is an important measure of reconciliation.
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Time for change.
Embattled billionaire activist Bill Ackman ridiculed the existing boardroom election system in the U.S. in an interview with TheStreet, arguing that companies should be required to set up a "universal proxy card" giving shareholders more flexibility to pick among dissident directors and incumbent board members.
"The corporate voting mechanism is one of the least democratic voting systems in the world," Ackman said. "When people vote in elections they vote for people. They don't vote to withhold against Ted Cruz in order to support Donald Trump."
Currently, shareholders who don't go to company meetings can vote either for director candidates offered on the activist's proxy card or those included on the company's card. This means they can't support only one of many dissidents offered at the same time that they back the rest of the company's slate. Though investors attending shareholder meetings can make these voting distinctions, most institutional and retail investors vote remotely.
Large pension funds and other institutional investors have been pushing for companies and regulators to set up a so-called universal proxy card system that gives investors the flexibility to pick precisely the directors they want in contested elections and the Securities and Exchange Commission earlier this year introduced a proposal that would do exactly that if it is ever approved.
The issue is particularly frustrating for Ackman, who suggested that he might have gotten more support from influential investor advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services in a boardroom battle he has underway at Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) - Get Free Report if the company had set up a universal proxy card.
Ackman's fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, is seeking a minority-slate of three dissident director seats, including one for himself, on ADP's 10-person board at a contest set to conclude Tuesday, Nov. 7. Last month he asked ADP to allow for such an approach, but the payroll processor rejected his request.
More recently, ISS recommended that investors vote on ADP's card for the company directors, but vote "withhold" for one company director, Eric Fast. ISS said that the withhold vote would "provide an opening" for Ackman to be elected while preventing the replacement of two other targeted incumbent directors.
It's true that a lot of withhold votes on the company's proxy card coupled with many votes for Ackman on the dissident card, the gold one, could get the activist investor elected. However, it is also true that Ackman and his other candidates wouldn't get elected if all investors follow the ISS recommendation. ADP would be under no obligation to remove Fast even if a majority of investors withhold their vote for the incumbent director candidate.
However, there is a possibility that a lot of withhold votes could help Ackman, who did get the support of the other major shareholder advisory firm, Glass Lewis, which recommended that investors back all three of his dissident director candidates.
In the interview, Ackman acknowledged that there are some managed account shareholders at big bulge bracket firms that automatically vote with ISS, and their opposition to his candidates will make it harder for the fund manager to get elected. He suggested that any move by an investor to "withhold" their support for an incumbent director but vote on the company's proxy card is a "very backhanded way of showing support" for his candidates. "If you want to vote for me you have to vote on the gold proxy card," Ackman said.
In uncontested elections, activist pension funds often launch so-called "Just Vote No" campaigns urging investors to vote to withhold their vote for certain incumbent directors. Corporations are under no obligation to remove the director if a majority of investors vote to withhold their vote for him or her. However, a significant no vote against directors, as shareholders offered up recently for Mylan Pharmaceuticals (MYL), could send an embarrassing message to company officials that something needs to change. Even so, Ackman disparaged the system, calling it undemocratic.
"The corporate voting mechanism is one of the least democratic voting systems in the world because you have ten candidates you can vote for or against or withhold, but you are going to end up with the same directors there, in uncontested elections," Ackman said.
The SEC, under its previous chairman, Mary Jo White, introduced a proposal that would require companies to set up such a system. However, it is unclear whether the agency's current chairman, Jay Clayton, has any interest in pushing for its adoption. Nevertheless, companies and activists can agree together to set up a universal proxy card. In practicality, companies and activists have almost never reached such an agreement.
Strategic Governance Advisers, an affiliate of Sard Verbinnen & Co., is advising ADP. One of SGA's founding partners is Chris Cernich, who was managing director at ISS for six years until November 2016. Sard Verbinnen & Co. is also providing strategic communications advice to ADP and Innisfree M&A is the payroll processor's proxy solicitor for the contest. ADP also hired investment banks Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs to advise it on how to handle Ackman. It also retained Paul, Weiss for legal advice.
D.F. King & Co. Inc. is providing proxy solicitation assistance to Ackman and Rubenstein is providing external strategic communications assistance. Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft's Richard Brand and Gregory Patti, are providing Ackman with legal assistance.
Watch TheStreet's full interview with Bill Ackman.
This feature first appeared on TheStreet's sister publication The Deal on Nov. 3.
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Global investors were left with more questions than answers Monday as news of an unprecedented series of events in Saudi Arabia over the weekend could either be a path towards its emergence as an open and international economy or a signal that its young, ambitious Crown Prince is tightening his grip on power in the oil rich Kingdom
However, if initial market reaction is correct, investors might be more concerned with the latter as global crude prices trade past two-year highs following Mohammed bin Salman's weekend purge of his political rivals and the arrest of what was essentially the country's best-known international investor - Prince Alwaleed bin Talal.
Brent crude, the benchmark for global prices, was marked 0.75% higher at $62.50 per barrel in early European trading, the highest since July 2015, following the weekend's news, which included not only the arrest of Prince Alwaleed -- a well-known figures in the international investment community how heads both the country's Kingdom Holding Co. and Vision 2030 funds -- but also the ouster of Prince Miteb in Abdullah as head of its powerful National Guard.
Kingdom Holding was marked 5.26% lower at 9 Saudi Ryals each after hitting a 52-week low of 8.96 earlier in the session. The main Saudi stock benchmark, the Tadawul All Shares Index, added 0.15% into the close of trading.
While ostensibly portrayed in the international media -- and indeed to the nation's young domestic audience -- as a crackdown on corruption in the Kingdom, Prince Mohammed, or MBS as he his known, could well be using the purge to tighten his grip on power both at home and in the broader Gulf region following his elevation by King Salman earlier this year.
"Saudi Arabia has had an issue with corruption for many years," said Robert Jordan, a former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom, in an interview Monday on CNBC Television. "But I would also say it looks like a classic power-grab to arrest your rivals under the pretext of fighting corruption, so it's essential that we get details" he added, referring to the detention of Alwaleed bin Talal. "This would be like arresting Bill Gates and Warren Buffett in the United States."
Domestic reaction to the moves have been positive: social media hashtags are referencing a 'November 4 Revolution' and media reports suggest young Saudi's are broadly supportive of MBS's move to arrest members of the so-called 'old guard' of the Saudi monarchy who have long been seen as a above the law.
The discontent has also, it must be noted, paralleled the recent slump in global oil prices, which has reduced revenues for the Kingdom and hit the economy hard - particularly in terms of youth unemployment in a country where around half of the population is under the age of 25. Recent military adventures on Yemen, as well as the blockade of nearby Qatar earlier this year -- both orchestrated by the 32-year old MBS -- also played well to a domestic audience keen on recapturing a perceived loss of regional hegemony in a global economy that is increasingly moving on from its fossil fuels addiction.
In that respect, the ancillary benefit of a jump in crude prices as the country moves to fortify both its position as both the de-facto head of the OPEC cartel and the value of its impending float of a small portion of Saudi Aramco (in a listing that will instantly make it the world's most valuable company) isn't difficult to understand.
Equally, however, it's hard to see the attraction for foreign investors to an economy that has little to offer outside of the world's biggest oil deposits, particularly when its young leader is jailing political opponents, launching military strikes on its neighbours and accusing Iran of firing missiles towards Riyadh from the Gulf sea.
Prince Mohammed may have just told us, in so many words, where he thinks the Kingdom's fortunes ultimately lie.
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Qatar Airways Ltd. agreed to buy a 9.6% stake in Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd., turning its eyes east after failing to find a way into the American market through an investment in American Airlines Inc. (AAL) - Get Free Report
The Middle Eastern carrier will become Cathay's No.3 shareholder once it completes the acquisition of the equity owned by Kingboard Chemical Holdings Ltd, and associated companies, for HK$5.16 billion ($662 million).
The announcement of the deal had a chilling effect on Cathay Pacfic stock, which fell almost 5% in early trading in Hong Kong before regaining some ground to close at HK$12.98, down HK$0.22 or 1.7%. The acquisition makes a much-rumored merger of Cathay and Air China Ltd. less likely.
Qatar will pay HK$13.65 per share for its stake in Cathay, a 3.4% premium to Cathay's Friday closing price.
"Cathay Pacific is...one of the strongest airlines in the world, respected throughout the industry and with massive potential for the future," said Qatar's CEO Akbar Al Bakar in a statement. Cathay and Qatar are both members of the Oneworld alliance of carriers.
The deal comes just over three months after Qatar abandoned efforts to buy a 10% stake in American Airlines. Qatar had announced those plans in June, but met with resistance from American Airlines before seeming to cite the U.S. airline's second quarter results as a reason that it could no longer justify an investment.
How Qatar Airways Messed Up a Chance to Make a Deal With American Airlines
Buying a stake in Cathay Pacific will give Qatar a stake in air traffic into and out of China, which is expected to surpass the U.S. to become the world's largest airborne commercial aviation market within a decade. The deal also follows a difficult period for Cathay, which has seen shares fall from highs of over HK$20 in 2015, amid tougher competition from Chinese and Middle Eastern carriers on long haul routes and Asian low-cost operators for regional services.
The company, in August, reported a first-half loss of HK$2.05 billion, its worst six month figures in at least 20 years, and announced a major overhaul of operations, including job cuts and talks about pilot compensation. Despite those problems Cathay remains one of the most richly valued airlines with an Ebitda multiple of 9.5 times, almost twice that of local rival Singapore Airlines Ltd.
Qatar's acquisition is the latest in a spate of investment in Chinese airlines. In March, American paid HK$1.55 billion for a 2.68% stake in China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. In 2015, Delta Air Lines Inc. (DAL) - Get Free Report snapped up a 3.55% stake in China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd. for around $450 million.
Jim Cramer is bullish on Delta Air Lines
Cathay's biggest shareholder is Hong Kong conglomerate Swire Pacific Ltd., which owns a 45% stake, followed by Air China, which has a 30%, combined with Cathay's recent struggles, had stoked rumors of a potential takeover of Cathay. Under that scenario Air China might have bought the stakes held by Kingboard and Swire, establishing a platform from which it could de-list Cathay.
Qatar's acquisition of an equity stake continues a strategy of underpinning commercial alliances with equity holdings. The Middle Eastern airline owns 20% of International Airlines Group SA (ICAGY) , the parent company of British Airways. It also owns 10% of South America's biggest carrier group Latam Airlines Group SA undefined . Both of those companies also operate as part of the Oneworld alliance.
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President Donald Trump said Monday that the murder of twenty-six people near San Antonio, Texas Sunday was a "very, very sad event" but insisted the mass shooting, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, wasn't a "guns situation".
Speaking in Tokyo during his 11-day trip to Asia, Trump said the shooter, a man described by local law enforcement authorities as a white male in his 20s, was a "very deranged individual" with "a lot of problems."
"We have a lot of mental health problems in our country, as do other countries. But this isn't a guns situation," he said. "Fortunately somebody else had a gun that was shooting in the opposite direction."
Officials say the suspect opened fire on worshippers at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland, Tx, Sunday, killing 26 people, including a five-year old child and a seventy-two year old man, with a Ruger AR assault rifle. A further 20 people were injured, according to law enforcement officials.
"You've got your pews on either side. He just walked down the center aisle, turned around and my understanding was shooting on his way back out," said Wilson County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr. "It's unbelievable to see children, men and women, laying there. Defenseless people," Tackitt said. "I guess it was seeing the children that were killed. It's one thing to see an adult, but to see a 5-year-old ..."
The man, dressed in black tactical-style military dress, later fled the scene but was found dead in a nearby county, although it is unclear whether he took his own life or was shot by an area resident.
The Associated Press named the suspect as Devin Kelley, a resident of nearby San Antonio, a former Air Force serviceman stationed at the Logistics Readiness at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico before he was discharged in 2012.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, however, disagreed with Trump and called on his colleagues to tackle the issue of gun control.
The shooting is fourth-deadliest in U.S. history and follows only weeks after the slaughter of 58 people attending a music concert at the Mandalay Bay hotel in Las Vegas on Oct. 1.
Wilbur Ross held investments in a Russian shipping firm that has business ties to Vladimir Putin, according to the so-called Paradise Papers leaked to various media outlets over the weekend, but the U.S. Commerce Secretary denied any wrongdoing and called allegations of impropriety "silly".
The papers, first linked to Germany's Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper and subsequently shared with London's Guardian Newspaper and the New York Times, indicated that a partnership used by Ross, a billionaire investor, held a 31% stake in a company called Navigator Holdings that earned money from shipping gas for Sibur Holding PJSC, Russia's biggest petrochemicals firm. One of Sibur's shareholders, the Times said, is Gennday Timchenko, an oligarch subject to U.S. sanctions. Another is Putin's son-in-law, Kirill Shamalov.
"They're (Navigator) a company not under sanctions," Ross told CNBC Europe Television Monday. "It was a normal commercial relationship. I had nothing to do with the negotiations (with Sibur) and do not know the shareholders that were sanctioned at some point later in time."
Ross, a close ally of President Donald Trump, said his Navigator holding was "was disclosed on the Form-278 three times, as well as on the public website on the Office for Government Ethics."
"I'm neither an officer, director nor an investor in Sibur ... which is not under sanctions to this very day," Ross insisted. "So, in fact, there's nothing wrong with Navigator having a commercial relationship with Sibur."
The link nonetheless puts the issue of Kremlin ties to Trump's inner circle back in the headlines as allegations of collusion between the President's 2016 election campaign and the Russian government are investigated by Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
NBC News reported Sunday that Mueller was prepared to charge Trump's former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, as well as his son, with money laundering and lying to Federal officials as part of the ongoing investigation into Russian election meddling. The charges, NBC reported, would be linked to Flynn's role in a potential plot to remove an opponent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan from the United States.
The Paradise Papers also reveal the names of 120 political and heredity leaders -- including Queen Elizabeth II -- with ties to offshore investments. Around 10 million ($13.1 million) of the Queen's private funds, which are controlled by the Duchy of Lancaster, were invested in funds held in the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, the papers revealed.
"We operate a number of investments and a few of these are with overseas funds. All of our investments are fully audited and legitimate," the Duchy told the BBC. "The Queen voluntarily pays tax on any income she receives from the Duchy."
Billionaire investor Saudi Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal and at least 10 other princes, plus current and former ministers, were arrested Saturday in a widespread corruption crackdown, according to numerous media reports.
One of Talal's favorite long-term holdings -- Citigroup (C) - Get Free Report -- may not take a hit despite the arrest. Here's what the charts are saying.
I really just placed this first chart here in order to illustrate how deep and lengthy the overall trend has been for Citigroup. There have been stutter steps, and some sideways movements that lasted for weeks at a time, but the positive momentum here goes back to the start of 2016, well before the election or the inauguration.
The reasons for which I have liked C for some time now are largely fundamental. Yes, I know that Societe Generale downgraded these guys fairly recently. I am still looking at a stock trading 12 times next year's earnings in an industry likely to benefit from the potential of a rising rate environment, with a bounty of international exposure to boot.
OK, let's take a look under the hood, and see what a more relevant chart can tell us.
You can see on this nine-month daily chart that the stock has gone sideways within a defined range since that earnings release in early October. Currently, the lower tine of the Pitchfork model lines up almost perfectly with the 50-day simple moving average. This is where you better find some legit support, if there is pressure on this name on Monday.
A break here allows for movement as low as $69. The central tine and the recent highs both suggest resistance at $76. The same model also suggests an $80 price target. In my opinion, that is realistic, and I do not yet see a more aggressive level higher than that.
In the stock's favor would be a moving average convergence divergence (MACD) that appears to be about to experience a bullish crossover. Witness the 12-day exponential moving average.
Monday morning's opening will impact that upward curl, and probably not in a good way. Money flow has turned negative over the last week or so. If you are invested, you need to keep an eye on this. My panic point for the name is $65.90.
(This is an excerpt from Stephen "Sarge" Guilfoyle's Morning Recon, which now appears exclusively on Real Money, our premium site for active traders. Click here for a free 14-day trial and receive Morning Recon every day, along with exclusive columns from Jim Cramer, James "RevShark" DePorre, technical analyst Bruce Kamich and more.)
Here's what else you should know on Monday:
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At the time of publication, Stephen Guilfoyle was long AAPL, C, although positions may change at any time.
We all know the Fed is important, but do we know why?
The central bank of the United States was created by Congress to provide the nation with a "safer, more flexible and more stable monetary and financial system," according to the Fed. But among its 12 Federal Reserve Districts, none are arguably as important as the New York branch.
And the New York Fed is about to undergo some change. President William Dudley announced plans Monday, Nov. 6, to retire early from his post. He plans to leave his job as leader of the New York Fed sometime in mid-2018, as soon as a suitable replacement is found.
While it's too early to speculate who might be the pick of the selection committee, it's important to recognize the gravitas the position carries.
First Among Equals
The New York Fed oversees the Second Federal Reserve District, which includes New York State, 12 northern counties in New Jersey, Fairfield County in Connecticut, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
That's a geographically small area, especially when compared to other regional Fed banks. But the New York Fed is the largest Reserve Bank in terms of both assets and volume of activity, establishing its reputation as the first among equals. In Fairfield County, the median household income in the 2010 census was $81,268. The real median household income nationwide was $49,445 that year -- there's a lot of money in the second district.
The New York Fed has its ear to the ground in the finance capital of America. Its seats are the closest to Wall Street, meaning the New York Fed is responsible for sniffing out information that could move markets ahead of other banks.
In addition to the responsibilities the New York Fed shares with the 11 other regional branches, it has unique operations including conducting open market operations, intervening in foreign exchange markets and storing monetary gold for foreign central banks, governments and international agencies.
Policy leadership
Policy might be decided in Washington, but it's implemented in New York. The New York Fed is the only regional bank with a permanent vote on the Federal Open Market Committee and its president -- Dudley's replacement -- is traditionally selected as the Committee's vice chairman.
The FOMC consists of 12 members - seven from the Board of Governors, four who rotate from other regional banks and the president of the New York Fed. There's always a voting seat at the table for the New York Fed, which other regional banks can't say.
Dudley was named the 10th president and CEO of the New York Fed in January 2009 and was later reappointed in 2016. His term was to end in January 2019, when he would have reached the 10-year policy-limit in the role.
Dudley is widely regarded as a leader who shepherded the bank through the years following the recession. He played an instrumental role in implementing emergency lending facilities and monetary policy measures just after the collapse, then normalizing the Fed's policy as recovery took hold.
A changing Fed
While Dudley's departure will surely shake up the Fed system, it's already undergoing considerable change. President Donald Trump last week appointed Board of Governors member Jerome Powell to the Federal Reserve Chairman position, replacing Janet Yellen in February.
Yellen had been in the post since 2014 and been a leader in the Fed system since 2004. Powell became a governor in 2012, meaning he'll have less experience in the system than Yellen did when he assumes office.
The New York Fed president will likely bear some responsibility to aid Powell in navigating his new post. Given Powell's extensive background in private equity and high finance, he'll likely turn to New York as one of the most familiar Fed regions. With that, the next New York Fed leader will undoubtedly remain influential over Fed policy.
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Thanksgiving travel: What to expect at the Indianapolis airport
Thanksgiving at the Indianapolis International Airport will be defined by inflated prices, nearly pre-pandemic crowds and competitive seat booking.
The Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of South Africa, Honorable Dr. Rob Davies on 31st October 2017, visited the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Republic of Botswana to discuss ways of moving forward the SADC Industrialization Agenda, in line with the SADC theme: Partnering with private sector in developing industry and regional value chains.
The visit by Hon. Davies comes just few months after the Republic of South Africa assumed the Chairpersonship of the SADC during the 37th SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in August 2017 in Pretoria, South Africa.
The visit also follows the SADC Summits adoption of SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap in April 2015, in Zimbabwe and the costed action plan in March 2017, in Swaziland. The implementation plan seeks to identify projects and programmes to develop regional value chains that not only promote industrial development but integration in the region.
During the visit, Davies was welcomed to SADC House by the Executive Secretary of SADC, Her Excellency Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax. Dr Tax said the visit to SADC Secretariat by the Minister and his team was a confirmation of the Republic of South Africas commitment to work with the Secretariat in ensuring concrete deliverables while operationalizing the 37th SADC Summit theme, and in doing so contribute to the SADC Industrialization agenda.
Davies said that the Government of South Africa was committed to render support to accelerate the rolling out of the pdf SADC Industrialization Strategy and Action Plan 2015-2063 (2.34 MB) within the region. As the Chair, we would like to avail some of our capacities, skills and institutions at the disposal of the SADC Region to develop regional value chains, Hon. Davies said.
The meeting agreed on the framework to guide the development of the implementation plan and selection of regional projects that will be key to driving the industrialisation agenda in SADC. The envisaged plan is to be considered by the SADC Ministers in March 2018. As the current chair of SADC, South Africa will ensure that this deliverable is realised on the agreed timeframes with the Secretariat.
The meeting identified Value Chains in agro-processing, mineral beneficiation, and pharmaceutical sectors as priorities that the region can focus on during the year. The meeting further agreed to form interdisciplinary expert technical teams, involving both public and private sector representatives, that would champion the identified priority value chains.
The meeting also discussed the need for the formation of a repository of all previous studies on potential bankable projects from each sector as well as providing specific training opportunities to build capacity to support Industrialization in Member States. They also agreed to have short-term plan with key outputs to be presented to a high-level meeting of Member States for consideration and possible adoption.
The Executive Secretary was accompanied by the Deputy Executive Secretary responsible for Regional Integration, Dr. Thembinkosi Mhlongo and SADC Directors in related Directorates. The Deputy Executive Secretary, Dr. Mhlongo will lead the Technical Team from the SADC Secretariat side.
Today, in Arusha: Review of draft concept note, TOR, Roadmap and budget estimates for development of EAC Political Confederation Constitution
Starting today, in Abuja: ECOWAS Commission constitutive meeting of support structures for Regional Quality Infrastructure
Assessing Regional Integration in Africa VIII: bringing the Continental Free Trade Area about (ATPC/UNECA)
After providing a status update of regional integration in Africa, this report considers how to ensure that the potential of the CFTA is fulfilled. It has long been known that a major challenge in Africa is not a lack of good policies or strategies, but a lack of their effective implementation. Crucial to implementation is an understanding of the political economy underpinning economic integration in Africa. Conceptual issues in this area form the theoretical basis of the report. The insights from this perspective can help to frame the policy choices and institutional arrangements required for effective implementation. The report demonstrates that the CFTA potentially embodies a win-win approach to sharing its benefits, so that all countries in Africa benefit and the interests of vulnerable communities are carefully addressed. To this end, the CFTA will require flanking policies that governments can use to smooth the impact of the CFTA and a strong focus on achieving tangible outcomes from the Boosting Intra-African Trade Action Plan at national, regional and continental levels. Recommendations are made to assure mutual gains for all countries, irrespective of their current level of development. Extract (pdf) from Chapter 10: Phase 2 Negotiations - competition and intellectual property rights and e-commerce. Key findings:
Competition and intellectual property will be part of phase 2 of the CFTA negotiations and there is scope for also introducing issues of e-commerce and the digital economy. Negotiations in these policy areas are expected to be launched after the conclusion of the negotiations in goods and services. As African countries are affected in different ways by anti-competitive practices, a regional approach is needed for dealing with cross-border cartels, mergers, acquisitions and abuse. National competition laws operate on a territorial basis and are incapable of addressing cross-border anti-competitive practices. The CFTA can be used as a vehicle to address such cross-border competition issues. In doing so it can draw on the successes of COMESA approach to cross-border competition challenges. Procedural and substantive failures around intellectual property issues have contributed to a backlash against trade agreements, notably the WTOs Agreement on Trade-related Aspects of Intellectual Property and EACs early experience.
Innovation in Africa is different, occurring mostly in the informal sector and in the absence of strong intellectual property institutions: an intellectual property framework in the CFTA must reflect this. Traditional, formal IP protections cannot exist in the absence of strong IP institutions and may be ill-suited to the African context in which industries operate successfully without IP. E-commerce and the rise of the digital economy is causing a shift in traditional economic sectors and the emergence of new digital products and services. The scale of this process is considerable and this will alter Africas trade and industrialization pathway. Policy recommendations:
Table of contents: Chapter 1: Introduction; Chapter 2: Status of regional integration in Africa; Chapter 3: Conceptual issues in the political economy of integration and the CFTA; Chapter 4: Revisiting the case for the CFTA; Chapter 5: A win-win approach to the CFTA: sharing the benefits; Chapter 6: A win-win approach to the CFTA: critical policies; Chapter 7: Financing for bringing the CFTA about; Chapter 8: CFTA governance; Chapter 9: The CFTA in a changing trade landscape; Chapter 10: Phase 2 Negotiations: competition, intellectual property rights and e-commerce
SADC Transport and Meteorology Ministerial: documentation (SADC)
On OSBPs: Martins Drift/Groblers Bridge: Ministers noted that this border crossing, which is an alternate route on the NSC, is fast becoming a bottleneck and confirmed programme to upgrade the bridge and border facilities. SADC Deputy Executive Secretary: Regional Integration, Dr Thembinkosi Mhlongo, said in his opening remarks (pdf) that the implementation of the cross-border infrastructure projects should be a major preoccupation of the SADCs political leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders because it may compromise the targeted regional integration, industrialization and structural transformation agenda of our community. However, the current approach to managing regional transport infrastructure programmes does not sufficiently emphasise the importance of national ownership of the regional projects.
Communique (pdf): Ministers analyzed the sluggish implementation of the cross-border infrastructure projects through the lens of national ownership of the regional programmes. They concluded that regional cross-border infrastructure, particularly in the areas of transport, and meteorology, has the potential to facilitate intra-regional trade and investment; unlock national and regional comparative advantages. Ministers underscored the need to address the special needs of landlocked countries to access the rest of the world. The Ministers concluded that partnership is the main strategy to implement these regional projects. They also agreed that placing regional projects on the national agenda is the core of creating an enabling environment, because these projects only kick off after they get attention of national politicians and policy makers.
Are regional value chains a myth in Southern Africa? (SAIIA)
When delving into the reasons behind the failure of SADC to create regional value chains the answers found sound all too familiar lack of infrastructure, cost of transportation, lack of access to financing, restrictive government policies but also the lack of production efficiency that essentially prohibits basic exports let alone participation in complex regional or global value chains. The stumbling blocks to the creation of true regional value chains are the same that were offered for the lack of Foreign Direct Investment into the region, when this was still the buzz word du jour. So, is all the recent hard work to understand how sectors operate in the various SADC states all in vain? [The authors: Talitha Bertelsmann-Scott, Chelsea Markowitz], [Todays SAIIA/KAS workshop: Driving value chains in agro-processing in SADC]
Cross-border shopping in Joburgs CBD (JICP)
This report examines the nature of cross border trade in the inner city of Johannesburg. The study maps the centre of cross border shopping, the goods purchased and the density of affected trade in the inner city. It provides an indication of the contribution of cross border trade to the economy of the inner city. And it scopes the critical factors that contribute to or threaten the successful operation of cross border trade in inner city Johannesburg. The study offers recommendations for appropriate responses from state authorities to these challenges and opportunities that the study will define. Extracts: The extent of this cross border shopping hub is significant. Over 3000 shops, located in a relatively small part of Johannesburg, service this trade. The sample survey indicates that some 70% of the shoppers contributing to these profits are cross border shoppers. The City should acknowledge this and plan for it. It has been dubbed the Dubai of South Africa by some retailers. That ambition that it be a global retail centre should be embraced in strategy and in physical plans to upgrade the area. The scale of cross border shopping is extremely high. This is evidence by the large numbers of bus companies that service this trade. On one day 51 bus companies were operating from 19 sites. In that same week, a moderate shopping season of the year (mid August), 465 buses left Johannesburg to neighbouring countries. A large percentage of passengers on those buses were cross border shoppers. Qualitative interviews at the bus depots reveal that in peak seasons these numbers double and then up to 80% of passengers are shoppers.
Zimbabwe gets SADC nod to apply for tariff reprieve (Southern Times)
The SADC Council of Ministers of Trade has given Zimbabwe the greenlight to seek a special dispensation for derogation on outstanding tariff commitments in line with the regional trade protocol. Zimbabwes Competition and Tariff Commission: The country was supposed to have completed the tariff phase down for Category C products by December 2014, but is yet to fully comply. This is largely due to the fact that Zimbabwe is still tackling its economic challenges, hence the need for the extension of the derogation. A proposal was tabled by Zimbabwe to the Council of Ministers of Trade for it to apply for a special dispensation for derogation, outside the set criteria so that it could regularise its commitments under the SADC Protocol on Trade. The Council of Ministers of Trade has given the country the greenlight to submit an application for a special dispensation for derogation on the outstanding tariff commitments. If granted, this will allow Zimbabwe time and policy space for local industry to retool and build production capacities to enhance competitiveness.
Namibia: Medium term budget speech, MTEF
(i) FY2017/18 Mid-Year Budget Review speech. As a small and open economy, Namibias best hopes lies in economic transformation, regional integration and leveraging regional and global value chains. We enjoy a relatively good enabling environment, with political and macroeconomic stability and a predictable policy environment. It is, therefore, material and timely for policy interventions to improve the productive capacity of the economy, diversify economic activities, generate much needed jobs and bolster resilience to shocks. We need to improve the range of finished goods Namibia can trade with in SADC and the African continent. [Presented by Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Finance
(ii) 2017/18 Mid-year budget review and medium-term budget policy statement for FY 2018/19-2020/2021 (pdf). Total exports are estimated to record 7.9% growth in 2017, a slight upward revision from 7.8%, based on the anticipated increases in the production of most minerals due to the prospects of improved commodity prices (zinc, lead, and gold prices) as well as improved infrastructure in diamond mining. In 2018, growth is expected to slow down to 3.2% (downward revision from 3.5%) as diamond production reached full capacity the previous year and, consequently, diamond exports start to slow down. In 2019 and beyond, exports are envisaged to grow by an average of 2.8% riding on increased uranium production and processed zinc. Imports are estimated to contract by 2.4% in 2017 (upward revision from 7.8%) on the back of reduced spending by government, the completion of major investment projects as well as subdued final consumption expenditure. In 2018 and beyond, imports are expected to grow marginally by 1.9% average on the prospects of improved private consumption and investment growth.
Tanzania: Tourists, transit goods up foreign inflows (Daily News)
Rise in the number of tourist arrivals and increase in transit goods to and from neighbouring countries pushed up foreign exchange receipts in the year ending July by 3.0% and 10.4 per cent respectively. According to the Bank of Tanzania monthly economic review for August (pdf), foreign exchange receipts from services increased to over 8.2tri/- ($3,608.4m) from 7.9tri/- ($3,443.1m) in the corresponding period last year. Travel receipts increased following a rise in the number of tourist arrivals, while for transport receipts were on account of an increase in transit goods to and from neighbouring countries, read part of the statement. The overall balance of payments was a surplus of $1,492.5m in the year ending July compared to a deficit of $275.7m in the year ending last year. A large decline occurred in travel and transportation payments. Travel payments, which accounts for about 40.4% of total services payment, declined by 25.6%, while payments for transportation that account for 41.9% decreased by 10.9% owing to the fall in goods imports.
Tunisia aims to strengthen trade relations with ECOWAS region
Tunisia plans to increase its trade with other African countries in general, and with ECOWAS in particular. This was stated by the Tunisian Minister of Commerce, Omar Behi, after the courtesy visit he paid to Marcel de Souza, President of the Commission of the West African Organisation, on 2 November in Abuja. Mr de Souza and Mr Behi also discussed some of the decisions of the 51st Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in June 2017 in Liberia. The decisions relate to the request addressed to Mauritania, inviting it to submit a request for re-admission into ECOWAS. They also relate to the observer status granted to Tunisia and the agreement in principle given to Morocco for its accession to the West African organisation. Marcel de Souza and Omar Behi stressed the need for Tunisia to adopt a gradual approach to the countrys accession to ECOWAS.
ECOWAS and common currency illusion (editorial comment, ThisDay)
What this plan presumes is a degree of economic sanity and progressive integration of extant national interests that are nowhere near what is needed to create a common currency. Yet, as we have repeatedly canvassed on this page, West African leaders should face the common challenge of poverty before thinking of a common currency that is no more than mere pipe dream. Development and regional integration are, first and foremost, about the nurturing and use of human capital to create a hub of capacities. We must also remind West African leaders that it was this recourse to hasty and ill-digested decision making which led to the introduction of ECOWAS Travellers Cheque some years ago with the result that it could not survive beyond one year. Therefore, while the ECOWAS regional currency plan may not be a bad idea in terms of its perceived linkages with the commissions broader goals of regional integration, it is best shelved for now. Working towards the creation of a common currency in West Africa by 2020 is an exercise in futility.
Services in global value chains: trade patterns and gains from specialisation (pdf, OECD)
From these findings, the first policy implication is that all countries, including emerging and developing economies, specialise in services. Therefore, services trade policy and market openness are a topic of importance and a potential driver of economic growth and employment for all countries. The second policy implication is that trade in goods and services are intertwined, therefore barriers to both must be addressed in a coherent manner. Countries that specialise in services value chains are well placed to derive benefits from provisions found in the services chapters of trade agreements and sector specific chapters dealing with final services. Countries exporting services mainly through goods, on the other hand, will have a greater propensity to gain from domestic reforms addressing the barriers they face. In addition, higher levels of productivity are achieved through GVCs. The report provides new evidence on the gains from GVCs by introducing the concept of GVC productivity, thereby providing insights which are not always clear when looking at traditional productivity measures. The report also highlights that there is a positive correlation between specialisation in services and productivity growth and job creation.
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Finally, fire departments are buying equipment designed for the city instead of designing the city to fit the equipment.
For some time I have wondered why North American fire trucks are so big, and why our cities are now designed around their dimensions instead of the trucks designed around our cities, like they do in Denmark, where I recently saw these cute little fire engines that could. I wrote about it on MNN two years ago after the fire department in San Francisco fought pedestrian infrastructure that they said was slowing them down.
Roger Rudick/ StreetsblogBut now, San Fransisco is in the news again with their new rigs. Roger Rudick of Streetsblog quotes the chief:
This fire engine is narrower, not as long, and has a better turning radius, said San Francisco Fire Department Chief Joanne Hayes-White. Its a beautiful piece of equipment. The new engine, one of eight that will be deployed in the city, is ten inches shorter than the old trucks it is replacing, and can make a u-turn in just 25 feet, explained Hayes-White. According to a release from Supervisor Aaron Peskins office, it was built to adapt to San Franciscos evolving urban streetscape and Vision Zero goals.
The great thing about this is that it apparently happened after discussions with Walk San Francisco and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
Safety is a value and a priority the SFBC and the SFFD share, said the Bicycle Coalitions Brian Wiedenmeier, who also spoke at the event. He added that he hopes the truck will help the city build the safe streets we need.
Danish aerial ladder apparatus/ Lloyd Alter/CC BY 2.0
Rudick describes how they are also looking to replace their ladder trucks. Of course they can't just buy a European one off the rack.
The department, [Deputy Chief Anthony Rivera] said, is also looking to buy more versatile aerial ladder trucks to accommodate parking-protected bike lanes and other street safety improvements. Were working on a new spec for an aerial ladder truck ... a redesigned outrigger system will go from sixteen feet to fourteen feet.
San Francisco is not the only city that has this problem, and it is great that they have started addressing it. In my first post I wrote:
In North America, fire departments drive new urban design with their criteria for curb radii, lengths and widths of streets, giant bulbs at dead ends to turn around because they are incapable of driving in reverse. So what we get is urban design by road engineers and firemen instead of planners and architects. No wonder our cities look like they do.
Strong Towns
This got picked up by a lot of other writers, and apparently it all adds up to a small victory for urbanists. Perhaps the fire department servicing Celebration, Florida will consider buying them instead of destroying the community.
I am making this post for people who just need information what to do.
My case:
I am from a visa waiver country based on the information of https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Immi and stupidly applied online for a visa 8 days before the journey to Sydney. Instead of taking an action I waited for 5 days just to see they just requested legal documents to process my online application.
I thought I have 8 hours visa free time in transit zone. Thus I tried to get additional tickets out of Australia to the nearest great place New Zealand, but it appeared that I cannot check in to the flight as I will have to clear customs and have at least transit visa.
So...
If you see your application is not processed in 1 business day, or the standard listed for the type of visa, immediately try to contact the European Support Center for visas or your Australian Embassy. Apply for a transit visa, as such cannot be issued on arrival.
If your visa is not ready in a decent time, check all the wonderful places around and arrange the flights with your agent or cancel it ..in a decent time (I want to send my big thank you to ebookers who did their best, because I was not OK with that event). You cannot get in an Australian airport to reroute/gather luggage nor to get your boarding card - all of these have to be in you or on the plane. Unless flights are issued on the same ticket and you have all boarding passes you will not be able to stay in the transit zone, better dont board.
I wish you better luck and less drama with Australian borders :)
BR
We like renting vehicles in CR. We have never been asked for cash. They do put a hefty hold on your credit card and the cost is relatively high.
You will have a better experience if you select the agency carefully. The "best deals" are from companies with familiar names that add on all sorts of fees to what they originally quote you. Vamos is highly rated and has an excellent website with transparent fees. They provide a cell phone with Waze.
You shouldn't have much rain that time of year. Driving should be OK, assuming that you like to drive.
Just putting together a 2 week itinerary for Vietnam/Cambodia. Everyone would l like their holidays to be longer. I'm aiming for the highlights of Vietnam and Angkor Watt, and based on a bit of research I've come up with the following - start and end are locked in as they were the best flights from UK.
3 days HCMC (including Mekong & Cu Chi Tunnels)
2 days HUE
2 days HOI AN
2 days HANOI
2 days HALONG BAY
3 days SIEM REAP
2 days PHNOM PENH
If anyone could help with a few questions, it would be much appreciated:
1. Does the above look ok?
2. Any advise on organising transfer between HUI & HOI AN via Hai Van Pass? Is this easy enough to arrange with a hotel?
3. Finding any consistent information on Halong Bay 2D1N cruises is frustrating. I don't mind paying a bit of extra money for reliability and quality. Recommendations would be appreciated, especially tour companies that can organise Hanoi and Airport transfers.
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- Nairobi governor Mike Sonko bailed out stranded NASA supporters who could not raise their hospital fees
- His gesture was not welcomed by Uriri MP who claimed the move was disrespectful to the victims
- Sonko has claimed that the victims were grateful for his actions
Governor Mike Sonko has come out to clear his name after allegations were rife that he was using post-electoral violence victims to gain political mileage.
The embittered governor maintained that he was within his right to contribute towards clearing the victims' medical bills.
READ ALSO: Cling on Raila and risk ending your career, ODM rebel tells Mudavadi and Wetang'ula
Mike Sonko lashed out at Uriri MP for attempting to politicize the governor's actions. Photo: Mike Sonko/Facebook
READ ALSO: Sonko angers Mp by clearing hospital bill for victims of police brutality
"The truth of the matter is that I was approached through the Sonko Rescue Team to bail out the victims who had been discharged from hospital but were detained over non-payment of hospital bills," The governor said.
"However, the matter has now been politicized and my offer to bail them out is now being misinterprated to protray me as seeking political mileage," he continued.
Sonko stated that the hospitalized NASA supporters reached out to his rescue team for help and that out of the goodness of his heart, he responded to their plight.
READ ALSO: Kundi la 'Nairobi Business Community' latoa tangazo kuhusu Uhuru
According to earlier reports by TUKO.co.ke, Uriri MP Mark Nyamita had taken a swipe at Sonko for allegedly disrespecting the police brutality victims by giving them ' blood money'.
The MP had on November 2 claimed that the government had sent police to kill Raila supporters and therefore Sonko's efforts were uncalled for.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
-Political scientist Mutahi Ngunyi wants a Prime Minister position created and given to Kalonzo Musyoka
- He says this will finish NASA leader Raila Odingas political career for good
- Ngunyi argues that Kalonzo is the best bet for the PM post and that the GEMA community would be safe in his hands
Controversial political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi now says the position of Prime Minister ought to be created and given to Kalonzo Musyoka.
Mutahi in his latest online analysis of local politics says giving the PM post to the Wiper leader would work very well for Mt Kenya voters and spell doom for NASA leader Raila Odinga.
READ ALSO: Mashirika kadha yasio ya serikali yanyang'anywa leseni kwa kupinga ushindi wa Uhuru
In the webisode, Ngunyi through one of his students says the position should be created to finish Raila.
Kalonzo Musyoka.Photo:Nation.
READ ALSO: Uhuru's swearing-in to delay as petition is filed at Supreme Court on deadline day
If you create it, then give it to Kalonzo, instead, Raila will swallow a big potato then spit it away. It will finish him once and for all, he said.
Mutahi said the position of Prime Minister must be created as it is good for the country but should not be given to Raila.
READ ALSO: Raila Odinga to officially migrate from Safaricom to rubber-stamp economic boycott calls
He argues that with Kalonzo being PM, the big GEMA community can hide behind the small tribe and be safe.
Recently, church leaders led by Canon Peter Karanja called for a constitution review and creation of the executive post of the Premier to accommodate politicians who lose in the general election.
Ngunyi said Raila is a dark man and that is why he opted to withdraw from the fresh election held on Thursday, October 26.
READ ALSO: Raila Odinga and NASA know very well game's over and Uhuru will be sworn in-Moses Kuria
The analyst poured cold water on the NASA leaders plan to call for economic boycott saying it will falter.
Raila has told the NASA peasants to switch off their Mpesa yet his Safaricom number is still active and Kalonzos number is still active. The NASA pay bill number is still receiving money, said Ngunyi.
He said the latest move by Raila to call for a resistance movement was an indication that he is at the very end of his political career.
NASA MPs calls for boycott of Safaricom.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
The Ministry of Health is reminding the public of the dos and donts when it comes to dealin
Russian-backed militants launched 23 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ATO area in Donbas in last day.
This is reported by the ATO press center.
"The enemy continues to violate ceasefire, using heavy weaponry. Over the past day, illegal armed groups violated the ceasefire 23 times. The Ukrainian Armed Forces opened fire on the enemy 14 times. As a result of the fighting, two Ukrainian soldiers were wounded," the statement reads.
The tensest situation was observed in Donetsk direction, where illegal armed formations fired multiple artillery rocket systems on Ukrainian strongholds near Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk) and Opytne (11.5km north-west of Donetsk). The outskirts of Avdiivka also came under 82mm mortar and heavy machine gun fire. Russian-backed militants also fired at defenders of Pisky (12km north-west of Donetsk), using 120mm and 82mm mortars and 122mm artillery.
In Luhansk direction, ATO troops came under 120mm mortar fire outside Novotoshkivske (53km north-west of Luhansk). Terrorists also used 82mm mortars and weapons on infantry fighting vehicles to launch attacks on Ukrainian positions near Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk). In addition, militants used different types of grenade launchers to fire at Luhanske (59km north-east of Donetsk).
In Mariupol direction, illegal armed formations opened fire from anti-tank grenade launchers near Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk).
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Turkey is one of the top five trading partners of Ukraine, Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey Andriy Sybiha has said.
He stated this at a conference on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, which was held at Karabuk University, Ukraine's Embassy in Turkey reported.
"Andriy Sybiha noted the positive pace of economic development between the two countries, in particular the growth of bilateral trade by 16%, stressing that Turkey is among the top five trading partners of Ukraine," the statement reads.
The ambassador also informed the participants of the conference about the events in Ukraine caused by Russian aggression. He said that Ukraine highly appreciated the unchanging position of Turkey in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Rector of Karabuk University Refik Polat, in turn, noted that the conference was a good example of the continuation of strong Ukrainian-Turkish relations. He said that Ukraine could always count on Turkey's support. According to him, the Turkish people will be close to the people of Ukraine both in hard times and in good times.
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Ukraine imports Canadian goods that it does not produce itself, thats why the growth of Canadian imports will not interfere with Ukrainian producers.
Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister Natalia Mykolska said this in an interview with Ukrinform.
"We have no fears that Canadian imports could harm the Ukrainian producer, as Canada delivers goods and services to Ukraine, which we still do not produce or import from other countries," said Mykolska.
She also added that Canadian goods increase supply in the Ukrainian market and keep prices from rising. "We are interested in having as much quality goods from Canada as possible in the Ukrainian market, because they create competition for European imports, thus hindering an increase in prices," the deputy minister said.
Among the most popular Canadian goods in Ukraine, Mykolska named the latest equipment for the modernization of production, fish, seafood and medicines.
"It is important not to bar imports, but to do everything so that the amount of Ukrainian exports can grow," she stressed.
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Ukraine is very much interested in creating joint ventures with Canada on its territory and exporting their products to the EU.
Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine, Trade Representative of Ukraine Natalia Mykolska said this in an interview with Ukrinform.
"Ukraine can become a production hub of Canadian companies on the European continent. The Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement and the EU-Ukraine free trade agreement greenlight the production of goods and services on the territory of Ukraine and their deliveries both back to Canada and to the European Union," Mykolska said.
The Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine added that Canada, in turn, could become a sort of "North American hub" for Ukrainian businesses. "Ukrainian companies already enter the Canadian market, gain backing of local distributors and bring their goods to the entire North American market," she explained.
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State Enterprise Antonov is most likely to benefit from the involvement of Canadian companies in the production of Ukrainian aircraft.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Canada Andriy Shevchenko said this in a commentary to an Ukrinform correspondent.
According to him, the visit of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman to Canada facilitated the establishment of direct contact between the aerospace sectors of the two countries, and the state enterprise Antonov is most likely to benefit from this.
"Canadian companies may be involved in our aircraft production. I mean, say, Canadian avionics or engines for Antonov aircrafts. Although there may be far more interesting things as we can talk about joint production and other directions," the ambassador said.
During the visit to Canada, Ukrainian PM Groysman visited Montreal, where he took part in the aerospace forum attended also by the representatives of leading Canadian and Ukrainian aircraft manufacturers.
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The Western sanctions against Russia give results and they should remain in force in the future.
Former prime minister of Lithuania, initiator of the "Marshall Plan" for Ukraine Andrius Kubilius said this in an interview with Ukrinform.
"As far as we understand, considerable nervousness is currently observed regarding the adoption by the U.S. Congress of a decision that requires American institutions to disclose all data on Russian oligarchs. This can lead to big personal problems for those oligarchs who are close to the Kremlin," Kubilius said.
He has expressed confidence that sanctions against Russia work, and the policy of sanctions is very necessary in the future.
At the same time, the former prime minister of Lithuania does not believe that the anti-Russian sanctions only strengthen the Russian economy.
"It would be naive to expect that the Kremlin in the current situation reports on a real state of the Russian economy," the Lithuanian politician noted.
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A new meeting of U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker and Russian presidential aide Vladislav Surkov will be held in Belgrade, Serbia, on November 13.
The American diplomat said this to reporters in Washington on Friday, Bloomberg reported.
They will meet in Belgrade for a "discussion of principles" to see if they can agree on what a peacekeeping force might look like. "We are not in agreement on this yet," Volker told reporters.
Volker and Surkov already held talks on August 21 in Minsk and October 7 in Belgrade. As noted, the decision on the next meeting was made on October 27. The parties agreed to hold negotiations in a neutral territory. At the same time, the U.S. Department of State so far refused to announce a meeting.
Volker visited Ukraine last week. Within the framework of the visit, he held meetings with President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy and parliamentarians and discussed Russian aggression. Following the visit to Ukraine, he suggested that this year there would be a UN Security Council resolution on peacekeeping mission in Donbas.
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Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Lilia Hrynevych will visit the NATO headquarters on Monday.
An Ukrinform correspondent learned this from the Mission of Ukraine to NATO.
The purpose of the visit is to familiarize the allies with the new law of Ukraine "On Education", in particular, its language article, which should ensure proper protection of the rights of national minorities, as well as the development of the state Ukrainian language.
During the visit, Hrynevych will meet with representatives of the member countries at the ambassadorial level.
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The European Plan for Ukraine, also known as the Marshall Plan for Ukraine, will be presented at the parliament of Lithuania on Monday.
One of the initiators of this project, ex-Prime Minister of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius, said this in a commentary to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"The ambassadors of the EU member states, the USA, Japan, Canada, i.e. the ambassadors of the West, as well as the ambassadors of the Eastern Partnership countries will attend the presentation. After the visits to Berlin, Paris and Brussels, the European Plan for Ukraine was elaborated in detail from a technical perspective. We know what questions our partners are interested in and are ready to answer them during the presentation on the eve of the Eastern Partnership summit," Kubilius said, adding that he will personally present the plan.
The politician added that leading Lithuanian politicians, particularly Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius and Speaker of the Seimas Viktoras Pranckietis, would attend the presentation of the Marshall Plan for Ukraine.
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Ten militants were killed and 24 more wounded in the area of the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) in Donbas last week, according to the Ukrainian intelligence.
Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman for ATO issues, Colonel Andriy Lysenko, stated this at a briefing on Monday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
"According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, the enemy's losses amounted to 34 people last week. Of these, ten were killed, and 24 were wounded," Lysenko said.
According to him, illegal armed groups sustained the greatest losses in the Severodonetsk sector, where the so-called fourth separate infantry brigade lost 11 "hybrid warriors."
"At the same time, despite human losses, the Kremlin is not going to put an end to armed aggression. Last week alone, four railway trains consisting of 69 fuel tanks with a total weight of 4,140 tons, as well as 15 wagons of ammunition with a total weight of about 450 tons, were brought from Russian territory to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine," he said.
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Page Content
In western democracies, urban planners consider citizens' input to promote quality of life. How is planning in a developing country like Nigeria similar or different? Learn about urban planning with an international perspective at a free lecture offered by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
"Planning and Public Interest in a Developing Country" will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 14, presented by Ismaila Odogba, assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Geology. Held in the Pinery Room of the Portage County Public Library, 1001 Main St., Stevens Point, this is the third talk in the eight-part College of Letters and Science 2017-2018 Community Lecture Series. The public may attend free of charge.
"Planning in Nigeria is institutionally inconsistent with little to no public participation and a strong emphasis on government as opposed to governance," Odogba said. "This discussion explores urban planning and citizen involvement in Nigeria by providing insights into the planning process framework."
Odogba earned his Ph.D. from the University of Louisville. His topical interests include comparative urban development, land use planning, political economy and urban and regional planning.
For more information on the Community Lecture Series, visit www.uwsp.edu/cols/lectureseries or email stappa@uwsp.edu.
Cambodias foreign minister has requested the aid of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to verify the remnants of reported chemical weapons unearthed in the country.
The request from Prak Sokhon came amid tensions between the United States and Cambodia which has seen Prime Minister Hun Sen criticize Washington for what he said was its reticence to deal with the remnants of its wars in Southeast Asia.
Sokhons November 1 statement said he had written to Ahmet Uzumcu, director-general of the OPCW, based in the Netherlands, saying that operations to clear landmines and other unexploded ordinance had uncovered numerous contaminated areas of the country.
Devices believed to be vehicles for the disbursal of chemical weapons were found in Mondulkiri province in 2012 and in Svay Rieng province in October this year.
So far the government has identified 34 locations thought to contain the remnants of chemical weapons, the statement added, saying the government wishes to seek OPCWs assistance in the verification process of all devices in the known locations, and assistance to support further national survey on chemical weapons contamination as well as future clearance and destruction.
The OPCW did not respond to immediate requests for comment. Heng Ratana, director general of the Cambodian Mine Action Center, and a foreign ministry spokesman could not be reached.
Meas Ny, a political and social researcher, said he was unaware of whether the Untied States had used chemical weapons during its bombardment of Cambodia in the early 1970s, adding that he had witnessed the use of napalm and cluster munitions dropped by U.S. B-52 bombers near his home in Svay Rieng.
But as for chemical weapons, as far as I remember ... bombs were dropped not far from my home, but I did not hear about chemical bombs. Ive been wondering why all these bombs were just found now, unexploded.
The United States has spent more than $160 million over two decades on mine and unexploded ordnance clearance in Cambodia.
An opposition lawmaker has distanced himself from a letter posted online in which he allegedly labeled the head of his party a traitor and sought to join the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party.
Ngim Nheng, a lawmaker for Pursat province who has fled Cambodia to Australia amid political tensions that saw the head of his party, the Cambodia National Rescue Party, jailed on treason charges, said the letter was not written by him and called on the interior ministry to investigate the forgery.
The letter, posted online on November 1, says: When I discovered [CNRP president] Kem Sokha was a traitor and dividing the party, I decided to give up political life with the CNRP.
However, speaking by phone from Australia on Monday, Nheng said the letter was a forgery intended to damage his public standing.
He said a bad group had fabricated the letter which amounted to a serious crime that the authorities should investigate.
The damage limitation attempt may be too little too late, however, as the letter spread rapidly on Khmer social media and amid a public offer from Prime Minister Hun Sen for opposition MPs to join the CPP before the Supreme Court orders the CNRP dissolved for allegedly breaking election laws.
Hun Sen has said that CNRP lawmakers who do not take him up on the offer could be banned from engaging in political activity for five years.
A decision from the Supreme Court is due on November 16.
The apparent forgery released last week is the latest in a slew of similar letters published online, the veracity of which have all been denied by their alleged authors in the opposition.
Khieu Sopheak, interior spokesman, said the government would investigate Nhengs case if he filed an official complaint.
Sokha was arrested and charged with treason in early September for allegedly plotting to overthrow Hun Sen and receiving instructions from a foreign power as to the most effective methods to do so.
Japans prime minister, standing alongside the U.S. president, borrowed a Donald Trump phrase on Monday, agreeing that all options are on the table when it comes to responding to North Koreas weapons development.
Shinzo Abe, at a news conference with Trump at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, said there is no point in dialogue for the sake of dialogue with North Korea and the time has come to exert maximum pressure on Pyongyang.
WATCH: Steve Herman's video report
Abe and Trump, following a second day of meetings, confirmed that North Korea has been the dominant topic of their discussions.
The U.S. president called Pyongyangs pursuit of the ability to place a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile a threat to the civilized world and international peace and stability.
Trump repeated that the era of strategic patience, in attempting to deal with Pyongyang, is over.
Some say my rhetoric is strong, but look whats happened with weak rhetoric over the last 25 years, the president said criticizing the approaches of previous U.S. administrations. But he declined to answer a Japanese reporters question about whether he is prepared to go to war with North Korea.
The president was also asked about what fresh message he has for Kim Jong Un; the Reuters news agency reporter noting Trumps response to a VOA question on Air Force One on the way to Japan in which he referred to the North Korean people as industrious and warm.
Trump also said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who he has belittled as Little Rocket Man should send back to Japan any surviving Japanese abducted by North Korean agents over decades.
It would be a tremendous signal, said Trump. The start of something very special.
Abe revealed during the joint news conference that on Tuesday he will announce his country will freeze assets of nearly three dozen North Korean groups and individuals.
The unilateral measures follow enhanced sanctions on North Korea placed by the U.S. Treasury Department and the United Nations.
Trump, in a pair of public pronouncements in Tokyo on Monday said he expects Japan will purchase massive amounts of American military equipment and some of it will enable Japan to shoot North Korean missiles out of the sky.
But former United States Director of National Intelligence and retired Navy admiral Dennis Blair tweeted that this is the time the U.S. should consult with Japan and South Korea about what the joint response would be to a North Korean nuclear missile launch into the Pacific.
He said a massive allied response would require all three countries to "increase their military readiness in case of a North Korean retaliation and take steps to provide civil defense in South Korea and Japan to protect their citizens and the tens of thousands of Americans who live in both countries."
Trump arrives in South Korea on Tuesday and is to address the National Assembly where he is expected to reaffirm the U.S. commitment to defend Americas ally against Pyongyang.
A nearly three-year war on the Korean peninsula in the early 1950s ended in a stalemate that pitted the United States, South Korea and the United Nations against North Korea, which was backed by forces from China and the Soviet Union.
No peace treaty was signed and the Korean peninsula has remained divided ever since.
North Korea makes frequent claims that the United States is seeking to reignite full-scale conflict.
State media in Pyongyang on Monday, referring to Trump, said that no one can predict when the lunatic old man of the White House, lost to senses, will start a nuclear war against North Korea.
North Korea says the situation strongly requires the country to bolster its nuclear deterrent and the U.S. should not expect us to make any changes.
Afghanistan's government has decided against blocking the instant messaging services of WhatsApp and Telegram in the face of widespread anger and sustained criticism of the controversial move from civil rights groups and users.
President Ashraf Ghani held a meeting Monday with Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and decided that there will be no ban on Whatsapp & Telegram in #Afghanistan," Abdullah wrote on his official Twitter account Monday.
The Afghan telecoms regulator last week wrote a letter to internet service providers, instructing them to instantly block the services. Copies of the controversial letter also emerged in mainstream and on social media, prompting an outcry from activists.
Officials later confirmed the move, saying the services were being suspended for a period of 20 days at the request of state security institutions. Afghan media reported the decision was meant to stop the Taliban insurgency from using encrypted messages to circulate battlefield claims.
The telecoms regulator later explained the ban was temporary so as to allow experts to carry out necessary improvements in the wake of user complaints.
The ban on the two popular messaging services outraged Afghan activists and users, with some taking to social media to denounce it as an attack on freedom of expression.
A presidential statement later Monday said Afghanistan's constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the unity government is committed to its constitutional responsibilities. In the statement, the government also promised to investigate circumstances that led to the dispute.
More than six million people have access to the internet in Afghanistan, which has been ravaged by years of conflict, underscoring the importance of internet and mobile services there.
African Union troops in Somalia have launched an operation to flush out al-Shabab militants from the Lower Shabelle region and secure main supply routes in the area.
Witnesses told VOA Somali they saw AU troops along a road and in a farming area between the towns of Afgoye and Balad, while noting that al-Shabab did not have a major presence in the area Monday.
The AU Mission in Somalia, known as AMISOM, said in a statement that it launched the operation after receiving information that Al-Shabab was destabilizing a key road linking Mogadishu to Ballidogle airport, 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of the capital.
US advisers train Somali troops
Ballidogle is an airbase in the Lower Shabelle region where U.S. advisers train Somali military units.
Units from the Somali National Army also participated in the operation. Both AMISOM and Somali government officials have promised a major offensive against al-Shabab starting with the two regions neighboring Mogadishu Lower and Middle Shabelle.
It's unclear if today's attack on al-Shabab is part of the major offensive touted by Somali and AU forces, but AMISOM says operations against Al-Shabab militants will be phased.
Bombing sparks offensive
It has been two years since the AU launched an offensive against Al-Shabab
The Somali government pledged the new offensive after the Oct. 14 truck bomb in Mogadishu that killed 358 people with 56 others missing and presumed dead.
Meanwhile on Monday, Al-Shabab has executed four men accused of spying for the Somali government and Ethiopian troops operating as part of AMISOM. The men were taken to a public square in the town of Buale in Middle Juba region where they executed by firing squad.
The front-runner for Chile's presidency, billionaire businessman Sebastian Pinera, faces an array of left-wing parties in this year's elections but he can expect help from one quarter low turnout.
Recent opinion polls give Pinera, a conservative former president, a commanding lead over his seven mostly left-of-center rivals for the Nov. 19 first round but predict he is unlikely to take the more than 50 percent needed to avoid a run-off.
While a unified left might muster the votes to defeat Pinera in the second round, weak turnout fed by disenchantment with politics and interparty bickering would pave the way for a Pinera win.
"It's likely that many left-wing voters are not going to vote in the second round because their candidate will have been eliminated, and with this drop, Pinera's vote share catapults," said analyst Kenneth Bunker of Tresquintos.
"Pinera is going to win if fewer people vote."
Investors strongly favor Pinera and bet he would better manage labor and education reforms implemented by current center-left President Michelle Bachelet, in power since 2014.
Chile, South America's most developed economy, is one of the few countries in the region that does not have mandatory voting.
Turnout in the elections following Chile's transition from compulsory to voluntary voting in 2012 has dipped as low as 42 percent, near the bottom of developed countries, according to statistics from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.
Many Chileans are disenchanted with politics following campaign finance scandals that have tainted parties of both the right and left. Unlike citizens of Brazil, Peru and Argentina, they have the right to abstain without repercussions.
A recent CEP poll, conducted in September and October, found that only 43 percent of Chileans are likely to vote in the coming election.
The poll showed Pinera would beat his two closest contenders, the center-left Alejandro Guillier and leftist Beatriz Sanchez, in a Dec. 17 runoff.
Searching for the center
Coalitions of Chile's center-left parties for decades dominated politics but have fractured in the face of disagreements over Bachelet's economic and social reforms.
The CEP poll found that only 11 percent of voters sympathize with Bachelet's Nueva Mayoria coalition and nearly 60 percent of Chileans did not identify with any of the major political parties.
Pinera's campaign has sought to capitalize on growing discontent and division among the left by appealing to centrist Christian Democratic voters, historically the largest bloc within Bachelet's coalition.
Pinera recently called former President Patricio Aylwin, a Christian Democrat credited with smoothing Chile's transition to democracy in the 1990s, an "example to follow."
Candidates on the left have sought to counteract Pinera's advances by attempting to rally new voters.
"We need a program that makes sense for everyone. If voter participation increases, we win," said center-left front-runner Guillier, a former journalist and legislator.
In late October, Bachelet's administration launched a get-out-the-vote campaign of television and radio advertisements, calling the election "an important moment for our democracy."
Pinera has criticized the campaign as a political maneuver, but Maria Luisa Puig, of the Eurasia Group, said that motivating a large remaining block of undecided, or uninspired, voters in the center of the political spectrum could prove critical to both sides.
"Voter turnout will be the key to this election," she said.
The British government on Monday announced the death of one Christian missionary who had been abducted in Nigeria last month and said three other missionaries had been freed.
The British Foreign Office said Ian Squire, who had been working with a Christian medical charity in southern Nigeria, was killed, but did not specify how he died. The three other missionaries, Alanna Carson, David Donovan and Shirley Donovan have returned to their families.
The four missionaries were abducted on October 13 in the Niger Delta region. It is still unclear how they were freed, as the Foreign Office said it could not comment on an active investigation.
Islamic jihadists from Boko Haram have been known to carry out kidnappings in the Niger Delta region, though it is unknown whether they were involved in this case.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrives Tuesday in South Korea as part of a regional tour that has been dominated by North Korea's weapons development.
During his two-day visit, Trump is expected to reaffirm America's commitment to defend the U.S. ally against Pyongyang amid increasing tensions on the Korean peninsula.
In Japan earlier this week, Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed that "all options are on the table" when it comes to dealing with North Korea.
Abe, at a news conference with Trump at the Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, said Monday there is "no point in dialogue for the sake of dialogue with North Korea" and the time has come to exert maximum pressure on Pyongyang.
Abe and Trump, following a second day of meetings, confirmed that North Korea has been the dominant topic of their discussions.
The U.S. president called Pyongyang's pursuit of the ability to place a nuclear warhead on an intercontinental ballistic missile "a threat to the civilized world and international peace and stability."
Trump repeated that the era of strategic patience, in attempting to deal with Pyongyang, is over.
"Some say my rhetoric is strong, but look what's happened with weak rhetoric over the last 25 years," the president said, criticizing the approaches of previous U.S. administrations. But he declined to answer a Japanese reporter's question about whether he is prepared to go to war with North Korea.
The president was also asked about what fresh message he has for Kim Jong Un; the Reuters news agency reporter noted Trump's response to a VOA question on Air Force One on the way to Japan in which he referred to the North Korean people as industrious and warm.
Trump also said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who he has belittled as "Little Rocket Man," should send back to Japan any surviving Japanese abducted by North Korean agents over the decades.
"It would be a tremendous signal," said Trump. The "start of something very special."
Action by Japan
Abe revealed during the joint news conference that on Tuesday he will announce his country will freeze assets of nearly three dozen North Korean groups and individuals.
The unilateral measures follow enhanced sanctions on North Korea placed by the U.S. Treasury Department and the United Nations.
Trump, in a pair of public pronouncements in Tokyo on Monday, said he expects Japan will purchase "massive amounts" of American military equipment and some of it will enable Japan to shoot North Korean missiles "out of the sky."
A nearly three-year war on the Korean peninsula in the early 1950s ended in a stalemate that pitted the United States, South Korea and the United Nations against North Korea, which was backed by forces from China and the Soviet Union.
No peace treaty was signed and the Korean peninsula has remained divided ever since.
North Korea makes frequent claims that the United States is seeking to reignite full-scale conflict.
State media in Pyongyang on Monday, referring to Trump, said that "no one can predict when the lunatic old man of the White House, lost to senses, will start a nuclear war" against North Korea.
North Korea says the situation strongly requires the country to bolster its nuclear deterrent and "the U.S. should not expect us to make any changes."
Egyptian human rights lawyer and opposition leader Khaled Ali said Monday he would challenge President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the 2018 presidential election, provided he is not barred from the contest.
Ali is the first person to announce he is running against Sisi, a former military commander who led the ouster of former President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood more than four years ago.
Ali told a news conference he would have a socialist platform, aiming to end austerity and redistribute wealth, and fight terrorism without compromising freedom.
He criticized Sisi's administration, accusing it of suppressing freedoms and causing deteriorating economic and security conditions.
"In spite of all the darkness, there is still hope. I call on all segments of society to unite in collective struggle to reclaim this hope and to rescue this nation," Ali said. "It is because of this that I have decided today to launch a presidential campaign."
Sisi has yet to declare if he will run, but is widely expected to do so. He won 97 percent of the vote in 2014.
Many in Egypt see him as vital to stability in a country where unrest since 2011 has battered the economy.
Under Sisi's presidency, thousands of dissidents have been jailed. The government has shut down independent media and heavily restricted the conducting of opinion polls.
Ali: Campaign materials confiscated
Ali said earlier Monday that security forces had raided a printing press and seized materials for his campaign, after media reports that he was expected to announce his candidacy.
Security forces accused the owner of the press of printing "documents that harm national security," Ali told Reuters.
State news agency MENA said a "high-ranking security source" denied police had raided a printing press.
If it appeared elections were being rigged, Ali said, he would call for a boycott by opposition candidates, forcing Sisi to be the sole contender.
Egypt's presidency could not be reached for comment on Ali's plan to run.
State-owned newspaper al-Gomhuriya ran an article Monday with the headline "Khaled Ali and the ploys of dwarves," attacking him as an attention-seeker.
It said Ali had ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and received illegal foreign funding. It did not provide evidence for its claims, which Ali denies.
A Cairo court sentenced Ali in September to three months in jail for public indecency, over an allegedly rude hand gesture.
Ali has appealed, denying the charges which he says are politically motivated. If the guilty verdict is upheld he will not be allowed to run, even if he is not jailed.
Red Sea islands victory
The 45-year-old gained prominence in January when he won a case that nullified a government transfer of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia, a deal that had prompted mass protests. It was after winning that case that Ali is alleged to have made the gesture.
Egypt's reclaiming of the islands would be a cornerstone of his campaign, he said. He told Reuters in an interview in June the case had swayed the opinion of many former Sisi supporters who oppose ceding sovereign territory.
Ali ran for president in 2012 and came in seventh. He was the youngest candidate at 40, the minimum age required to run.
He now leads the leftwing Bread and Freedom Party, at least eight of whose members have been arrested since April on charges including "misusing social media to incite against the state" and insulting the president.
Catalonias bid to break away from Spain took another twist this weekend as the former president of the region,Carles Puigdemont, handed himself in to Belgian police, having fled to Brussels last week. Spain has issued an arrest warrant for him and several other Catalan leaders on charges of rebellion. As Madrid seeks to quash the regions independence efforts, other breakaway movements across Europe are looking on with interest as Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Catalonias bid to break away from Spain took another twist this weekend as the former president of the region, Carles Puigdemont, handed himself in to Belgian police, having fled to Brussels last week.
Spain has issued an arrest warrant for him and several other Catalan leaders on charges of rebellion.
As Madrid seeks to quash the regions independence efforts, other breakaway movements across Europe are looking on with interest none more so than Scotland.
On the streets of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Scottish "Saltire" flag has flown alongside the Catalan colors in recent weeks as pro-independence supporters offer solidarity from the far corners of Europe.
"Whether its the Basque Country, Catalonia, Scotland, and then going elsewhere to Palestine, to Kurdistan, they all have the right to exist as nations, says French student Sonja Coquelin who joined the protests in Edinburgh last month.
Scotland already enjoys a level of autonomy from the United Kingdom government in London. The nation held an independence referendum in 2014 with the approval of the British government, and voted narrowly to stay in the union. Spains government should have taken lessons, says Scottish independence campaigner Chris Bambery, author of the forthcoming book "Catalonia Reborn."
The question has to be, if [Spanish Prime Minister Mariano] Rajoy had done that, would he have won the referendum? And theres a considerable body of opinion that says he would have done," said Bambery. "Every time that the Spanish state does intervene in a very heavy-handed way, it drives another tranche of people to make that conclusion and support independence.
But Scotlands experience should have also taught Catalonia a lesson, says Professor James Ker-Lindsay of St Marys University in Twickenham, London.
If Scotland had voted for independence, we know that Britain would have allowed it to go its own way. But Spain said absolutely no way, were not even going to give that vote," he said. "And what weve actually seen is just the international community has rallied behind Spain and said look, were not going to upset these rules.
Italy and Belgium also
Breakaway movements across Europe are eyeing Catalonias fate. Two of Italys richest regions voted for more autonomy from Rome in referrenda held last month.
In Belgium tensions between the Flemish-speaking north and French-speaking south threaten national unity.
A lot of movements will at first have been rather jubilant about what Catalonia was doing. But I think what weve seen happen since then will be leaving a lot of them very disheartened. You know, they can press for independence, but unless they can get the support of the international community, its not going to happen, says Ker-Lindsay.
The European Union has sided firmly with Madrid. History shows the bloc should be more sympathetic to populations who seek self-rule, argues Chris Bambery.
The EU can look back in 1989 and say when the Soviet Union collapsed, actually the Baltic states and other countries got their independence peacefully. Czechoslovakia had an amicable divorce, says Bambery.
Both Catalonia and Scotland have pinned their viability as independent states on membership of the European Union misguidedly, argues Ker-Lindsay.
The European Union isnt empowered to recognize states. Its the member states of the European Union that do that. Apart from anything else, Spain would veto it, and you need to have unanimous support to join the European Union, he said.
Added to that, Ker-Lindsay says the EU is seeking to avoid further splintering just as the bloc battles to overcome Brexit and the migrant crisis.
But there are further complications on the horizon. The Scottish National Party, which has a big majority in the Scottish parliament, is pushing for another vote on independence once Britain leaves the European Union. While the EU would welcome a Scottish membership application as a propaganda coup post-Brexit, analysts say it would also likely fuel hopes of EU membership among other breakaway movements.
Fiji's prime minister called for a sense of urgency Monday, telling negotiators that we must not fail our people as he opened two weeks of talks on implementing the Paris accord to fight climate change, which is already affecting his Pacific island nation.
While diplomats and activists gathered in Bonn, the U.N. weather agency said that 2017 is set to become the hottest year on record aside from those impacted by the El Nino phenomenon.
The talks in Germany, the first major global climate conference since President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. will pull out of the 2015 Paris accord unless he can secure a better deal, also mark the first time that a small island nation is chairing such a conference.
Negotiators will focus on thrashing out some of the technical details of the 2015 Paris accord, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. While Trump has expressed skepticism, a recent U.S. government report concluded there is strong evidence that man-made climate change is taking place.
Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe 'Frank' Bainimarama, the Bonn conference's chairman, offered greetings from one of the most climate-vulnerable regions on earth as the meeting opened, underlining our collective plea for the world to maintain the course we set in Paris.
The need for urgency is obvious, he said. Our world is in distress from the extreme weather events caused by climate change.
We must not fail our people and must make the Paris accord work, Bainimarama said, adding that means to meet our commitments in full, not back away from them.
He didn't refer directly to the Trump administration's position, but appeared to play off Trump's America first slogan.
The only way for every nation to put itself first is to lock arms with all other nations and move forward together, the Fijian leader declared.
The meeting began with schoolchildren chanting Save the World processing into the conference hall and a traditional Fijian welcoming ceremony.
The U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization said this year is already on track to be one of the three hottest years of all time, after 2015 and 2016, which were both affected by a powerful El Nino - which can contribute to higher temperatures.
Last year set a record for the average global temperature.
WMO says key indicators of climate change - such as rising carbon-dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere, rising sea levels and the acidification of oceans - continue unabated this year.
It said the global mean temperature from January to September this year was about a half-degree Celsius warmer than the 1981-2010 average, which was estimated to be 14.31 degrees C (57.76 Fahrenheit).
The five-year average temperature from 2013 to 2017 is more than 1 degree Celsius higher than that during the pre-industrial period.
Participants at the Bonn conference include diplomats from 195 nations, as well as scientists, lobbyists and environmentalists. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other leaders are expected to appear near the end of the summit to give the talks a final push.
German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks called for significant progress in Bonn on implementing the Paris accord.
The Paris agreement is irreversible, she told delegates Monday. We now have to do everything in our power to implement it and we do not have much time left.
Kindness, not grades and test scores, may become the new it factor for college admissions departments.
More admissions officers are including kindness, compassion and helping others in their assessment of college applicants.
This is a real opportunity for us to think about how we can get along with people, particularly those who are different than us, said Trisha Ross-Anderson, senior program manager at Harvard Universitys Making Caring Common project.
Kindness has been pushed to the backburner in the admissions and education process, she said, but needs to come forward.
Kindness helps build a better community on campus, said Ann McDermott, director of admissions at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. As students understand and respect their peers more it improves the college experience for most students. And hopefully, that translates into a better society after the student graduates, she said.
As incivility increases on campus and on social media, kindness becomes more important, say educators. Colleges and universities realize they have neglected to include that message in the highly competitive world of higher education.
Today, [civility] is so important because of what we see in the larger community, said Paul T. White, assistant dean of admissions at Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore.
During the required admissions interview for Johns Hopkins Medical School, interviewers note how an applicant treats staff and other applicants.They want to see how they act with people who arent involved in the process, White said.If they are rude to someone, I want to know about it.
He said he looks for things that demonstrate compassion, such as an applicant's service history and letters of recommendation.I frankly look for others who are interested in serving others and not just checking off a list of Oh, I need clinical experience, White said.
White pointed to events like those held in Charlottesville, Virginia, near the University of Virginia, as a larger reason for promoting kindness at the college level.A white supremacist rally ended in three deaths there in August.
The Center for the Study for Hate and Extremism at California State University-San Bernardino, which tracks hate crimes, says incidents increased 20 percent in 2016 in cities with a population of 250,000 or more.
Kindness has not been obvious on the checklist of qualities most schools look for in an applicant.Many students think admissions officers want to see participation in many clubs and extracurricular activities, McDermott said.
Some high-school students find themselves at 4 a.m. swim practice, practicing long hours on the violin or flute after school to achieve first chair in the orchestra, and studying long into the night to keep top grades.
Get into a good school and a good life will follow, is the prevailing expectation, said Iris Godes, associate vice president of enrollment, and dean of admissions at Dean College in Massachusetts. She said many parents put unnecessary expectations on their children, as they feel their kids represent them.
McDermott said students show up to college already burned out because of the pressure they feel to succeed.
Its important to reduce the anxiety level that these kids have, Godes said, Theres been too much placed on status.Its about being a good citizen. Its about being a good person.
All this activity to compete nationally -- and in the past decade, internationally -- for a spot at a coveted college can exhaust and discourage a student, while conditioning them to think that only kids gifted on many levels have a chance at success.Some students are willing to push the boundaries by padding their resumes or cutting corners on their alleged superlatives, which can lead to cheating, Ross-Anderson said.
More than 175 college admissions offices, including eight Ivy League universities, have joined an effort called "Turning the Tide". High school students often perceive colleges as simply valuing their achievements, not their responsibility for others and their communities, according to Turning the Tides executive summary.
Many participating schools have added essay questions to the application about kindness and reduced the number of places to list extracurricular activities, Ross-Anderson said.This will make students feel less pressure to participate in numerous extracurriculars.
Students should stop overloading on advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB) courses that show they are beyond high school curriculum, according to Turning the Tide.They should focus on sustained academic achievement in a limited number of areas, the executive summary said.
Kindness is very important professionally, Ross-Anderson said, Employers want people that can collaborate well with others."She admits kindness is hard to measure, The assessment portion of this work is very challenging.
Its much more an art form than a science, Elgarico echoed.
At Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, one applicant stood out because of one of his recommendations - from the high-school custodian. The letter spoke to the boys kindness when nobody was looking, picking up trash, and how he took the time to learn all the members of the custodial staffs names, according to the New York Times.
The admissions staff voted unanimously to accept him to Dartmouth.
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Lebanon's president appealed for national unity on Monday after Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri quit in a broadcast from Saudi Arabia, plunging the coalition government and country into political crisis.
After Hariri's shock announcement, political uncertainty deepened further when Lebanon's parliamentary speaker said it was still too early to say whether the government had actually resigned or to talk about the formation of a new government.
President Michel Aoun has said he will not decide whether to accept or reject Hariri's resignation until he returns home from Saudi Arabia.
"It is too early to say whether there has been a [government] resignation or not," Speaker Nabih Berri said in a televised statement after meeting Aoun.
Hariri's resignation exposed Lebanon again to the sharp end of the struggle for Middle East dominance between Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia and Shi'ite Muslim Iran, which has also wrought upheaval in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Bahrain.
In a televised speech on Saturday, Hariri's resignation shocked even his close aides. Lebanon's most influential Sunni politician, Hariri said he feared an assassination plot against him, accusing Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, which was part of his coalition, of breeding strife in the Arab world.
The government was painstakingly devised to group key sectarian factions including the Iran-backed, Shi'ite Hezbollah.
Its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah accused Saudi Arabia of forcing Hariri to go and said there were "legitimate questions" over whether he had been detained in the kingdom.
Aides to Hariri, whose family made their fortune in the Saudi construction industry, have strongly denied such claims.
Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk, a senior member of Hariri's political party, said he was under the impression the premier would return to Beirut within days.
A meeting between Saudi King Salman and Hariri in Riyadh on Monday proved "rumors" wrong, he said - an apparent reference to speculation that Hariri was detained or forced to quit.
Speculation in Lebanon over Hariri's status bubbled as Saudi Arabia underwent an anti-corruption purge in which royals, ministers and investors have been arrested as the putative next king tightens his grip on power.
Aoun held a meeting with ministers and top security officials at Baabda palace, telling them that political leaders had been responsive to calls for calm.
"He stressed that security, economic, financial, and political stability is a red line," Justice Minister Salim Jreissati said after the meeting.
"The president is waiting for Hariri's return to hear from him personally," said Jreissati, who is politically aligned with Hezbollah. "This indicates a sovereign vision ... and that the resignation must be voluntary in every sense."
FRAGILE ECONOMY
Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said Lebanon and its financial institutions could cope with the impact of the surprise resignation.
"We are confident in the stability of the financial and monetary situation in the country. There are no very big challenges ahead of us," he said on Monday after a meeting with the president.
The cash price of Lebanon's U.S. dollar-denominated bonds fell across the curve on Monday, with longer-dated maturities suffering hefty losses as investors took a dim view of the medium- to longer-term outlook for Lebanon.
The central bank sought to calm fears that the political turmoil would hit Lebanon's already fragile economy.
Governor Riad Salameh told local television that the monetary situation was stable and markets were normal. There was no danger to the Lebanese pound, which is pegged to the U.S. dollar, he added.
TELEVISED RESIGNATION
"Lebanon, after the resignation, will never be the same as before," Saudi Gulf Affairs Minister Thamer al-Sabhan said in a tweet on Monday. "It will not accept to be in any case a platform for launching terrorism to our countries."
In his speech, Hariri accused Iran of a "deep hatred for the Arab nation" and Hezbollah of pointing its weapons at Yemenis, Syrians and Lebanese.
Hezbollah's ties to Iran and its support for President Bashar al-Assad in neighbouring Syria's war have been a significant source of strife in Lebanon for years.
The crisis could re-aggravate tensions between Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims and afflict Lebanese government with paralysis once again. All of the sides have called for calm and there has been no sign of unrest since Hariri's resignation.
His coalition government took office last year in a political deal that made Aoun, a Hezbollah ally, president. The deal ended years of deadlock, and last month it produced Lebanon's first budget since 2005.
Hariri flew to Saudi Arabia on Friday after meeting in Beirut the top adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, who described the coalition as "a victory" and "great success" afterwards.
Mexican police have detained a polygamous cult leader wanted in the United States on charges of pedophilia and who is a suspect in the murder of three U.S. citizens in Mexico.
Orson William Black Jr. was arrested in the Mexican border state of Chihuahua along with his four wives and 22 other people, including minors, state prosecutors said in a statement.
In a joint operation with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), about 100 police officers swooped down on three houses and two ranches where Black and his followers were living, the statement said.
The arrests followed an investigation into the September 10 murder of three U.S. citizens in the region, aged 15, 19 and 23.
Black is a suspect in the murder of three men, but has not yet been charged. He is also facing human trafficking charges.
For now, Black and others arrested are accused of entering Mexico illegally, and animal cruelty, after police found butchered and frozen animals on the properties.
Black had been wanted in the U.S. for 15 years on pedophilia charges in the U.S. state of Arizona, before fleeing to Mexico.
Highway 20 took national parks traveler Mikah Meyer through North Cascades National Park in Washington state, offering him breathtaking views of the mountains.
I had heard that the mountains were rugged, but this is far more dramatic than I imagined, he gushed.
He got a slightly different perspective on those majestic mountains from a boat on Lake Diablo, which Mikah compared to a popular American drink. The water is so blue that it actually reminds me of a flavor of Gatorade called Glacier Freeze -- it looks like I could just scoop my hand down and drink the water and it would taste just like that Gatorade.
The American Alps
The turquoise water set against a backdrop of the towering peaks reminded him of another picturesque mountain range
A lot of locals call this park the Alps of the United States because it looks very similar to the Swiss Alps."
But Mikah was surprised to learn that unlike the famous European range, the North Cascades is among the least visited of America's 59 national parks... in part, he thinks, because it's so remote.
I was just really struck by the remoteness of this park, both in its visitation and its accessibility, he said. There's not a lot of hotels there, there's not a lot of roads that allow you to just drive up to the peak. He described it more as a wilderness area, not a park designed for the automobile visitor like so many other parks are.
If you want to get the good views, youve got to hike.
Which is exactly what Mikah did, hiking up a harrowing, almost six kilometer (3.7 mile) long trail, much of which was covered in snow, even in the middle of summer.
I can never get tired of this!
While in Washington, Mikah, whos more than halfway through his mission to visit all 417 national parks in the U.S., also checked out two of the states more popular peaks, this time from the air. Thanks to the generosity of Kenmore Air, Mikah got as close to them as he was ever going to get.
Off in the distance, you see Mount Rainier National Park, he remarked as he looked out the planes window. A little closer to us is Spirit Lake, and in the foreground you can probably see steam coming out of an erupted Mount St. Helens.
Mount St. Helens made headlines on May 18, 1980 -- with what many consider the most disastrous volcanic eruption in U.S. history. The blast killed 57 people, and the mountain was left with a giant crater on its north side.
Mount Rainier, also an active volcano, is considered a Washington icon. It rises more than 4,390 meters (14,410 feet) above sea level, the highest point in the state. Its this massive behemoth of a snow-capped mountain and it kind of catches you off-guard and takes your breath away because it's so huge and it's so gorgeous that the images are just spectacular, Mikah said.
The locals in Seattle, a short distance away, will commonly ask "is the mountain out today? Mikah noted, explaining that they can see it from the city if it's a clear day.
The mountain is out
Mikah got lucky on all counts. It was a cloudless day, so he had clear, compelling images from a variety of perspectives the air, water and even driving along the interstate.
I could can see Mount Rainier from hours of drive away, and that's when I think the mountain is most spectacular, he said.
I put on my social media a picture of the mountain that you can see as you're just coming down the interstate and I said, I don't think I could ever get tired of this.
Mikah invites you to follow him on his epic journey by visiting him on his website MikahMeyer.com, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
1 U.S. President Donald Trump talks with Japan's Emperor Akihito while his wife Melania talks with Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
The gunman who killed 26 people at a Texas church appeared to have been motivated by a domestic dispute with his in-laws and had sent "threatening texts" to his mother-in-law before launching the attack, authorities said Monday.
"Its a senseless crime, but we can tell you that there was a domestic situation going on within this family," Texas Public Safety official Freeman Martin said as investigators searched for the reasons why Devin Kelley opened fired on worshipers at a Baptist church during a Sunday morning service in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Kelley, 26, had previously been kicked out of the Air Force on a bad conduct discharge.
Martin said Kelley's in-laws attended the First Baptist Church from time to time, although investigators said they were not at the church on Sunday. U.S. news accounts, however, said that one of the shooting victims was a grandmother of Kelley's wife.
"This was not racially motivated ... wasnt over religious beliefs. There was a domestic situation going on within the family and in-laws, Martin said.
Texas authorities rejected Kelley's bid to get a license to carry a gun in the state, but Martin said Kelley carried out the attack with a Ruger 556 assault rifle and that two handguns were found in his car. Investigators say they believe Kelley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his car after fleeing the scene of the carnage at the small, white frame church.
Authorities said Kelley called his father as he sped from the church to say that he had been shot, apparently by a neighbor who heard the mayhem as it unfolded and exchanged gunfire with Kelley, and that he did not think he would survive.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt said Kelley, dressed in a skull mask and black tactical gear, fired his assault weapon as he walked down the center aisle at the church and, after turning around, continued firing as he left the building.
"It's unbelievable to see children, men and women, laying there. Defenseless people," Tackitt said.
Authorities said the 26 people killed ranged in age from 18 months to 77 years old, while the 20 wounded in the attack ranged in age from 5 to 73. Martin said that 10 of the wounded worshipers remain in critical condition, four are in serious condition and another six have stabilized or been released from a hospital.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott told CBS News, "It's clear this is a person who had violent tendencies, who had challenges. Someone who was a powder keg waiting to go off."
According to Pentagon records, Kelley served in the U.S. Air Force from 2010 to 2014, but was court-martialed in 2012 for assaulting his wife and child, sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment and then dishonorably discharged from the military.
Witnesses say he first fired on people outside the church, then inside, where all but two of the victims were killed or wounded.
A neighboring resident heard the mayhem unfold during the sunny morning and then, armed with a rifle, exchanged shots with Kelley. Another man, Johnnie Langendorff, who was driving by the church, also heard the gunfire and then, along with the neighbor with the rifle, pursued Kelley as he fled the scene.
"The gentleman with the rifle came to my truck as the shooter took off, and he briefed me quickly on what had just happened and said that we have to get him," Langendorff told CBS. "We just take pursuit. And like I said, we hit about 95 (miles an hour) trying to catch this guy until he eventually lost control on his own and went off in the ditch.
"He just hurt so many people," Langendorff said. "And he just affected so many people's lives. Why wouldn't you want to take him down?"
Authorities said they found Kelley slumped in his car in a field near haystacks.
The deadly mayhem in Texas came 35 days after the worst mass shooting rampage in modern U.S. history, when a man identified as Stephen Paddock opened fire on a country music show in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and wounding about 500. Paddock shot from his 32nd floor hotel room and killed himself as police moved in. Investigators there are still working to determine a motive.
President Donald Trump, traveling in Asia on a five-nation trip, said the Texas shooting "isn't a guns situation" but "a mental health problem at the highest level. It's a very, very sad event." He said the shooter was "a very deranged individual."
WATCH: Trump on Texas shooting
Earlier, Trump called the shootings "an act of evil" and appealed for prayers. He ordered U.S. flags on federal buildings to be flown at half-staff through Thursday.
"We cannot put into words, the pain and grief we all feel and we cannot begin to imagine the suffering of those who lost the ones they so dearly loved. Our hearts are broken," the president said.
Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives have joined local law enforcement officers in Sutherland Springs, about 50 kilometers from San Antonio, to investigate.
Marie Ann Montgomery, the church's Sunday school director, said people in the congregation knew Kelley. While none of the victims has been publicly identified, First Baptist Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy told U.S. news networks that his 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, is among the deceased. Pomeroy was in Oklahoma at the time of the shooting but returned to Sutherland Springs.
He said all of the people killed Sunday were close friends. Pomeroy also said he wants the world to know his daughter was one very beautiful special child.
Pakistan condemned Mondays killing of a diplomatic staffer in neighboring Afghanistan and demanded increased security for its missions and staff.
The deadly attack occurred in Jalalabad, capital of Afghan border province of Nangarhar.
Provincial officials told VOA the assailants were riding motorbikes and fled the scene after killing Nayyar Iqbal Rana who was working at the visa section of the Pakistani consulate in the city.
In Islamabad, a spokesman said the Afghan charge daffaires was summoned by the foreign secretary to protest the gruesome murder in Jalalabad."
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Taliban and militants loyal to Islamic State are active in Nangarhar and regularly carry out attacks against Afghan security forces in the province.
Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have deteriorated over mutual allegations of supporting anti-state militant groups plotting terrorist attacks against each other's soils.
Saudi Arabia says its archrival Iran may have committed an "act of war" when Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fired a missile at Riyadh.
The Saudis intercepted the missile fired at King Khalid International Airport Saturday.
The Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis says it has the "right to respond to blatant military aggression" by Iran.
"Iranian interventions in the region are detrimental to the security of neighboring countries and affect international peace and security," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said on Twitter.
Iran denies arming the Houthis and its foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif blasted the Saudis for causing death and destruction in Yemen.
"KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) bombs Yemen to smithereens, killing thousands of innocents, including babies, spreads cholera and famine, but, of course, blames Iran," he tweeted.
The coalition said Monday it is temporarily shutting down Yemeni land, sea, and airports in response to the missile attack.
A coalition statement says "vulnerabilities in the current inspection procedures" allow ballistic missiles and other military equipment to reach the Houthis.
Although officials say the closures are temporary, they did not say how long they would last and the United Nations says it is concerned about how to get desperately-needed food and medicine to suffering Yemenis.
Two scheduled humanitarian aid flights to Yemen Monday were grounded.
A Pentagon spokesman told VOA that the U.S. welcomes Saudi Arabia's statement exposing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) role in Yemen.
"We continue to maintain strong defense ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and work together on common security priorities to include combat operations against violent extremist organizations, and neutralizing Iran's destabilizing influence in the Middle East region, the spokesman said.
The Houthi rebels seized the Yemeni capital of Sana'a in 2014, forcing the internationally-recognized president Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi to flee to Riyadh. He later returned to set up his government in the southern Yemeni port city of Aden.
Saudi-led airstrikes aimed at driving out the Houthis have obliterated entire neighborhoods and killed more than 8,000 civilians.
Extremist groups, including al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, have taken advantage of the political vacuum in Yemen to set up militant camps.
Yemen is one of the world's most impoverished countries and there appears to be little hope for its distressed civilians.
U.N. officials estimate 80 percent of Yemenis lack food, fresh water and medicine on top of a cholera epidemic.
The writers of the television drama series "Game of Thrones" would be hard pressed to pack into one episode what happened in Saudi Arabia Saturday, which saw breathtaking arrests of scores of princes and ministers once considered untouchable.
The kingdom-wide swoop has left international investors shocked and analysts scrambling. It drove up the price of oil to its highest close in two years.
Included in the unprecedented roundup ordered by King Salman and overseen by his son, Saudi Arabias Crown Prince, was one of the worlds richest men, Prince Waleed bin Talal, the billionaire businessman who co-owns the Four Seasons hotel chain and is a major investor in Rupert Murdochs worldwide media empire.
Others among the 50 who have been detained and corralled in opulent hotels across the Saudi capital include Alwaleed al-Ibrahim, the owner of the largest satellite television network in the Middle East, MBC, and Bakr bin Laden, brother of Osama bin Laden and chairman of the Gulf kingdoms biggest construction company.
And along with them prominent military figures, including Prince Fahd bin Abdullah bin Muhammad, a former defense minister, and Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, the minister of the elite 100,000-strong National Guard and son of the late King Abdullah, whose death two years ago led to Mohammed bin Salmans appointment as Crown Prince by his ailing father, the kingdoms 81-year-old current monarch.
The round-up, which saw palaces surrounded in the dead of night and the grounding of private jets at Jeddahs airport to prevent those targeted from fleeing, is being described as an anti-corruption drive by Saudi officials. The detainees' assets have been frozen.
But the scale of what is being dubbed by analysts "a purge", further consolidates the power of the 32-year-old Crown Prince and future king. He will chair a commission to monitor and investigate corruption, which King Salmans communique described as the exploitation by some of the weak souls who have put their own interests above the public interest.
The commission has the authority to investigate, arrest, issue travel bans and freeze assets, say Saudi officials. They suggested more royals, the ruling House of Saud comprises an estimated 15,000 family members, could be detained in the coming days, and more assets seized. The amounts, which prove to be linked to corruption issues, would be returned to the treasury of the State of Saudi Arabia, the Information Ministry said Sunday.
Few Saudi-watchers believe weeding out corruption is the main point of the high-risk swoop. State finances and private finances of the members of the House of Saud have long been hopelessly mixed and seen as one and the same thing. The arrests have as their goal the tightening of the Crown Princes grip on power, say Saudi-watchers. Their scale suggests mounting fears by the Crown Prince and his father that a coup against them might have been in the throes of being hatched.
The determination to consolidate power in the hands of the crown prince suggests both ambition and anxiety, says analyst Bruce Riedel, a former CIA analyst and author of the upcoming book Kings and Presidents: Saudi Arabia and the United States Since FDR.
Family divisions
Writing for the website Al Monitor, Riedel says, The young prince is a man in a hurry with a sweeping vision of transforming his country. But Mohammed bin Salman is also aware that his rise to power has alienated many in the royal family who have been sidelined.
He says the large-scale wave of arrests suggests deep opposition to the young prince's ambitions.
The kingdom is at a crossroads and has seen several of the policies being pushed by the future king fail to come off. Saudi Arabia has been locked in a two-and-a-half-year war in neighboring Yemen against Iranian-backed rebels. A move to discipline another neighbor, Qatar, with an five-months-long economic blockade has failed to pay dividends.
And the kingdoms principal rival in the region, Iran, has been gaining increasing influence across the Middle East.
Radical reforms
With that as a backdrop, the Crown Prince has been pushing radical reform, from recently lifting a ban on women driving to launching an ambitious economic overhaul designed to make the country less dependent on oil. He has pledged to steer Saudi Arabia towards a moderate interpretation of Islam.
Reform makes enemies, say analysts. The House of Sauds control of the kingdom has been based on twin pillars, oil-wealth that has allowed it to reward all the extended family, and appeasement of the austere ultra-conservative religious movement known as Wahhabism.
According to Zubair Iqbal, an analyst at the Middle East Institute, a Washington-based think tank, the House of Saud has been broken into two parts between the traditionalists, who believe in consensus, against those who say they are going to enforce rules, regulations and policies without going through the process of consensus, which takes too much time and ends up diluting the intended policy.
He told VOA, The conflict is being taken care of by taking arbitrary measures against those who dont agree with you, adding he worries the Crown Prince is too impatient in how he is implementing change.
Some analysts who believe the crackdowns scale and timing indicate fears of a coup, point to a mysterious helicopter crash Sunday near the Yemen border in which a senior Saudi prince, the son of another prominent royal pushed aside by King Salman, and seven top-ranking officials were killed. The Saudi Interior Ministry has not given a cause for the crash.
Fear of a coup, tweeted Jane Kinnenmont, an analyst at Britains Chatham House, a policy research group, different from an actual coup. Along with other analysts, she maintains that if the roundup Saturday was part of the crushing of a coup already unfolding, there would have been more arrests.
South Korea imposed unilateral sanctions on 18 North Koreans on Monday, barring any financial transactions between those sanctioned and any South Koreans, as part of international efforts to dry up Pyongyang's illegal cash flows.
All 18 individuals on which the South Korean sanctions were imposed were directly affiliated to North Korean banks, according to an official government announcement by the finance minister uploaded on the Interior Ministry's website.
"They are all people at North Korean financial institutions that have already been sanctioned by the United Nations," a government official directly involved in the sanction development process told Reuters. The official asked for anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media.
"They're high-ranking employees who have been linked to North Korea's nuclear and missile development program as well as the North's foreign exchange procurement efforts."
The announcement came a day ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to South Korea as part of his Asia tour, where he is expected to discuss North Korea's nuclear and missile program at length with government officials here.
When asked on the timing of the announcement, government officials denied it was tied to Trump's visit to Seoul.
Despite the announcement, the sanctions are expected to have little to no impact on North Korea's illegal activities to fund its weapons program as all trade and financial exchanges have been barred since May 2010 following the torpedoing of a South Korean warship by North Korea.
Those named were: Kang Min, Ko Chol Man, Ku Ja Hyong, Kim Kyong Il, Kim Tong Chol, Kim Sang Ho, Kim Jong Man, Kim Hyok Chol, Ri Un Song, Ri Chun Song, Ri Chun Hwan, Mun Kyong Hwan, Park Mun Il, Pak Bong Nam, Pang Su Nam, Pae Won Uk, Chu Hyok and Choe Sok Min.
According to the announcement 14 of those named were based in China, two were based in Libya while the remaining two were based in Russia.
The institutions the 18 were affiliated with were Korea Daesong Bank, Foreign Trade Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Korea United Development Bank, Bank of East Land and ILSIM International Bank.
As of the announcement on Monday, South Korea had North Korea sanctions imposed on 97 individuals.
The Supreme Court has rejected Samsung's appeal of court rulings that it impermissibly copied features of Apple's iPhone.
The justices on Monday left in place rulings in favor of Apple involving its patents for smartphone features that include auto-correct and a slide that unlocks the device.
In 2014, a jury awarded Apple $120 million in damages for Samsung's infringement of the patents.
The case is part of a series of disputes between the technology rivals that began in 2011. Last year, the high court ruled in favor of Samsung in a legal fight over the similar appearances of the two companies' smartphones.
I went to all of the executions, said Abd Hassan Shaban, a 50-year-old father of seven, a week after fleeing the final battles in Raqqa, Syria. I had relatives in prison. I wanted to see who they were killing.
People were beheaded, shot, or bludgeoned to death in Raqqa, Shaban added, and Islamic State militants hanged their bodies, or just their heads, on the fence in the center of town. Na'eem Square, or Heaven Square, soon became nicknamed Hell Square.
Its better to know if they are dead than wonder, Shaban added.
In mid-October, IS was driven out of Raqqa as the remaining families fled the battle. Making the city once again livable, according to officials, is now an overwhelming task complicated by a political deadlock. Rebuilding lives after mass trauma, they add, may be close to impossible.
Children talk about the horrors of the final days of IS in Raqqa:
Accused of aiding the enemy
I once asked a Daesh fighter why they left the bodies in the square, Shaban continued, using an Arabic acronym for IS. He told me, So the people will learn to behave.
Near the corpses and sometimes directly on them, IS fighters wrote a description of the "crime" that led to the victims execution. Most people were killed after being accused of assisting any of the various militaries fighting IS, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a Kurdish-led umbrella group backed by the United States and the official Syrian Arab Army, backed by Iran and Russia.
My nephew was 14 years old when Daesh caught him with a photo of a destroyed house, said Um Ali, Shabans wife. They said he was giving information to the coalition forces, but he really just wanted to show the family who owned the house.
Before rebuilding
Aside from the countless lives lost and ruined, Raqqa is devastated and dangerous, according to officials. It will take months or even years to make the city habitable again, said Ibrahim al-Hasa, who heads the rebuilding committee for the Raqqa Civil Council, a governing body backed by the SDF.
There are still bodies under the rubble, he said in his office in Ain Issa, where Raqqa authorities have set up offices about 70 kilometers outside the city. The electricity network is totally destroyed. The water systems, sewers and schools are all badly damaged.
Before rebuilding can even begin, added Mustafa Bali, a spokesperson for the SDF, which now controls the city, all urban areas and much of the countryside need to cleared of bombs planted by IS.
Our technical units specialized in de-mining are working and they are preparing some parts of the city for civilians to return, he said. But it will take some time.
Dark times
As Syrian, Iraqi and international forces close in on recapturing all IS-held areas in both countries, de-mining and rebuilding are only the beginning of recovery, Bali added.
On an ideological level it will take years, he said. We need to rebuild a new generation without the dark ideas that were planted in these dark times.
When families arrive at camps outside of battle zones, the emotional damage caused by years of violence and months of all-out war is obvious, added Sherin Musa, the co-director of the Ain Issa camp, where tens of thousands of displaced people languish, waiting for a chance to go home.
You can see the impact of war on the childrens behavior, she said. Some behave violently. Some refuse to speak. Some are constantly afraid.
Hurdles
Efforts to rebuild Raqqa city and the lives ruined as it was destroyed are also complicated by politics.
Damascus views Raqqa as occupied by U.S.-backed forces. Last week, a top adviser to Irans Supreme Leader, Ali Akbar Velayati, said Syrian federal forces plan to reclaim the city.
SDF leaders call the city liberated, saying they will allow the people in Raqqa and other areas the SDF captured from IS decide if they are part of the semi-autonomous Kurdish northeast of Syria.
The SDF, however, has also said it will not leave areas it now controls, despite having no former claims to places like Raqqa and Deir el-Zour, two major cities governed by Damascus before IS.
When we fight and die for a place, we dont abandon it later, said SDF spokesperson Leelwa Abdullah.
Starting with small things
Getting international aid into Raqqa is also difficult and time-consuming, according to al-Hasa, of the Raqqa Civil Council.
The SDF is led by the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units, or YPG, a military group viewed as terrorists by neighboring Turkey.
A considerable amount of the aid needed to clear mines, rubble and rebuild the city has been pledged to Raqqa authorities from 13 different countries as well as aid organizations, he said, but very little has made it into Syria.
Rebuilding lives, he added, is already part of their plans.
We can change small things about the city, al-Hasa said. For example, we can change the shape of the square where so many crimes were committed. We will remove the fences where the heads were hung.
Tecumseh was a 19th century leader of the Shawnee tribe who led a large, multi-tribal confederacy to fight American expansion into the Northwestultimately in vain.
Born in western Ohio around 1768, Tecumseh grew up during a period of constant warfare, as white settlers pushed inland from the Atlantic Coast into the Midwest. The Shawnee had once lived in the woodlands east of the Mississippi River, but had by that point had been pushed to what are today the states of Ohio and Indiana.
According to the Eastern Shawnee Tribes website, Tecumsehs father died in battle with Virginia militiamen in 1774. Tecumseh was raised by his elder brother, who trained him as a warrior.
In his first battle, at the age of 14, the Shawnee say Tecumseh panicked and ran from the field. He was so humiliated that he made up his mind to never shy away from battle again.
He is known for inflicting the most punishing defeat of American troops. In the late fall of 1790, his forces attacked an encampment of American soldiers in western Ohio, leaving more than 600 dead and hundreds wounded; it was the biggest defeat of the U.S. army ever.
Around 1805, Tecumsehs younger brother claimed to have had a series of visions and took on a new name: Tenskwatawa, which means Prophet. In modern terms, he was a religious fundamentalist who preached against Shawnee assimilation of white culture.
Tecumseh worked to promote his brothers revivalist vision, which promised protection against white soldiers and predicted the return of the traditional Shawnee way of life.
The two brothers established the village of Tippecanoe in what is today Indiana. It was intended to serve as the headquarters of a new pan-Native alliance against the U.S. The Americans named it Prophetstown.
Tecumseh then began a series of travels as far north as Canada and as far south as the U.S. Gulf Coast, politicizing and spreading his brothers message in his effort to recruit tribal allies.
By the spring of 1810, white settlers had grown increasingly nervous over rumors that the tribal alliance was planning to attack and kill not only them but the American governor, headquartered in the city of Vincennes in Indian territory.
Other rumors began to circulate. In one, Indiana Territory governor William Henry Harrison challenged the Prophets divine powers by challenging him to a miracle: If he is really a prophet, ask him to cause the Sun to stand still or the Moon to alter its course, the rivers to cease to flow or the dead to rise from their graves, reads one 19th century account.
Tenskwatawa then promised that in fifty days, the Great Spirit would take the sun into his hands and darken the sky. And, as the story goes, on the appointed day, the sun disappeared behind the moon. Legend also has it that when the Creek tribe refused to join Tecumsehs alliance, he threatened to stamp his feet and cause the ground to shake.
The only truth to these tales is that a total eclipse of the sun did take place in June 1806, and a series of three earthquakes rocked the Midwest over the winter of 1811-1812, devastating the Missouri River Valley.
In 1811, while Tecumseh was away on a recruiting trip in the South, the U.S. army set out on a march to attack Prophetstown. He sent a party of warriors out to meet them, and the two sides engaged in a two-hour battle which neither side won. The Prophets forces withdrew, and the next day, the Army burned Tippecanoe to the ground.
When the U.S. Congress declared war on Great Britain in 1812, Tecumseh and his allies sided with the British, believing that a British win would stop the advance of the Americans.Tecumseh is said to have distinguished himself as a cunning strategist who helped the British to victory in Detroit.
But in 1813, he was fatally wounded by American forces during the Battle of Thames in Ontario.
His death marked the end of the alliance and is seen has having opened the way for American expansion into the continental northwest. In the following years, the U.S. government forced tribes west of the Mississippi River to accept more than 200 treaties, establishing nearly a hundred reservations.
Once, the Shawnee were a unified tribe spread across numerous states in the U.S., Canada and even Mexico. Today, the government recognizes three branches, all living in Oklahomathe Shawnee Tribe, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, all of whom remember Tecumseh as a hero.
William Henry Harrison, who would go on to become the ninth U.S. president, was impressed by the Shawnee leader. He described Tecumseh as one of those uncommon geniuses which spring up occasionally to produce revolutions and overturn the established order of things.
The Egyptian government on Sunday summoned several Western ambassadors to protest a statement criticizing the countrys detention of a human rights lawyer.
Ibrahim Metwally Hegazy, an expert on forced disappearances, who is working on the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni, has been in detention since September.
Several Western countries including Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Britain and Canada have issued a statement late on Friday critical of the detention of the lawyer.
The countries said they were deeply concerned at the continuing detention of the human rights lawyer Ibrahim Metwally Hegazy.
Egypts Foreign Ministry described the statement as unacceptable, saying it was an outright intervention in its internal affairs and judiciary.
According to the Ministry, it is unfortunate that such a statement would be issued from countries that call for respecting the rule of law and the principles of separation of powers.
Ibrahim Metwally Hegazy has been detained since September 10, 2017. He was arrested at Cairo International Airport while he was about to board a flight to Geneva to attend an event at the invitation of the United Nations Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID).
Egyptian officials accuse Ibrahim Metwally Hegazy of founding and leading an organization that was created illegally.
Key facts about Sunday's shooting at a Texas church, where 26 people were killed and 20 others wounded:
Motivations for attack
The shooter, 26-year-old Devin Kelley, was allegedly motivated by a domestic dispute. Police say Kelley had sent "threatening texts" to his mother-in-law before launching the attack at the First Baptist Church. Police said the mother-in-law had attended the church, but was not there Sunday. "This was not racially motivated ... wasn't over religious beliefs. There was a domestic situation going on within the family and in-laws," Texas Public Safety official Freeman Martin said.
Victims
The dead ranged in age from 18 months to 77 years of age, including three generations of one family. Investigators say they believe Kelley died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in his car after fleeing the church.
Domestic violence
Kelley served in the U.S. Air Force from 2010 to 2014, but was court-martialed in 2012 for assaulting his wife and child, sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, and then dishonorably discharged from the military. Texas Governor Greg Abbott told CBS News, "It's clear this is a person who had violent tendencies, who had challenges. Someone who was a powder keg waiting to go off."
Good Samaritans
Police say two bystanders responded to the shooting, including a resident who lives near the church and heard what was happening. They say the neighbor took his own rifle and began firing at the attacker, hitting him at least once. Martin praised the efforts of "two Good Samaritans," which also included Johnnie Langendorff who was driving by the church and heard the gunfire. Langendorff, along with the neighbor with the rifle, pursued Kelley in his car until he crashed into ditch.
Assault rifle, handguns
Texas authorities rejected Kelley's bid to get a license to carry a gun in the state, but police say Kelley carried out the attack with a Ruger 556 assault rifle. In addition, two handguns were found in his car. A U.S. Air Force official told VOA that Kelley lost his gun ownership rights when he pleaded guilty to and was convicted of the domestic violence charges.
Trump reaction
U.S. President Donald Trump, traveling in Asia on a five-nation trip, said the Texas shooting "isn't a guns situation" but "a mental health problem at the highest level. It's a very, very sad event." He said the shooter was "a very deranged individual."
A man opened fire with an assault weapon at a church near San Antonio, Texas, Sunday morning, killing 26 worshipers and wounding at least 20.
The victims range from five to 72 years old.
The gunman is also dead and there is no clue so far as to his motive.
Federal investigators from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms have joined local law enforcement officers in tiny Sutherland Springs, Texas, about 50 kilometers from San Antonio.
On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump said the mass shooting "isn't a guns situation" but is instead "a mental health problem at the highest level. It's a very, very sad event." He said the shooter was "a very deranged individual." The president is monitoring the situation from Japan, the first stop on his five-nation Asian trip.
Earlier, Trump called the shootings "an act of evil" and appealed for prayers. He ordered U.S. flags on federal buildings to be flown at half-staff through Thursday.
"We cannot put into words, the pain and grief we all feel and we cannot begin to imagine the suffering of those who lost the ones they so dearly loved. Our hearts are broken," the president said.
Worst mass shooting in Texas history
Texas Governor Gregg Abbott says this is worst mass shooting in Texas history. He said there are "many pieces of a complex puzzle" to put together.
What is known, according to Texas public safety official Freeman Martin, is that the gunman, later identified as Devin P. Kelley, was described as a young white male dressed in black and wearing a bullet-proof vest. He first opened fire with an assault rifle outside the First Baptist Church and continued shooting after going inside.
Freeman said a local resident with his own rifle confronted the shooter, causing the gunman to drop his weapon and flee in his car. The citizen pursued the gunman, joined shortly by police. Freeman said the suspect crashed the car just over the county line and was found dead in the vehicle from a gunshot wound. It is unclear if he killed himself or was shot by the citizen.
Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt says police found multiple weapons in the suspect's car.
WATCH: Reactions to Texas attack
Discharged from US Air Force
U.S. Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek told VOA late Sunday that records show Kelley was discharged from the Air Force about three years ago.
"Records checks confirm Devin P. Kelley was previously a USAF member, who served in Logistics Readiness at Holloman AFB, NM, from 2010 until his discharge in 2014. Kelley was court-martialed in 2012 for two counts of Article 128 UCMJ assault on his spouse and assault on their child. Kelley received a Bad Conduct Discharge, confinement for twelve months and a reduction to the grade of E-1," the Stefanek said.
Two of the victims were killed outside the church. The rest were shot inside.
An eyewitness to the shootings, who is a Vietnam War vet, told VOA's Mehtap Colak Yilmaz that he had not seen anything like the church massacre "since Vietnam."
Marie Ann Montgomery, the church's Sunday school director, told VOA's Yilmaz that people in the congregation knew Kelley and some of the suspect's family members were among the victims. Montgomery stopped short, however, of saying the suspect deliberately targeted his family.
While none of the victims have been publicly identified, First Baptist Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy told U.S. news networks that his 14-year-old daughter, Annabelle Renee Pomeroy, is among the deceased.
Pomeroy was in Oklahoma at the time of the shooting. He told ABC News he was on his way back to Sutherland Springs.
He said all of the people killed Sunday were close friends. Pomeroy also said he wants the world to know his daughter was one very beautiful special child.
Caught on camera
Sheriff Tackitt says the church posts its weekly services on YouTube and that the massacre was likely caught on camera. The FBI says it believes only one gunman was involved.
Sunday's Texas shooting comes just weeks after October's mass killing in Las Vegas. Stephen Paddock opened fire on a country music show there, killing 58 and wounding about 500. Paddock shot from his 32nd floor hotel room and killed himself as police moved in. Investigators in the Las Vegas shooting are still working to confirm a motive.
Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb contributed to this story.
President Donald Trump has called on Congress to abolish the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, through which the suspect in last week's New York terror attack entered the country. He called the program, informally known as the Green Card lottery, a disaster for the country.
This program grants visas not on a basis of merit, but simply because applicants are randomly selected in an annual lottery and the people put in that lottery are not that country's finest."
The president added that the program presents significant vulnerabilities to our national security.
"The idea that someone could just enter a lottery and in effect draw a U.S. citizenship out of a hat is not my idea of a good program. Washington immigration lawyer Kenneth Rinzler agrees, but he says the problem is not vetting.
Its not legitimate to use the recent terrorist attack to knock this program because they have to go through the same vetting as everybody else, he says referring to the process the U.S. government uses to clear each applicant for immigration in the United States.
Rinzler believes that there are concerns about all green card vetting; therefore it makes no sense to single out diversity visas.
Security threat?
Uzbek native Sayfullo Saipov is accused of driving a rented truck down a crowded New York City bike path, killing eight people and injuring more than a dozen others. Investigators say Saipov told them he was inspired to conduct the attack by Islamic State videos. He faces federal terror-related charges.
Saipov is the fifth DV program beneficiary to be connected with a terrorist attack in the U.S. since the program was started in 1990. The program grants 50,000 green cards a year to countries with low immigration rates to the United States, mainly from Africa and Eastern Europe.
In 2003, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the State Department Inspector General raised concerns that aliens from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism can apply for diversity visas.
But in a 2007 report, the Government Accountability Office concluded that the DV program isnt so much a threat to U.S. national security, as it is open to fraud by and against applicants.
Part of immigration reform
Trump's comments sent shock waves through countries where the DV program is seen as a ticket to the American Dream. Yet, a proposal to end the lottery visa is already in the Senate, included in immigration reform legislation introduced earlier this year.
A White House official, speaking on background, told VOA that "ending the diversity [visa] lottery program was already part of the immigration reform principles the White House submitted to Congress, and is included in the RAISE Act, which the president has endorsed."
Reforming American Immigration for Strong Employment Act (RAISE), sponsored by two Republican senators, has been in the Senate Judiciary Committee since February of this year, awaiting mark-up. Similar legislation was introduced in the House Judiciary Committee in September.
The Chair of the House Committee, Bob Goodlatte said in a Fox News interview that the program makes no sense.
Here we are admitting 55,000 people a year into this country based upon job skills that are needed in the country. Not even based upon family they have in the country, but based on pure luck, said Goodlatte.
"I think those visas could go to better purposes," Rinzler said, "everything from clearing the backlogs of years that we have with many countries, to giving them to everybody from the interpreters and translators in Iraq and Afghanistan that the U.S. government made a commitment to and then didnt deliver upon, to military people who are having trouble nationalizing now."
Next steps
But a Detroit-area lawyer who leads a Muslim advocacy group told AP, eliminating the program would be a strike against diversity.
"Diversity has always been what has allowed us as a country to stand as a beacon of hope and a beacon of strength and a beacon of resolve. And any call, political or not, to really close that door and to really extinguish that flame of diversity to the world is troubling," Fatina Abdrabboh, Director of American Muslim Advocacy League told AP in an interview.
"The ending of this program certainly, I think, would be a symbolic defeat and loss in terms of our standing, really, with the whole world."
While the Republican Party is seen as being in favor of getting rid of the diversity visa program, Senate Democrats in 2013 supported a bipartisan bill that would have abolished it. The effort failed, however, when the House did not act on the legislation.
Applications for the 2019 DV are being taken now through November 22. Applicants will learn next May if they have been selected - unless there is a change in the program's status. But it is the people who were selected for 2018 who are really worried. Will they be able to come or not?
This is a discretionary program; its an act of generosity so to speak. If Congress passes a law and the President signs it to abolish the program and they set a fixed date, my guess is those people are out of luck," said Rinzler. "It says right on the website: even winning is not a guarantee.
Whether the Congress will take up the issue any time soon, depends on many factors, including political ones such as the Russia investigation and other priorities for the administration.
Katherine Gypson and Peter Heinlein contributed to this report.
Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim heads to Washington Tuesday to meet with U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, as relations between the NATO allies endure a rocky period.
"Prime Minister Yildirim's visit is being paid in a very critical time with regard to Turkish American relations, said a senior Turkish presidential adviser speaking on condition of anonymity. It can be a great opportunity to catch a new momentum.
The very fact the [Turkish] prime minister is almost going impromptu to Washington suggests there are a series of serious crises between Turkey and the United States, said international relations expert Soli Ozel of Istanbuls Kadir Has University. Obviously, this is coming to a crossroads and the key date is there, 27th of November when the Zarrab trial is supposed to start.
Turkish-Iranian businessman Reza Zarrab and Mehmet Atilla, the deputy chief executive of the Turkish state bank Halkbank, are facing trial on Iranian sanctions violation charges in a New York court. A former senior Turkish minister, Zafer Caglayan, closely linked to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has also been indicted in the case.
Erdogan has criticized the probe as politically motivated. According to reports, he lobbied hard for Washington to drop the charges. The issue is expected to top Yildirims agenda in talks with Pence.
There is a different perception, fundamental seminal difference in perceiving what the law is, noted political analyst Semih Idiz.
He warned that Washingtons claims about the independence of the judiciary are unlikely to assuage Ankaras concerns. Erdogan says openly that he believes there is this massive conspiracy against him and America is part of it.
Gulen extradition
Additionally, Yildirim is expected to raise Ankara's ongoing attempts to secure the extradition of Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania. Turkish prosecutors accuse Gulen of masterminding last years attempted coup, a charge the cleric denies.
Erdogan says the lack of progress in the case is politically motivated. Washington counters it's a matter for the courts. But Ankara views recent cooperation between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Turkish prosecutors to track the movement of a suspect in the failed coup as significant. "The U.S. is making considerable progress in this regard, said Erdogans adviser.
The dispute has fueled suspicions in Ankara of Washingtons complicity in the failed coup, a charge the United States strongly rejects. Last month, Turkish prosecutors detained a local employee at a U.S. diplomatic mission in Turkey as part of its Gulen investigation. The detention prompted Washington to impose stringent visa controls on Turkey. Ankara retaliated with similar measures.
Pence is expected to raise the issue of the arrest of U.S. citizen Andrew Brunson, who has been in a Turkish jail without charge for more than a year as part of the ongoing Gulen probe.
"During [Turkish] prime minister's visit, we expect the visa crisis will be ended between the two allies, said the Turkish presidential adviser.
Repairing the damage
"The big question is can Mr. Yildirim, on a trip that will last four days, be able to actually repair much of the damage inflicted on this relationship?" said Ozel. "I think it will be very difficult, unless there is some progress on at least one of the issues of contention.
Potentially more difficult to resolve for Yildirim is the thorny issue of Washingtons arming of the Syrian Kurdish militia, the YPG, in the war against Islamic State. Ankara accuses the militia of being affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which the Turkish army has been fighting for decades. The United States and the European Union have designated the PKK as a terrorist organization.
Yildirim is likely to face difficult questions during his talks in Washington. Turkeys NATO partners are voicing growing concern over Ankara's warming relationship with Moscow, underlined by last months announcement it planned a multi-billion-dollar purchase of Russias S 400 missile system.
Analysts suggest both sides still have interests in containing the escalating tensions.
This is way past a storm in a tea cup; this is a real storm, but there are still strategic interests that either side can't throw away; if there weren't strategic interests, then we would go for some kind of a break up, predicted columnist Idiz.
Analysts also say Washington will be aware Turkey could play a key role in efforts to stem Iran's growing power in the region.
For Ankara, there is the risk of increasing diplomatic isolation, given its strained ties with many of its allies. They suggest both sides will likely try to present a veneer of success to Yildirim's Washington visit, even if there is no breakthrough.
Despite this, there were signs that diplomatic tensions between the two countries were beginning to ease. On the eve of the Turkish official's visit to Washington, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara announced U.S. consular services in Turkey would resume processing some visa applications. U.S. missions in Turkey suspended the processing of all non-immigrant visas a month ago, after Turkish authorities arrested a local employee of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul in the wake of last year's failed coup attempt. The employee was held on charges of spying and allegedly having links to Gulen.
In a statement, U.S. Embassy officials said the United States has received "high-level assurances" from the government of Turkey that no other staff of the U.S. missions in Turkey are under investigation or due for arrest. The statement said the Turkish government has agreed to give advance notice if it intends to arrest or detain mission employees in the future.
The United States has called on Pakistan to show equal diligence in fighting all terrorist groups operating in the country, including the Haqqani network, and cautioned bilateral relations are at a critical juncture.
U.S. Ambassador David Hale spoke at a seminar in Islamabad Monday as he discussed U.S. policy in relation to neighbors Pakistan and Afghanistan. Hale said that while the Trump administrations recently announced South Asia strategy seeks a secure and stable Afghanistan, it looks to Pakistan for decisive action against all terrorist groups operating on its soil.
The American diplomat praised Pakistans efforts against anti-state terrorist groups, saying the country has been on the frontline in the effort to defeat al-Qaida and Islamic State in South Asia.
We ask for equal diligence in decimating all the groups operating in Pakistan which threaten the regions stability, including the Haqqani network. We seek a sustained and irreversible effort to achieve an aspiration and commitment that was made public by Pakistani officials themselves, and end to the use of Pakistan soil for attacks on its neighbors, Hale noted.
Afghan and U.S. officials have alleged the Taliban and its Haqqani allies are directing the insurgency in Afghanistan from sanctuaries on Pakistani soil. The allegations have been at the center of Islamabads tensions with both Kabul and Washington.
Hale reiterated the U.S. is committed to denying the Taliban a military victory in Afghanistan and urged Pakistani leaders to assist in advancing a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
Pakistani leaders have made clear that they share our goals for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. It is now time to join in our efforts and create a context in which terrorist groups can no longer launch cross-border attacks and see no alternative to negotiations, said the ambassador.
He repeated U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillersons warning that Washington will act accordingly" if Pakistans leaders choose "not to take advantage of this opportunity.
Pakistans foreign minister, Khawaja Asif addressed the seminar and in responding to Hales comments, said security forces have dismantled terrorist networks on its soil and established government authority across the country.
Asif went on to say there may be remnants of these groups in Pakistan because of its porous border with Afghanistan and called for enacted U.S. intelligence cooperation to deal with them.
Pakistan is committed to respond effectively to any actionable intelligence provided by the U.S. This is the only way forward to test each other's resolve and commitment to combat terrorism, Asif noted.
The foreign minister also said Trumps Afghan strategy has created needless divergence in bilateral relations and cast doubts on whether it will promote peace in Afghanistan.
Ladies and gentlemen, a conditions-based approach is primarily a strategy of denial and a strategic stalemate. It would more likely lead to further fragmentation and divisions within an already fractured society, making it that much more difficult to build peace mechanism and related structures, Asif said.
He blamed "internal factors," including rivalries within the Afghan government, for fueling war in the neighboring country, and called on both Kabul and Washington to pay attention to them rather than blaming Pakistan.
"Today, Afghanistan faces huge challenges with respect to corruption, building state institutions, transitioning from a war economy, record drugs production, ethnic and tribal divisions and expanding ungoverned areas; all these are monumental tasks and all are internal to Afghanistan," Asif added.
The minister said Pakistan will do all it can to further an Afghan peace and reconciliation process, saying Islamabad has intensified interactions with Kabul and proposed working groups and mechanisms to build mutual trust and cooperation.
Asif blamed rival India for facilitating terrorist actions in the region but said U.S. officials have noted Pakistan's concerns about giving New Delhi a wider role in the new Afghan strategy. India maintains it is helping Afghanistan in reconstruction efforts and dismisses Pakistani allegations.
"The U.S. assured us that Indias role in Afghanistan is limited to economic assistance and that the U.S. would not tolerate Afghan soil to be used against Pakistan," said Asif.
Asif also said his government believes repatriation of around 3 million Afghan refugees from Pakistan will address the issue of terrorism facing both countries. Pakistani officials say anti-state militants operating on both sides of the border use the refugee population for sheltering and planning terrorist attacks.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross on Monday defended his sizable business links to Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle, saying "there is no impropriety."
Ross, a 79-year-old billionaire industrialist, has a 31 percent stake worth $2 million to $10 million in a shipping venture, Navigator Holdings, with connections to Putin's son-in-law and an oligarch who is subject to U.S. sanctions and is Putin's judo partner, according to newly leaked documents.
But Ross, a member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet, said on the sidelines of a business conference in London, "I think the media has made a lot more out of it than it deserves."
Navigator earns millions of dollars a year shipping natural gas for Russian energy giant Sibur, which is partly owned by Kirill Shamalov, the husband of Putin's daughter, Katerina Tikhonova, and Gennady Timchenko, the oligarch who is Putin's judo partner, according to the documents. Timchenko is subject to the U.S. sanctions because of Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and its subsequent support for pro-Russian separatists fighting the Kyiv government's forces in eastern Ukraine.
Nothing whatsoever improper
But in a pair of interviews with the BBC and Bloomberg TV, Ross dismissed concern about his involvement in the operation. He said the Sibur deal was arranged before he joined Navigator's board.
"There's no interlocking of board, there's no interlocking of shareholders, I had nothing to do with the negotiation of the deal," he said. "But most importantly the company that is our client itself, Sibur, was not then sanctioned, is not now sanctioned, and never was sanctioned in between. There's nothing whatsoever improper."
Ross told Bloomberg, "We have no business ties to those Russian individuals who are under sanction." Ross said he has been selling his stake in Navigator, "but that isn't because of this."
Ross sold off numerous holdings when he joined Trump's Cabinet earlier this year to avoid conflicts of interest while he promotes U.S. commerce throughout the world. But he kept his Navigator stake, which has been held in a chain of partnerships in the Cayman Islands, an offshore tax haven where Ross has placed much of his estimated $2 billion in wealth.
Paradise papers
Ross did not disclose the Russian business link when he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as commerce secretary, but it surfaced in a trove of more than 13 million documents leaked from Appleby, a Bermuda-based offshore law firm that advises the wealthy elite on global financial transactions as they look to avoid billions of dollars in taxes. Appleby says it has investigated all the allegations and found there is no evidence of any wrongdoing, either on the part of ourselves or our clients.
The cache of documents, called the Paradise Papers, was first leaked to a German newspaper, Sueddeutsche Zeitung, and then shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and dozens of other media outlets around the world, including The Guardian in Britain, The New York Times and NBC News in the U.S., all of which reported on the Ross investment on Sunday.
The disclosure of Ross' financial interests in Russia comes as a special prosecutor, Robert Mueller, and three congressional panels are investigating Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, an effort the U.S. intelligence community has concluded was led by Putin in an effort to undermine U.S. democracy and help Trump win the White House.
Several Trump campaign associates have come under scrutiny, but until the disclosures about Ross' holdings, there have been no reports of business links between top Trump officials and any member of Putin's family and his inner circle.
The disclosures could put pressure on world leaders, including Trump and British Prime Minister, Theresa May, who have both pledged to curb aggressive tax avoidance schemes.
Congress has the power to crack down on offshore tax avoidance," said Matthew Gardner, a senior fellow at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. "There are copious loopholes in our federal tax code that essentially incentivize companies to cook the books and make U.S. profits appear to be earned offshore. The House tax bill introduced late last week does nothing to close these loopholes."
A powerful typhoon that blasted Vietnam's south-central coast has killed at least 49 people, left more than a dozen missing and caused extensive damage to the region.
19 people are still missing, including nine crew members of cargo ships that sank off the coast of Khanh Hoa province, the Vietnam Disaster Management Authority said in a statement Monday.
Widespread flooding was reported and more than 116,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged, the statement said.
Typhoon Damrey rocked Vietnam Saturday and has already dissipated, but the disaster agency said flooding may get worse because of heavy rain forecast for the region.
The central city of Da Nang, which is hosting the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit from November 8 to 10, has also been experiencing heavy rainfall.
Heads of state from 21 nations are expected to attend the summit, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zimbabwe's president, Robert Mugabe, has dismissed a deputy who was once seen as his possible successor.
The firing of Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa could open a path to the presidency for Mugabes wife Grace, who has made her political ambitions known over the past three years.
The government announced Monday that Mnangagwa was removed from his post with immediate effect.
An explanation for the move came from Minister of Information Simon Khaya Moyo, who told VOAs Zimbabwe Service that the vice president has consistently and persistently exhibited traits of disloyalty, disrespect, deceitfulness and unreliability.
Signs of Mnangagwas pending ouster have been around for some time, but escalated over the weekend, during a youth rally for the ruling ZANU-PF party in the city of Bulawayo.
There, President Mugabe denounced those who criticize him in the name of Mnangagwa. In a tone of anger, he asked, Did I fail in making Mnangagwa as my deputy? If I failed, I will drop him, even tomorrow.
This is the second time in three years the 93-year-old Mugabe has unceremoniously fired one of his vice presidents following allegations of factionalism and disloyalty. In 2014, he dismissed Joice Mujuru after she was harshly criticized by Grace Mugabe.
Many anticipated that Mnangagwas ouster would come at ZANU-PF's hastily-called party congress in December, so news of the dismissal caught many by surprise.
Constitutional experts said the move was legal because vice presidents in Zimbabwe are appointed by the president, not elected as a running mate.
From the time they organized their (party) constitution, they chose one center of power. Whatever Mugabe does is what works. So there is no need for a meeting. Mugabe simply does whatever he wants in that party, said Lovemore Madhuku, leader of the opposition National Constitutional Assembly party.
These vice presidents were appointed. And because they were appointed, they can as the president wishes, be dis-appointed, said Mugabe's own lawyer, Terence Hussein.
The ruling Zanu PF party has two rival factions Team Lacoste said to be led by Mnangagwa and Generation 40 allegedly led by Grace Mugabe, fighting to succeed the president. Robert Mugabe has been in power since Zimbabwe attained independence from Britain in 1980.
Some of the businesspeople who donated money and several items for the holding of a Zanu PF Extra Ordinar Congress in December, largely designed to unseat people unfavorable to the First Lady Grace Mugabe and her 93 year-old husband. Is VP Mnangagwa being targeted like former VP Joice Mujuru?
Zanu PF's Bulawayo province has resolved that Vice President Emerson Mnangagwa should be expelled from the ruling party for allegedly causing commotion at the Presidential Youth Interface Rally at White City Stadium where some people booed First Lady Grace Mugabe.
According to the state-controlled Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, the resolution was made Sunday following an urgent provincial meeting, which deliberated on the heckling of Mrs. Mugabe while she was addressing thousands of people.
The ZBC quoted provincial chairperson Dennis Ndlovu as saying the incident was an embarrassment for Bulawayo, which was not part of the people who booed the first lady.
Mrs. Mugabe was booed by some people when she started attacking Mnangagwa, who is accused of using a faction of the party known as Team Lacoste in an attempt to succeed President Mugabe. The first lady allegedly leads her faction - Generation 40. However, the two have denied that they have presidential ambitions and are using these fronts to canvas for Zanu PF support in a tense internal succession battle.
Several provinces are expected to follow the Bulawayo Zanu PF province's move ahead of the party's proposed Extra Ordinary Congress in December to choose new leaders and expel others.
VOA Studio 7 was unable to get comment from Mnangagwa as Mrs. Mugabe also claimed on Sunday that the vice president has been plotting to topple Mr. Mugabe since independence from British rule in 1980.
On Saturday, President Mugabe lashed out at Mnangagwa and his so-called supporters in Masvingo and Midlands provinces to form their own party after he identified those that booed his wife as ZANU PF supporters from the two regions.
He also threatened to fire the vice president for what he regarded as his wayward behavior in undermining his presidency and his wife for political purposes.
War veterans of the 1970s liberation war are backing Mnangagwa to succeed President Mugabe.
Indications are that Mnangagwa may be removed from the presidium in December and replaced by Mrs. Mugabe.
Similar allegations were made against former Vice President Joice Mujuru before she was expelled for undermining the authority of the president, corruption and incompetence.
The Shia powerful Hezbollah movement Sunday accused Saudi Arabia for being the instigator of the surprising resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, adding it is praying for his return.
The groups Chief Hassan Nasrallah in a televised address noted that Hariris Saturday resignation from the position of Prime Minister was a diktat from the Saudi leadership establishment.
We believe Hariris resignation was initiated by Saudi Arabia, he said.
Why didnt they let him announce this from Lebanon? Even the text of his announcement was written by Saudi Arabia. All of us in Lebanon, from all walks of life, are surprised, Nasrallah added.
Hariri announced his resignation from Saudi Arabia where he had arrived on Friday for a visit. He cited threats to his life as grounds for the unprecedented move and accused Iran and Hezbollah for their increasing influence in the region.
Saad Hariri has been heading, since 2016, a 30-member unity government cabinet including members of the Shia movement.
The resignation took many Lebanese by surprise as it leaves a vacuum to be filled with no clear successor in the sight.
According to powers-sharing agreements signed to end the 1975-1990 civil war, the President should be a Christian, the Prime Minister a Sunni and the Speaker of the parliament a Shia.
Hariri is close to Riyadh and the Friday visit was the second in a week.
Nasrallah wondered when Hariri will be allowed to come back at the time Saudi Arabia is marked by power struggle after a purge of princes, top military officers, senior officials and business tycoons over corruption charges.
Eleven princes and up to 38 other people were arrested on Saturday in an anti-corruption probe.
In addition to the strangeness of this resignation, we do not know whether Hariri is currently in Riyadh as a free man, Nasrallah said.
When we know the most powerful men in Saudi Arabia are under arrest, it is legitimate to worry about the status of Hariri.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun will not accept Hariris resignation until he returns home, according sources from his office.
The Premier is said to head back home on Thursday.
The countrys security and intelligence establishment noted it is not aware of any threat to Hariris life.
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Saudi Arabia has warned Iran that the firing of a ballistic missile by Shia Houthi militias targeting Riyadh airport may amount to an act of war.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir warned Tehran, tweeting that his country would not tolerate any infringement on its national security, following a weekend missile attack on Riyadh by Iran-backed rebels in Yemen.
Iranian interventions in the region are detrimental to the security of neighboring countries and affect international peace and security. We will not allow any infringement on our national security, Jubeir tweeted.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials accused Saudi Arabia, which is leading a military coalition to counter the Houthi militia, of committing numerous crimes against humanity in conflict-stricken Yemen.
In a statement on Monday, Bahram Qassemi, spokesperson for Irans foreign ministry, said the claim of Iranian responsibility for the missile launch late on Saturday, which was claimed by the Houthi rebels, was malicious, irresponsible, destructive and provocative.
Yemeni response is an independent one and a result of Saudi Arabias aggression, one which is not carried out or provoked by any other country, said Qassemi.
The Saudis, who have failed to achieve their evil goals during long-term military aggression against Yemen, are making more problems for their defeated coalition with a clumsy psychological operation to make baseless and totally false accusations, he added, before calling for talks between rival Yemeni factions to end the conflict.
Saudi forces on Saturday intercepted and destroyed the ballistic missile near Riyadhs international airport after it was reportedly fired by the Shia Houthi rebels from Yemen.
It was the first attempted missile strike by the rebels to reach Riyadh and threaten air traffic, underscoring the growing threat posed by the conflict on Saudi Arabias southern border.
The coalition on Monday sealed off air, sea and land borders in Yemen, where it has been battling rebels in support of the President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadis internationally recognized government since 2015.
George S. Patton was bored. Seventy-five years ago, the rough-and-tumble U.S. Army general was stuck on the USS Augusta in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
At the end of a two-week journey, Patton and his 33,000 men would storm the beaches and secure their target: Casablanca, the white city of postcards and travelogues, which also happened to be Africas largest port on the Atlantic. The assault was part of Operation Torch, the United States first foray into the European theater in World War II.
Maj. Gen. George S. Patton, left, and Rear Adm. H. Kent Hewitt share a laugh on board the USS Augusta. (Naval History and Heritage Command)
The invasion wasnt scheduled to start for more than a week, which left Patton with plenty of idle time. It is hard to realize that in 10 days I shall be up to my neck in work, he wrote in his diary on Oct. 28, 1942. At the moment, I have nothing at all to do.
To fill his day, Patton read books. After all, there were only so many meetings to attend and letters to write. As the commanding officer, Patton couldnt play cards or dice with his soldiers, but he could trade or borrow books. Disappearing into a good story also offered a chance to escape the self-doubt that often haunted him, despite the brash confidence he freely brandished.
So far I have read part of the Koran, finished Three Harbors, and The Raft, noted Patton. He read the Koran to better understand French Morocco, a Muslim nation. Beyond that piece of reconnaissance work, Pattons reading on the voyage provides a glimpse of the eras bestsellers all but forgotten now and a hint of what entertained the general who would help save the free world from fascism.
"Three Harbours" (1938), by F. Van Wyck Mason, tells the story of the American Revolution through the eyes of a family of merchants navigating the tricky politics of the era while sustaining their business in Boston, Norfolk and Bermuda. It was a very navy-centric novel for landlubber Patton to be reading, and at almost 700 pages, it could provide many hours of diversion. The general was a fast and dedicated reader.
As the waiting and anticipation bedeviled Patton, he borrowed another Mason novel, one of the popular Hugh North mysteries called "The Cairo Garter Murders." Maj. Hugh North was a suave army intelligence officer with a knack for solving crimes. In "Cairo Garter," North hunts for a killer who decorates his victims with women's garters. "I have just finished and will start to worry, or should I feel utterly confident?" wrote Patton, perhaps feeling encouraged by North's assured success.
For Patton, who valued stamina and men doing manly things, Robert Trumbull's "The Raft" was another natural choice. Based on a sensational true-life adventure, "The Raft" describes the ordeal of three American naval aviators who ran out of fuel while searching for Japanese submarines. Forced to ditch their plane, they spent 34 days in the South Pacific aboard an eight-by-four-foot life raft. Despite having no sail or rudder, they sailed 1,000 miles until they reached an atoll, which provided food and water until they were rescued. In the wake of the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor and the full plunge into World War II, the trio's story became front-page news, providing the American public and the U.S. Navy with a much-needed heroic story.
Patton also picked up another historical novel during the voyage: Marguerite Steen's "The Sun Is My Undoing," one of the most popular and critically successful novels of the early 1940s. This epic account of the transatlantic slave trade in the 18th century clocked in at 1,176 pages, bouncing from Bristol, England, to the African Gold Coast to Havana. "The Sun" charts the fortunes of the larger-than-life Matthew Flood and his offspring. It borrows plot points from 18th-century novels upstart families, broken engagements, virtue besmirched, a hint of the gothic but the focus on slavery adds a rawness to the book. Making note of it in his diary, Patton declared the book to be "pretty sticky."
As Patton flew through these engrossing books, the convoy carrying American soldiers continued toward French Morocco. In a stroke of luck, the ships avoided detection by the German submarines hunting the blue waters of the Atlantic. On Nov. 7, the American task force split to take up positions at three points along the Moroccan coast. The invasion was scheduled to start the following day. This morning it is very quiet and cool, almost too good to be true. Thank God. I hope He stays on our side, Patton wrote.
On Nov. 8, the invasion began, and the carefully crafted adventure of novels gave way to the very real chaos of war. Woke at 0200, dressed and went on deck, Patton wrote. From the deck of the Augusta, he could see the lights of Casablanca burning through the night. Sea dead calm God is with us. It was another piece of luck, as calm seas only occurred off the Moroccan coast every five or six days during autumn. Over the next few hours, the men of the Western Task Force began shouldering 60-pound packs and descending rope ladders into the landing craft below. As dawn approached, they rode the waves to the rocky beaches.
Seventy-four hours later, on Nov. 11, the Americans controlled Casablanca and French Morocco. The man who enjoyed best-selling adventures was well on his way to becoming one of the great characters of 20th-century history.
Meredith Hindley is the author of "Destination Casablanca: Exile, Espionage, and the Battle for North Africa." She lives in Washington, D.C.
Lets get small.
Thats the theme of Bill McKibbens first novel, Radio Free Vermont, a little comic story with a big political message.
****HANDOUT IMAGE Radio Free Vermont, by Bill McKibben, (credit: Blue Rider Press) ***NOT FOR RESALE (Blue Rider)
This is surprisingly new territory for McKibben, the environmental journalist who raised the alarm about global warming with The End of Nature way back in 1989. But three decades later, weve got 15 percent more CO2 in the atmosphere and a fossil-fuel toady dismantling the Environmental Protection Agency, so maybe comedy is our only refuge.
Not that McKibben has given up the fight. Not at all. The hero of this "fable of resistance" is a 72-year-old radio announcer named Vern Barclay, who's inflamed with revolutionary fervor. (A 76-year-old Vermonter you know has already endorsed this book: Bernie Sanders.) When a conglomerate in Oklahoma buys out the local station and lays off most of its staff, Vern realizes just how much his beloved state has been diluted by corporate interests and federal interference. "I wasn't in Vermont anymore," he complains, "my own idealized Vermont, where what mattered were your neighbors and your values." He pines for something "like Finland with fall colors." After 50 years of chattering into the ether, he's had it: "I wanted to do something."
But what can a septuagenarian without money or political connections do?
The answer to that question is the fount of optimism (and comedy) that nourishes this light novel.
Verns first act of resistance takes place at the opening of a Walmart, where he stages mild protests before a young compatriot floods the store with the contents of 5,000 toilets. I knew that we were, metaphorically as well as literally, in deep excrement, Vern says with his typical decorum. He and his partner flee to a safe house where they set up a radio show on the Internet. The bumbling governor quickly brands them as terrorists. A movement is born.
[Bill McKibben: Donald Trump is betting against all odds on climate change]
From his new soapbox at Radio Free Vermont underground, underpowered, and underfoot Vern calls on Vermonters to reject Starbucks, industrial farming and Colorado beer. (Vermont brewers get so much love in this novel that they should give away a copy with every six-pack.) Vern wants to return to a free local economy, where neighbors make things for neighbors. And the best way to accomplish that, he argues, is for Vermont to secede from the Union.
Given his quirky tactics, Vern's cause attracts some media attention and enthusiastic support. Ben & Jerry's releases a new flavor with a quotation from Vermont patriot Ethan Allen on the lid: "Ever since I arrived to a state of manhood, I have felt a sincere passion for liberty and ice cream with a high butterfat content!"
Despite capturing the frozen dairy contingent, the movements chances of success are not good. But McKibben tilts the odds in Verns favor by surrounding him with a ragtag collection of organic, all-natural warriors: Theres a young tech wizard who keeps Verns podcast on the Web but invisible to the FBI, and a pretty Olympic biathlete who can play the hero card when she needs to. Theyre all holed up in the home of a fellow traveler who teaches classes to wealthy New York escapees in her School for New Vermonters (Today well cover driving in the mud).
Author Bill McKibben (Nancie Battaglia)
The early parts of the novel are taken up with Verns podcast monologues. Im not much of a revolutionary, he tells his listeners, but like most great revolutionaries, hes a big talker. We get whole pages of explanation about the evils of industrial farming, the sources of modern alienation and the highlights of Vermonts proud history. That could be tiresome, for sure, but McKibben, who lives in Vermont, has re-created on the page the pleasures of a good old radio voice: a lulling mixture of curious detail, dignified outrage and self-deprecating humor. Vern is famous for his pauses, McKibben writes. It was a trick hed stolen from Paul Harvey.
That geriatric reference is a handy indication of the audience for Radio Free Vermont. If these rebels wore uniforms, theyd come from L.L. Bean. Vern and his friends share McKibbens nonviolent philosophy. Their stunts of resistance are irritating (and funny) but never lethal. And no matter how much firepower the government rains down on the elusive Radio Free Vermont, the state and federal agents are never more dangerous than Keystone Kops. Shots are fired and egos are bruised, but this is a cruelty-free battle, like a revolution in Lake Wobegon sticky with maple syrup. During the novels funniest chase scene, Vern has to stop several times to catch his breath. Behold: The orthopedic thriller.
To say this is a small novel would be no offense to the author, who praises smallness throughout, but I wish McKibben sounded a little more anxious about the sinister trappings of secession movements. Vern acknowledges the racist impulse behind the Civil War, but he never seriously considers who would suffer today under secession. Theres something irreducibly naive about his cause (and mislabeling the novel a fable isnt much of an excuse). Sure, it feels righteous to celebrate the quality of domestic wool and to lament the closing of the corner drugstore, but local control is just as likely to subject people to misogynist health-care rules, discriminatory policing and mythological science classes. Imagine the racist theocracies some of our countrys worst governors would establish if they werent restrained by federal oversight. Theres a reason white freaks making Nazi salutes are always nattering on about states rights.
Given the current reign of chaos in the White House, it must feel tempting to give up on America and go your own inspired way, but we need everybody now more than ever. Dont run away, Vern. Stay and help us.
Ron Charles is the editor of Book World and host of TotallyHipVideoBookReview.com.
On Nov. 11 at 6 p.m., Bill McKibben will be at Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington.
The New York Premiere of Julia Adolphes Unearth, Release Concerto for Viola and Orchestra). Principal Viola Cynthia Phelps left) for whom the piece was written, performs. (Chris Lee)
Classical music critic
The headline looks like a spoof: Theres a good reason there are no great female composers. The article beneath it eviscerates the outputs of Clara Schumann (a dud), Fanny Mendelssohn, Amy Beach and Dame Ethyl Smyth wondering, basically, who could be bothered to listen to such inferior talents. I wish this were a relic of the past, something to be chuckled over to demonstrate how far weve come, but I cant. It ran in the well-known British conservative weekly Spectator in 2015.
Even today, men still laugh at the idea of women composing classical music.
We should be beyond this by now. Indeed, we should have been beyond it a generation ago. "The social culture of the composition scene was quite shocking to me," composer Sarah Kirkland Snider wrote earlier this year on NewMusicBox.com, the leading contemporary-music webzine. "In many ways it felt like stepping back in time." Classical music institutions cling to the past in more ways than one. While American orchestras have managed to significantly increase their proportions of female players, female composers remain almost nonexistent. In the 2014-2015 season, according to statistics published by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, music by women represented 1.8 percent of the music played by America's 22 leading orchestras. As for conservatories, "when I get the applicant pool," says composer Laura Kaminsky, head of composition at the conservatory at the State University of New York at Purchase, "and see three-quarters of the applications are male, I get depressed."
And yet there are hundreds of active female composers. A list I compiled this summer of the top 35 barely scratched the surface. So why don't the institutions present them?
[The top 35 female composers in classical music]
Some are trying. Four of the past eight music Pulitzers have gone to female composers. Both Opera America and the League of American Orchestras have established recent initiatives providing grants to female composers. The performance space National Sawdust in Brooklyn announced a competition for emerging female composers. And individual chamber groups have been staging all-women concerts for many years although you can debate whether this kind of segregation is a good thing. When the chamber music collective A Far Cry decided to commission a song cycle, The Blue Hour, as a collaborative project by five female composers given its premiere through Washington Performing Arts on Saturday at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue at least one woman turned them down. We didnt choose that idea, said composer Rachel Grimes, a member of the former indie rock/chamber music group Rachels who served as the point person on the project. I am sort of weary of it [female composers] being a focal point, she added.
For some of the women involved in The Blue Hour, classical musics conventional institutions smack of an old-boys network. I only have a bachelors degree, Grimes said. I didnt see the feasibility of succeeding in the patriarchal academic system. My music didnt correlate with what I perceived to be the accepted academic language. Im not enough of a rebel that I wanted to swim against that current constantly. Western classical tradition . . . necessitates an understanding of that hierarchical mentality: the best, or most virtuosic, or most complicated. My technique and personality dont work with that. So I took a soft left and took my own direction. Grimess career has involved playing with bands, solo piano concerts and recordings of her own work.
Shara Nova (formerly Shara Worden), a vocalist and composer (of My Brightest Diamond) who also contributed to "The Blue Hour," has a similar view of the classical world. "I refused to use the word ["composer"] for a really long time," she said. "The question that I'm concerned with is not being a woman, because I don't have aspirations to write for the Met[ropolitan Opera]. I'm at BAM [the Brooklyn Academy of Music] , I'm good." In other words, being a woman would interfere with her ability to write for the Met and she has a point, since the Met has to date produced only two operas by women, more than a century apart.
But these august institutions are no longer a necessary avenue to success. Novas opera You Us We All has been performed in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and at BAM a more substantial performance history than many new works from conventional opera houses. The more classical musics institutions show themselves to be out of step with the times, the more it seems that classical musics future lies outside them. And you could argue that outside orchestras and opera houses, female composers are doing just fine.
Still, the institutions are trying to play catch-up in part through the above-mentioned initiatives by the League of American Orchestras (its Women Composers Readings and Commissions program awards $15,000 grants) and Opera America, which offers discovery and commissioning grants to female composers of up to $15,000 and $50,000, respectively.
Luis Alejandro Orozco and Ashley Cutright in As One by Laura Kaminsky at UrbanArias. The opera, funded by a grant for women composers from Opera Amerca, proved a watershed in Kaminskys career. (C. Stanley Photography)
Such grants can make a big difference. An Opera America discovery grant led to the creation of Kaminsky's chamber opera "As One," which had its premiere in 2014 and came to Washington's UrbanArias the following year. The moving story of a woman transitioning from her life as a biological male, "As One" has had 24 productions to date. Because of its success, Kaminsky has gotten two more significant opera commissions, one of them from a consortium that includes the Santa Fe and San Francisco operas. "It's been life-changing," said Kaminsky, who was for a time the artistic director of New York's Symphony Space. "I no longer need to have an administrative job. All of a sudden, I'm sitting in my studio writing music instead of writing grants to put other people's music onstage."
Whats notable about these initiatives is that they are all supported by a single source: the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, which started giving grants to the arts in 2013. The foundation gives away $7 million a year: half to programs supporting womens health and disadvantaged children, and half to the performing arts.
Alexander Sanger, a trustee of the foundation, is also chair of the International Planned Parenthood Council and a grandson of Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger. I like to think I have the right instincts about equal opportunities for women, he said. I and my fellow trustees realized there was a problem in the performing arts. If this were any other business, theyd be indicted for sex discrimination. Its disgraceful.
Its also a little shocking that a single funding body with a strong vision can bring about so much change in a short time. In addition to grants and competitions, the Toulmin Foundation helps support the Luna Competition Lab, which targets high-schoolers, and funding for female composition students at the Juilliard School.
The foundation has also helped establish an initiative for female choreographers at the School of American Ballet and fund a major study on gender equity in the theater world in 2013.
The foundations success points out how entrenched the field must have been, if one energetic funder can change it. And its good effects can take hold only if others jump in to carry the torch, including the institutions themselves.
Sanger said he was sobered by offering seven leading American orchestras a chance at a $50,000 grant for a new work by an emerging female composer: Only three of the orchestras bothered to apply.
[The real motor of the performing arts isnt vision. Its the board, stupid.]
It's easier to make room for women when there are women in leadership positions. The Washington National Opera's current production of Handel's "Alcina," which runs through Nov. 19, is a rare event: a production directed by a woman (Anne Bogart) and conducted by a woman (Jane Glover), with women singing all four principal characters (including Angela Meade in the title role). WNO is a national leader when it comes to hiring women and artists of color because this has been a priority of the company's artistic director, Francesca Zambello. (In January, WNO will be presenting an opera by another beneficiary of the Opera America grants: "Proving Up" by Missy Mazzoli.)
The boundaries between major classical institutions and smaller upstart organizations have grown more porous. The indie Prototype Festival generates work that is picked up by the Los Angeles Philharmonic or the Fort Worth Opera; National Sawdust has become a major player on the new-music scene. Real change is most likely to come from outside, from new organizations led by women working together with the old ones.
But in the old institutions, there are still people who think yukking it up about Clara Schumann is funny. And there are still women toiling away to make change happen, one bigot at a time. The orchestra is what a lot of people think of when they think of classical music, Snider says. Those stats do matter, in terms of the optics.
Climate Planet, an art exhibit and film venue in the shape of a giant globe, overlooks the conference on climate change in Bonn, Germany. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Fijis prime minister called for a sense of urgency in the fight against global warming Monday, telling negotiators at climate change talks in Bonn, Germany, that we must not fail our people.
The talks are the first major global climate conference since President Trump announced that the United States will pull out of the 2015 Paris accord unless he can get a better deal.
Negotiators will focus on working out details of the Paris accord, which aims to limit global warming to 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit above the planets temperature in preindustrial times (generally 1850-1900).
The need for urgency is obvious, said Fiji Prime Minister Voreqe Frank Bainimarama, the meetings chairman. Our world is in distress from the extreme weather events caused by climate change.
Diplomat Trigg Talley said that the U.S. position hasnt changed since Trumps announcement but that the nation will continue to participate in international climate change negotiations.
Diplomats from 195 nations, as well as scientists, lobbyists and environmentalists, are attending the talks.
Associated Press
Read more from KidsPost:
What is the Paris accord?
How do we track climate change?
Global warming threatens to wipe islands off the map.
Niger has given the green light to allow US forces stationed in the West African nation to arm drones to track jihadists.
The move comes a month after jihadists ambushed a joint US-Niger patrol near the border of Mali, killing four American soldiers and local troops. The area near the border with Mali is known to host groups loyal to both Al Qaeda and the Islamic State.
According to Nigers Defense Minister, Kalla Moutari, the government decision to arm drones was taken before the October 4 attack.
Speaking about the attack on US troops, Moutari blamed a failure in intelligence, which resulted in a miscalculation of the risk of engaging with militants in the area.
Most of the ambushed US troops had no combat experience, and had not been warned to expect any encounter with hostile forces.
The United States has about 6,000 troops in Africa. Many of them are in Niger and other West African countries to help them battle jihadist groups that include al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb.
Besides the terrorist groups operating on its western borders, Niger is fighting the Islamist militant group Boko Haram on its southeastern frontier.
The United States last week promised up to $60 million to support the G5 Sahel Joint Force, set up to counter terrorism in the region.
The force will comprise nearly 5,000 troops from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania.
It was just a few days after Charlottesville erupted in violence. Some 150 miles away, a student at Virginia Tech saw online posts that left her reeling. One began, I am a white supremacist.
She alerted other students. And as word spread, so did efforts to force the university to fire a teaching assistant for statements he allegedly posted on social media including some he says have been misunderstood, and one he denies making. Now, Virginia Tech and Blacksburg police are investigating threats made against the undergraduate who publicized the teaching assistant's name.
At a time of heightened tensions over white supremacy and free-speech issues on campuses across the country, Virginia Tech has emerged as another flash point.
The debate raises questions about privacy, free speech and the ways that universities function as communities. At issue is whether opinions expressed outside the classroom are protected by the First Amendment, or whether there are views so offensive that schools should not tolerate them.
The debate has roiled the public universitys campus and prompted some alumni to create a petition, now signed by more than 4,300 people, calling on the schools leadership to take action. Silence is tacit approval, they wrote, especially at a moment in history when racist ideology is an ever-growing threat.
An anti-fascist group publicized this post written by Mark Daniel Neuhoff, who said he was agreeing with the articles assertion that if Germany had won the war, communism could have been halted. (New River Against Fascism)
Mark Daniel Neuhoff, the graduate student at the center of the debate, said in an interview he thought the posts were appearing on a private forum, and he insisted that his remarks had been taken out of context, oversimplified and distorted.
His post about white supremacy, he said, was a response to an article considering the appropriate terminology for certain beliefs.
Im not violent, he said. Im not hateful.
But thats how he has been characterized, he said. Im a symbol of Charlottesville and lynchings . . . and whatever unimaginably horrible thing that people can think of, thats me right now. Because they want a monster to destroy.
Neuhoff has been a teaching assistant in introductory writing courses, but said he is choosing not to teach next semester, because Im tired of the hateful mob that wants to crucify people.
The controversy flared shortly before the start of the school year. Tori Coan, a senior from Fairfax studying economics, alerted friends about Neuhoff through a private Facebook campus group page. She also shared images from social media attributed to Neuhoff.
Coan met with administrators to share her concerns, she said, but became frustrated when it seemed nothing was being done.
I want Mark Neuhoff to be removed from teaching, Coan said. Im having a hard time understanding where the hesitancy to remove that employee would come from.
Mark Owczarski, a spokesman for Virginia Tech, said he could not discuss specific student conduct or employment issues, and did not respond to questions about Neuhoff, other than to say he had no information about him. But the school spokesman said if people raise concerns at Virginia Tech, we care deeply about those concerns. We have policies we must follow, we have procedures we must follow. . . . We take that concern, and we thoroughly review it, and decide what action to take.
In late September, Coan and other student protesters disrupted the State of the University speech delivered by Virginia Techs president, chanting No Nazis, No KKK, No fascist USA.
At about the same time, a group called New River Against Fascism, whose members had been monitoring social media intently after Charlottesville, posted a warning about Neuhoff and images of statements they said he had written on Facebook.
Who is Mark talking to? Well, his 1,830 Facebook friends, the anti-fascist group wrote online. This list is composed of members of the alt-right and white nationalists from around the globe. He is posting his hatred, disguised as speech to members of White Lives Matter, Vanguard America, Traditional Workers Party, neo-Nazis, and European far-right extremists.
Our goal is not to target individuals, get them fired, said Tim Joad, a community member whos part of New River Against Fascism, a regional group of activists. Rather, he said, they want to confront hateful ideas not ignore them. They want to take away the platforms for spreading those ideas, such as a teaching position that could convey intellectual authority and credibility even outside the classroom.
To his opponents, Neuhoffs words are clear.
In his view, he was having private, nuanced conversations about history and other subjects in which no topic was off the table then some of those posts were cherry-picked to caricature him.
One of the posts from Neuhoff cites an article that declares, If Hitler had won World War II wed have a better, more just world today. The post includes a portrait of Hitler.
Neuhoff said people just seeing that could assume he believes, I wish Hitler killed all the Jews. I wish Hitler took over the world. Instead, he said he believes if Hitler had prevailed, the Soviet Union would have been destroyed and the spread of communism could have been stopped.
I think that every conservative person is concerned with the notion that by 2050, whites are going to be a minority in this country, he said. I think the countrys going to be worse off when whites are not the majority.
Neuhoff graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2013 with a major in English and minor in classical studies, Joe King, a spokesman for that school, confirmed.
Neuhoff was a cryptologic linguist for the U.S. Army from 2013 to 2015, according to Lt. Col. Jennifer R. Johnson, a spokeswoman for the Army.
The circumstances of Neuhoffs departure from the Army were unclear. The type of discharge is protected by the Privacy Act, so I am not authorized to release it, she wrote in an email.
Neuhoff did not answer a question about his service.
At Virginia Tech, soon after her protest at the university presidents speech, Coan found a post on Reddit about herself, full of insults, she said.
On Oct. 2, someone called her, screaming threats and profanities. She answered a few more calls that evening, and heard a person on the other end mumbling or breathing, then cursing at her. Then, her cellphone began ringing persistently.
She also was the target of threats posted to a Facebook account that included a photo of her and her cellphone number. Her name was written with the last name enclosed in triple parentheses, a notation sometimes used to denote Jewish people that the Anti-Defamation League has characterized as an anti-Semitic hate symbol.
And there was a message: F--- her up. Destroy her.
Coan got more than 70 calls that night, she said.
Terrified does not begin to cover the fear and the panic that had begun to set in, she said.
She went to campus police and city police and then she was out of class all week, she said.
Lt. John Goad of the Blacksburg Police Department confirmed that his agency is working with the Virginia Tech Police Department to investigate the alleged threats, but could not provide details.
Regarding the Facebook threats, Neuhoff said: I did not write that.
Coan said she knows some people disagreed with her decision to publicize the social media posts and to protest, saying it was a free-speech issue and that Neuhoff has the right to express his opinions.
Now, Coan is facing her own hearing Monday for a possible violation of the student conduct code, according to Lauren Malhotra, a senior at Virginia Tech, who said Neuhoff complained to the university about Coans public statements about him.
Malhotra, a friend of Coans, believes it was a retaliatory complaint. But the university is taking it seriously. . . . A lot of people care about this issue, Malhotra said, saying she had heard concerns about Neuhoff from alumni, faculty members and students.
Owczarski said he could not confirm the existence of a student conduct hearing because of privacy laws. But he said in general, When you have two points of view and they dont coincide and you cant come to an agreement, thats where we have our policies and procedures which are very robust, very thorough.
Timothy Sands, the president of Virginia Tech, issued a statement to the campus Oct. 6 after another protest of Neuhoff by some students, emphasizing the schools commitment to free speech and respect for others.
Most speech that promotes ideologies of hate is protected free speech under the First Amendment. As a community, we are all threatened by these ideologies of hate, he wrote. Let me state without equivocation that Virginia Techs administration and the Board of Visitors find the ideology encompassed by white supremacy, neo-fascism, neo-Nazism and others to be abhorrent and to have no place in modern society.
A statement on the English Departments website includes an affirmation of the universitys principles and these ideas:
"The right to speak freely is ensconced in the Constitution of the United States, and we honor its central role in our nation's culture," the statement said.
As scholars of language and literature . . . we believe in the power of language to reach across difference and promote understanding; we also witness its often-corrosive force in civil society. . . . Negotiating free speech in the spirit of inclusivity is the challenge of our time.
Magda Jean-Louis contributed to this report.
Columnist
I couldnt bring myself to just come out and ask the General Mills spokesman the question that was really on my mind: Arent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios introduced to U.S. consumers barely a month ago a freakish abomination?
I mean, come on. Et tu, Cheerios? I thought Cheerios had always resisted the tartification of the American breakfast cereal, and here it was, the matron in the tasteful double-knit twin set and sensible shoes forced to prance around in chocolate stilettos and a peanut butter miniskirt.
Its cognitive dissonance in a bowl, as if Quaker Oats were to come out with Quinoa Capn Crunch.
"We're big on consumer choice, meeting just about everyone's individual needs, from yellow box Cheerios being a first finger food for toddlers to people who love their Lucky Charms," General Mills spokesman Mike Siemienas said from his office in Minneapolis.
But, Mike, youve already got Reeses Puffs! Thats the original chocolate and peanut butter cereal, forged in the great Reeses Peanut Butter Cups crucible.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheerios were introduced in September. (General Mills)
Reeses Puffs are corn-based, Mike patiently explained. Cheerios are oats.
And then Mike schooled me in the history of Cheerios. When they were created in 1941, they were called Cheerioats. Another cereal company protested, saying the name was too similar to that of one of its products. In 1945, the name was changed to Cheerios.
It wasnt until 1979, after a lot of consideration and discussion, that the decision was made to launch an additional flavor, which was Honey Nut Cheerios, Mike said. Thats when we started to realize: Hey, people love Cheerios and they love having some flavor options.
Some of those options are seasonal, such as autumns Pumpkin Spice Cheerios (of course) and Banana Nut Cheerios (rolled out each winter). Others have joined the permanent ranks of the Cheerios army: Multi-Grain Cheerios, Very Berry Cheerios, Apple Cinnamon Cheerios . . .
Cheerios is the No. 1-selling cereal brand in the United States, Mike said, with Honey Nut Cheerios the top-selling cereal.
Today, there are 16 varieties of Cheerios, including Chocolate Cheerios, which were introduced in 2010. More flavors are on the way, Mike said, though he was mum on specifics. (Im not going to give any away now, he said.)
What does this all mean? I asked Marty Gitlin, co-author, with Topher Ellis, of 2012's "The Great American Cereal Book: How Breakfast Got Its Crunch."
Marty pointed out that there are actually fewer brands of cereal now than there were in the cereal heyday of the 1960s and 1970s. Im 60, he said, and when I was a kid there were more cereals out.
Some brands, he said, lasted only a few years before vanishing. One that I remember very, very well was called Puffa Puffa Rice, he said. It was a brown sugar cereal. I dont believe there has been another one since. It was really delicious.
Another cereal that Marty remembered: Sugar Jets.
So many of the cereals back then for baby boomers had sugar in the name: Sugar Pops, Sugar Frosted Flakes, Sugar This and Sugar That, he said. At a certain point, they took sugar off it. They didnt take the sugar out of the cereal, but they took the word out. A lot of parents were freaking out about sugar content.
I remember when Sugar Pops suddenly became Corn Pops, a bit of marketing legerdemain that struck me as positively Orwellian. Sugar had gone down the Memory Bowl, er, Hole.
Then, said Marty, in the 70s, all the healthful cereals started coming out.
That's when flannel-shirt-wearing nature enthusiast Euell Gibbons appeared in TV ads shilling for Grape-Nuts, a cereal that has all the visual appeal of a bowl of grass clippings.
More recently, cereal manufacturers started taking existing brands and playing with those, Marty said. Rather than introduce a new type of cereal, they introduced a new iteration of an existing one.
Frosted Flakes now has marshmallows on it, Marty said.
Or consider the doughnut-themed cereal from Quaker Oats, which is described as vanilla donut-flavored piece[s] that are topped with colorful sprinkles and the stuff of dreams.
In the past, this might have been a stand-alone cereal, with a name like Donutios or Sugar Circles or Dream Disks. Instead, its called Capn Crunchs Sprinkled Donut Crunch, even though it doesnt have a single one of the Capns signature abrasive pillows.
Said Marty: I think what happened was the whole thing got played out. There was nothing else the manufacturers could do. How many different things can you do with cereal?
I guess hes right, though I miss the days of near-infinite cereal, with each scrappy brand displaying its unique charms.
Cereal manufacturers have become like risk-averse Hollywood studios. Everything is a sequel.
Twitter: @johnkelly
For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly.
State Sen. Richard Madaleno (D-Montgomery) is weighing the advantage of public financing for his campaign for Maryland governor. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post)
Only two of the eight Democrats vying to replace Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) in 2018 say they might seek public matching funds for their primaries, which Hogan did during his underdog run nearly four years ago.
Most of the candidates, who are scrambling to raise money, said the state's public financing system comes with too many restrictions and would not provide enough money for a competitive bid.
Krishanti Vignarajah , a former policy aide for first lady Michelle Obama, and Sen. Richard S. Madaleno Jr. (D-Montgomery) said they are considering participating in the program, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match for donations of $250 or less, until available funds are exhausted.
To qualify, candidates must agree not to exceed an expenditure limit in the primary and the general election that is equal to 47 cents for every resident of the state about $2.8 million next year. They also must raise a minimum of about one-tenth that, or $280,000, in small-dollar donations.
Proponents say the public financing system makes it possible for lesser-known candidates to fund a campaign and reduces the importance of large corporate donations. But advocates and several people involved in this year's campaigns say statewide races have grown so expensive and Hogan has stockpiled so much money for his reelection bid that the restrictions that accompany the matching funds are untenable.
Democrat Krishanti Vignarajah is also considering public matching funds in her bid for the gubernatorial nomination. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)
Were disappointed that the funds are essentially not available for the program to be successful, because we know it can be, said Emily Scarr, director of Maryland Public Interest Research Group. There just isnt enough there to remain competitive with those who arent using it.
Mike Morrill, a Democratic strategist, said he was not surprised most of the candidates are shunning the fund, especially since the race has no front-runner.
Every single one of them looks at the race and says I have a chance to be in the final sprint, Morrill said. Public financing is like tying one of your legs off in the final sprint. If you are in the sprint, you need to go full throttle.
Several campaigns have reached out to the state Board of Elections to inquire about the program, said Jared DeMarinis, the boards director of campaign finance.
But officials from the campaigns of Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, former NAACP president Ben Jealous, Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, policy consultant Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, tech entrepreneur Alec Ross and attorney Jim Shea said they have no plans to use state funding.
A spokesman for Vignarajah said she is considering public financing. Her campaign got off to a shaky start amid questions about her eligibility to run and her voter and residency history.
Madaleno said he might seek public matching funds because if he does, he would be exempt from a prohibition on state lawmakers fundraising during their 90-day session that begins in January.
I have a different circumstance than everyone else, said Madaleno, the only state elected official in the Democratic primary race. As the only candidate who is impacted by the fundraising ban . . . were taking a look at how the ability to fundraise during session would impact the campaign.
The $2.8 million available for the June primary and Novembers general election comes from optional donations made by taxpayers when they file their tax returns and some money allocated from the states general fund. Half is available for the primary, half for the general.
If more than one candidate participates, DeMarinis said, the funding would be split.
Hogan, the first candidate to win an election using the states public financing system, last year proposed diverting $1.8 million from the general fund to help replenish the program. The legislature reduced the amount to $1 million.
Earlier this year, Del. Eric Luedtke (D-Montgomery) introduced a bill that would allocate $5 million to the fund in fiscal 2022. The bill died in committee.
Common Cause of Maryland has been pushing the General Assembly to replenish the fund, said Damon Effingham, the group's legal and policy director. He noted that Montgomery County recently launched its own matching-funds program, Howard County is moving toward organizing one, and Prince George's is discussing it.
Wed like to make sure the fund is viable in the future for state races, Effingham said.
The state program, which was set up in the 1970s, was originally funded through the tax form checkoff box, which allowed taxpayers to contribute up to $500. The box was removed in 2010 because candidates were not participating in the program, and the money from the fund was being used for other election-related purposes.
In 2014, Hogan and former Del. Heather Mizeur became the first candidates in 20 years to tap the fund. The governor received a total of $2.9 million for the primary and general election, while Mizeur received $780,000 from the fund in her failed bid for the Democratic nomination. Both were facing better-known, better-financed challengers.
The legislature restored the income tax checkoff box the next year to replenish the fund.
Andrew Mallinoff, Bakers campaign manager, said he looked into the program when he started working on Bakers campaign, but decided the spending limits would tie the campaigns hands.
We were putting the budget together and wanted to look at all the options on the table, he said.
A 44-year-old Maryland man was killed driving his car across the centerline of a road in Prince Georges County and hitting a bus head on, authorities said.
Marcus Moore of Crofton, Md., died in the crash. The incident happened about 8:10 p.m. Friday in the 400 block of Ritchie Road, not far from Central Avenue in Capitol Heights, Md.
Moore was driving north on Ritchie Road when for reasons that remain unclear, his car went across the centerline, according to Prince Georges County police. The car then hit a southbound bus.
Moore was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the car suffered injuries that were not life-threatening, police said.
The bus driver was taken to a hospital, also with injuries that were not life-threatening. No passengers were on the bus at the time.
Police ask that anyone with information call 301-731-4422.
Handcuffs on benches for defendants at the Montgomery County Detention Center in Rockville. (Dan Morse/The Washington Post)
As those who manage jails know, the opening hours with a defendant can be the hardest. Few arrive in a good mood. Most just want to get to the person who sets bail to see if theyre going home or not.
A new process in Maryland, at least for now, hasnt helped.
When you keep them waiting, it just increases the agitation, says Terry Kokolis, president of the states Correctional Administrators Association.
A statewide change was meant to aid a well-intended goal: to figure out, more quickly, whether defendants are impoverished enough that they qualify for a public defender as their attorney.
Starting Oct. 1, the financial evaluations needed to make that call are being done before a defendant gets through jail processing, not a day or more later, as had been the practice.
Those under arrest enter through the back of the Montgomery County Detention Center. (Dan Morse/The Washington Post)
That shift may seem like a minor tweak. But in a jail, where arrivals can surge anytime and where the key to managing them is all about flow, anything that adds time can create long backups and anxiety.
It was a nightmare, Louis LeCompte, a deputy warden in charge of intake at the Montgomery County Detention Center, said of the opening weeks of the procedure.
During October, according to statistics kept by his facility, it took an average of 17.4 hours to process a defendant. That was more than double the time in the preceding two months, and it included a peak bottleneck of 35 hours of waiting.
Over the past week, according to LeCompte and other jail officials, wait times have fallen a trend consistent with what backers of the added step say will become a smooth-running process that enhances the criminal-justice system.
Im definitely in a well see situation, LeCompte said. Right now, the waits are down. In a couple of days, we could be right back where we were when we started this process.
For years in Maryland, politicians, attorneys and court officials have discussed how best to determine the financial resources of defendants an evaluation that involves assessing their sources of income, expenses and liquid assets.
The task used to fall to the public defenders offices, who did the financial review after defendants were booked at a jail and learned about their bond conditions.
An initial holding cell at the Montgomery County Detention Center in Rockville. (Dan Morse/The Washington Post)
If the defendants were released, they met with the public defenders office at a later date. If they were ordered held in the jail, the public defenders went to the jail later to see them.
Proponents of the old method contend that it not only got defendants processed faster but left them more comfortable discussing finances with people who would become their legal advocates.
But the method also had its critics, including private defense attorneys who long complained that public defenders were too quick to declare that someone could not afford to hire private attorneys.
Under the new system, the financial assessment is done by judicial officers, many of whom are posted inside jails and who already are setting the bond conditions.
Backers of the new approach point to advantages they say it brings.
Judicial officers, as members of the state court system, will make more independent assessments of indigency, they argue, while the detailed questioning about whether a defendant can afford an attorney also may drive home the importance of getting legal representation sooner.
The tricky balance in rolling out the new system has been the time added to a process that occurs in the highly charged and sensitive environment of jail intake and processing areas.
Many defendants arrive drunk, high or both, conditions that can worsen if detoxification kicks in as they wait. Others are mentally ill and may give vague answers about what their prescriptions are and what dosages they require to remain stable. Still others, particularly those arrested for the first time, are anxious and stressed about the unknown.
[Marylands highest court overhauls the states cash-based bail system]
Its very raw, Maryland Chief District Judge John P. Morrissey told a legislative panel considering the change as he described the stresses defendants face even before theyre brought before judicial officers. Theyve been arrested. Theyve been detained for hours . . . They just want to go home.
In jails such as Montgomery Countys Rockville facility, the key steps defendants go through are being searched, being photographed for a mug shot, having their fingerprints recorded and eventually having their names checked for any outstanding criminal warrants. During some parts of the process, defendants are handcuffed to benches.
When the basic checks are finished, each person is taken to a group holding cell a tank, in jail parlance that generally has concrete benches and a single metal toilet. Those acting out may be put into one of a limited number of single holding cells.
One by one, and in handcuffs, theyre eventually taken to the judicial officers as a time slot opens up for an interview, which is done through a glass panel, about the possibility of a bond and, in the new procedure, a public attorney.
LeCompte says his correctional officers have reported more incidents of force being used to control frustrated defendants because of extended waits. In one case, he said, when an officer opened the tank to get an inmate for the next stop, another bolted out the door.
We cant have that, LeCompte said.
Morrissey, as Marylands chief district judge, oversees the judicial officers known as court commissioners, and in 2016 he opposed changing the procedure because of staffing issues. This year, after being promised 19 additional court commissioners, he supported the change.
But those 19 positions will not be filled in full until about Feb. 1. The commissioners who are in place will have the task of verifying the financial assessments information, which pulls time away from other duties.
Across the state, Kokolis the head of the jail administrators group said that initially, the new process spiked processing times at jails by an average of 35 percent to 50 percent.
Some defense attorneys in Prince Georges County criticized the acute backups.
Veteran defense attorney William C. Brennan Jr., called the delays ridiculous, adding that they were close to violating legal protections for timely processing and stressing the relatives of those locked up.
Another defense attorney with many clients who pass through the Prince Georges jail, Thomas C. Mooney, said long waits were especially concerning for diabetics as well as those who need other medication. You can equate it to cruel and unusual punishment, Mooney said.
Yolanda Evans, a spokeswoman for the Prince Georges County Department of Corrections, said she could not provide the precise average processing times. But she said immediately after Oct. 1, waiting times increased by an average of about five hours. She said the wait times have fallen to their pre-Oct. 1 levels.
They have increased the number of commissioners working, and it has gotten better, Evans said.
Kokolis said Friday that across the state, he, too, is hearing about shorter waits.
From Oct. 1 to Oct. 29, the states court commissioners had taken in 8,578 post-arrest applications for public attorney representation.
Thats a lot, Morrissey said. Were very good at what we do, but its still a lot to get used to and to swallow.
He predicted fewer, if any, meaningful delays by the end of January.
Were determined to make it work right, and it will, he said.
Republican lieutenant governor candidate Jill Vogel; Democratic candidate Justin Fairfax. (Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post and Linda Davidson/The Washington Post)
When Virginians head to the polls on Tuesday, they may be surprised to see that theres a lieutenant governors race, a contest that has been overshadowed by the high-stakes gubernatorial contest between Ralph Northam (D) and Ed Gillespie (R).
Unlike in other states, candidates for governor and lieutenant governor in Virginia run separately, not as a team.
[Gillespie vs Northam: A guide to Virginia governors race]
No matter who wins in November, Virginia will get long-awaited diversity in a state thats only had white men serve in statewide office since 1993.
Democrat Justin Fairfax would be the first African American in statewide office since L. Douglas Wilder became lieutenant governor and then the nations first elected black governor in 1989. Republican Jill Vogel would be the first-ever woman in the lieutenant governor role, and only the second in statewide office since Attorney General Mary Sue Terry.
Heres a rundown on the candidates and the issues. But first ...
WHATS A LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DO?
Theres an old joke that the lieutenant governors job is to check the governors pulse since they are next in the line of succession and have few official responsibilities. Northam, the current occupant and a physician, likes to quip that hes been the perfect man for the job.
Beyond that, the lieutenant governor is a part-time officeholder whose main responsibility is presiding over the 40-member state Senate during the legislative session and to break ties when needed. The lieutenant governor also sits on various state boards and commissions, and can use the visibility of the position to advocate for pet causes.
In practice, the lieutenants governors office is a launchpad for higher office. Every occupant in modern history has sought the governors mansion or a seat in Congress.
Former Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling refreshingly said in his 2005 campaign, "Anyone who says that they are running for lieutenant governor but they don't want to be governor is lying." Neither candidate this year is tipping his or her hand regarding plans.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
Democrat Justin Fairfax
Democratic candidate for Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax greets the crowd after a campaign event Oct. 29 at Blue Bee Cider in Richmond. (Julia Rendleman for The Washington Post) )
Hes a 38-year-old white collar attorney in Fairfax County making his second attempt to win statewide office. Raised by a single mother in the District, hes worked as a U.S. Senate staffer, clerk to a federal judge, federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia and private attorney representing clients from student loan providers to the grocery chain Giant.
Fairfax brings energy on the campaign trail to balance out the more low-key Northam and Attorney General Mark Herring (who beat him in the 2013 Democratic primary for that office). But Fairfax's candidacy has also brought to light concerns that Democrats are neglecting the black voter after he was left off some campaign mailers printed for a union that endorsed Northam, but not him.
Our profile: Once a party crasher, Fairfax pays his dues before making his second run
Republican Jill Vogel
Jill Vogel, Virginian Republican lieutenant governor candidate, and her daughter Olivia, greet voters at a campaign rally with Vice President Pence on Oct. 14 in Abingdon. (Sara D. Davis/Getty Images) )
Shes a 47-year-old state senator from Fauquier County and longtime attorney for Republican causes. The daughter of businessman and prolific GOP donor William Holtzman, Vogel became a big player in national GOP politics as general counsel to the Republican National Committee and was elected to the state legislature in 2007.
While the rest of the Republican statewide ticket toes a careful line with President Trump, she wholeheartedly embraces him on the campaign. On television, Vogel presents a different image as a mother of four who champions women's rights even as Democrats hammer her for sponsoring a bill in 2012 that would have required invasive ultrasounds for women undergoing abortions early in their pregnancy.
Our profile: Jill Vogel brings a sunny personality and hard-right policies to campaign
KEY DIFFERENCES
Health care
Vogel is airing an ad accusing Fairfax of supporting a government-run, single-payer health care system. Its a reference to a candidate questionnaire completed by Fairfaxs campaign that indicated he would support a Medicare-for-all-system.
Fairfax has walked back that position: He says he prefers more incremental and feasible steps to affordable health coverage, namely, expanding Medicaid to low-income Virginians. Vogel opposes Medicaid expansion as unsustainable for the state budget.
Confederate monuments
Fairfax has said resources spent on removing Confederate monuments are better directed toward dismantling other "barriers" to racial equality, including disparities in how students are punished in schools and difficulties minority entrepreneurs face in getting access to capital. He personally supports removing statues, but says localities should make that decision a position that the rest of the Democratic ticket shares after initially vowing to advocate for their removal.
But Vogel has hammered Fairfax for calling the statues divisive and harmful, a message she has underlined at appearances before white, rural voters in southwest Virginia. At a rally with Vice President Pence in the coal country town of Abingdon, her campaign signs were plastered with a label saying Teach history, dont erase it.
Justin Fairfax gestures during a debate with Jill Vogel at the University of Richmond on Oct. 5. (Steve Helber/AP)
Guns
Vogel has the highest rating from the National Rifle Association of all Republicans running statewide: an A+. She brags about authoring the most pro-gun bills as a state senator and apologized for calling for more gun control after the Sandy Hook shootings in what she described as a momentary, emotional reaction.
Fairfax, who has an F rating from the NRA, supports universal background checks to purchase firearms, as well as a ban on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons.
HOW TO VOTE
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and you must present photo identification. The registration deadline has passed.
You can confirm your registration status and find the location of your polling place here.
ADDITIONAL READING
Vogels ads call her an ethics attorney. She represents dark money groups
Fairfaxs omission from campaign literature reveals tensions in party
Much lampooned ultrasound bill revived in first lieutenant governor debate
RTD: Doug Wilder endorses Fairfax and suggests Democrats treated him poorly
Primary rival accused Vogel of being behind false affair rumors
@maryellenklas @stevebousquet @patriciamazzei
For decades, sex has been a tool and a toy for the politically powerful in the male-dominated world of politics in Floridas capital. Now its a weapon.
Allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment and infidelity among the states legislators flew like shrapnel from a bomb blast in recent weeks, destroying much of the trust left in the Republican-controlled Legislature and replacing it with suspicion and finger pointing.
The latest target, Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Latvala, was accused by six unnamed women Friday of inappropriate touching and verbal harassment. Shortly after Politico Florida first reported the allegations, Senate President Joe Negron called them atrocious and horrendous and ordered an investigation. Latvala, a Clearwater Republican and candidate for governor, denied the allegations, said he welcomed the probe, and vowed a fight to clear my name.
The claims followed the abrupt resignation of one of Latvalas allies, incoming Senate Democratic Leader Jeff Clemens of Atlantis on Oct. 26 after he admitted to an affair with a lobbyist and the revelation that a state senator had discovered a surveillance camera placed by a private investigator in a condominium where several legislators stay during the annual session.
Its almost like a dark state going on in Tallahassee, said Rep. Carlos Trujillo, a Miami Republican and critic of the culture of Tallahassee that compromises the process because priorities are shaped not on policy, but on relationships.
For decades, that culture used attractive people as tools to cajole the powerful, and rumors of affairs were used to extort favors. Now, in the era of Harvey Weinstein and social media, women have been empowered to speak out about sexual harassment. But in Tallahassee, where questions are raised about the political motive of every leaked allegation, the claims of unidentified accusers can get tangled in the bitter political forces of Floridas 2018 election year.
Complicating the quest for justice, said Jose Felix Diaz, a Miami lawyer and recently retired state legislator, are those questions about political motives. All these stories, and all these allegations, are they being instigated by other legislators with a singular purpose? Is it being strategic, or is it being done for the purpose of truly bringing justice to the system?
Read more here.
Keo Kauihana supports sovereignty for the native people of Hawaii. As Hawaiians work toward a constitution for themselves, viewpoints differ about how it should operate, but many still believe that self-governance is vital. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post)
Colonization of these Pacific islands and eventual statehood nearly 60 years ago has always been a bitter subject for Native Hawaiians, the only indigenous group in the United States that does not have political sovereignty.
Decimated in number after the Western world first occupied the archipelago and later feeling marginalized within the federal bureaucracy, Native Hawaiians are now pushing hard to create their own nation, seeking the type of self-governance Native American tribes across the country established long ago.
A group that includes politicians, police officers, fast-food workers and farmers has drafted a new constitution and plans for a ratification vote. Support has come from residents on every island here, as well as from members of the Hawaiian diaspora in such places as Washington, Vietnam and Sweden.
Leaders are working to raise $2.5 million and have joined with a consortium of advocacy groups to spur the nation-building effort. Over potluck suppers in Honolulu and at an assembly of more than 300 people in Anchorage, Native Hawaiians have come together to study what could become the touchstone of their self-determination: an eight-chapter constitution that lays the foundation for a democracy with executive, legislative and judicial branches.
Their hope is that this time, a Hawaiian nation has a real shot.
Seniors perform during their graduation at Kanuikapono Charter School in Anahola, Hawaii, in May. The school emphasizes Hawaiian culture, values and traditional clothing. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post)
Ive been involved in the sovereignty movement my whole life, and when Hawaiians get together to talk about sovereignty, it usually involves a lot of fighting and yelling, and nothing gets done, says Brendon Kaleiaina Lee, 47, who served as chairman at last years constitutional convention. Never before have I seen people with so many different viewpoints willing to sit down and work together.
In an overly warm conference room at a Hilton hotel on Kauai earlier this year, Robin Danner, an advocate for Native Hawaiian sovereignty, plunged down a list of perks indigenous Hawaiians could get by standing up their own government.
Free health care. Reacquisition of stolen lands. Greater influence in Hawaii state politics. New programming designed to tackle the socioeconomic ills disproportionately faced by Hawaiis indigenous people homelessness, substance abuse, incarceration, obesity and low high school graduation rates.
Its not just a sexy slogan, explained Danner, who co-founded the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement. Sovereignty is improving the lives of people in our community. This is about creating jobs. This is about addressing diabetes.
Robin Danner, co-founder of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, stands on the shoreline of Anahola in May. (Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post)
A government by and for Native Hawaiians, Danner said, could codify the ancient Hawaiian practice of hanai, a custom lacking legal protection in which a child gains a second set of adoptive parents without diminishing ties to their birthparents. It could seek to formalize a government-to-government relationship with the United States or any other foreign nation as well as prioritize preserving the near-extinct Hawaiian language.
A voice rose from the audience: What does Trump think about this?
Fortunately, we dont need President Trump for any of this, Danner said. What matters is what we think. No one can give us sovereignty except ourselves.
Native Hawaiians are the descendants of the original Polynesians who built a society on the islands more than 1,000 years ago, arriving on double-hulled voyaging canoes they navigated by following the stars. After British explorer James Cook landed in Hawaii in the late 1770s he was killed there in 1779 while attempting to kidnap the king of Hawaii Island Europeans began visiting regularly, and many of the Hawaiians were killed off by unfamiliar diseases.
The United States played a role in tearing down the Hawaiian monarchy, overthrowing the kingdom and forcing Queen Liliuokalani to abdicate the throne in January 1893. Hawaii became a state in 1959.
In more recent years, the Native Hawaiian population has been rising steadily, according to the U.S. Census. In 2000, there were 401,162 people across the United States who identified as Native Hawaiian alone or in some combination of other races; by 2010, that number had grown to 527,077, an increase of 31 percent. Of the 1.4 million people living in Hawaii in 2010, about 80,000 identified as Native Hawaiian alone and 210,000 identified as Native Hawaiian in some combination of other races. The combined group made up 21 percent of the state's residents.
Despite the growth, the Native Hawaiian population lags behind other ethnicities in wealth and assets. Native Hawaiian families in 2013 had a median income of $72,762, the lowest of all major ethnic groups in the state, according to data by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Residents of Anahola wave the Hawaiian flag. Most people who live in Anahola, on Kauai, are of Hawaiian descent. (Bonnie Jo Mount/Washington Post)
This is not the first time a group of Native Hawaiians has sought support for a governing document to improve their circumstances. Mahealani Wendt, 70, the former executive director of the Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation, participated in three earlier efforts to compose a constitution. All were doomed by a lack of funding and support among Native Hawaiian voters, she said.
There is fatigue, Wendt said. I was hoping my mother would still be alive when we finally got a government, but my mom has passed away, and now Im thinking Im going to be dead and its still not going to happen. I see opposition from within our community, and I see opposition from outside of it these are strange bedfellows. But ultimately I think there comes a time when you just have to fish or cut bait. Take the vote. If the vote is not successful, you start again.
But adding to the momentum now is a new opportunity for Hawaiians to grow their political independence by seeking an official nation-to-nation relationship with the United States. The rulemaking that allows it, announced last year by the U.S. Interior Department, does not attempt to reorganize a native government or dictate its structure. It allows Hawaiians to create a government of their choosing, with an option to vet it against the newly established eligibility requirements for federal recognition.
The Interior Department started accepting requests for federal recognition from Native American groups in 1978, but that pathway to self-determination was previously off limits to Native Hawaiians.
Federal recognition is harshly criticized by some Hawaiians who aspire to strip themselves completely of U.S. law and influence instead of operating within the U.S. system. Advocates for total independence hope to win an international court order that would call on the U.S. to forfeit its political and military presence in the Hawaiian islands.
John Parker, 65, a retired native longshoreman, rests in front of his childhood home in Waimanalo, Hawaii. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post)
As evidence, they point to a 1993 joint resolution known as the Apology Bill, in which Congress demonstrated a deep regret to the Native Hawaiian people for the overthrow of the kingdom there. The legislation recognized the illegality of the United States role in forcing Queen Liliuokalani out.
One challenge to the national self-governance movement is the debate from within about how the government would operate and form relationships with others once sovereignty is achieved. All three of the groups hosting workshops across the islands are pro-federal recognition, which has made many in the total independence camp wary of participating in the nation-building process.
Yet until Hawaiians erect their own government, how it would interact with the United States and others is all fantasy, said Michelle Kauhane, a writer of the constitution who has been traveling to present it to Native Hawaiian communities.
Before you go about establishing a relationship with another government, you want to establish sovereignty for yourself, Kauhane said. Whether anybody recognizes us or not, theres nothing that prevents us from standing up our government, enforcing our laws and exercising our sovereignty muscles. Folks get very wrapped up in discussing the destination without building the vessel. As a result, nothing gets done and we remain oppressed.
The gated entrance to the Nation of Hawaiis village. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post)
Small sovereignty groups already exist in the islands, but their legitimacy is often called into question because of low membership and a lack of recognition by the U.S. government.
Being unrecognized is weak, Danner said. If I form a government and no other government recognizes it, then were really no more than a club hiding out in the bushes.
One such group is the Nation of Hawaii, formed in 1994 by Native Hawaiian activist Dennis Bumpy Kanahele. Before he acquired a state lease for the 45-acre compound that serves as the Nation of Hawaiis land base, Kanahele, in a gesture of defiance, led 300 people in the occupation of a popular east Oahu beach. A 15-month standoff with law enforcement ended when Hawaii Gov. John D. Waihee offered a trade for peace: A $3,000-a-year land parcel on which Kanahele and his supporters, many of them homeless, could exercise a measure of sovereignty.
Dennis Bumpy Kanahele, head of state for the Nation of Hawaii, reflects on his struggles. Kanahele developed a village on land he negotiated from the state more than two decades ago. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post)
Today the Nation of Hawaii has about 70 resident members. The group does not limit its membership to Native Hawaiians, since people of all ethnicities were governed by the Hawaiian Kingdom at the time of the overthrow.
Kanahele was one of 152 participants in last years constitutional convention. He decamped before the vote that adopted the document.
That was like a 20-day cleanse, said Kanahele, who is in the process of launching Aloha Coin, a virtual currency for the Nation of Hawaii. People there were just learning about nation-building. They have no idea how to be responsible for 100 people, 200 people, 1,000 people. Their nation is in the four corners of the classroom. They are more theory; we are out here leading by example.
A reporter asked Scott if sexual harassment of women is part of the culture of Tallahassee. Scott replied: It better not be. And if it is it has to stop. As we go through this investigation, were going to find out the facts. We all need to understand the facts, and if anybodys done anything wrong, theyre going to be held accountable.
Kentucky
Lawmaker quits post over harassment claim
Kentuckys Republican House speaker resigned his leadership position Sunday after acknowledging that he settled sexual harassment claims from one of his staff members last month.
Jeff Hoover, of Russell County in south-central Kentucky, denied sexually harassing the staff member but said he sent inappropriate text messages. Hoovers wife and two of his three daughters were in the room as he spoke.
I engaged in banter that was consensual, but make no mistake, it was wrong on my part to do that. And for that, I am truly sorry, Hoover said. I want to reiterate that at no time, at no time, did I engage in unwelcome or unwanted conduct of any kind.
Hoover said he will remain in the legislature. House Speaker Pro Tempore David Osborne will become the acting speaker.
Associated Press
Teen killed in Philadelphia: A man opened fire on a group of teenagers sitting on a stoop of a northern Philadelphia home, killing a 16-year-old and wounding a 12-year-old, less than 24 hours after mourners gathered for the funeral of another 16-year-old shooting victim, police said. They said a man, described as in his early 20s, approached the group and opened fire shortly after midnight Saturday. Officers found the 16-year-old face-
down on the street with gunshot wounds to the head and body, police said. He was pronounced dead. The 12-year-old was hospitalized with a wound in the thigh; he was in stable condition.
Mass. court to hear suicide case: Massachusetts's highest court is set to wade into a contentious legal battle over whether schools can be held responsible when students commit suicide. The Supreme Judicial Court will hear arguments Tuesday in a lawsuit filed against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by the family of a graduate student who killed himself in 2009. Han Nguyen's family said that his death was preventable and that the school had a legal duty to act with reasonable care to protect him from harm. MIT and 18 other schools are urging the court to reject the family's case. Nguyen reportedly struggled with depression and jumped off a building shortly after a professor confronted him about an offensive email.
From news services
YEMEN
Militants set off bomb, raid security compound
Masked militants set off a large car bomb outside a security headquarters in Yemens southern port city of Aden early Sunday, killing at least 17 people before storming the compound, officials said, sparking combat that continued well into the night.
The officials said the militants placed snipers on the roof and gunned down most of the security forces inside. The officials gave conflicting accounts of what happened next inside the building. They initially said the militants had taken an unknown number of people hostage. Later they said the militants opened cell gates and released prisoners.
Security forces backed by an Apache helicopter continued to fight for control of the installation after nightfall, chasing down militants in the surrounding structures and neighborhood. Some hostages were killed, the officials added, without providing figures. They said at least five soldiers were among the dead.
In an online statement, the local affiliate of the Islamic State group asserted responsibility for the attack, saying it killed 50 soldiers.
A Saudi-led military coalition, meanwhile, launched airstrikes on the rebel-held Yemeni capital, Sanaa, apparently in response to a ballistic missile fired by the rebels toward an airport on the outskirts of Riyadh, the Saudi capital. Saudi Arabia said it shot down the missile before the projectile could hit its target.
Yemen is embroiled in a war between Iran-backed Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, and the internationally recognized government, which is allied with the Saudi-led coalition.
Associated Press
VENEZUELA
Maduro foe sheltering in Chile envoys home
Prominent Venezuelan lawmaker Freddy Guevara has sought refuge in the Chilean ambassadors residence in Caracas amid fears that he could be jailed, a development that leaves the ailing opposition with even fewer leaders to take on leftist President Nicolas Maduro.
Authorities had sought to remove Guevaras congressional immunity so that he could be tried on charges of instigating violence. The opposition and local media said intelligence agents had surrounded Guevaras house over the weekend.
Guevara, a 31-year-old who runs the hard-line Popular Will party and is the deputy leader of congress, entered the residence on Saturday and requested protection, the Chilean government said in a statement.
A majority of opposition leaders are now unable to challenge the unpopular Maduro, whom they blame for the oil-rich nations economic downfall.
Anti-Maduro politicians have been barred from holding office, like two-time presidential candidate Henrique Capriles; arrested or placed under house arrest, like opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez; or threatened with trial, like congress leader Julio Borges.
Guevara was often on the front lines of sometimes violent protests earlier this year to demand early elections, humanitarian aid to alleviate hunger, freedom for jailed dissidents, and respect for the opposition-led congress.
The government says the demonstrations were a U.S.-backed armed insurrection designed to oust Maduro.
Reuters
Hundreds of nationalist protesters arrested in Moscow: Hundreds of people were arrested in the center of Moscow while trying to stage an unauthorized demonstration called by a nationalist group. The arrests came two days after Russia's domestic security agency said it had arrested some of the group's members. The group, called Artpodgotovka, was declared an extremist organization by a Russian court last week. Its exiled leader had called for protests to force President Vladimir Putin's resignation.
Typhoon kills 27 in Vietnam: Floods inundated swaths of central and southern Vietnam in the wake of a typhoon that left at least 27 dead just days before the region is to host a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders. Typhoon Damrey, the 12th major storm to hit Vietnam this year, damaged more than 40,000 homes, knocked down electricity poles and uprooted trees.
Congo election panel sets Dec. 2018 date for vote: Congo's top election official announced that a long-awaited presidential vote would not be held until late December 2018, months later than opposition leaders have been seeking. The tensions over President Joseph Kabila's continued tenure have led to deadly protests since December 2016, when his official mandate ended.
From news services
PRESIDENT TRUMP has what might seem like an irresistible opportunity for a populist climate-change denier: to crack down on imports and harm the effort to combat climate change all at once. Yet even the briefest of looks shows that slapping tariffs on imported solar cells, as he has been urged to do, would harm far more Americans than it could possibly help. In other words, this is a precedent-setting test of whether reality can beat rhetoric in the White House. The implications are vast for the future of the internationally integrated U.S. economy.
The United States has seen a boom in solar power over the past several years, as the cost of the once-pricey energy source has plummeted to a paltry 6 cents per kilowatt-hour. A big part of the story is the advent of highly efficient solar cell manufacturing in China and elsewhere, which has driven down the cost for essential solar parts. Notably, solar cell imports have not minimized employment in the solar industry, which now supports some quarter-million jobs, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. In fact, the industry group points out, imports supply a domestic manufacturing sector based on assembling solar racks and specialized equipment. The group warns that a sharp rise in solar cell costs would threaten thousands of jobs, as well as raise prices for the increasing number of consumers who rely on solar energy, in order to protect a fraction of the jobs such a move would risk.
Yet higher prices are exactly what Suniva and SolarWorld Americas, two struggling solar cell manufacturers, are asking the Trump administration to mandate. They filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) asking for stiff tariffs on solar cell imports under an old and backward section of the country's trade law, which has been dormant for nearly two decades. The companies needed to show only that a surge in imports harmed them. Then, last Tuesday, the ITC recommended tariffs. Now, the president will get final say.
Mr. Trump clearly believes that the government should restrict Americans freedom to trade. But agreeing with the complainers in this case would obviously contradict his avowed motive to support middle-class U.S. jobs. The companies supporters say that prices would not actually rise much and that the United States must preserve solar cell manufacturing capacity in the interest of energy security. But the risks of helping a narrow slice of the industry at the expense of the rest of it simply outweigh the benefits.
This solar trade case may just the beginning. Shortly after it was filed, appliance-maker Whirlpool lodged a similar petition with the ITC, demanding protection from imports of washing machines from Thailand and Vietnam. Once the Trump administration signals that it is willing to misuse the nation's trade laws to help narrow special interests, uncompetitive companies in a range of industries will file their own complaints, raising everyone else's prices.
Will Mr. Trumps effort to put America first be moderated by reality or will the president plow ahead regardless of the countrys real interests?
Columnist
The Trump administration is slowly but surely coming around to a more hawkish, traditional Republican stance on China. Several signs of the shift will be evident, if not obvious, during the president's trip to Asia. But the real movement will play out in the weeks after President Trump returns home.
After months of what officials and Asia experts saw as a somewhat disjointed and contradictory approach to Asias rising power, officials say the administration is coalescing around a strategy that will attempt to define the Indo-Pacific chessboard on Americas terms and respond to the threat that Chinas activities pose to the United States and its regional allies.
The shift is the result of the increasing influence of China hawks inside the administration, officials and experts close to the Trump team say. While everyones been paying attention to the distractions, the traditional Republican Asia hawks are moving China policy in a direction that would be recognizable in most Republican administrations, a White House official said.
Parts of the new strategy have been incorporated into the speeches Trump will give in the five Asian countries he is visiting. The broad vision will be unveiled in the presidents speech at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Da Nang, Vietnam.
Were saying our interests are the same and immutable all the way from Japan to the Indian Ocean and being much more explicit about the challenge that China poses, the White House official said.
Trump doesnt want any friction with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his Beijing stop, officials said, so dont expect him to challenge Xi directly on human rights or North Korea. But in speeches in other countries, Trump will call out Chinas aggression in the South China Sea, its predatory trade practices, and Americas commitment to an open and free, rules-based order in the region, officials said.
The United States will also participate in a quadrilateral meeting of Pacific allies Japan, India and Australia, the first of its kind in several years. The formulation, long envisioned by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is referred to informally as the "democracy diamond." Although midlevel officials will staff the meeting, the Chinese government will not miss its significance.
The subtle but steady shift in the Trump administration's China approach is partially credited to the fact that Trump is filling his Asia policy team with China hawks inside the national security agencies and around the region. Bush administration official Randall Schriver is being nominated for the Pentagon's top Asia job. Adm. Harry Harris has been offered the post of ambassador to Australia. Former White House official Victor Cha is set to be ambassador to South Korea. And National Security Council senior director for Asia Matthew Pottinger, who advocates a harder line on Beijing, is leading the Indo-Pacific strategy review.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has also been taking a harder line on China recently. His speech last month at the Center for Strategic and International Studies reflected a much tougher stance compared with his line during his first trip to Beijing earlier this year.
Dont be fooled by the happy veneer in Beijing a harder line toward China is coalescing and ascendant inside the administration, said Ely Ratner, senior fellow for China studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. The administration has finally gotten around to designing a more holistic approach to Asia. By all accounts, that will include a harder line toward Beijing.
Of course, Trump's own praise of Xi, including calling him a "king," sends the opposite message. Several officials were shocked last week when White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly told Fox News it was not for the United States to "pass judgment" on the Chinese government and added, "They have a system of government that has apparently worked for the Chinese people."
Trumps desire to keep his friendship with Xi strong does complicate the drive to get tough on China. But after spending almost two weeks hearing from other Asian leaders, Trump may see the China challenge more clearly, some officials believe.
The test will be in the weeks following Trumps trip. Several key decisions on China come due, including on steel and aluminum tariffs, Chinese theft of intellectual property, and more. Theres a consensus inside the administration that Trump needs to do more to press China on the economic front, a major campaign promise.
Trumps time in Beijing will be a smile-fest, but that will be his least important stop among the five countries he visits. If he can articulate a clear vision for the region and listens to allies, the trip could set the stage for a concrete shift to the more hawkish China policy the majority of his officials believe in.
Read more from Josh Rogin's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Communist Party supporters with red flags and a flag with a portrait of Vladimir Lenin walk during a demonstration marking the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution in Moscows Red Square on Nov. 5. (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)
Columnist
At the beginning of 1917, on the eve of the Russian revolution, most of the men who would become known to the world as the Bolsheviks had very little to show for their lives. They had been in and out of prison, constantly under police surveillance, rarely employed. Vladimir Lenin spent most of the decade preceding the revolution drifting between Krakow, Zurich and London. Joseph Stalin spent those years in the Caucasus, running protection rackets and robbing banks. Leon Trotsky had escaped from Siberian exile was to be found in Viennese coffee shops; when the revolution broke out, he was showing off his glittering brilliance at socialist meeting halls in New York.
They were peripheral figures even in the Russian revolutionary underground. Trotksy had played a small role in the unsuccessful revolution of 1905 the bloody, spontaneous uprising that the historian Richard Pipes has called "the foreshock" but Lenin was abroad. None of them played a major role in the February revolution, the first of the two revolutions of 1917, when hungry workers and mutinous soldiers occupied the streets of Petrograd, as St. Petersburg was then called, and forced the czar to abdicate. Alexander Shliapnikov, one of the few Bolsheviks to reach the Russian capital at the time, even dismissed the February street protests, at first, as inconsequential: "What revolution? Give the workers a pound of bread and the movement will peter out." Chaotic elections to the first workers' soviet, a kind of spontaneous council, were held a few days before the czar's abdication; the Bolsheviks got only a fraction of the vote. At that moment, Alexander Kerensky, who was to become the Provisional Government's liberal leader, enjoyed widespread support.
Seven months later the Bolsheviks were in charge. A Russian friend of mine likes to say, in the spirit of Voltaire's famous joke about the Holy Roman Empire, that the Great October Revolution, as it was always known in Soviet days, was none of those things: not great (it was an economic and political disaster); not in October (according to the Gregorian calendar it was actually Nov. 7); and, above all, not a revolution. It was a Bolshevik coup d'etat. But it was not an accident, either. Lenin began plotting a violent seizure of power before he had even learned of the czar's abdication. Immediately "within a few hours," according to Victor Sebestyen's excellent new biography, "Lenin: The Man, the Dictator, and the Master of Terror" he sent out a list of orders to his colleagues in Petrograd. They included "no trust or support for the new government," "arm the proletariat" and "make no rapprochement of any kind with other parties." More than a thousand miles away, in Switzerland, he could not possibly have had any idea what the new government stood for. But as a man who had spent much of the previous 20 years fighting against "bourgeois democracy," and arguing virulently against elections and parties, he already knew that he wanted it smashed.
His extremism was precisely what persuaded the German government, then at war with Russia, to help Lenin carry out his plans. "We must now definitely try to create the utmost chaos in Russia," one German official advised. "We must secretly do all that we can to aggravate the differences between the moderate and the extreme parties . . . since we are interested in the victory of the latter." The kaiser personally approved of the idea; his generals hoped it would lead the Russian state to collapse and withdraw from the war. And so the German government promised Lenin funding, put him and 30 other Bolsheviks among them his wife, Nadezhda Krupskaya , as well as his mistress, Inessa Armand onto a train, and sent them to revolutionary Petrograd. They arrived at the Finland Station on April 16, where they were welcomed by a cheering crowd.
[Red century: The rise and decline of global communism]
A few days later Lenin issued his famous April Theses, which echoed the orders that he had sent from Zurich. He treated the Bolsheviks' minority status as temporary, the product of a misunderstanding: "It must be explained to the masses that the Soviet of Workers' Deputies is the only possible form of revolutionary government." He showed his scorn for democracy, dismissing the idea of a parliamentary republic as "a retrograde step." He called for the abolition of the police, the army and the bureaucracy, as well as the nationalization of all land and all banks.
Plenty of people thought he was crazy. But in the weeks that followed, Lenin stuck to his extremist vision despite the objections of his more moderate colleagues, agitating for it all over the city. Using a formula that would be imitated and repeated by demagogues around the world for decades to come up to and including the demagogues of the present, about which more in a moment he and the other Bolsheviks offered poor people simplistic answers to complex questions. They called for peace, land and bread. They sketched out beautiful pictures of an impossible future. They promised not only wealth but also happiness, a better life in a better nation.
Trotsky later wrote with an almost mystical lyricism about this period, a time when "meetings were held in plants, schools and colleges, in theatres, circuses, streets and squares." His favorite events took place at the Petrograd Circus:
I usually spoke in the Circus in the evening, sometimes quite late at night. My audience was composed of workers, soldiers, hard-working mothers, street urchinsthe oppressed under-dogs of the capital. Every square inch was filled, every human body compressed to its limit. Young boys sat on their fathers shoulders; infants were at their mothers breasts. No one smoked. The balconies threatened to fall under the excessive weight of human bodies. I made my way to the platform through a narrow human trench, sometimes I was borne overhead. The air, intense with breathing and waiting, fairly exploded with shouts. . . .
No speaker, no matter how exhausted, could resist the electric tension of that impassioned human throng. They wanted to know, to understand, to find their way. At times it seemed as if I felt, with my lips, the stern inquisitiveness of this crowd that had become merged into a single whole. Then all the arguments and words thought out in advance would break and recede under the imperative pressure of sympathy, and other words, other arguments, utterly unexpected by the orator but needed by these people, would emerge in full array from my subconsciousness.
This feeling of oneness with the masses the sensation, bizarrely narcissistic, that he was the authentic Voice of the People, the living embodiment of the Dictatorship of the Proletariat supported Trotsky and propelled him onward. It also disguised the fact that, like Lenin, he was lying.
Power in chaos
So were all his comrades. The Bolsheviks lied about the past the relationships some of them had with the czarist police, Lenins secret pact with Germany and they lied about the future, too. All through the spring and summer of 1917, Trotsky and Lenin repeatedly made promises that would never be kept. Peace, Land, and Bread? Their offer of peace concealed their faith in the coming world revolution and their determination to use force to bring it about. Their offer of land disguised a plan to keep all property in state hands. Their offer of bread concealed an ideological obsession with centralized food production that would keep Russians hungry or decades.
But in 1917, the fairy tales told by Lenin, Trotsky, and the others won the day. They certainly did not persuade all Russians, or even a majority of the Russians, to support them. They did not persuade the Petrograd Soviet or the other socialist parties. But they did persuade a fanatical and devoted minority, one that would kill for the cause. And in the political chaos that followed the czars abdication, in a city that was paralyzed by food shortages, distracted by rumors and haunted by an unpopular war, a fanatical and devoted minority proved sufficient.
Capturing power was not difficult. Using the tactics of psychological warfare that would later become their trademark, the Bolsheviks convinced a mob of supporters that they were under attack, and directed them to sack the Winter Palace, where the ministers of the Provisional Government were meeting. As Stalin later remembered, the party leadership "disguised its offensive actions behind a smoke screen of defenses." They lied again, in other words, to inspire their fanatical followers to fight. After a brief scuffle the ministers put up no real defense Lenin, without any endorsement from any institution other than his own party, declared himself the leader of a country that he renamed Soviet Russia.
Keeping power was much harder. Precisely because he represented a fanatical minority and had been endorsed by no one else, Lenins proclamation was only the beginning of what would become a long and bloody struggle. Socialists in other countries used the Marxist expression class war as a metaphor; they meant only class rivalry, perhaps conducted through the ballot box, or at most a bit of street fighting. But from the beginning, the Bolsheviks always envisioned actual class warfare, accompanied by actual mass violence, which would physically destroy the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie, physically destroy their shops and factories, physically destroy the schools, the courts, the press. In October 1917, they began using that mass violence. In the subsequent Russian and Ukrainian civil wars that consumed the former empire between 1918 and 1921, hundreds of thousands of people died. Millions more would die in waves of terror in the years that followed.
In this photo taken in October 1917, members of the revolution Red Guards pose for a photo with their arms at the Smolny Institute building, which was chosen by Vladimir Lenin as Bolshevik headquarters during the October Revolution in 1917. (Russian State Archive of Social and Political History via AP)
The chaos was vast. But many in Russia came to embrace the destruction. They argued that the system was so corrupt, so immune to reform or repair, that it had to be smashed. Some welcomed the bonfire of civilization with something bordering on ecstasy. The beauty of violence, the cleansing power of violence: these were themes that inspired Russian poetry and prose in 1918. Krasnaya Gazeta, the newspaper of the Red Army, urged the soldiers of the Bolshevik cause to be merciless to their enemies: Let them be thousands, let them drown themselves in their own blood . . . let there be floods of blood of the bourgeoisie more blood, as much as possible. A young Ukrainian named Vsevolod Balytsky, one of the early members of the Cheka, the Bolshevik secret police, published a poem in the Ukrainian edition of Izvestiya in 1919:
There, where even yesterday life was so joyous
Flows the river of blood
And so? There where it flows
There will be no mercy
Nothing will save you, nothing!
Fourteen years later, Balytsky, by then the secret police boss in Ukraine, would launch the mass arrests and searches that culminated in the Ukrainian famine, an artificially created catastrophe that killed nearly four million people. Four years after that, in 1937, Balytsky was himself executed by a firing squad.
Also in that year, the peak year of the Great Terror, Stalin eliminated anyone in the country whom he suspected might have dissenting views of any kind. Lenin had already eliminated the other socialist parties. Stalin focused on the enemies inside his own party, both real and imaginary, in a bloody mass purge. Like Lenin, Stalin never accepted any form of legal opposition indeed he never believed that there could be such a thing as constructive opposition at all. Truth was defined by the leader. The direction of state policy was defined by the leader. Everyone and everything that opposed the leader parties, courts, media was an enemy of the people, a phrase that Lenin stole from the French Revolution.
Within two decades of October 1917, the Revolution had devoured not only its children, but also its founders the men and women who had been motivated by such passion for destruction. It created not a beautiful new civilization but an angry, unhappy, and embittered society, one that squandered its resources, built ugly, inhuman cities, and broke new ground in atrocity and mass murder. Even as the Soviet Union became less violent, in the years following Stalins death in 1953, it remained dishonest and intolerant, insisting on a facade of unity. As the philosopher Roger Scruton has observed, Bolshevism eventually became so cocooned in layers of dishonesty that it lost touch with reality: Facts no longer made contact with the theory, which had risen above the facts on clouds of nonsense, rather like a theological system. The point was not to believe the theory, but to repeat it ritualistically and in such a way that both belief and doubt became irrelevant. . . . In this way the concept of truth disappeared from the intellectual landscape, and was replaced by that of power. Once people were unable to distinguish truth from ideological fiction, however, they were also unable to solve or even describe the worsening social and economic problems of their society. Fear, hatred, cynicism and criminality were all around them, with no obvious solutions in sight.
So discredited was Bolshevism after the Soviet Unions demise in 1991 that, for a quarter of a century, it seemed as if Bolshevik thinking was gone for good. But suddenly, now, in the year of the revolutions centenary, its back.
The neo-Bolsheviks
History repeats itself and so do ideas, but never in exactly the same way. Bolshevik thinking in 2017 does not sound exactly the way it sounded in 1917. There are, it is true, still a few Marxists around. In Spain and Greece they have formed powerful political parties, though in Spain they have yet to win power and in Greece they have been forced by the realities of international markets, to quietly drop their "revolutionary" agenda. The current leader of the British Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn, also comes out of the old pro-Soviet far left. He has voiced anti-American, anti-NATO, anti-Israel, and even anti-British (and pro-IRA) sentiments for decades predictable views that no longer sound shocking to a generation that cannot remember who sponsored them in the past. Within his party there is a core of radicals who speak of overthrowing capitalism and bringing back nationalization.
In the United States, the Marxist left has also consolidated on the fringes of the Democratic Party and sometimes not even on the fringes as well as on campuses, where it polices the speech of its members, fights to prevent students from hearing opposing viewpoints, and teaches a dark, negative version of American history, one calculated to create doubts about democracy and to cast shadows on all political debate. The followers of this new alt-left spurn basic patriotism and support Americas opponents, whether in Russia or the Middle East. As in Britain, they dont remember the antecedents of their ideas and they dont make a connection between their language and the words used by fanatics of a different era.
But so far, the new left, however fashionable it may be in some circles, is not in power, and thus has not managed to create a real revolution. In truth, the most influential contemporary Bolsheviks the people who began, like Lenin and Trotsky, on the extremist fringes of political life and who are now in positions of power and real influence in several Western countries come from a different political tradition altogether.
Marine Le Pen, head of Frances far-right National Front party, at an Oct. 22 news conference. (Fred Tanneau/AFP via Getty Images)
Donald Trump, Viktor Orban, Nigel Farage, Marine Le Pen and Jaroslaw Kaczynski: although they are often described as far-right or alt-right, these neo-Bolsheviks have little to do with the right that has been part of Western politics since World War II, and they have no connection to existing conservative parties. In continental Europe, they scorn Christian Democracy, which had its political base in the church and sought to bring morality back to politics after the nightmare of the Second World War. Nor do they have anything to do with Anglo-Saxon conservatism, which promoted free markets, free speech and a Burkean small-c conservatism: skepticism of progress, suspicion of radicalism in all its forms, and a belief in the importance of conserving institutions and values. Whether German or Dutch Christian Democrats, British Tories, American Republicans, East European ex-dissidents or French Gaullists, post-war Western conservatives have all been dedicated to representative democracy, religious tolerance, economic integration and the Western alliance.
By contrast, the neo-Bolsheviks of the new right or alt-right do not want to conserve or to preserve what exists. They are not Burkeans but radicals who want to overthrow existing institutions. Instead of the false and misleading vision of the future offered by Lenin and Trotsky, they offer a false and misleading vision of the past. They conjure up worlds made up of ethnically or racially pure nations, old-fashioned factories, traditional male-female hierarchies and impenetrable borders. Their enemies are homosexuals, racial and religious minorities, advocates of human rights, the media, and the courts. They are often not real Christians but rather cynics who use Christianity as a tribal identifier, a way of distinguishing themselves from their enemies: they are Christians fighting against Muslims or against liberals if there are no Muslims available.
To an extraordinary degree, they have adopted Lenin's refusal to compromise, his anti-democratic elevation of some social groups over others and his hateful attacks on his "illegitimate" opponents. Law and Justice, the illiberal nationalist ruling party in Poland, has sorted its compatriots into "true Poles" and "Poles of the worst sort." Trump speaks of "real" Americans, as opposed to the "elite." Stephen Miller, a Trump acolyte and speechwriter, recently used the word "cosmopolitan," an old Stalinist moniker for Jews (the full term was "rootless cosmopolitan"), to describe a reporter asking him tough questions. "Real" Americans are worth talking to; "cosmopolitans" need to be eliminated from public life.
Surprisingly, given its mild and pragmatic traditions, even British politics is now saturated with Leninist language. When British judges declared, in November 2016, that the Brexit referendum had to be confirmed by Parliament a reasonable decision in a parliamentary democracy the Daily Mail, a xenophobic pro-Brexit newspaper, ran a cover story with judges' photographs and the phrase "Enemies of the People." Later, the same paper called on the prime minister to "Crush the Saboteurs," choosing a word that was also favored by Lenin to describe legitimate political opposition.
Famously, Trump has also used the expression "enemy of the American people" on Twitter. Though it is unlikely that the president himself understood the historical context, some of the people around him certainly did. Bannon, Miller and several others in Trump's immediate orbit know perfectly well that the delegitimization of political opponents as "un-American" and "elitist," and of the media as "fake news," is the first step in a more ambitious direction. If some of what these extremists say is to be taken seriously, their endgame the destruction of the existing political order, possibly including the U.S. Constitution is one that the Bolsheviks would have understood. The historian Ronald Radosh has quoted Bannon's comparison of himself to the Bolshevik leader. "Lenin," Bannon told Radosh, "wanted to destroy the state, and that's my goal too. I want to bring everything crashing down, and destroy all of today's establishment." At a conservative gathering in Washington in 2013, Bannon also called for a "virulently anti-establishment" and "insurgent" movement that will "hammer this city, both the progressive left and the institutional Republican Party."
A view of the crowd at the U.S. Capitol during President Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20. (Bill O'Leary /The Washington Post)
And what gives a president who did not win the popular vote the right to do that? This, too, is a familiar idea: the "People." It is a mystical notion, quite different from the actually existing population of America, but strikingly similar to the "crowd" in whose name Trotsky spoke at the Petrograd Circus. In his dark, nihilistic inaugural address, much of it written by Bannon and Miller, the president announced that he was "transferring power from Washington D.C. and giving it back to you, the American People" as if the capital city had until 2017 somehow belonged to foreign occupiers. This un-American idea of the "People" bears more than a passing resemblance to the Dictatorship of the Proletariat, the force that scientific Marxism once predicted would run the world. It also sounds a lot like what Le Pen means by "the Nation," as opposed to the "globalist elite," or what the Law and Justice party in Poland mean when they talk about "suweren," the sovereign nation, as opposed to the majority of Polish voters, who actually oppose them.
A nihilistic desire for disaster
Like their predecessors, the neo-Bolsheviks are also liars. Trump lies with pathological intensity about matters small and large, and he lies so often and so obviously that it is not even necessary to cite his uncounted falsehoods again here. But he is not alone. Recently Le Pen was charged in an investigation into her anti-European party for cheating the European parliament out of money. The Law and Justice party pretends that its attacks on the Polish constitution are nothing more than "judicial reform." Orban has hidden the probably corrupt details of Russian investment in a nuclear plant in Hungary. These are not coincidences. Nor is it a coincidence that the most successful neo-Bolsheviks have all created their own "alternative media," starting online and moving into the mainstream, specializing in disinformation, hate campaigns, racist jokes and organized trolling of opponents. (The old Bolsheviks used to call this propaganda, and they were brilliant at it.) Both the politicians and the "journalists" lie out of conviction, because they believe that ordinary morality does not apply to them. In a rotten world, truth can be sacrificed in the name of "the People," or as a means of targeting "Enemies of the People." In the struggle for power, anything is permitted.
Finally, and most painfully, there is a hint, and sometimes more than a hint, of a reviving appreciation among the neo-Bolsheviks for the cleansing possibilities of violence. The violent poetry of 1917 has morphed into the violent memes of 2017, the "Ultra Violence" threads on Reddit, the white nationalist groups seeking "race war," and the NRA videos urging Americans to arm themselves for the coming apocalyptic struggle to "save our country." Some of this dangerous trash has been around for a long time: far-right and far-left extremists in Europe have always savored the idea of violence. But now some of that nihilistic desire for disaster has become mainstream, even reaching the White House. As long ago as 2014, Trump, after railing against Obamacare, fantasized: "You know what solves it? When the economy crashes, when the country goes to total hell and everything is a disaster. Then you'll have a, you know, you'll have riots to go back to where we used to be when we were great."
Shocking though it is, that sentiment is mild by comparison with Bannon's apocalyptic vision of a coming war perhaps with Islam, perhaps with China that will cleanse the Western world of weakness and restore Western greatness. This is how Bannon put it in 2010: "We're gonna have to have some dark days before we get to the blue sky of morning again in America. We are going to have to take some massive pain. Anybody who thinks we don't have to take pain is, I believe, fooling you." A HuffPost article included similar Bannon statements. In 2011: "Against radical Islam, we're in a 100-year war." In 2014: "We are in an outright war against jihadist Islamic fascism. And this war is, I think, metastasizing far quicker than governments can handle it." In 2016: "We're going to war in the South China Seas in the next five to ten years, aren't we?"
An echo of this lust for war can also be heard in the schizophrenic speech on "Western civilization" that Bannon is said to have helped write for Trump in Warsaw in July. Amid some paragraphs that sounded almost like a normal foreign policy speech, someone inserted a passage describing the Warsaw uprising a horrific and destructive battle which, despite great courage, the Polish resistance army lost. Those heroes," Trump declared, "remind us that the West was saved with the blood of patriots; that each generation must rise up and play their part in its defense." Each generation? That means our generation, too: Get your weapons ready, because these people want you and your children to bleed and die in the cause of civilizational renewal.
No excuse for complacency
Fortunately, we do not live in 1917 Petrograd. There are no bread shortages, or ragged barefoot soldiers, or aristocrats in thrall to mad monks. There will be few opportunities to surround the government in a palace, enter and take it over. Our states are not, yet, that weak.
We also have, as the Russians of 1917 did not have, the benefit of hindsight. In much of continental Europe, the demagogue who divides the nation into enemies and patriots creates bad connotations and triggers unpleasant memories. Over the past year, French, Dutch and Austrian voters rejected the nihilism and xenophobia of Le Pen, Geert Wilders and Norbert Hofer, not least because of what they resembled.
The French may even have taken the first necessary step in the longer battle against false revolutions by voting for Emmanuel Macron, the first major European politician to argue for a muscular revival of liberalism. Macron openly opposed the fear, the nostalgia and the nativism on the rise across the continent, and he won without offering impossible schemes or unattainable riches. Even if he fails in France, his formula hints at a way to fight back against modern false prophets. Offer a positive vision, both open and patriotic. Dont let the nationalists appeal to the People over the heads of the voters. Dont let extremists become mainstream.
But the Anglo-Saxon world was less lucky. It may not be an accident that neo-Bolshevik language has so far enjoyed unprecedented success in Britain and the United States, two countries that have never known the horror of occupation or of an undemocratic revolution that ended in dictatorship. They therefore lack the immunity of many Europeans. On the other hand, the Anglo-Saxon world has its own advantages: the bonds of old and long-standing constitutionalism, the habits created by decades of rule of law and relatively high standards of living. It may be that as Americans and Brits slowly learn to recognize lies, they will become less susceptible to the fake nostalgia on offer from their leaders.
But there is no excuse for complacency. That is the lesson of this ominous centennial. Remember: At the beginning of 1917, on the eve of the Russian revolution, most of the men who later became known to the world as the Bolsheviks were conspirators and fantasists on the margins of society. By the end of the year, they ran Russia. Fringe figures and eccentric movements cannot be counted out. If a system becomes weak enough and the opposition divided enough, if the ruling order is corrupt enough and people are angry enough, extremists can suddenly step into the center, where no one expects them. And after that it can take decades to undo the damage. We have been shocked too many times. Our imaginations need to expand to include the possibilities of such monsters and monstrosities. We were not adequately prepared.
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Demonstrators holding banners reading in Catalan "freedom for the political prisoners" gather outside the Palau Generalitat during a protest in Barcelona on Nov. 3. (Manu Fernandez/AP)
Regarding the Nov. 2 The World article "Hoping for E.U. support, Catalans instead get brushoff":
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoys Popular Party presents the Catalan secession as a coup and the democratically elected government as separatist leaders whose president fled the country to avoid justice.
Carles Puigdemont and his ministers received a popular mandate from the voters when they won the regional elections in 2015 with a program that included a referendum for independence.
Now Mr. Rajoy wants new regional elections. I wonder whether he will prevent Catalan voters from expressing their opinion. The parties that won in 2015 were no newcomers on the political scene: Mr. Puigdemont's Catalan European Democratic Party and its predecessor have been the leading political force in Catalonia since democracy was reinstated in Spain. Ousted Catalan vice president Oriol Junqueras's Republican Left of Catalonia was created in 1931 and was the party of Lluis Companys, the Catalan president murdered by Francisco Franco's regime.
A free election is unthinkable if the two principal parties are not allowed to run. Now, the highest- profile Catalan politicians are behind bars. Mr. Puigdemont didnt flee the country; he went to Brussels as Catalonias elected president. The charges are politically motivated: sedition, rebellion and misuse of public funds.
Catalans are ready to go to the ballots once more. I ask Mr. Rajoy to allow a free election and to respect the results. And I ask the rest of the world to watch closely. It is not only Catalonias independence that is at play but democracy itself.
Stefania Clerici, Chevy Chase
SATELLITE PHOTOGRAPHY has become an invaluable tool in the cause of human rights. David Hawk and Amanda Mortwedt Oh of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea used it to prepare a report providing unsettling details about a parallel set of prison camps in North Korea that exist along with the political camps exposed earlier. These are places with "gated high walls and barbed wire fences, guard towers, dormitories, and workshops or mines," further evidence that North Korea's leaders have carried out crimes against humanity.
Previously, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry reported in 2014 on a chain of penal camps in North Korea operated by the Ministry of State Security, or secret police. These political or concentration camps are hidden and extrajudicial, and people can be held incommunicado for life. Family members are held there also. The camps are used to "preemptively purge, punish, and remove from North Korean society" those whom the regime fears might challenge their rule or their ideology, Mr. Hawk says.
The new report fleshes out details of a second chain of punishment camps, run by the Ministry of Peoples Security, in which prisoners serve fixed terms and are not held incommunicado, and their families are not incarcerated. These camps hold those accused of regular crimes, such as murder, assault and theft, but Mr. Hawk points out they also hold prisoners accused of political crimes set by the state. They include taking part in unauthorized gatherings; criticizing the state or even expressing dissatisfaction privately; possessing decadent drawings, written materials, periodicals, music, movies or videos; and foul, hostile, or superstitious activities. According to Mr. Hawk, the nations criminal code has provisions that could get someone thrown into these camps for failing to follow state agency instructions, spreading rumors that may lead to the distrust of the state or its agencies and not rightly selecting winning athletes for important competitions. In other words, pick the wrong team goalie, and youre off to jail.
Prisoners in this parallel gulag suffer the deprivations of the other concentration camps, including starvation, forced labor and brutal conditions that lead to large numbers of deaths. It is not known precisely how many prisoners the camps hold satellite imagery shows them in almost every province but the U.N. report had suggested 70,000 or more. Mr. Hawk says they have sometimes been called reeducation camps, but that is a terrible misnomer; what's going on is far more severe than just brainwashing sessions.
The Nazi concentration camps shocked the world. If such a horror is discovered today, shouldnt it prompt a response? Mr. Hawk has laid out the evidence of atrocity. So did the U.N. commission three years ago. North Korea is not only a testbed of nuclear weapons and missiles. It is also a black hole of human souls. That is another reason not to turn a blind eye to Kim Jong Un and his barbarous rule.
Editorial page editor, 2000-2021
Some viewers may emerge from the gripping new courtroom drama "Marshall" shaking their heads at the racism of their great-grandparents' generation. The movie, set in 1941, features infuriatingly bigoted villains, from a contemptuous judge to a roughneck mob bent on street violence and in suburban Connecticut, no less.
Unfortunately, current events (Donald Trump, Charlottesville, Ed Gillespies advertisements) offer an instant rebuke to anyone inclined toward generational smugness. And if recent headlines arent enough, I submit two books equally gripping, if painful, legal dramas that tell more modern tales.
One is Bryan Stevenson's "Just Mercy," published three years ago, about a black man railroaded onto death row for a 1986 murder he did not commit.
The other is Danielle Allen's newly published "Cuz," which describes how today's criminal-justice system destroyed a talented but troubled African American youth.
Marshall recounts an episode from the early career of Thurgood Marshall, before he took on the cases that would end segregation in public schools, long before he became the first black justice on the Supreme Court. Working for the NAACP as a roving defense lawyer for the unjustly accused, Marshall was deployed to represent a black chauffeur accused of raping the Connecticut socialite who employed him. The movie presents the Connecticut legal establishment as racist but a bit more subtly so than the truncheon-wielding sheriffs in the Jim Crow South where Marshall was used to working.
That was a South that was supposed to no longer exist when Stevenson, just out of law school, opened a nonprofit law center in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in 1989. But Stevenson soon started hearing of the strange case of Walter McMillian, a well-liked lumberjack sitting on Alabamas death row for a murder he had nothing to do with.
In McMillian's home Monroe County, everyone liked to brag about being the real location of the fictional "To Kill a Mockingbird." But the facts that Stevenson uncovered suggested not much had changed since Harper Lee wrote her novel: Law-enforcement officials embarrassed by a murder they couldn't solve. An establishment angered by a black man who'd had an affair with a white woman. A watertight alibi ignored, exculpatory evidence hidden from the defense, prosecution witnesses paid off.
Stevenson took on McMillians case, against tall odds. The first exculpatory witness he found was instantly charged with perjury and scared off. Eventually, amazingly, Stevenson got McMillian freed, and how he does so makes for suspenseful reading.
But not exactly for a happy ending. McMillian spent six years on death row. He lost his business, his marriage and his health.
And it wasnt just one man who suffered. McMillians friends and neighbors knew he was innocent; theyd been with him at a fish fry at the time of the murder; they all saw the unbridled, corrupt power of the white establishment. And, Stevenson writes, This one massive miscarriage of justice had afflicted the whole community with despair.
Which brings us even closer to today, and to Allens sad, honest reconstruction of her cousins short life. Michael was arrested at age 15 for a failed carjacking in Los Angeles in which only he was injured. On his way to the hospital, he also confessed to several robberies in the previous days.
For that, he faced a sentence of 25 years to life one of the purest expressions of hatred I can imagine, Allen writes. He pleaded guilty, was sentenced to 12 years and eight months, served 11 years and was murdered not long after regaining his freedom.
The years between ages fifteen and twenty-six are structured with recognizable milestones: high school, drivers license, college, first love, first job, first serious relationship, perhaps marriage, possibly a child, Allen writes. For those who pass adolescence in prison, none of these rites of passage go away; its just that they take on a massively distorted shape. . . . First long-term separation from family. First racial melee. First administrative segregation, also known as first solitary confinement. First sodomization.
Allen, a Harvard University professor (and contributing Post columnist), does not dwell on race in her book. She has other purposes: to confront whether she could have done more for Michael; to celebrate his vibrancy and his talent as a compulsively good and imaginative writer; above all, to explain how the war on drugs has proved so immeasurably self-destructive.
But its also impossible to read this account, especially of the thoughtlessly stupid obstacles put in Michaels way when he is released, and believe we would tolerate it if primarily white children were treated so. As with the opioid crisis, it might take us too long to awaken, but awaken we eventually would.
About the time Michael got into trouble, Allen writes, the Los Angeles police had 47 percent of African American men between the ages of 21 and 24 in their gang database.
Survival would have required Michael to stay indoors, alone every day, she writes of young men in his neighborhood. Some do survive, and you will find, I think, that they have often stayed indoors.
Not something any parent should have to ask of their 15-year-old.
Not something we would accept as normal for white children.
Go see Marshall. But think twice before celebrating how far we have come.
Read more from Fred Hiatt's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
I believe it is in the best interest of the Senate for another Senator to temporarily serve as chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Negron said in a memo to senators. Senator Latvalas other responsibilities in the Senate will remain unchanged.
OVER THE past 10 years, the District has spent $179.7 million on the United Medical Center in Southeast Washington. What it has gotten in return is a perennially troubled hospital that has done little to meet the real health needs of residents in Wards 7 and 8. That experience along with its calamitous operation of the old D.C. General Hospital should have taught the city to stay out of the hospital business. Instead, officials are blithely talking about spending as much as $330 million to build a new hospital.
One reason is politics. Closing the only full-service hospital east of the river would cause an uproar. Just ask former mayor Anthony Williams (D), who had to weather the backlash after he made the hard but necessary decision to shutter D.C. General in 2001. That Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) faces a possible challenge from Vincent C. Gray (D), former mayor and current Ward 7 council member who has made a new hospital his cause, adds another wrinkle to the situation.
There is no question, as study after study has shown, of the health disparities faced by vulnerable populations in Wards 7 and 8 or of the need for the city to play a role in helping to improve the quality of care. But as the District of Columbia Hospital Association pointed out in a recent position paper, a new hospital is not the cure-all for the health system east of the river. The group detailed the need for a community-wide infrastructure that includes a properly sized acute-care facility but also integrates multiple levels of health-care delivery, including preventive, appropriate specialty and post-acute care, as well as community and social services.
Administrative officials are in the early stages of planning for a new hospital that would be located at the St. Elizabeths campus. An outside consultant has been hired to develop a comprehensive proposal for structure and design. Among the questions that need to be answered: Given the financial struggles of United Medical, would a new facility be economically viable? Since Prince George's County is proceeding with plans to build a hospital nearby, is there an opportunity for a regional partnership that could better address the acute-care needs of Ward 7 and Ward 8 residents? Are there hospital systems interested in partnering with the District?
So far the District has not been successful in persuading the region's major health-care players to take over operations in Southeast. That's despite what sources told us were generous offers to protect against losses. Officials believe the new location with its promise of an increasing and gentrifying population will provide better opportunities to attract a partner. Recent problems at United Medical, including dangerous mistakes that forced the closure of the obstetrics department and horrifying revelations about the death in August of an nursing home patient, underscore the consequences of picking a partner that might not be up to the job.
Clara Long is a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Senators scarcely asked John F. Kelly about immigration enforcement during his January confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security. It was an oversight even then, given President Trumps campaign promises to ramp up already draconian and inhumane immigration enforcement policies. Perhaps senators hoped that reasonable minds in Trumps administration would prevail and trusted Kelly to be an adult in the room.
If the new administration deserved any benefit of the doubt then, it certainly doesn't now. We have a 10-month track record of immigration enforcement practices that are as bad as promised. Now that Kelly is White House chief of staff and his deputy, Kirstjen Nielsen, has been nominated to replace him at Homeland Security, senators know what to expect. They shouldn't give Nielsen a pass at her confirmation hearing this week.
From January to early September, Trump's DHS deported nearly 54,000 immigrants living in the United States, a 34 percent increase over the same period last year. Despite Trump's habit of characterizing them as criminals, a significant number have had no criminal convictions and even more have only minor infractions or convictions for immigration violations.
Senators should ask Nielsen whether she intends to continue deporting people like a 39-year-old woman Human Rights Watch recently interviewed shortly after she was deported to Mexico. Since the woman's deportation, her 9-year-old son, a U.S. citizen, has been living with nuns at a children's home in Laredo, Tex. "I've never been in jail," the woman said of her 15 years in the United States. "I didn't drive because I didn't have a license. I never broke the law except by not having papers."
Senators should ask Nielsen whether she will stop thoughtlessly ripping families apart without any serious consideration of the harm it causes. Her answer will take on even more urgency as immigrants protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals also become deportable.
Senators should ask Nielsen what she plans to do about the negative impact that immigration enforcement is having on criminal justice. How does she analyze substantial declines in crime reports, including for sexual assault, by Latino communities in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Dallas and Houston? How would she respond to police chiefs and sheriffs who say that if immigrant crime victims fear reporting crimes to the police, it makes all communities less safe? How would she answer judges and others who have criticized immigration arrests at courthouses?
And because Trump is moving forward with plans to expand immigration detention, senators should ask Nielsen how she plans to address dangerous conditions at many immigration detention facilities around the country. A dozen people died in these centers from October 2016 through this September. Based on independent expert medical analyses, Human Rights Watch found that hazardous and subpar medical care contributed to seven of the 18 deaths in immigration detention between 2012 and 2015.
People in these facilities are also often isolated from family, lawyers and information that could help them understand their rights and plead their cases. The lack of access to fair procedures combined with poor conditions prompt many asylum seekers to give up on remaining in the United States. Martin Mendez Pineda, a Mexican journalist fleeing death threats, is among them. He returned to Mexico in May where, according to Reporters Without Borders, his life remains at grave risk. He stopped fighting his case because he faced indefinite detention in the United States while his asylum claim was pending.
Senators should ask Nielsen whether under her leadership, Homeland Security would ensure that asylum seekers are treated fairly in accordance with U.S. and international law as well as our shared values when they arrive at our borders.
Our research also shows that asylum seekers forced into U.S. fast-track deportation procedures are regularly sent back without fair consideration of their claims to protection. One Mexican woman, who reported being raped by gang members after she refused to turn over her teenage son, told her lawyer that she tried to seek asylum in the United States early this year. She says a border officer turned her away and told her that people persecuted because they are Christians "are the people we are giving asylum to, not people like you."
This is not the time to rubber-stamp a Trump nominee. Senators need to know if Nielsen will take the duty of Homeland Security seriously, not only by guarding the border but also by faithfully executing laws designed to protect the most vulnerable who cross onto our soil. Before we grant Nielsen power over this administrations immigration-enforcement machine, she must first promise to uphold the rights of immigrants.
Columnist
On Tuesday, Virginias voters confront what will almost certainly be the most consequential election for governor of their lifetimes.
The contest between Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and Republican Ed Gillespie matters for the state, of course, but its implications will be even larger for the nation.
A Northam victory would send a signal to the country that President Trump is a severe drag on the GOP, especially if it were combined with Democratic pickups in the legislature. This would bolster the forces trying to contain Trumps abuses and give heart to those doing the organizing work against him at the grass roots.
It would tell Republicans in Congress that coddling and imitating Trump carry a high cost while strengthening Democratic efforts to recruit strong candidates for the 2018 midterms.
A win by Gillespie would convey exactly the opposite message. It would ratify the Republican candidate's vile and dishonest campaign tying Northam to felons and criminal gangs. This, in turn, would lead to more ugly racial and anti-immigrant appeals by GOP candidates next year. The party would decide that playing around with a few of Trump's more hateful themes was the way to go. The race to the bottom would continue.
[The Posts endorsements in Virginia]
A Northam defeat would also demoralize Democrats, who up to now have had grounds for believing that anti-Trump sentiment has energized their side. Mobilization is the key, both on Tuesday and in 2018. A mediocre Democratic turnout in Virginia would bode ill for next year.
If Gillespie prevails, Trump will, for all these reasons, be very, very happy. Independents and Democrats who are thinking of staying home should ponder whether they really want to put a big smile on the face of a president who is busily tearing apart political norms and undermining a legitimate investigation into his campaign.
It is commonly said that off-off-year elections such as those in Virginia and New Jersey this week are over-interpreted and over-spun.
Well, sure. Give political pundits a few election returns and they will always squeeze them as hard as they can to extract every drop of deep, long-term meaning. Give political operatives a chance to make sweeping claims on behalf of their respective parties and theyll take it every time.
But guess what? These post-presidential races have, in fact, been predictive in the past. Most recently, the big 2009 Republican triumphs in these two states proved to be genuine harbingers of the Democratic catastrophe in 2010.
And the interpretations of this showdown are already baked in. If Democrats lose, they will no doubt try to discount the wider significance of the result by blaming Northam for whatever mistakes he and his campaign made.
It wont work.
This is a state that voted for Hillary Clinton last year. According to the Washington Post-Schar School poll, 59 percent of likely voters disapprove of Trump's performance in office; only 38 percent approve. If Trump doesn't hurt Republicans in Virginia, where will he hurt them?
Along similar lines, Republicans will try to write off a Gillespie loss as inevitable, precisely because of those anti-Trump numbers. But in doing so, they will be conceding the central point at issue: that Trump has, indeed, become lethal to the party in many parts of the country. Mainstream conservatives will also learn that me-too Trumpian campaigns wont save them.
Republican members of the House and Senate in blue and purple areas will notice this. So will the partys leadership. Many now-timid GOP politicians might begin to worry less about losing primaries to pro-Trump candidates and more about how much damage their reckless, autocratic leader is doing to the party as a whole.
Local issues alone should inspire moderates and progressives to care about this choice. The candidates differ on taxes, climate policy, the fair drawing of legislative district lines, Confederate statues, Obamacare and guns. This last cause alone should be enough to bestir citizens to the polls. The National Rifle Association would be no less gleeful than Trump over a Northam setback.
This competition might have been a more congenial affair. Northam is a middle-of-the-road Democrat in a long Virginia tradition who inspires great loyalty among those who have worked with him. Gillespie is a former lobbyist and GOP operative who can be quite amiable and almost lost the GOP primary because he was not in the Trump mold.
But Gillespie decided he could win only by injecting Trumps poison into his campaign. The antidote to noxious politics of this sort is to defeat it.
Read more from E.J. Dionne's archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
Regarding the Nov. 3 news article "Democrats angry at report of Clinton's DNC clout":
Former Democratic National Committee chair Donna Braziles new book reveals skullduggery and underhanded dealings within a political party. This hardly seems shocking. The way the party hierarchy manipulated events to favor one candidate may be reprehensible, but it does not rise to the level of a felony.
Yet the president and his media fixers are suggesting the Justice Department should look into these behaviors instead of Russian influence. Russias attempt to tilt our elections may have broken the law, and any patriotic American should be anxious to see the Mueller investigation unveil everything and everyone involved. Instead, the president sees it as some kind of game that he is losing, the laws of the land be damned.
The Democratic Party needs to clean up its act. But the GOP needs to allow the investigation and prosecution of lawbreaking and take steps against alien interference in our electoral process. So far, neither Mr. Trump nor his party seems remotely interested.
Howard Schmitt, Crafton, Pa.
After questions emerged about whether campaign foreign policy adviser Carter Page had ties to Russia, President Trump called him a very low-level member of a committee and said that I dont think Ive ever spoken to him.
When it was revealed that his son met with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower, the president told reporters that zero happened from the meeting and that the press made a very big deal over something that really a lot of people would do.
And, last week, with the revelation that adviser George Papadopoulos had pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents about his efforts to arrange meetings between Moscow and the Trump campaign, the president derided him as a low-level volunteer.
While Trump has sought to dismiss these Russia ties as insignificant, or characterized the people involved in them as peripheral figures, it has now become clear that special counsel Robert S. Mueller III views at least some of them as important pieces of his sprawling investigation of Russian meddling in last years presidential campaign.
Documents released last week as part of Papadopouloss guilty plea show that Muellers team is deeply interested in the Trump campaigns operations, including possible links to Moscow, at even the lowest levels. And Muellers interest in Russian contacts may extend to Trumps business, as well, with the special counsels office recently asking for records related to a failed 2015 proposal for a Moscow Trump Tower, according to a person familiar with the request.
A key question in the investigation and one that hangs over Trumps presidency is whether these instances add up to a concerted Russian government effort to probe and infiltrate the Trump campaign, or whether they were isolated coincidences and, therefore, inconsequential. Ultimately, Mueller must decide whether anyone in Trumps orbit coordinated with the Russians, and, if so, if such actions were illegal or just unseemly. Collusion itself is not a crime.
The new court filings, along with recent interviews and other documents reviewed by The Washington Post, reveal more details than were previously known about the extent to which Trumps campaign became a magnet for people who believed U.S. policy toward Russia should be retooled and for Russians who agreed.
In all, documents and interviews show there are at least nine Trump associates who had contacts with Russians during the campaign or presidential transition. Some are well-known, and others, such as Papadopoulos, have been more on the periphery.
Trumps onetime campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, had extensive ties to Russian business interests, remained in close touch with a Russian colleague and discussed holding private campaign briefings for a Russian businessman close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A top Trump Organization attorney, Michael Cohen, corresponded through intermediaries with Moscow property developers about trying to build a Trump Tower there.
Donald Trump Jr.s meeting with the Russian attorney at Trump Tower in New York came after promises that the Russians had dirt on Hillary Clinton they wanted to share with the Trump campaign. Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also at that meeting, as well as a December encounter with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in which Kushner discussed setting up a secret communications channel between the Trump transition team and the Kremlin.
In testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Kushner denied suggesting a secret back channel or use of any Russian facility to communicate, other than for one conversation during the transition. He told the committee that the conversation came in response to a question from Kislyak about how to transmit secure information about policy in Syria.
Papadopoulos repeatedly tried to work with Russians to set up a meeting between Trump and Putin. Page traveled to Moscow during the campaign. Another foreign policy adviser, J.D. Gordon, met with the Russian ambassador on the sidelines of the Republican National Convention.
The Russian ambassador also met twice with then-Sen. Jeff Sessions, now Trumps attorney general, and discussed sanctions with Trumps incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, during the presidential transition a conversation that later led to Flynns resignation.
Russian government officials have rejected the notion that any contacts with Trumps campaign or business were directed by the government or part of any effort to interfere with the U.S. presidential election.
Trump in the past denied that he or his associates communicated with Russia during the campaign. Now, he and his allies are seeking to minimize the importance of the contacts that have emerged.
I think the American public can fully appreciate that those are isolated, obviously disconnected events, quite small in number for a presidential campaign, said Ty Cobb, a White House lawyer. Nothing about the actual facts published to date suggests that the president while he was a candidate ever met a Russian, ever spoke to a Russian, or colluded with anybody.
Experts who have studied Russian tactics see something different: a picture emerging of a concerted and multifaceted Kremlin effort to infiltrate Trumps campaign.
Youve got some consistency here in terms of the Russian tradecraft . . . the general pattern of Russians appearing to try to find soft spots, to find the soft underbelly of the campaign to make contact, said Steve Hall, who retired from the CIA in 2015 after 30 years running and managing Russia operations. I just think theres way too much smoke out there for there to be absolutely no fire.
Even if there was fire from the Russian side, it remains unclear how those within the Trump campaign reacted. In the case of Papadopoulos, new court filings show he shared his contacts with the Russians in at least one meeting with Trump and Sessions and other times with Trumps campaign manager and lower-level staffers. At times, according to emails described to The Post, he was rebuffed. But in one August 2016 email exchange cited by prosecutors, national campaign co-chairman Sam Clovis encouraged Papadopoulos to meet with Russian officials, writing, Make the trip, if it is feasible.
[For low level volunteer, Papadopoulos sought high profile as Trump adviser]
The release of the Papadopoulos guilty plea came amid a dramatic week in Washington that underscored the potential peril for Trump and his inner circle and revealed more details of Russias apparent efforts to meddle in the U.S. election in multiple ways.
Facebook and other social media companies provided more details about how their platforms were manipulated through what outside researchers have said was a sophisticated campaign to mimic American political conversation with the intention of shaping the behavior of American voters and in some cases by remotely organizing political rallies in U.S. cities.
Facebook, for instance, acknowledged that on its platform alone, posts created by Russian operatives may have been seen by as many as 126 million users. Thats in addition to 11 million potentially reached by Russian-bought Facebook ads, and 20 million by posts on Instagram, which Facebook owns. Facebook has said it is working to improve the security of its platform.
The use of social media came in addition to elements of the Russian operation that were identified months ago by the U.S. intelligence community including the hacking of emails from the Democratic National Committee and Democratic officials that were spread during the campaigns final months via WikiLeaks.
The first sign that Russians might have been interested in connecting with Trump came soon after his June 2015 announcement that he was running for president.
At a town hall meeting in Las Vegas the following month, a young Russian gun rights activist named Maria Butina found her way to a microphone and asked the Republican candidate to describe his foreign policy, especially in the relations with my country.
Trump promised that if elected he would improve relations. I know Putin and Ill tell you what, we get along with Putin, Trump said.
Butina, who did not respond to requests for comment last week, told The Post in April that her question to Trump was happenstance and that she has never been an employee of the Russian government.
As the campaign progressed, Trump broke with the skepticism of Moscow embraced by the foreign policy establishment in both parties. He consistently expressed admiration for Putin, questioned long-held assumptions about future support for NATO and the value of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Crimea.
Some with long personal and business ties to Russia practically elbowed their way into the campaign.
Manafort, a longtime Republican operative, had not been involved in a U.S. political campaign for years until he tracked down one of Trumps oldest friends, Thomas J. Barrack Jr., not long after Trump lost the Iowa caucuses and asked to be connected.
Paul came to me and said, I really need to get to [Trump], I think I can be really effective at the convention, Barrack said in a recent interview.
He was hired in March 2016 and named campaign chairman two months later.
Manafort, who was charged last week as part of Muellers probe with money laundering, making false statements and failing to register as a foreign lobbyist, had worked for Russia-friendly politicians in Ukraine and had in the past undertaken multimillion-dollar business deals with Russian aluminum magnate Oleg Deripaska.
Manafort pleaded not guilty, and his attorney told reporters that the charges were ridiculous.
During his five months working for the Trump campaign, he had repeated contact with a Russian employee of his Kiev office, including two in-person meetings.
The assistant, Konstantin Kilimnik, is a Russian army veteran who has told associates that he used to work with Russian military intelligence. Kilimnik, in a statement earlier this year to The Post, denied intelligence ties.
Over email, Manafort asked Kilimnik to pass a message to Deripaska, offering private briefings about Trumps campaign. Manaforts spokesman has said the emails represented an innocuous effort to collect past debts, and he had envisioned routine briefings for Deripaska. A spokeswoman for Deripaska has said that he never received the message and that no briefings were held.
In court papers released last week, prosecutors said Manafort and a Russian national who is a long-standing employee of Manaforts lobbying firm served as beneficial owners and signatories on bank accounts that Manafort used to shift money around the world. The description matches Kilimnik. They also said his company has employees in both Ukraine and Moscow and noted his connections to Ukrainian and Russian oligarchs.
Page, one of Trumps campaign foreign policy advisers, had lived and worked in Moscow and produced a trail of writings proposing repairing relations between the United States and Russia.
Like Manafort, Page volunteered himself to the campaign, snagging an introduction from New York Republican chairman Ed Cox. Cox, who told The Post in May that Page had reached out to him in early 2016 asking to be connected to the Trump campaign, described Page as very informed and up to date on things.
Trump announced Pages role in March 2016, and in July, Page traveled to Moscow and spoke at a Russian university.
Other than briefly greeting a deputy minister who attended his speech, Page has denied government contacts on the trip and said scrutiny of him is the result of Democratic persecution for his pro-Trump views. Page answered questions last week before the House Intelligence Committee, which is expected to release a transcript in the coming days.
Papadopoulos, too, appears to have volunteered himself, first to the campaign of another Republican presidential candidate, Ben Carson, and later to Trumps team.
Court documents show that he had repeated contacts with a Russian woman and a man with ties to Russias Foreign Ministry, starting days after he was named a Trump adviser in March 2016 and extending for months.
In April, he was told by a London-based professor that the Russians had dirt on Clinton, including thousands of her emails.
Other Russia contacts came through more established members of Trumps world.
Cohen, a lawyer for the Trump Organization and a close confidant of the president, fielded two requests during the campaign from Russians interested in building a Trump Tower in Moscow.
Cohen quickly declined one that arrived in late 2015, a proposal submitted through an intermediary on behalf of a billionaire Russian property developer.
But Cohen was engaged on the other Russian tower proposal, which came from Moscow developer Andrei Rozov and has recently drawn Muellers attention. That plan had come to Cohen through a friend, a Russian American former Trump business partner named Felix Sater, who Cohen has said encouraged him to make visits to Russia.
Trump signed a letter of intent to further explore the proposal with Rozovs company in October 2015.
Rozov has not responded to requests for comment.
Sater has acknowledged the effort, saying it was abandoned by the Trump Organization. Saters attorney, Robert Wolf, declined to comment.
Cohen has said that he never visited Russia and that the tower plan, which was canceled in January 2016, was simply one of many development opportunities the Trump Organization has fielded over the years. His attorney declined to comment.
Meanwhile, Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the United States, was seeking to reach out to Trumps circle.
After attending a foreign policy address from the rising candidate in April 2016, where he briefly greeted Trump and was seated in the front row, Kislyak then met at an event on the sidelines of Republican National Convention with Trump aides Page and Gordon. Gordon has said the interaction was brief and took place at an event that drew dozens of diplomats. The ambassador also met at another event with Sessions.
Sessions met again with Kislyak in his Capitol Hill office in September. Sessions has said he accepted the meeting in his role as a senator rather than as a representative of the campaign.
The Kislyak meeting with Kushner during the presidential transition, in which the two discussed setting up the secret communications channel, has also drawn the interest of investigators. The Post reported earlier this year that Kushner suggested using Russian diplomatic facilities in an apparent effort to protect their discussions from monitoring and that Kislyak reported the idea to his superiors in Moscow, according to intercepts of Russian communications that were reviewed by U.S. officials.
[Russian ambassador told Moscow that Kushner wanted secret communications channel with Kremlin]
Muellers team is also probing the Trump Tower meeting held by Trump Jr. and the Russian lawyer, interviewing one of the participants before a grand jury in August.
Trump Jr. has said he believes the Russian attorney sought the gathering under false pretenses, that she shared no information about Clinton and that he had no further communication with her or her representatives.
But it was not Trump Jr.s only interaction with people tied to Moscow during the campaign.
A top Russian central bank official and former lawmaker, Alexander Torshin, told Bloomberg News that he sat with Trump Jr. at a National Rifle Association dinner in spring 2016, although a White House official has said the two exchanged only a brief greeting.
Then, in October, just weeks before the election, Trump Jr. delivered a paid speech in Paris to the Center of Political and Foreign Affairs, a French think tank that advocates the Russian position on some foreign policy issues.
Randa Kassis, a founder of the group, told The Post on Friday that she went to Moscow shortly after the November election and briefed Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov on the speech.
Trump Jr.s speech in Paris was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Alan Futerfas, a lawyer for Trump Jr., declined to comment.
Some potential contacts with Russians are not fully understood.
The United Arab Emirates arranged a secret meeting shortly before Trumps inauguration between Blackwater founder Erik Prince and a Russian close to Putin as part of an apparent effort to establish a back-channel line of communication between Moscow and the president-elect, U.S., European and Arab officials told The Post earlier this year. Prince had no formal role with the Trump campaign or transition team, and a Prince spokesman that the meeting had nothing to do with President Trump. But officials told The Post that Prince presented himself as an unofficial envoy for Trump to high-ranking Emiratis involved in setting up his meeting with the Putin confidant.
Butina, the woman who had first questioned Trump about Russia after he became a candidate, reappeared later in the campaign.
She was part of a group that sought a meeting with the campaign in June 2016 to discuss the persecution of Christians around the world, according to Rick Clay, a politically connected former Iraq War contractor who conveyed the request to the campaign. Clay said Trump adviser Rick Dearborn turned down the request, which was first reported by CNN.
They made the right call, Clay said.
Alice Crites, Craig Timberg, Greg Miller and Devlin Barrett in Washington and James McAuley in Paris contributed to this report.
The Supreme Court on Monday unanimously reversed a lower court that had found an Alabama death row inmate ineligible for execution because his declining health had left him unable to remember the murder he had committed.
The justices said that since the Supreme Court has never found that a prisoner is incompetent to be executed because of a failure to remember his crime as opposed to being able to comprehend the concepts of crime and punishment the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit had erred in stopping Vernon Madisons execution.
Three of the courts liberal members said that was a question worth the courts time but agreed that Madisons case did not provide the proper vehicle for that examination.
And Justice Stephen G. Breyer said the case illustrated a different issue: how long waits for the enforcement of death sentences have created a class of aging death row inmates who present new constitutional questions about capital punishment.
In April 1985, Madison shot Mobile, Ala., police officer Julius Schulte twice in the back of the head after Schulte responded to a domestic call. Efforts to execute Madison, now 67, for the crime have dragged on for decades.
He has lived nearly half of his life on death row, Breyer wrote. During that time, he has suffered severe strokes, which caused vascular dementia and numerous other significant physical and mental problems. He is legally blind. His speech is slurred. He cannot walk independently. He is incontinent. His disability leaves him without a memory of his commission of a capital offense.
Breyer, who in the past has tried to interest the court in reexamining whether the death penalty can be applied constitutionally, said the average wait on death row for the 21 people who have been executed in 2017 is 19 years.
Given this trend, we may face ever more instances of state efforts to execute prisoners suffering the diseases and infirmities of old age, he said. And we may well have to consider the ways in which lengthy periods of imprisonment between death sentence and execution can deepen the cruelty of the death penalty while at the same time undermining its penological rationale.
No other justice joined Breyers concurrence, and no conservative justice rebutted him. In the past, they have alleged that it is the numerous appeals and creativity of defense lawyers that have postponed the imposition of the death penalty.
Madisons case is unusual. As his execution neared in 2016, his attorneys said that several recent strokes had impaired his memory and that he no longer remembered his crime.
At a hearing, a psychologist for the state said Madison suffered a significant decline post-stroke but certainly understood that Alabama was seeking to execute him for the murder he committed.
But a psychologist testifying on Madisons behalf said that although the inmate knew the state wanted to execute him, he did not recall the sequence of events from the offense to his arrest to the trial or any of those details.
A state court denied Madisons petition, saying that under Supreme Court precedent, he was entitled to relief only if he could show that his mental illness prevents him from understanding he is being executed as punishment for a crime.
A panel of the federal appeals court disagreed. With no dispute that Madison does not remember the crime, the panel said in a 2-to-1 decision, he does not rationally understand the connection between his crime and his execution.
That is the decision that the Supreme Court said Monday was wrong. In an unsigned opinion, the justices said the appeals court exceeded its authority under the federal law the Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 that governs review of death sentences.
It says federal courts may get involved only when the lower courts decision was contrary to clearly established federal law or unreasonably applied it. The justices said there was no precedent that clearly established that an inmate must remember the commission of his crime.
The state court did not unreasonably apply [Supreme Court precedents] when it determined that Madison is competent to be executed because notwithstanding his memory loss he recognizes that he will be put to death as punishment for the murder he was found to have committed, the court wrote.
The justices added they express no view on the merits of the underlying question.
Breyer and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor wrote in a concurrence that the question whether a state may execute someone who does not remember his crime warrants full airing.
But they agreed that the restraints imposed by the AEDPA preclude that in this case.
The case is Dunn v. Madison.
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Rick Gates was always just outside of the frame of focus: a right-hand man for international political consultant Paul Manafort, a senior aide for Donald Trumps presidential campaign, the deputy chairman of Trumps inaugural committee.
A low-key 45-year-old father of four, he chose to live in Richmond with his family instead of moving to New York City or Washington. His lawyers said his assets are limited other than a single home.
But last week, prosecutors thrust Gates into the forefront of the special counsels Russia investigation, depicting him as a willing collaborator in a scheme with Manafort to defraud the U.S. government through a web of overseas accounts, laundering millions of dollars and hiding his work as a foreign agent.
Gates, who pleaded not guilty, did not respond to requests for comment. He posted a $5 million bond and is under house arrest.
Among friends in Richmond, Gatess frequent overseas travel and ties to Russian oligarchs have long been the topics of good-natured jokes, according to people who know him. But his new high-profile role as a target of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III has revealed startling details about his life.
Former Trump campaign official Rick Gates arrives at U.S. District Court in Washington last week. (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post)
While Gates listed $2.2 million in assets in 2011, he filed a 2016 credit application saying he had a liquid net worth of $25 million and that his wife was worth $30 million, according to a filing by prosecutors. Gates controlled as many as 30 bank accounts in the past six months, including several in Cyprus in which he held more than $10 million, according to court documents. In August, his wife transferred more than $1 million to a joint brokerage account, the filings said.
That just blew my mind, I couldnt believe it, said one of Gatess associates, who requested anonymity to describe personal interactions with the consultant. The associate, like others who know him, had thought Gates lived modestly.
None of the charges against Gates allege that he was connected to Russias meddling in the 2016 election, the main focus of Muellers investigation. But his nearly year-long presence in Trumps orbit could make him a valuable witness, if he chooses to cooperate.
When Gates appeared in federal court a week ago, he was represented by a public defender, having abruptly parted ways with his former attorney, Michael Dry. Dry did not respond to requests for comment.
He recently hired a new legal team of three former federal prosecutors: Walter Mack, Shan Wu and Annemarie McAvoy. Mack declined to comment.
This fight is just beginning, Gates spokesman Glenn Selig said.
[The 12-count Manafort and Gates indictment, annotated]
Gatess attorneys have sought to change the terms of his release, asking the court that he be permitted to make limited international trips. Prosecutors maintained that he is a flight risk, saying that Gatess lawyer notified them Thursday that he had recently obtained a second passport that had not been turned over, as required, when he was charged.
Gates spent much of his career at Manaforts side. After earning degrees in government from the College of William & Mary in 1994 and a masters in public policy from George Washington University, he became a research intern at the political consulting firm co-founded by Manafort.
One of Manaforts partners, Charlie Black, said he was the one who brought Gates into the firm on the recommendation of a friend.
He turned out to be a good researcher, Black said, adding: Rick is a very smart, hard-working, unassuming guy.
Manafort introduced him to the highflying and controversial world of international political consulting. Among Manaforts clients have been foreign leaders such as Mobutu Sese Seko of Zaire (now Congo) and Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines.
Gates left the firm to work for companies in the lottery and gaming business, Black said, but he eventually reunited with Manafort, who was looking to do business in Ukraine.
In 2006, when Gates rejoined him, Manafort had began doing political consulting work for Viktor Yanukovych, an aspiring politician who was seeking the presidency.
While Manafort sought to portray his work as an effort to breed democracy, Yanukovychs Party of Regions was eventually seen as being closely tied to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to court documents, Manafort and Gates failed to register as foreign agents while they were working for Yanukovych, as required. When they belatedly reported the work in June, they said that their company had been paid $17 million between 2012 and 2014.
Manafort and Gates funneled millions of dollars from their Ukraine work to banks in Cyprus and then transferred the money to the United States, according to their indictment. Manafort laundered millions of dollars that were spent on luxury items such as homes, cars and antique rugs, prosecutors said. Gates helped set up the various accounts, according to the court filings.
Separately, Manafort and Gates created a $200 million private equity fund, bringing in a Russian aluminum oligarch named Oleg Deripaska as a major investor. After the 2007 financial crisis, one of the funds investments in Ukraine failed and Deripaska said in a court petition that he was owed $19 million. During his effort to regain the funds, Deripaskas lawyer filed a document that said it appears that Paul Manafort and Rick Gates have simply disappeared. The filings in the case do not indicate that the matter has been resolved.
In 2016, Manafort, who had worked for past Republican presidential candidates including Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, first joined the Trump campaign to lead an effort to track delegates for the GOP nomination. He brought along Gates as his deputy.
The duo initially shared a makeshift office on the fifth floor of Trump Tower, taking over a conference room where a giant map of the United States hung on the wall, marked with the cities and towns where Trump had campaigned.
In May of that year, Manafort and Gates were among the campaign officials who were aware of an effort by foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos to broker a meeting between Trump and Putin. Papadopoulos pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI as part of the Mueller probe last week.
[For low level volunteer, Papadopoulos sought high profile as Trump adviser]
In an email cited by prosecutors, Manafort wrote to Gates that we need someone to communicate that [Trump] is not doing these trips. It should be someone low level in the campaign so as not to send any signal.
The email was described to The Washington Post in August by people familiar with its contents.
In a response that prosecutors did not include, Gates wrote back to Manafort that he would get an aide responsible for responding to all mail of non-importance to reply.
Good, Manafort wrote back.
Gates soon was in the center of the swirling conflicts among Trumps top aides. He and Manafort cultivated close relationships with Trumps children as Manafort feuded with campaign manager Corey Lewandowski over strategy and operations. Lewandowski did not respond to a request for comment.
In June 2016, Lewandowski was jettisoned and Manafort assumed control of the campaign, with Gates operating as his No. 2. Together, they orchestrated the GOP convention in Cleveland, oversaw Trumps vice presidential selection process and devised the campaigns strategy for the general election against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.
In August, however, amid news reports about Manaforts past work for Yanukovych in Ukraine, he resigned from the campaign.
Gates stayed on, working as a liaison between the Republican National Committee and the Trump operation. One former campaign official said it was an uncomfortable period for Gates: he still had supporters and access, but some aides sought to freeze him out of key decisions.
They didnt want to ask him to leave, said the former senior campaign official, who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters. So they said, Just sit him in the corner. Dont tell him anything. Leave him over there. He was frozen out. He got caught in purgatory. The former official said Gates got blamed for some things that were the responsibility of Manafort and others. Thats what happens when you are a deputy, the former official said.
By the fall, Gates was on the payroll of the RNC, which paid $70,000 for "political strategy services" between late September and January to a company called Bade LLC that listed as its address Gates's home in Richmond. The same company is listed in court documents as one of the entities that received money from Ukraine.
After Trump won the election, one of his closest friends, Tom Barrack, became Gatess patron. Trump had named Barrack as chairman of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, and Barrack hired Gates to be his deputy. Together, they raised more than $100 million for the inauguration, helping Gates make connections with a cadre of wealthy, powerful Republicans.
On the inauguration, as an executive, he was first class, Barrack said.
Gates then emerged in a different forum: as one of four former Trump campaign strategists who founded a new, Trump-blessed issue advocacy group called America First Policies. At one point, he scouted potential office space for the organization. But he was soon edged aside following a Post report about his continued access to White House personnel.
[Manafort is gone, but his business associate remains a key part of Trumps operation]
Gates turned again to Barrack, a longtime friend of both Manafort and Trump who is the chairman of Colony NorthStar, a real estate investment company. Barrack hired Gates as a consultant to monitor Washington issues that affected the company.
During the summer, as reports spread that Manafort and Gates were under investigation by Mueller, Gates told associates that he had heard nothing from the special counsel, according to someone familiar with the conversations.
But on Oct. 30, he surrendered to federal authorities in Washington. As word of the indictment spread, his contract with Colony NorthStar was terminated.
Alice Crites, Robert Costa, Rosalind S. Helderman, Spencer Hsu, Anu Narayanswamy, Ashley Parker, Philip Rucker and Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross gestures as he leaves after addressing delegates at the annual Confederation of British Industry (CBI) conference in east London on Nov. 6. (Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP/Getty Images)
Several Senate Democrats are calling for new hearings and an inspector generals investigation into Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross after a trove of leaked documents showed he has interests in a company with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putins son-in-law.
The calls from Democratic members of the Senate Commerce Committee were prompted by reports detailing how shipping company Navigator Holdings, in which Ross holds a stake, did business with Russian energy company Sibur, which is partially owned by Putin's son-in-law Kiril Shamalov and Russian oligarch Gennady Timchenko, Putin's close friend.
"Sec. Ross's stake in company so closely tied to Putin inner circle raises profound question: Can he put America's interests before his own?" Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who is among the senators calling for hearings and an IG investigation, tweeted Monday.
Ross is the second Cabinet secretary in a week to come under fire over revelations they either had or were aware of members of Trump's campaign who had closer ties to Russia than were disclosed to lawmakers during official testimony. Last week, Senate Democrats pounced on Attorney General Jeff Sessions after court papers revealed he had attended a meeting where Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos offered to broker a meeting between Trump and Putin through contacts. Sessions had told senators under oath that he was not aware of anyone in the campaign who had discussed meeting with the Russians.
[Democrats demand that Sessions explain his meeting with Papadopoulos]
Notably, Republicans did not rush to Sessions's defense. In comments to CNN, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), the Senate's second-highest-ranking Republican, said Democrats' questions about the meeting Sessions attended with Papadopoulos were "a legitimate area of inquiry."
But Democrats are getting no similar support from Republicans in their effort to compel a reckoning from Ross over his newly alleged Russia ties.
Ross listed Navigator Holdings among the assets and income he disclosed during his confirmation process, but provided no details about the company's connection to businesses owned by members of Putin's inner circle. During his fairly uncontentious confirmation hearing in January, Democrats focused on trade, not scrutinizing the Navigator Holdings interests or Ross's potential business connections to Russia.
The Navigator Holdings disclosure was not a subject of questions during his confirmation hearing, Frederick Hill, a spokesman for Senate Commerce Committee chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) said Monday. The committee expects Secretary Ross will follow the advice of his departments ethics officials should there be a determination that any holding creates a conflict of interest.
For many Senate Commerce Committee Democrats, the information in the newly leaked documents, known as the Paradise Papers, are only the latest ethical complaint against Ross. Last month, six committee Democrats wrote to the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to complain that Ross had failed to disclose the source of almost $2 billion in assets, following a report in Forbes suggesting he had undervalued his net worth in his financial disclosure statements.
The OGE informed these senators last week that it has asked the Commerce Department for information relating to the matter.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who co-signed the OGE letter, added on Monday that she has been waiting for the Commerce Department to answer questions about Rosss potential ties to rival foreign governments including Putin, the state-owned Chinese Investment Corporation, and his stake in the Bank of Cyprus for more than eight months.
We should get to the bottom of this, said Baldwin, who opposed Ross nomination over such concerns. She added that in light of recent revelations, a Commerce Committee hearing and an inspector general investigation were also needed.
Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), who was also part of the committee Democrats letter to the OGE, said through spokeswoman Ricki Eshman on Monday that she is deeply concerned about Rosss business interests, which could pose any number of troubling conflicts of interests with Russia, and called for transparency, accountability and disclosure to look into all of Secretary Rosss potential conflicts of interests.
Read more at PowerPost
Democrat Doug Jones is campaigning to fill the Senate seat in Alabama left by now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The special election takes place Dec. 12. (Brynn Anderson/AP)
Doug Jones looked up at his audience in a fluorescent-lit university lecture hall and declared that the choice for Senate between him and Republican Roy Moore in an upcoming special election couldn't be clearer.
Moore, the controversial ex-judge, has said that homosexual conduct should be illegal and Muslims should not serve in Congress. He would continue the divisive and hateful rhetoric that has been present in Alabama and inject chaos into chaos in Washington, Jones said.
Jones claims ties to both parties but no blind loyalty to either. A mild-mannered ex-prosecutor, he noted that he was nominated for U.S. attorney by a Democratic president but confirmed by a Republican-led Senate. He also highlighted his recent meetings with labor heads and business leaders.
People are going to look back at this race and say Alabama made a choice, Jones said.
At the same appearance one evening late last month, a young man asked Jones why moderate Republicans such as his parents should cross party lines and support a Democrat like him. Another man took issue with his support for abortion rights. A third told the story of a Republican friend who didnt like Jones campaigning with a national Democrat former vice president Joe Biden.
In an unexpectedly competitive Senate race that both national parties are watching closely, Jones is trying to pull off a challenging and at times conflicting two-step. In a state where Democrats make up less than a third of the electorate, Jones must turn out as many of them as he can and win over enough Republican voters, too.
The result has been a strategy that includes criticizing Moore, casting himself as a pragmatist and making a direct appeal to the Democratic base by embracing some liberal positions and touting his role prosecuting two Ku Klux Klan members who bombed a black church in Birmingham in 1963, killing four girls.
It has also involved a lot of sidestepping.
Would Jones support Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) as Senate minority leader?
Im going to make a judgment once Im there, he said in an interview.
Does he want to campaign with former president Barack Obama? He wouldnt say.
Jones was also careful around the topic of President Trump, who won Alabama by more than 28 percentage points. In the interview, he ducked questions about how good or bad a job the president is doing.
It doesnt really matter what my view is, he said. My view is going to be taking every issue step by step, because he is the president.
The Dec. 12 special election for the seat once held by now-Attorney General Jeff Sessions will mark the first general Senate election of Trumps term. At a moment of intensifying partisan rancor, it will test the publics appetite in the heart of Trump country: Do the voters of Alabama want a bridge-builder in Congress or a rabble-rouser in the presidents mold?
The outcome will also affect business in Washington, where Senate Republicans slim advantage, 52 to 48, has presented governing challenges this year.
Moore is a hard-right culture warrior who has attracted nationwide attention for being removed twice from the bench once for refusing to heed a court order to remove a Ten Commandments display from his courthouse and a second time, after he was again elected chief judge, for refusing to follow a Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.
The Republican has declared a take-no-prisoners battle against his political opponents in both parties. Moore spokesman Brett Doster said Jones has declared war on the Constitution, the military, and the unborn.
[Roy Moore tried to fit in with Senate Republicans for a day. It didnt work.]
Jones, who was a U.S. attorney during President Bill Clintons second term, has made his role in the church bombing case a central feature of his campaign a strategy that analysts say is designed to drive up African American participation on Election Day.
Jones has called the Birmingham church bombing case the crowning moment of his career.
He has also shown a willingness to denounce, if gently, Trump's comments on the deadly violence at a white-supremacist rally in Charlottesville, which Jones said "disappointed" him.
Weve got to denounce the neo-Nazis. Weve got to denounce the white supremacists, he said.
William Stewart, a professor emeritus of political science at the University of Alabama, said a Democrat can still win in Alabama, but he has to get a very large black vote and he needs to get a substantial number of white, more liberally inclined people to vote for him.
Stewart said that will be difficult with Senate control in the balance, which probably will prompt many Republicans to vote for Moore even if they dont like his social views.
I think they will realize that if the Republicans lose the Senate, then they cannot expect the Supreme Court or other courts to be filled with conservative judges, he said.
Much of Joness pitch for why he should be elected is rooted in what he says is an urgent need for common ground in politics. At the Auburn appearance, he said he would not merely be a lap dog for a particular agenda or another Democratic vote.
This country is beginning to see such divisiveness, the 63-year-old drawled. He blamed not just the Republicans but fellow Democrats.
There has been skepticism about his middle-of-the-road platform.
We all obviously know what Moore is about, said a young man who asked the first question at the Auburn event. He wanted to know why his parents, both moderate Republicans, should break from the GOP this time.
Jones has voiced a willingness to buck the far right in his state. At Auburn, he recounted a chat he had earlier in the day with a lifelong Republican at a barbecue restaurant in Montgomery. While there, he moved from table to table with his shirt sleeves rolled up as the scent of pulled pork and chicken wafted through the air.
He asked me an interesting question, Jones recalled of the conversation. He said if it comes down to what you think the people of Alabama want versus what you know in your heart is better for the United States, what would you do? I said my needle would have to really go toward whats best for the United States and hope that I can educate the people of Alabama so that theyll understand.
Jones has clearly lost some voters along the way. The voter who asked about abortion Thats an issue that I do disagree with you on, and its an issue thats really, really important to me didnt stop the candidate from repeating his position.
"I do believe in a woman's right to choose," Jones said, receiving applause from the mostly friendly crowd. He said he supported current laws, not a change some conservatives have embraced to ban most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Later, Charlie Morris, 72, a retired lawyer, said a moderate Republican friend planned to vote for Jones but was turned off by Joness appearance with Biden. He asked me to deliver the message: Please dont bring any more national Democrats to Alabama, Morris said.
Jones defended his decision to stump with Biden, whom he called working-class Joe.
[Who is Doug Jones, and can he defeat Roy Moore in conservative Alabama?]
Jones is looking at some of the issues Congress is debating. In the interview, he said he was not really crazy about much of what hed seen of the emerging tax bill that congressional Republicans are crafting, saying it would benefit mainly the wealthiest Americans. He also voiced concerns about adding to the deficit.
On health care, he said he would vote for some version of the compromise bill to restore federal subsidies ended by Trump in exchange for greater state freedoms under the Affordable Care Act. Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) negotiated that measure.
Jones described himself as a Second Amendment guy who owns guns. He said expanded background checks on firearm sales, particularly at gun shows, would be helpful, if difficult to fine-tune in a bill.
Asked which current senator he looked to as a model for consensus-driven governance, he named several: Murray, Alexander, John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.).
Many of Joness supporters speak about Moore with horror and fear. Im scared of the man, said Vee Carlton, who came to the barbecue restaurant to greet Jones.
Carlton pondered the qualities the next senator from Alabama should have, before tucking into a salad topped with pulled pork.
"I want someone who will support all Americans," said Carlton, who wore a shirt emblazoned with "Nevertheless, she persisted," a supportive nod to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
Whether Jones will get to join Warren and the other senators in Washington will be decided in the coming weeks. Even some of Joness backers arent feeling great about his odds.
I think Moores going to win, said Jeff Damron, 65, a retired educator who came to Auburn to cheer Jones on. And Im not sure its even going to be close.
Read more at PowerPost
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi D-Calif.) speaks at a news conference to unveil congressional Democrats A Better Deal economic agenda, part of their 2018 midterm strategy. (Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters)
Voters say they prefer Democratic candidates for the House of Representatives over Republicans by the widest margin in over a decade, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll a fresh sign of trouble for the GOP majority one year before the midterm elections.
But Democrats effort to convert widespread disapproval of President Trump into victories in 2018 could be undercut by lower turnout, with Republicans expressing just as much motivation to vote in next years elections.
A slim 51 percent majority of registered voters say that if the election were held today, they would vote for or lean toward the Democratic candidate in their congressional district, while 40 percent say they would choose the Republican.
Thats the biggest spread in a Post-ABC survey since October 2006, just weeks before a midterm in which Democrats won back control of the House and Senate amid deep dissatisfaction with then-President George W. Bush and the Iraq War.
In recent history, regardless of the political climate, Democrats have tended to hold an advantage on this "generic ballot" question, which does not name specific candidates. On the eve of the 2014 and 2010 midterms, both banner elections for the GOP, Post-ABC surveys found Republicans trailed Democrats by three and five percentage points among registered voters, respectively. Those margins flipped in Republicans' favor among the smaller population of likely voters who were more motivated to turn out. The latest Post-ABC survey does not measure likely voters given that the election is still a year away.
Still, an edge of 11 points, even among registered voters, is an encouraging sign for Democrats a year before Trumps first midterm an election cycle that historically has been unkind to the sitting presidents party.
The findings come as congressional Republicans are trying to rehabilitate their brand after months of infighting and a failure to produce any major legislative achievements despite controlling the House, Senate and White House.
This fall, they embarked on a do-or-die push to rewrite the nations tax laws, believing that a successful effort will give them a much-needed political boost headed into the midterm campaign. If they fail, many in the party fear, they could see their congressional majorities wiped out.
The GOP is also contending with unwelcome distractions, most notably an investigation into potential Russian collusion with Trump campaign officials that has already resulted in criminal charges against three former campaign aides.
An early slate of GOP retirements also has complicated the party's effort to retain its House majority. In some key swing districts, Republicans will not carry the advantage of incumbency.
The Post-ABC poll finds Republicans are more unified in support of their partys congressional candidates than about Trumps job performance. While 76 percent of Republican-leaning registered voters approve of Trump, a larger 88 percent say they would vote for the Republican House candidate in their district if the election were held today. That level of unity is on par with 90 percent of Democratic-leaning voters who support their partys candidates.
Democrats face their own challenges. They have yet to resolve divisions stemming from the 2016 primary between supporters of liberal insurgent Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and establishment backers of former secretary of state Hillary Clinton.
Those divisions have come roaring back to the center of the national political conversation in recent days, as former Democratic National Committee interim chairman Donna Brazile said in an excerpt from her upcoming book that Clinton's team had some day-to-day control over the party early in the campaign.
While Democrats are claiming energy and momentum in candidate recruitment and voter excitement, which they attribute to concerns about Trump and his party, they have failed to flip any Republican seats in the House special elections conducted since Trump was sworn in as president.
The Post-ABC poll suggests Democrats antipathy toward Trump has not translated to greater motivation to vote, with an identical 63 percent of Democratic-leaning and Republican-leaning registered voters saying they are absolutely certain to vote next year. The poll shows Democrats 11-point vote advantage shrinking to two points among people who voted in the 2014 midterm elections, underscoring one of Democrats main challenges next year: ginning up enough enthusiasm to prevent the spotty turnout of recent nonpresidential years.
The new poll shows that if Democrats can overcome those obstacles, they could have a fruitful 2018 election. The last time the party had such a stark advantage on the generic ballot was in late October 2006. Then, a Post-ABC poll showed Democrats leading Republicans 54 percent to 41 percent among registered voters.
Confidence about both major parties is not running high, the poll shows. Barely one-fifth of Americans, 21 percent, say they have a great deal or good amount of confidence in the Republicans in Congress to make the right decisions for the countrys future. Democrats fare just slightly better, with 27 percent saying they have confidence in the party, rising to 34 percent for Trump.
Trump also receives more intensely negative ratings, with 46 percent expressing no confidence at all in his decision-making, compared with 28 percent for both congressional Democrats and Republicans.
Whenever there is a chance to do something against Trump, said Patrick Johnson of Center Point, Ala., Ill be there.
Johnson, who identified with the Democratic Party, said he expects that he will vote in the midterm election.
A Republican from Clifton, N.J., who only wanted to be identified as JP, said he doesnt agree with Trump on everything, but if you were to give me a hundred questions of him versus another Democratic nominee or potential candidate for any office, I would probably side more with Trump.
The Democrats have an advantage over Republicans when it comes to relatability. By 46 to 37 percent, more say the Democratic Party represents their own personal values than the Republican Party. Just under half, 49 percent, say Democrats are more concerned with the needs of people like them; 36 percent say Republicans are more concerned.
About a month before the 2006 Democratic wave election, Post-ABC polling found Democrats had a larger 16-point advantage on the question of personal values and a 28-point edge on being concerned with peoples needs.
House Republicans hold a 239-194 advantage over Democrats in the House, with two vacancies. They have been the majority party there since 2011.
Anti-incumbent sentiment is similar to recent years, with a 60 percent majority saying they are inclined to look around for someone else to vote for next year. Just over one-quarter, 26 percent, say they want to reelect their representative in Congress.
While much of the emerging Democratic campaign message has centered on criticism of Trump, nearly half 47 percent of registered voters say the president will not be a factor in their decision at the ballot box if they vote next year.
Similar shares say they are motivated to vote for or against the president: 24 percent say one reason for their congressional vote will be to show support for Trump, while 27 percent say it will be to show opposition.
Still, voters perceptions of what their votes represent do not always correlate with the messaging strategies political parties deploy, and Democrats are expected to continue to hammer Trump and tether congressional Republicans to his controversial actions.
Post-ABC polls taken just before the 2010 and 2014 midterms, for example, showed that half or more voters said then-President Barack Obama was not going to be a factor in their choice. But Republicans featured Obama in their attacks against Democrats in both election cycles, and exit polling found no Democratic Senate candidate was able to outperform Obamas approval rating in their state by more than nine percentage points.
Asked if Democrats winning control of Congress in next years elections would benefit rather than hurt the country, more see it as a positive than negative but opinions are not resolute.
Fewer than four in 10 adults, 37 percent, say that if Democrats win, the country would be better off, higher than 26 percent who say the country would be worse off. But just about as many people 34 percent say it would make no difference.
Attitudes were similar over the prospect of a Republican takeover just before the 2010 midterms. A CNN/ORC poll in October of that year found 34 percent saying the country would be better off with them in power, while 28 percent said it would be worse, and 36 percent said it would make no difference.
The Post-ABC poll was conducted among a random national sample of 1,005 adults reached by cell and landline telephone Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. Overall results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points; the error margin is four points among the sample of 884 registered voters.
Scott Clement contributed to this report.
Read more at PowerPost
The man accused of attacking Sen. Rand Paul on Friday may soon face more serious criminal charges because the Kentucky Republican is suffering from several rib injuries, law enforcement officials said Monday.
An attorney for the man charged in the attack, Rene Boucher, also said Monday that the dispute had absolutely nothing to do with eithers politics or political agendas and was merely a very regrettable dispute between two neighbors over a matter that most people would regard as trivial.
But new information about the extent of Pauls injuries could prompt prosecutors to charge Boucher with a felony, according to Trooper Jeremy Hodges, a spokesman for the Kentucky State Police.
Paul, a second-term senator and former GOP presidential candidate, was attacked by Boucher, 59, on Friday outside his home in Bowling Green, Ky., police said. Boucher was charged with fourth-degree assault and released on Saturday on $7,500 bond.
The misdemeanor charge against Boucher applies to cases in which no weapon is involved and the victim receives minor injuries, Hodges said.
Rene Boucher, 59, of Bowling Green, Ky., was arrested on Nov. 3, 2017 and cahrged with assault against Sen. Rand Paul R-Ky.). (Warren County Detention Center/Via Reuters)
At the time of the assault, Paul had trouble breathing due to a potential rib injury, according to a criminal complaint filed in Warren County District Court. On Sunday, Pauls office announced he was recovering from five rib fractures, including three displaced fractures, meaning the bones are partly or completely cracked. He has lung contusions, or bruises, caused by the broken ribs, and his recovery could last several months, his office said.
Given those injuries, Hodges said police and prosecutors will now consider upgrading the charges.
It requires serious physical injury in order for someone to be charged with a felony, Hodges said. Our arresting officer will submit his completed case report and then the prosecutors will make a decision about whether to upgrade those charges.
[Sen. Rand Pauls injuries far more severe than initially thought]
The state police investigation remains open and active and the formal police report on the incident has not yet been filed with county officials, Hodges said.
County and state prosecutors didnt immediately return requests for comment.
The FBI is assisting state and local authorities to see whether there were any violations of federal law, but an FBI spokesman declined to comment Monday on a possible motive.
Sen. Rand Paul R-Ky.) speaks during a press conference on Capitol Hill on Oct. 12, 2017. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Bouchers attorney, Matthew J. Baker, said Monday that the two men have been neighbors for 17 years and are both prominent members of the Bowling Green medical community and had worked together in the past. Paul is an ophthalmologist and Boucher is a retired anesthesiologist.
What could cause Boucher to attack Paul and break five of his ribs remained unclear on Monday. Baker didnt immediately clarify his statement, and a number listed for Boucher went unanswered on Monday.
We sincerely hope that Senator Paul is doing well and that these two gentlemen can get back to being neighbors as quickly as possible, Baker added.
Paul did not return to Washington on Monday as he normally would for U.S. Senate proceedings, according to his chief of staff, Doug Stafford.
It is a pending, serious criminal matter involving state and federal authorities. We wont have any further comments at this time, Stafford said in an email.
After the incident on Friday, Paul told police that Boucher had come onto his property and tackled the senator from behind, forcing him to the ground and causing him pain, according to the criminal complaint.
Boucher admitted to going onto Pauls property and tackling him, the report said.
In addition to his broken ribs, Paul suffered small cuts to the nose and mouth area.
Boucher was released Saturday on bond and ordered to not have any contact with Paul, his family or offices or to obtain any firearms or weapons of any kind, according to bond paperwork provided by the county.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Monday wished his Bluegrass State colleague a speedy recovery. McConnell told reporters in Kentucky that Pauls absence creates another challenge in what he described as a daily Maalox moment prompted by the struggles to hold together his 52-member caucus, according to the Associated Press.
Its potentially a challenge any time a Republican senator is absent from the Senate, McConnell added, because his caucus isnt always totally in lockstep, the AP reported.
Even as local authorities tried to piece together charges and a potential motive, there was an effort among some in national conservative media circles to find a political motive for the attack.
The Daily Caller noted that Boucher had been a registered Democrat and shared a post from his Facebook page citing left-wing academic Noam Chomskys criticism of the Republican party.
The Blaze, Glenn Becks online news site, told readers on Sunday that FBI investigators believed the attack, which occurred Friday afternoon, was politically motivated. That claim, widely circulated on Monday, came from a report on Kentuckys WNKY-TV, which did not quote or name a source. As Pauls office kept mostly quiet about the case, speculation ran rampant.
It appears that Bouchers assault of the Republican senator is another instance of political violence prompted by the climate of hate that has been fostered by the Democratic Party, wrote John Hinderaker on the conservative blog Powerline. Where will it end?
The conservative Media Research Center, citing the Facebook posts, told subscribers to its newsletter that Rand Pauls Injuries From His Socialist Neighbor May Be Worse Than First Thought.
David Weigel and Devlin Barrett contributed to this report.
Read more at PowerPost
The panda-shaped solar plant in Datong, China, is seen from above. (VCG)
Pandas are round and roly-poly. Solar panels are angular. That did not stop a state-backed Chinese company from building a panda-shaped solar plant on a stretch of northern plain.
Panda Green Energy Group's Datong plant has a capacity of 50 megawatts and is connected to the state grid. Viewed from above, it looks like two pandas if pandas were made of solar panels and dusty bits of road.
The company pitches the plant as a prototypical win-win: energy, plus what Chinese President Xi Jinping calls positive energy, which roughly means doing things that align with Communist Party goals.
Projects such as this one are the soft, cuddly face of Chinas shift to solar. At a time when the United States is wavering on climate change, the Chinese government is investing in green energy on a giant scale.
Having the worlds biggest polluter nurture solar energy is, in many ways, a good thing. It has the potential to curb the smog that blights the region and, over the long term, slow the pace of climate change.
Dou Yongqiang, a 29-year-old engineer, fixes a sign at Panda Green Energys Datong plant. (Emily Rauhala/The Washington Post)
But some U.S. firms see China's embrace of solar as a threat to American business and that presents a challenge to President Trump as he takes his "America First" agenda to China this week.
Voices within the U.S. solar sector have complained for years that China's support for its solar industry gives Chinese companies an unfair edge. In 2012, the United States slapped anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese-made panels.
Last week, officials at the U.S. International Trade Commission recommended new restrictions on solar-power equipment purchased from abroad, including tariffs of up to 35 percent.
The recommendation raises the question of whether Trump, who has railed against Chinese trade practices, will bring up the issue with his hosts. It also sets up one of the presidents first big choices on trade.
The case was backed by two U.S. solar producers who claimed they were forced into bankruptcy because of subsidized imports. Big buyers of solar panels vehemently opposed it, arguing that tariffs would lead to an untenable spike in prices.
If [Trump] imposes tariffs, tens of thousands of U.S. jobs will be lost jobs in blue-collar, middle-class America, said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and chief executive of the Solar Energy Industries Association, a trade group. Imposing tariffs will not create a manufacturing renaissance in the U.S. It will raise prices and kill demand.
Over the past 10 years, China has made renewable energy a priority, with various branches of government offering subsidies, loans or discounts on land, said Zhang Zhongxiang, an energy expert at Tianjin University.
A ground view of Panda Green Energy's panda-shaped plant in Datong, China. (Emily Rauhala/Emily Rauhala/The Washington Post)
In recent years, the state has tried to rein in subsidies to tackle overcapacity. But there is still support to be had, particularly for projects that align with the central governments plans.
Panda Greens main shareholder is China Merchants New Energy Group, a subsidiary of China Merchants Group, a powerful state-owned conglomerate.
In May, Panda Green signed an agreement with the Chinese government to promote construction projects as part of its belt and road program of infrastructure investments abroad.
The firm has said it plans to build 100 panda-shaped plants around the world, although it has given few details about when, where and how the projects will be undertaken.
The company also is working with the United Nations Development Program. The goal, according to the UNDP, is to "enhance engagement with the next generation of young leaders to take action on climate change."
At Panda Green, employees said they feel confident because the plant is running well and because the state supports their mission.
Guo Bin, a 26-year-old engineer who lives at the facility, about 200 miles west of Beijing, predicted that the firm would prosper. "We are following in the country's steps," he said.
Asked about Panda Greens prospects, representative Ou Lianwei referred to a speech Xi delivered on the importance of renewables.
Ou said Panda Green, which does not produce or export panels, would not be hit hard if Trump decides to implement tariffs.
But any comment or trade move from Trump could still shake up the sector, experts said.
Protectionist trade moves will definitely have an impact, said Gu Limin, a director at Jiangsu Akcome Industrial Group, a Chinese energy company. There will be damage to the market and the industry.
Shirley Feng in Datong and Beijing contributed to this report.
Correction: An earlier version of this post incorrectly quoted Abigail Ross Harper. She said tens of thousands of American jobs would be lost if tariffs were imposed, not 10,000.
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Move over, America. China now presents itself as the model blazing a new trail for the world.
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Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
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Malak Nahass, 32, sits in a cafe in Rabat, Moroccos capital. She says she was taunted and injured in a street attack in Rabat this year and that the police appeared unconcerned about her complaint. A bill being debated in Parliament would criminalize public harassment of women. (Jackie Spinner/ For The Washington Post)
Malak Nahass was walking on a busy street near a Rabat beach one afternoon about six months ago when a stranger approached and started taunting her. The situation quickly escalated.
She is always on guard in public because she is used to being harassed, Nahass said. I try to be invisible. But this time, she couldnt make herself disappear. The young man grabbed at her, and when she ran, he threw rocks at her, hitting her in the head. The deep cut she suffered required five stitches.
Nahass, a 32-year-old sound engineer, went to a police station to report the attack. The officers took the information and assigned her a case number. They almost didnt want to write down the description, she recalled. She went back the next day to see if they had caught the man she described. The officers said they had looked around the neighborhood but had not found the suspect. When she followed up again a few weeks later, they accused her of harassing them.
Can you believe it? she said, shaking her head.
Last month , the Moroccan Parliament once again debated legislation long sought by women's rights activists here that would make it a crime to harass a woman in public, whether physically or verbally. Under the latest proposal, a conviction could draw a month to two years in prison. But the bill remains mired in political wrangling between reformers and members of the conservative parties.
Comic artist Zainab Fasiki uses her art to show strong and unafraid women. There is a lot of work to do if traditional views of women in Arab countries are to change, she said. (Zainab Fasiki)
[How cronyism and lack of accountability are holding Morocco back]
On paper, the anti-harassment law would be a big step, particularly for a country that wants to be seen as a moderate Islamic hub compared with its neighbors in the rest of North Africa and the Middle East. This year, Morocco banned the manufacture and sale of the burqa, and its king, Mohammed VI, often pops up on Instagram in jeans and hip shades. The reality, however, is far more complex. Morocco is a deeply conservative, patriarchal society with a ruling Islamic party that won handily in a parliamentary election last year.
Everything that concerns womens rights is connected to religion, said Khadija Ryadi, former president of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights.
, In September, Morocco rejected 44 of 244 recommendations made by the U.N. Human Rights Council following its latest review of the country's rights record. All 44 pertained to either women's rights or individual rights, including laws that prevent women and men from inheriting equally and that deny rights to children born out of wedlock.
In rejecting the recommendations, Morocco said its constitution must adhere to Islamic law a striking illustration of the traditional and religious thinking hampering the countrys efforts to appear as a beacon of moderation in the region. Nowhere is the contrast between image and practice more evident than in Moroccos approach to gender rights. Although its constitution guarantees equal rights for women, it does so with caveats, noting that these rights must respect the laws and permanent characteristics of the kingdom.
Its a constant balancing act, said Noufal Abboud, the Morocco country director for international human rights organization Search for Common Ground. You can bring the most progressive law to Morocco, but the society will not accept it, he said. Its a mans society.
Human Rights Minister Mustapha Ramid, embroiled in controversy after he called gay people the Arabic word for "dirty" or "scum," declined an interview request.
There have been some changes since Mohammed VI became king in 1999, pledging greater rights for women.
[Why Jordan and Morocco are doubling down on royal rule]
In 2004, Morocco revised its family code, called the "moudawana," giving women broader rights in custody, marriage and divorce. The changes came after bombings in Casablanca killed 45 people, still the country's deadliest terrorist attack. Although the Islamic parties were not implicated in the bombings, the government was able to use the atmosphere of anti-extremism they generated to win concessions from them on some of the king's changes, most prominently the moudawana.
But the monarch can go only so far, said David Alvarado, a journalist and media consultant.
The king has two faces, he said. The Western face is progressive, but internally he is traditional. He cant be progressive here in Morocco.
Human rights activists would like to broaden the family code even more to grant women equal inheritance rights, for example. The code uses an interpretation of Islamic law to mandate that women can inherit no more than half of what men do. The president of neighboring Tunisia has called for his country to amend its inheritance law, and in July, the country passed a law aimed at preventing all violence against women. Both moves sparked outrage from Tunisias clerics and conservative politicians. Algeria also has a domestic-violence law, passed in 2015, that protects women from abuse.
In Morocco, although Islam is used as the rationale, its actually culture holding back changes affecting women, said Amal Idrissi, a law professor at Moulay Ismail University in the city of Meknes. Its not religion, Idrissi said. Its patriarchy.
Harassment is perhaps the clearest flash point. A 2009 national survey estimated two-thirds of Moroccan women have experienced violence at one point in their lives, and younger women in particular are fighting back.
In June, a 24-year-old woman was viciously attacked on a public bus in Casablanca. The assault, which was filmed and posted online, doesnt show passersby or the driver trying to intervene, even as the womans clothes are ripped off and she cries out for help.
Hundreds took part in a protest in Casablanca in August after the video went viral to demand the creation of laws protecting women from such assaults.
Zainab Fasiki, a 23-year-old comic artist from Fez, drew a cartoon after the bus attack that went viral on social media. It shows a woman, her clothes pulled off, looking out sadly from a bus. The caption reads in English: "Buses are made to transport people not to rape girls."
Fasiki said she tried to organize a protest in Fez like the one in Casablanca but too many women were afraid to participate. So it didnt happen, she said.
She uses her art to show women naked and strong and unafraid, she said. (When a woman is attacked in Morocco, even sympathetic women often will ask what she was wearing.)
Women in Arab countries are still seen as virgin girls sitting in their homes or wives who respect their husbands, she said. There is a lot of work to do to change those ideas.
Nahass, the sound engineer, said she has learned to go into warrior mode when shes out in public, even in Rabat, the capital, considered one of the countrys safest cities. She tries to ignore the taunts she hears daily. But often, men just come up and grab her, reacting to her indifference by saying shes ugly anyway. In a way, you get used to it, she said.
After the attack near the beach, she wanted to leave. I just got so depressed, she said. I hated this country.
Kenza Allouchi, 21, a recent film school graduate in Rabat, said even if the expanded anti-harassment law is eventually passed, she isnt sure it will do much good.
Whether we go out dressed well or not they would accost us even in pajamas with words of harassment, she said. A law is good, but an education would be much better.
This story was supported by a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.
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Six years after the Arab Spring, Morocco is experiencing its own unrest
Moroccos protesters show no sign of letting up. Will their movement spread?
Are Islamists making a comeback in the Middle East? Heres why they succeed and fail.
Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
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The Trump administration has given 2,500 Nicaraguans with provisional residency 14 months to leave the United States, announcing Monday that it will not renew the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation that has allowed them to remain in the country for nearly two decades.
But Trump officials deferred a decision for the much larger group of 57,000 Hondurans who have been living in the United States with the same designation, saying the Department of Homeland Security needed more time to consider their fate.
The decision was likely to displease immigration hard-liners who have urged the administration to end the TPS program on the grounds that it was never intended to bestow long-term residency to those who may have entered the country illegally. The two groups were shielded from deportation after Hurricane Mitch hit Central America in 1998, and their TPS protections have been routinely renewed ever since.
Monday's announcement was anxiously awaited by about 200,000 Salvadorans and 50,000 Haitians whose TPS status is due to expire early next year. But administration officials did not include those countries in their announcement.
DHS acting secretary Elaine Duke appeared to deliberate right up to Monday nights deadline, and the six-month extension for Hondurans will probably leave the decision to Dukes successor. President Trump has nominated Kirstjen Nielsen, the deputy White House chief of staff, to be the next DHS secretary, and she will face Senate confirmation hearings Wednesday.
According to Mondays announcement, Nicaraguans will have until Jan. 5, 2019, to leave the United States or change their residency status. Duke had determined the adverse conditions in Nicaragua left by Hurricane Mitch no longer exist, officials said.
Nicaraguas government, led by leftist President Daniel Ortega, did not formally request a TPS extension, they noted, whereas leaders from Honduras and El Salvador have waged a vigorous lobbying campaign to renew it.
Asked why Duke chose to put off the decision on the Honduran immigrants, whose protections expire in January, officials said she needed more time and more conclusive information.
Based on the lack of definitive information regarding conditions on the ground compared to pre-Hurricane Mitch, the Acting Secretary has not made a determination at this time, thereby automatically extending the current TPS designation for Honduras for six months through July 5, 2018, DHS officials said in a statement.
But the statement left open the possibility of ending the protections for Hondurans, adding, it is possible that the TPS designation for Honduras will be terminated at the end of the six-month automatic extension with an appropriate delay.
Administration officials said Duke was sensitive to the fact that the Hondurans and Nicaraguans have lived in the United States for two decades or more, and she urged Congress to enact a permanent solution for a program that was meant to be temporary.
Last week, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sent a letter to Duke essentially giving DHS the green light to lift protections for Central Americans and Haitians, telling her that unauthorized immigrants from those countries no longer warranted an exemption from deportation.
[Tillerson: Protected status no longer needed for Central Americans, Haitians]
TPS was created by Congress in 1990 to avoid sending foreign nationals to countries too damaged or unstable to receive them because of natural disasters, armed conflict or health epidemics.
Trump officials say previous administrations have disregarded immigration laws for too long, and they said Monday's decision was one signal that the era of automatic renewals for TPS recipients has ended. The administration has also canceled the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and sharply cut the number of refugees eligible for resettlement in the United States, amid other efforts to limit immigration.
Hegly Barahona, 50, who cleans homes and buses restaurant tables in the Washington suburbs, arrived from Honduras in 1996, and if sent back there she said she would have no way to financially support her son. He plays lacrosse at Ohio Valley University in West Virginia, she said.
Hes a good boy, Barahona said. How would I be able to help him from Honduras? Theres no work there. Barahona said she would probably remain in the United States illegally and stay as long as possible.
[These are 11 countries whose refugee applicants the U.S. considers too risky]
DHS ended TPS for several African nations this year, including Sudan and Sierra Leone, but Central Americans and Haitians make up the vast majority of TPS recipients, and they are the longest tenured.
Carmen Paz, 50, has lived in the United States since 1998, and she said the TPS program allowed her to trade a life in the shadows for one with full-time, formal employment and a drivers license.
Paz cleans hotel rooms at a Sheraton in Rockville, Md. She said she began suffering headaches and insomnia after her health insurance provider declined to renew her policy beyond January, pointing out that her legal residency will soon expire.
I would lose my drivers license, my health insurance, my job, everything, she said.
The announcement was not the worst-case scenario immigrant advocates were bracing for after the State Department report, but Democratic leaders assailed it nonetheless.
The Trump Administrations irresponsible decision to end TPS for Nicaraguans will tear apart families and upend the lives of these hard-working individuals, Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said in a statement Monday. Deporting families who are contributing to the economic and social fabric of our nation isnt leadership; its a reckless and callous abuse of power.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called the decision a cowardly assault on thousands of families in communities across the nation and denounced the administrations senseless prejudice.
Trump administration officials acknowledge TPS beneficiaries are from countries afflicted with poverty, corruption and crime. But they say those problems should be addressed in other ways, and returning migrants can help foster development in their home countries.
DHS has until Thanksgiving Day to announce its plans for nearly 50,000 Haitians with protected status. In May, then-DHS Secretary John F. Kelly renewed TPS for Haitians, but only for six months, far short of the 18-month extensions repeatedly granted by the Obama administration. They were allowed to stay in the United States after a 2010 earthquake devastated the capital, Port-au-Prince, and killed 200,000.
Kelly, now White House chief of staff, said the purpose of the six-month extension was to allow Haitian TPS recipients living in the United States time to attain travel documents and make other necessary arrangements for their ultimate departure from the United States.
If recipients lose their protections, many are expected to defy orders to leave, and DHS has their addresses, phone numbers and other information on file. But a senior administration official said Monday that Citizenship and Immigration Services would not automatically forward their personal information to immigration enforcement agents, and they would not be a priority for arrest and deportation.
Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) arrives at federal court in Newark on Monday for his corruption trial. The jury began deliberating at the end of the day whether Menendez misused his office to help a friend and donor with business and personal interests. (Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg)
A federal jury in Newark began deliberating Monday on whether Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) misused his office to help a friend and donor with business and personal interests.
In his closing argument on Monday, Menendez attorney Abbe Lowell said his clients deep and abiding friendship with co-defendant Salomon Melgen, a Florida eye doctor, destroys every single one of the charges against them.
Over the course of nine weeks, jurors have heard evidence about private jet flights, a luxury hotel stay and other gifts prosecutors say add up to a corrupt bargain between the two men. Defense lawyers have argued the relationship between them was based on a close personal friendship, not influence-peddling.
Not one document, not one email hints at a corrupt agreement, Lowell told the jury during his three-hour presentation. You should expect and demand more from the government when they have the burden to prove a case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Prosecutor Peter Koski argued in his rebuttal that defense attorneys have used sleight of hand to get the jury to shift focus away from a greedy doctor and a corrupt politician.
[Indictment of Sen. Robert Menendez and Salomon Melgen]
Menendez allegedly accepted a Paris hotel stay, political donations and trips on Melgens private plane in exchange for helping Melgen get U.S. visas for his girlfriends, intervening in the doctors $8.9 million billing dispute with Medicare and trying to preserve Melgens port interests in the Dominican Republic.
Lowell, who choked back tears at the end of his closing argument, said Menendez has dedicated his life to public service and to helping any person in need. He argued that Menendezs advocacy for Melgen either involved a routine matter such as acquiring tourist visas or reflected broader policy concerns such as port security or government waste.
Lowell attacked the prosecutions theory that Menendez and Melgens longtime friendship grew into a criminal conspiracy after Menendez entered the Senate in 2006.
[Supreme Court makes it hard to prosecute corruption]
Koski said Menendezs advocacy for Melgen went far beyond the normal course of an elected officials work and that Menendez exploited his public office for personal benefits.
This is not how United States senators behave, Koski told the jury. Dont let it stand. Dont let this stand. Hold Senator Menendez and Dr. Melgen accountable for their actions.
Koski said Monday that Melgen paid Menendez to be his personal United States senator, a line prosecutors used during opening statements and in the first round of closing arguments last week.
Lowell said Menendez committed an unintentional oversight when he didnt list some gifts from Melgen on Senate disclosure forms. A false statement charge is one of the 18 counts in the indictment against Menendez.
Bob is an honest and trustworthy man and not a corrupt person, Lowell told the jury.
The defense argued Monday that Menendez paid for some of his flights to Melgens home in the Dominican Republic, where he enjoyed quiet family visits, not luxurious Caribbean vacations. The gifts between the men flowed both ways and were purely out of friendship, Lowell said, pointing to a $1,000 cash gift that Menendez gave when Melgens daughter got married in 2009.
The trial has taken place against the backdrop of last year's Supreme Court ruling that overturned the corruption conviction of former Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell (R).
U.S. District Judge William Walls tailored his jury instructions last week to conform to his reading of the McDonnell ruling, which narrowed the definition of an official act by a politician.
Walls denied a defense request Monday to require the jury on guilty verdicts to specify the official acts Menendez performed in return for bribes.
The jury deliberated for about an hour Monday before going home and will continue from about 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. most days until it reaches a verdict.
If no verdict is reached by Friday, Walls said he will excuse a female juror who said during jury selection that she had a vacation planned for mid-November. That juror will be replaced by an alternate, with deliberations starting over.
Swedish Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter speaks with Fred Scheib after a public talk on the strained U.S.-European relationship and President Trump at the public library in Peters Township, Pa., south of Pittsburgh. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)
The new Swedish ambassador to the United States was wedged into the back seat of a Honda Civic headed south out of Pittsburgh in search of some true-believing, climate-change-denying, anti-free-trade, "America first" Trump voters.
On one side of Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter sat a former German defense minister and on the other a Washington think-tanker, a former Obama White House official who had organized the Trump country excursion.
Olofsdotter was only a couple of months into her stint as Swedens ambassador and still struggling to make sense of a country that seemed as though it had been flipped upside down politically since her last U.S. tour six years ago, when she was the embassys second-in-command. From her car window on a late October afternoon, she watched as stately stone houses, built during the steel booms of an earlier era, gave way to the sleepy, well-lit strip malls of Peters Township and the Pittsburgh suburbs.
These were some of the neighborhoods that helped elect President Trump and set off something of a panic on the other side of the Atlantic. For the first time since the end of World War II, European leaders worried whether the United States was willing and capable of leading the West. They fretted over the survival of an American-led order that had generally kept the peace in Europe for more than 70 years and wondered whether Trump and the voters who backed him even knew what they were forsaking.
Many of those fears were summed up this fall in a manifesto written by a dozen former German government officials and foreign policy experts. German policy now requires something that it did not need before: a U.S. strategy to manage an increasingly unreliable American president, concluded the essay, published in Die Zeit, a weekly newspaper.
[Lessons in disaster: A top Clinton adviser searches for meaning in a shocking loss]
As ambassador, a big part of Olofsdotters job is to explain this new America to her fellow Swedes. So when Julie Smith, the think-tanker in the back seat, offered her a chance to talk with Trump voters, Olofsdotter jumped at it. The centerpiece of the two-day visit to western Pennsylvania and the main attraction for Olofsdotter was a public discussion at the Peters Township public library, where the Swedish ambassador was promised she would get a chance to meet some typical Americans in a county that had backed Trump with more than 60 percent of the vote.
Much of what Olofsdotter knew about Pittsburgh she had learned from reading its Wikipedia entry on the plane ride from Washington.
It has 446 bridges, she said. Doesnt that seem a bit odd?
She picked up some more information in meetings with Pittsburgh leaders and newspaper editors, who described the city's transformation in recent years from a depressed and dirty manufacturing city into a hub for health-care and technology companies. Wages were rising and unemployment was falling, they told her. The biggest challenge they had was managing growth.
"Do the people who live in the Trump circles work in these high-tech companies?" Olofsdotter asked during her meeting with editors at the Pittsburgh Post-
Gazette.
Its a little scary, but a lot of them work in the medical field, one of the editors replied.
Of Peters Township, where she was currently headed, she knew even less. Olofsdotter gazed out at the well-heeled suburb that was supposed to be home to some of the angry, populist sentiment that had vaulted Trump to the presidency. The sun was setting, the leaves were turning and the Halloween decorations were out. So far, it didnt look so angry.
The Swedish ambassador, Karin Olofsdotter, talks with editors of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about the citys rebirth and the areas support for President Trump. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)
Nice asphalt, Olofsdotter observed of the easy ride over the rolling hills. Ever since I lived in Russia, I have become an admirer of smooth asphalt.
The car turned a corner where dozens of simple white crosses had been planted in the ground an abortion protest that Olofsdotter assumed was part of the towns Halloween festivities until she was corrected by her American hosts.
"It's lovely out here," Karl-
Theodor zu Guttenberg, the former German defense minister, said.
Very well kept, Olofsdotter added.
Soon they came to a stop at the public library, a new, two-story brick building, where the parking lot was full and the librarian was eagerly waiting for them by the front door.
Breaking out of boxes
The idea for the program that took Olofsdotter to Trump country was hatched at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) in the first weeks after a presidential election that virtually all of Washingtons foreign policy establishment Republican and Democrat believed was a total disaster.
On the campaign trail and in office, Trump trashed the alliances that these elites had spent their careers nurturing. The world is a mess, Trump said repeatedly, and Americas long-serving foreign policy experts were largely to blame.
[For some foreign diplomats, the Trump White House is a troubling enigma]
Many in that rarefied group of policy thinkers, in turn, wondered how they had fallen so far out of touch with the country they were supposed to be serving.
Last December, Smith, a senior fellow at CNAS, decided it was time for her to reconnect with America. She found a willing partner in the German government, which offered her money to fund a program that would send current and former European officials out into Trumps America.
I want to come back with better insights into how we can talk about foreign policy with the general public, Smith said. I want to hear their legitimate grievances.
She sketched out a plan to visit 12 cities over three years.
Her first stop: western Pennsylvania.
Her first big problem: finding some aggrieved Trump supporters who were willing to make time for a discussion. Seven of the eight local Republican district chair officials said they were too busy. The local conservative radio station didnt return her calls. A Christian radio station initially agreed to have Smith and her European guests on, but canceled a few hours before they arrived in Pittsburgh.
This is so much harder than I realized, she complained. Shoot me now.
That left the Peters Township public library as their best chance for a real conversation with people who might disagree with them. The librarian escorted the three guests past the young adult fiction section, the lucky day shelf and a table full of lemonade and cookies decorated with sprinkles in the colors of the Swedish and German flags.
Do Trump voters go to libraries? one of Smiths former Obama administration colleagues, now a University of Pittsburgh professor, had asked her the previous day.
About 120 people were waiting for the program to start a big crowd for a Thursday. There were about 30 Advanced Placement government and world history students from the local high school; they had been promised extra credit for attending. The rest of the audience consisted of older men and women in khakis, jeans and comfortable shoes. Two policemen lingered attentively by the front desk in case there was any trouble.
Dozens of people gather for a discussion of U.S.-European relations at the Peters Township Public Library, where many were worried about immigration and refugees from the Middle East. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)
A lot of think-tankers and government officials where I am from sit around and talk to each other, Smith said, kicking things off. After a while, you realize you are having the same conversations all the time with the same people.
She looked up at the crowd, which filled the librarys main atrium and a second-floor balcony, and braced for a blast of frustration, anger and hopefully insight of the sort that she wasnt hearing in Washington.
What we dont do is talk to people like you, she said.
Is it safe to travel to Sweden?
The two Europeans Olofsdotter and Guttenberg spent much of the next 90 minutes answering questions from a crowd that was far more curious than angry.
An Army veteran who had served in Europe asked whether NATO could survive without the United States.
No, answered Guttenberg, the former defense minister.
A high school student asked Olofsdotter about a proposed U.S.-European Union trade deal that died in the run-up to last years presidential election. Several of the older attendees wondered about the influx of Middle Eastern refugees, their impact on European culture and the recent rise of far-right parties.
Olofsdotter suggested that job-killing robots, not asylum seekers, were the real driver of anxiety on both sides of the Atlantic. This was her fourth time living in the United States. She first spent a year in Egg Harbor Township, N.J., outside Atlantic City, as a high school exchange student in the 1980s. She spent another year as a graduate student at UCLA.
But it was two diplomatic tours six years ago and today that drove home to Olofsdotter the confounding nature of the United States and its politics.
In October, she attended Trumps speech on tax reform at the Heritage Foundation, a conservative Washington think tank. The crowd was almost entirely white, a change from the presidential speeches of her previous tour. The event began with an opening prayer, something that hardly ever occurs in Europe and that she didnt recall from her earlier stint in Washington. Midway through the post-speech dinner, one of her table mates asked her if it was still safe to travel in Sweden a remark likely prompted by the presidents suggestion in February that an influx of asylum seekers had triggered a crime wave in the country.
Weve got to keep our country safe, Trump told supporters. You look at whats happening in Germany, you look at whats happening last night in Sweden.
The remarks were met with ridicule in Sweden and concern at the embassy, which earlier this year commissioned a poll of American attitudes toward the country.
Peters Township offered Olofsdotter the kind of complex snapshot that a poll couldnt provide. After the discussion, she grabbed a cookie and mingled with the audience.
Julie Smith, a former Obama White House official, holds a microphone as Joseph Raffaele asks former German defense minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Swedish Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter a question. What we dont do is talk to people like you, Smith told the crowd. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)
Im 37 percent Swedish, according to my DNA, one man said by way of introduction.
A retired ophthalmologist asked her if she was worried that native Swedes were going to be out-reproduced by Muslim immigrants and asylum seekers. Swedes were reproducing just fine, she politely replied.
A former schoolteacher pressed her on Russian aggression in the Baltic Sea.
Every day there is uneasiness, she said.
At the hotel bar after the speech, Olofsdotter, Smith and Guttenberg tried to guess the percentage of Trump voters in the audience.
I saw a few grumpy faces, Guttenberg said.
No hecklers, Smith replied.
The discussion turned to particular audience members. The man who had introduced himself to Guttenberg by apologizing for that idiot who is our president definitely wasnt a Trump voter. The ophthalmologist, they guessed, probably backed the president.
What about the librarian who had arranged for the cookies? She could go either way, the three concluded.
Another entangling alliance
The next day Olofsdotter headed to the University of Pittsburgh to meet with some international affairs students, and Smith went to talk with the sole local Republican official who had agreed to make time for her.
Decades earlier, Andy Dlinn had served as a Navy officer and, like Smith, had worked in the office of the defense secretary in the Pentagon. Now he was a financial planner, a member of the ultraconservative John Birch Society and the Republican chairman for Pittsburghs 5th Council District.
When I say Europe, what comes to mind? Smith asked.
Its another entangling alliance, Dlinn replied. It detracts from our sovereignty.
Soon their talk turned to the threats posed by immigration, refugees and the set of rules governing Islam, known as sharia law. There are places right now in Detroit and also North Carolina I am trying to remember the name of the city where police cant go because sharia runs the place, Dlinn said.
Okay, Smith replied warily.
Ambassador Karin Olofsdotter and Julie Smith, a former Obama White House official, walk through downtown Pittsburgh. Smith struggled to line up meetings with Trump supporters in western Pennsylvania. (Carolyn Van Houten/The Washington Post)
Ill give you another example, Dlinn said. Its not Muslim. Its Hispanic. The National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic advocacy group, was trying to form a breakaway state, stretching from California to Louisiana, he said. He described the Council on Foreign Relations as a shadow government, working secretly to impose its globalist, one-world-government vision on an unsuspecting America.
Well, listen, this is terrific, Smith said, gently ending the chat. This is why we came to Pittsburgh.
She headed toward the airport, still unsure what to make of her final meeting.
That delivered in spades, she said as she climbed into her Uber.
But it can wear you down, she added a few minutes later as the car raced through traffic.
To Olofsdotter, who was waiting for her at the gate, Smith said simply: I wish you had heard it. It was out there, but it was important.
Olofsdotter wondered if Dlinn had always harbored such extreme thoughts or had come to them more recently.
Thats what I wanted to know, replied Smith, who was now wishing she had asked.
Maybe its a rude or arrogant question, Olofsdotter replied.
On the flight home, Smith was still thinking about Dlinn and the next stops on her tour. How do you engage someone like that? she asked. I dont have the answers after one trip. I might not have them after 12 trips.
Olofsdotter was wrestling with her own questions from the visit. On one point, she was certain: The United States is an amazing, frustrating place.
A trove of leaked documents known as the Paradise Papers created more Russia-related problems for the Trump administration Sunday, showing that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross holds business investments in companies tied to Russian President Vladimir Putins inner circle.
The documents leaked as the administration faces several investigations into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, including a probe by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III that brought its first indictments last week. The millions of documents were attributed to the Bermuda-based Appleby law firm and were first leaked to the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung.
They also were shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and its media partners around the world, including the New York Times and the Guardian. The Washington Post is not a member of the consortium and has not reviewed the materials.
The reports said Ross has maintained a financial interest through offshore investments in a shipping company called Navigator Holdings. One of the firms largest clients is the Russian energy firm Sibur, a huge gas processing and petrochemicals company.
Among the firms major stakeholders are Putin associate Gennady Timchenko, who individually is under U.S. sanctions, and Leonid Mikhelson, whom Forbes magazine lists as Russias richest man and whose company, Novatek, is under sanctions. Another shareholder in Sibur is Kirill Shamalov, who is married to Putins daughter. Neither Sibur nor Putins son-in-law are sanctioned.
The full depth of Rosss financial holdings was not publicly clear during his confirmation process. Rosss investments in Navigator Holdings are in a string of companies located in the Cayman Islands. Ross disclosed his holdings in some of the companies when he became commerce secretary, but he was not required under the disclosure rules to declare his interest in Navigator.
Separately, the leaked documents showed that a Russian billionaire who has invested in a company co-owned by Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and White House adviser, bought a sizable number of shares in Twitter and Facebook. The social media companies have come under scrutiny for the way Russia is believed to have used them to try to influence last year's U.S. presidential election. Funding for the Facebook and Twitter stakes was provided through a state-controlled Russian bank and the financial arm of the state oil and gas company, according to the documents.
A spokesman for Ross told reporters Sunday that the commerce secretary recuses himself from matters involving transoceanic shipping and consults with ethics officials to make sure he is complying with the rules. The spokesman said Ross never met any of the three prominent Russians with stakes in Navigator Holdings.
The shipping company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Rosss investment was approved by the Office of Government Ethics and apparently was never delved into by the Senate during his confirmation hearing.
Many Russian individuals and companies have been subjected to sanctions as a result of Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014 and, more recently, over its suspected meddling in the U.S. election.
The Paradise Papers disclosures came as several investigations continue into whether there was any collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign in an effort to sway the election from Democrat Hillary Clinton. Mueller and committees in Congress are looking into Russias activities. Trump has repeatedly denied collusion and dismissed reports about the investigations as fake news.
But the latest document leaks raise more questions about business ties between Russia and some of the most prominent members of Trump's Cabinet. The New York Times reported that the documents include references to offshore holdings by Gary Cohn, the chief economic adviser, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. There is, however, no evidence that any of the holdings were illegal.
The documents reportedly show that Rosss investment firm, WL Ross, began buying shares of Navigator in 2011. He was given two seats on the companys board in return, although he resigned from the board in 2014.
When Ross became commerce secretary, he said he would retain his holdings in a few investment vehicles, including two with stakes in Navigator. A letter he wrote to the Commerce Department and the Office of Government Ethics said that some of the holdings he was keeping were involved in shipping, but he did not specify whether that included Navigator-related investments.
Another potentially damaging report concerned documents showing significant investments in Twitter and Facebook by Yuri Milner, a billionaire Russian technology magnate. The accounts said documents show that funding for Milners purchases came from Russias VTB Bank and the state-controlled Gazprom oil and gas company. Both companies are under U.S. sanctions.
According to the reports, VTB provided $191 million in 2011 for Milner to purchase a stake in Twitter. And Gazprom gave financing for an offshore company that provided money for $1 billion in Facebook stock. Milner, who is based in California, holds shares in dozens of Web companies, including Airbnb and Alibaba.
Milner also invested in 2015 in a start-up company in New York co-owned by Kushner and his brother. The start-up, Cadre, is an investment platform described as Uber for real estate. The investment was publicly announced at the time.
When Kushner became a White House adviser to his father-in-law, he did not disclose his ownership in Cadre on his initial financial disclosure form. He did disclose his ownership in BFPS Ventures LLC, which functions as a holding company and which held his ownership in Cadre.
In a statement he made in July to the Senate Intelligence Committee, Kushner said he never relied on Russian money to finance his private business dealings. Kushner declined to comment, through a spokesman, on the reports about Milner and his social media investments.
Milner has said his 2015 investment in Cadre amounted to $850,000. He also said VTB and Gazprom did not finance his shares in Facebook and Twitter.
Although there is no evidence the Russian investors used their funding to push political views, congressional investigations have raised questions about Russian-funded ads on Facebook and Twitter accounts that promulgated false and divisive narratives during the 2016 election.
David Filipov in Moscow and Amy Brittain contributed to this report.
Questions about the aims and temperament of Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince came to the fore Monday after his country issued a bellicose warning to Iran, accusing it of carrying out a missile strike on the Saudi capital that may have constituted an "act of war."
The missile was fired from neighboring Yemen on Saturday by the Houthis, a rebel group with ties to Iran that has been battling a Saudi-led military coalition. The war has spawned countless cross-border attacks including Houthi ballistic missile launches and thousands of Saudi airstrikes across Yemen as well as an endless string of recriminations between the Saudi and Iranian governments.
But several factors seemed to make the latest Saudi warning more dire, raising fears of a military escalation between the regional superpowers. Though it caused no casualties, the missile strike was among the deepest yet into Saudi territory during Yemen's civil war, highlighting the Saudis' continued vulnerability to such attacks despite an overwhelming military advantage over the rebels.
And it came at a time when the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and the rest of the Saudi leadership appeared to be escalating an offensive against regional adversaries, such as Iran, as well as domestic challengers. The Saudi authorities carried out an unexpected and withering purge Saturday that targeted princes, senior officials and the countrys most prominent businessmen, shocking seasoned observers of the kingdom.
The arrests were cast by the authorities as part of an anti-corruption drive but struck many as the latest attempt by Mohammed to consolidate his power before eventually inheriting the throne from his father, King Salman.
In recent days, the Saudis have also stepped up their confrontation with Hezbollah, the Shiite party in Lebanon that is backed by Iran. The Saudis appear to have played a central role in the resignation of Lebanons prime minister, Saad Hariri, who sharply criticized Iran during a resignation speech he delivered Saturday from the Saudi capital.
[Crown prince gains power after sweeping purge of Saudi officials]
The Saudis have clearly been emboldened by support from the Trump administration. President Trump has repeatedly praised King Salman as the leader of the Arab world and a bulwark against what he has described as Iranian hegemony.
Currently traveling in Asia, Trump turned to Twitter on Monday to offer his strong support for the arrests and firings over the weekend, tweeting that some of those they are harshly treating have been milking their country for years! and saying that I have great confidence in King Salman and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, they know exactly what they are doing.
Presidential adviser and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner has cultivated a special relationship with Mohammed, and he has traveled to the kingdom three times this year, most recently on an unannounced visit 10 days ago. Kushner, along with negotiator Jason Greenblatt, is leading the administrations efforts to jump-start the moribund Israeli-Palestinian peace process. That goal will become more achievable, the administration believes, if the Saudis and Israel can be brought together based on their shared antipathy toward Iran.
In a series of messages posted Monday on Twitter, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that the Trump administrations support for Saudi Arabia has proved hazardous to regional health. Following Trumps visit to Riyadh in May, Zarif noted, Saudi ally Bahrain launched a violent crackdown against a Shiite opposition stronghold, and Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates broke relations and closed their borders with neighboring Qatar.
Trump has also praised Saudi Arabia for a pledge, made during his visit there, to spend $110 billion on future U.S. weapons purchases. In a news conference Sunday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the president noted that Japan was going to be purchasing massive amounts of military equipment to defend itself against North Korea. It was U.S. antimissile defense systems, Trump said, that shot something out of the sky the other day in Saudi Arabia . . . a needle in the sky, and it was hit immediately and exploded without damage.
In a call to Salman on Saturday, while Trump was en route from Hawaii to Tokyo, the president personally appealed to the Saudi ruler to list the upcoming sale of the Saudi Arabian Oil Co., Aramco, on the New York Stock Exchange. The Aramco sale , Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, "will be just about the biggest ever," and the United States wants "to have all the big listings."
[What the royal purge means for Saudi Arabia and its oil]
A White House readout of the call made no mention of the Saudi arrests.
They swept up some of the countrys most influential figures, including Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a billionaire investor, as well as cabinet ministers and the head of the elite National Guard a potential rival to the crown prince.
Investigators had worked for "three years to investigate the crimes in question, and expose their perpetrators, a very difficult task when it involves influential officials and senior executives," Khalid bin Abdulmohsen al-Mehaisen, a member of the anti-corruption committee, said in a statement Monday.
A royal decree named Mohammed the head of a new committee fighting graft, putting him at the center of an initiative popular with many Saudis a move that also served to solidify the crown princes hold on power.
In an analysis released Monday, the Eurasia Group said that the dismissal and arrest of dozens of ministers, royal family members, officials and senior military officers represents the beginning of a national purge that will likely succeed in removing the last few obstacles standing between Mohammed bin Salman and the throne.
"The fact that the crown prince was able to arrest so many royals reinforces our view that his control over the security services is extensive and his rivals have failed to protect themselves," the report said.
Not everyone agreed. A former U.S. intelligence official said that the 32-year-old crown prince, who is often referred to by his initials, MBS, was out over his ski tips after arresting so many influential Saudis.
His arrogation of power and authority, which is inconsistent with how the royal family and monarchy have functioned over many decades, will inevitably lead to trouble, the official said.
The escalating feud with Iran was emerging as the critical test for the crown prince, who has stumbled as the architect of Saudi Arabias increasingly aggressive foreign policy initiatives, including the boycott of Qatar and the war in Yemen.
More than two years after the Saudis began a military campaign against the Houthi rebels and their allies, the war is at a stalemate. More than 10,000 Yemeni civilians have been killed, including a vast number as a result of Saudi airstrikes. The Saudis have yet to achieve any of their initial aims, including the restoration of the deposed Yemeni government, or the halting of ballistic missile strikes into Saudi territory.
On Sunday, the Saudis also offered bounties totaling more than $400 million for information on the whereabouts of 40 men who it said were "responsible for planning, implementing and supporting the Houthi terrorist group's various terrorist activities." The list included a $30 million bounty for information on the Houthi's leader, Abdulmalik al-Houthi.
The Saudi Press Agency said that experts in missile technology had confirmed the role of Irans regime in manufacturing these missiles and smuggling them to the Houthi militias in Yemen. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, in an interview with CNN, said that his government reserves the right to respond at the appropriate time.
In Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said the Saudi claims that Tehran had provided the Houthis with missiles were false, irresponsible, destructive and provocative.
IHS Janes, which analyzes military matters, noted that reported interceptions of Iranian arms shipments have not included heavy weapons. The Houthis, it said, appear to have sustained their campaign of ballistic missile attacks at least in part by repurposing missile systems already in the Yemeni arsenal and captured by the rebels, with equipment from North Korea that has extended their range.
The Saudis also announced that they were temporarily closing all Yemeni ground, air and sea ports tightening a blockade that aid workers said has contributed to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
Erin Cunningham in Istanbul and Greg Miller in Washington contributed to this report.
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Saudi Arabias crown prince makes a power play at home and abroad
Who is the absurdly rich Saudi prince at the center of corruption purge?
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A Yemeni girl carries wood as a Houthi militiaman keeps watch Sunday at the site of an alleged Saudi-led airstrike in Sanaa. (Yahya Arhab/European Pressphoto Agency/EFE/Rex/Shutterstock)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans apparent consolidation of power risks exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition has been fighting a rebel group with ties to Iran for more than two years.
On Sunday, shortly after carrying out a purge of royal cousins and other high-ranking officials, an emboldened crown prince announced that the coalition would forcibly close all of Yemens ground, air and sea ports.
The move came after the Houthi militia fired a ballistic missile at the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The Saudi-led coalition had already restricted access to Yemens ports, but a full closure has long been feared as a potential trigger for widespread starvation.
A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemens civil war in 2015 after the Houthis took control of the capital city of Sanaa. Since then, the coalition has destroyed much of Yemens economy and infrastructure. Mohammed is widely seen as the architect of the coalitions offensive in Yemen.
Around 7 million Yemenis are now on the brink of famine, according to aid agencies, and 10 million more do not know where they will get their next meal. Cholera is spreading uncontrollably, with more than 800,000 cases reported and fears that the number will cross a million by year's end. More than 10,000 civilians have been killed, many by coalition airstrikes.
The idea of even more restrictions in Yemen is a cause for major concern, said Scott Paul, a senior humanitarian policy adviser at Oxfam who has worked in Yemen. This could be a blip, but it could also be a sea change.
Saudi Arabia says its newest restrictions are aimed at preventing its archrival Iran from supplying the Houthis with weapons. Iran has categorically denied arming the Houthis, who say their Volcano-variant ballistic missiles are produced in Yemen. The Saudis brought down the missile fired toward Riyadh on Sunday, and no casualties were reported.
Saudi Arabias move might simply be a public rebuke to Iran after Sundays attempted rocket attack. But some humanitarian officials characterized it as the latest example of Riyadh imposing a collective punishment on Yemenis while attempting to break the Houthis. Despite having an arsenal of weaponry purchased mostly from the United States, the Saudis are essentially fighting a war of attrition against the Houthis.
Aid organizations say the port closures could be a way to pit Houthi fighters against civilians in areas they control, forcing a fight over limited food supplies. Higher food prices would also force the Houthis to spend more money on food than weapons. It could also conceivably be a way to clear traffic from Yemens most vital seaport, Hodeida, before a military offensive to wrest it from the Houthis. Hodeida is the entry point for most humanitarian aid headed to the Houthi-controlled north.
Food is available in most Yemeni markets, but the Saudi blockade has made supplying it expensive for importers. As a result, most Yemenis cannot afford the food that is available. Humanitarian aid is a lifeline for at least three-quarters of the countrys population.
Yemens main airport, in Sanaa, has been closed for more than a year by the Saudi-led coalition. Aid organizations say more people have died because of those restrictions than have been killed by coalition airstrikes.
Denial of access to travel has condemned thousands of Yemenis with survivable illnesses to death, Mutasim Hamdan, the country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Yemen, said in a statement last month. Beyond airstrikes and cholera, the war in Yemen is devastating Yemeni lives on all fronts.
Louisa Loveluck in Beirut contributed to this report.
Read more:
Saudis accuse Iran of possible act of war as regional tensions rise
War, hunger and now cholera: Yemens crisis worsens
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Opinion
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This article was published 06/11/2017 (1836 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The restoration of one of the downtowns hidden gems the historic Inglis Building at 291 Garry St. is almost complete. The first phase of the multi-year restoration project involved extensive renovations to the interior of the two-storey structure, which is also sometimes referred to as the North West Commercial Travellers Association Building.
The second phase was the restoration of the buildings striking terracotta facade, which features six lion heads topped by a massive shield and crest on the parapet.
Now, the only thing left to do is to give the back wall a facelift at some point, the president of Metric Marketing the Winnipeg company that owns the building said in an interview.
WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS John McDonald, pres. & CEO Metric Marketing, poses in front of the historic Inglis building at 291 Garry St.
We feel it could be fixed up a little bit back there, and possibly put in some signage, John McDonald said.
He noted there is a surface parking lot across the back lane from the building, so people emerging from the Fort Street entrance to Winnipeg Square have a clear view of the building.
So it would be a perfect way to get some added exposure for the company, he added.
McDonald said theyre not in any hurry, but hope to have the work on the back wall done sometime within the next couple of years.
He noted that the company spent about $250,000 on the interior renovations, which were done after it acquired the 6,300-square-foot building in 2012.
When we bought the building, it was basically just four walls and a wood floor, he said.
He declined to reveal how much was spent on the exterior restorations, which were done by Alpha Masonry Ltd., under the supervision of Wins Bridgman, of Bridgman Collaborative Architecture.
But it was a pretty big project from a financial point of view, and we definitely wouldnt have been able to do it without some of the heritage grants, he said.
Bridgman said the City of Winnipeg, the provincial government and CentreVenture Development Corporation all chipped in some grant money to help with the project.
So to me, this is a tremendous success story, he added.
He said it was a wonderful project to work on because of the beauty and historical significance of the buildings facade.
It has extraordinary terracotta. It is one of the (citys) most diverse facades, in terms of the different types of terracotta (that were used), he said.
Its a very small facade, yet it has a tremendous breadth in terms of the kinds of imagery it has, the kinds of decorations, and just how extravagantly beautiful and important the terracotta is.
The restoration work involved cleaning, re-pointing and re-glazing the facade, replacing damaged terracotta and re-caulking the windows and doors.
Parts of the top cornice, crest and parapet, which had suffered water damage over the years, were also repaired, and new metal flashing was installed to help prevent future water damage.
Although the work only took about 2 months to complete, Bridgman said it took about eight months to plan it all out.
Metric Marketing relocated to the south side of Portage Avenue from the Exchange District, and McDonald said its been encouraging to see all of the new development thats taking place in and around Graham Avenue.
The Pint has been a very welcome building, and once SkyCity Centre (retail/office/condominium tower) gets going that will also be good for the area, he said.
And then of course theres the Artis building with its apartments, and all the Chipman stuff and what theyre doing, he added, referring to the $400-million, four-tower True North Square development under construction three blocks to the west.
McDonald said hes looking forward to the new residential towers opening because of all of the new residents they will bring to the downtown.
I hear of some young people who are interested in moving downtown, and if I was younger its something I would love to experience, he said.
The citys second Mary Browns Famous Chicken & Taters restaurant celebrated its official grand opening on Saturday.
The restaurant has been open for business since the summer, but the company waited to announce it and to hold the official grand opening.
The new outlet is located at Unit 30, 2870 Pembina Hwy.
The citys first Mary Browns opened about two years ago at 1615 Regent Ave. West, which is the Kildonan Crossing Shopping Centre.
Winnipegger Tom Chen owns the Pembina Highway franchise, and he said in a written statement he was excited to join the Mary Browns chain.
I still remember the first time I went to Mary Browns in Ontario. I couldnt believe the size of each piece of chicken on the Big Mary sandwich. I knew right away thats what we needed in Winnipeg, he said.
The Mary Browns chain started in Newfoundland in 1969 and now has 140 locations in Canada. The food it serves is marinated, cut and cooked in small batches in each store. Menu items include the Big Mary Sandwich, taters, chicken pop-ins and bone-in chicken.
Know of any newsworthy or interesting trends or developments in the local office, retail, industrial or multi-family residential sectors? Let real estate reporter Murray McNeill know at the email address below, or at 204-697-7254.
murray.mcneill@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 06/11/2017 (1836 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
APPOINTMENTS
Manitoba Agriculture
has appointed two new members and reappointed two members to the Veterinary Services Commission. The new members are Cyndee Holdnick, who owns and operates a cattle and grain farm with her family at Carlowrie, and Ramona Blyth, who owns and operates Rosehill Cattle Co. Ltd. Reappointed to the board are Dr. Allan Preston, president of Preston Stock Farms of Hamiota, has been reappointed as board chair, and Gerond Davidson, a fifth-generation beef farmer from Neepawa and municipal councillor with the RM of Langford. The Veterinary Services Commission oversees a provincial funding program for maintenance and operating costs at veterinary clinics in Manitobas 27 districts. It also manages a veterinary recruitment fund intended to increase awareness of employment opportunities available in the province. The commission also negotiates fee schedules and other matters with the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association.
The Headhunters
have announced the appointment of Moneet Sidhu to the companys Winnipeg branch. Sidhu will be joining the Operations Recruitment Practice, where she will source, assess and place candidates within supply chain and logistics for organizations across Manitoba. She has a background in retail sales, human resources and recruitment, where she is known for developing strong relationships with her customers and earning repeat business. She has proven track record in recognizing her candidates strengths and utilizing her business network to provide them with a challenging new career opportunity. The Headhunters is a full-service recruitment firm with offices across Western Canada.
AWARDS
Karen Houdayer, professional development manager at the Manitoba Child Care Association, was presented with Bookmates Inc. Family Learning Award at its recent annual general meeting. The award was given in recognition of Karens long-time dedication and commitment to promoting and supporting early learning.
Manitoba Aerospace
has announced the 2017 All-Star Award of Excellence recipients: Don MacDonald, Red River College (retired), for Education and Training; Ken Webb, Manitoba Aerospace Association (retired), for Builder; Boeing Winnipeg, 737 MAX Automated Drill & Countersink Team, for Innovation; and MDS AeroTest, Team at Glacier Facility, including NRC Icing Support Team, for Technology Development. The awards will be presented at Manitoba Aerospaces annual dinner Nov. 23. Proceeds are in support of the aerospace student endowment fund.
The Law Society of Manitoba
has presented Taylor McCaffrey partner John A. Myers with the Richard J. Scott Award. The award was created in 2013 in honour of retired Chief Justice Scott. It is awarded annually to a person who promotes the rule of law, through advocacy, writing or education. Scott, who served as Manitobas Chief Justice for over 20 years and is a past president of The Law Society of Manitoba, chairs the distinguished selection committee. Myers was honoured for his long-time commitment to public-interest advocacy on behalf of persons living with disabilities, and his outstanding work as a civil litigator, practitioner and teacher in the area of intellectual property.
BOARDS
Bookmates Inc. family literacy organization has announced its 2017/18 board of directors: Zaid Mohammed, chair; Marilyn MacKinnon, past chair; Laura Malmquist, secretary; Duke Li, finance chair; Mackenzie Matlashewski, fund development chair; and directors Danielle Barchyn, Amanda Lavoie, and Beverley Zakaluk. Executive director is Monica Dinney.
Dr. Julie Caissie
professor of Family Studies at the University of Moncton and owner/founder of J. C. Research and Consultation, was recently named to the Canadian Home Economics Foundation as the regional representative for New Brunswick. The other members of the foundations 2017-18 Board of Trustees are: Donna Bulow, chair; Janet Menec, secretary; Gail Watson, treasurer; Donna Ryland, project co-ordinator; Eleanor Cassels, donors co-ordinator; Marlene McDonald, communications and development; Ann Halbesma, communications and development. Regional trustees are: Dr. Mary Leah de Zwart (B.C); Jane Forest (Ont.); Kim Bennett (Sask.); Ruth McDonald (Ont.); Dr. Sue McGregor (N.S.; Margaret Prouse (PEI); Marie Slusar (Alta.) and Claudia Thierry (Que.). The Canadian Home Economics Foundation is a Winnipeg-based, nationally registered charity that initiates and sponsors research, education and public-service projects by home economists that improve the quality of life, consumer knowledge and community well-being. It also supports post-secondary education to the home economics profession and is funded primarily by individual donors from across Canada.
PEOPLE
Pamela Kolochuk
has joined the Peak of the Market as chief financial officer. Kolochuk has 11 years experience in senior financial leadership. Over the past 17 years, her career within the accounting field included the areas of agriculture, technology and transportation. She has a Master of Business Administration (Honours) from Laurentian University, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) (Honours) from the University of Manitoba, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA). She is also a Certified Change Leader and is bilingual in English and French. She has roots in agriculture, having grown up on a dairy and grain farm in southern Manitoba.
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This article was published 06/11/2017 (1836 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The Amish are coming, and Manitoba Highways has posted road signs with a silhouetted horse and buggy in places where they plan to settle.
Amish families are buying land and preparing to relocate to southeastern Manitoba, the first members of that religious sect to settle here.
As many as 20 to 30 Amish families from Ontario are looking to move into the RM of Stuartburn, Reeve Jim Swidersky said.
JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Signage is posted on Highway 201 to warn drivers of horse-and-cart traffic as Amish residents plan to settle in the area.
Amish people, who travel by horse and buggy and shun many modern conveniences, including landline and cellular telephones, in order to live in Christ-like simplicity, have been buying farmland near Vita, about 100 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg.
Swidersky estimated about 100 Amish may settle there, mostly young families starting out. There are already highway signs featuring a horse and buggy along Highway 201 to warn motorists to beware when driving in the area.
Only a handful of Amish families have purchased land so far, totalling about a dozen quarter sections (160 acres each), Swidersky said.
Those families went back home to Ontario about two weeks ago to spend the winter there, and plan to return in the spring to build homesteads.
Before leaving, they did some preliminary work to make the land ready for settlement, including drilling wells, obtaining building permits and constructing pole sheds for their horse and wagons.
They also brought out horses and wagons to be boarded in Manitoba over the winter. They used transport trucks and trailers for the move, operated by non-Amish drivers.
The families are from locations in southern Ontario, including Middlesex County, Port Elgin and Salford. More than 300,000 Amish live in the United States, but only about 5,500 in Canada.
Small numbers of Amish recently migrated into Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, as well.
The Amish look similar to, but are a different religious sect than, Old Order Mennonites, a group that moved into Manitoba, northwest of Gladstone, in 2006.
Old Order Mennonites live apart from the rest of the world, like the Amish, and are not to be confused with acculturated Mennonites who have assimilated into society.
Both Amish and Old Order Mennonites are sects that broke from the main Mennonite church: the Amish in 1693 and the Old Order Mennonites in the 1800s. Both adhere to a simple lifestyle, including staying disconnected from the main power grid and using a horse and buggy for transportation.
However, one distinguishing physical trait between the two religious sects is the beards. While men from both sects tend to wear beards, at least for orthodox Old Order Mennonites, Amish beards have the moustache shaved out.
The Amish, who are pacifists like all divisions of Mennonites, have kept that style of beard since 1693 to differentiate themselves from military people.
Moustaches were once associated with military service, where military officers typically sported thick flowing moustaches.
Publicity is the last thing the Amish seek, Swidersky said, yet its inevitable when the religious sect moves into an area where people are not familiar with them.
Swidersky said the Amish homesteaders need no special permission from the municipal government.
We didnt have to approve anything. They bought lots of private land and they also bought some land from the RM, Swidersky said.
The municipality sold 3 parcels of land (560 acres) to the Amish people, at an average price of $45,000-$50,000 per quarter section, he said.
The properties have pockets of swampy and stony land.
The Amish members continue to seek land in the area, the reeve said.
They are looking for land contiguous with or at least near other Amish-owned parcels to form a little community.
If Im not mistaken, they try to be connected (by land), but if they cant be, they try to be very close, Swidersky said.
While spurning ownership of telephones, Amish have still managed to conduct business with the RM by going to the homes of neighbours in Ontario and using their land phones, Swidersky said.
The migration into Manitoba is in response to high farmland prices, said Royden Loewen, the chair in Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg.
Amish and Old Order Mennonites are spreading out to search for less expensive land.
The Amish have had two strategies in the face of rising farmland prices, Loewen said. One is to allow families to work in factories. A significant number of Amish in the U.S. are doing that, riding their horse-drawn buggies to the factory and back every day.
The other response is what the Amish are doing in Manitoba, and that is seeking out areas where land is less expensive.
This will be a risky venture on their part because the property being purchased in southeastern Manitoba is marginal farmland, said Loewen, author of the book Horse-and-Buggy Genius (University of Manitoba Press).
However, their dedication to self-sufficiency gives them a better chance to succeed, he said.
Loewen added Amish have shown a recent wanderlust.
While Amish have typically been found only in the U.S. and Ontario, some have located to Bolivia and Argentina and there is also a community near the city of Cork in Ireland.
There are many different subgroups of Amish. For example, some prohibit tractors and use only horses on farm fields, while others allow tractors but only with steel wheels, not rubber, Loewen said.
While they typically arent connected to a power grid, Amish will produce their own electricity by using gas generators. Some will build hydraulic and air-pressure systems and adapt their tools to run off them.
They dont like to be linked to the outside world, said Loewen, who called the migration of Amish another feather in the cap for a province that prides itself on cultural diversity.
Swidersky is undeterred by the scandal that rocked the Old Order Mennonite community near Gladstone over child physical and sexual abuse.
The lead perpetrator received a 51/2-year prison sentence.
He was found guilty of committing heinous acts where he repeatedly punished children for their supposed sexual thoughts while he conducted his own sexual abuse.
The school where the abuse took place, a relatively new building, was burned to the ground by the community following the convictions, and a new facility was built.
As well, two homes where the two main perpetrators lived, a father and a son, are said by passersby to stand empty, almost like monuments of shame.
The men of the community have also shaved off their beards, indicating the group has forged ties with a less orthodox community in Ontario. The group was originally connected to an Orthodox church near Gorrie, Ont.
bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 06/11/2017 (1836 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
OTTAWA Amid mounting criticism over its response to the damaged rail line to Churchill, the federal government has deployed a senior bureaucrat to make sure the businesses in the remote northern town stay afloat.
Ottawa said its eyeing longer-term programs to stabilize the economy of the town, which lost most of the business to its Hudson Bay port in 2016.
Western Economic Diversification, the federal agency that delivers grants to Western Canada, has been sending a Winnipeg-based director, Lorne Pelletier, north to Churchill for three weeks every month for an indefinite period since July 4.
TRAVEL MANITOBA PHOTO Churchill already draws tourists because of its polar bears and beluga whales and that Churchill is an ideal place to watch the northern lights.
Our government is actively supporting the community of Churchill to address immediate needs and resulting economic impacts, wrote Karl Sasseville, a spokesman for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains.
Pelletier had visited Churchill before the May 23 washout of the rail line, but now maintains an office at the town complex.
His role is separate from the talks aimed at transferring the port and damaged rail line into local hands, and Transport Canadas Nov. 12 deadline for Omnitrax to repair the line or face an $18.8-million lawsuit.
Pelletier is effectively the main point of contact for how Churchill will get through the winter, from active support to fuel resupply efforts, to grant programs, to helping monitor the federal Nutrition North food supplement.
A large part of his job involves connecting businesses to $4.6-million in federal funding for Churchill and the region, which was set aside in September 2016, after Omnitrax mothballed the deep-sea port.
The Churchill Region Economic Development Fund has paid for a hydroponic food-growing system and the bailout of the local hardware store.
On Thursday, Conservative Sen. Don Plett lambasted the federal Liberals for not choosing Omnitraxs last-minute offer to restore bare-bones rail service to get supplies into the town this winter, at a cost of $10 million.
There is an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Churchill, said Plett, who represents Manitoba, in a 15-minute speech.
Plett noted that the Senate commerce committee published a report this summer on the possibility of a northern corridor, involving highways and businesses that link northern cities.
The report highlights Churchill as vital to such a plan, due to its shipping potential.
The only entity getting in the way of the sale is the federal Liberal government and they are threatening to sue Omnitrax, Plett said.
This is more than inaction. This is obstruction.
Plett claimed not one government representative not one has visited Churchill to speak to the people directly affected by this disaster.
This summer, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined an invitation to go to the northern town, while Energy Minister Jim Carr has delayed visiting the town, but locals say bureaucrats have a regular presence in Churchill.
Meanwhile, Ottawa has been hinting at shaping Churchills long-term future, something that past governments have also attempted.
On Oct. 4, the Northern Affairs Department had its first roundtable on the governments Arctic policy framework, which is set to be launched this week.
Sources familiar with the plan said it aims to create a federal strategy that factors in economic opportunities and the environment, with a heavy focus on research.
John Gunter, owner of tourism company Frontiers North, urged Manitobans to think of the positives.
Its not just doom and gloom in Churchill, he said.
Gunter said the town already draws tourists because of its polar bears and beluga whales and that Churchill is an ideal place to watch the northern lights.
He said town residents are uniting around that vision.
If we look for a silver lining in whats happened in this Omnitrax fiasco, its that its united everybody else, he said. The No. 1 thing the feds can do is resolve the rail-line situation.
He suggested Churchill could learn from Icelands tourism marketing campaigns. That country has seen a boom in visitors since it began to extensively market itself after the 2008 financial crisis, though Gunter cautions its been too successful, causing environmental concerns in Iceland.
Last year, the country had 1.7 million tourists.
dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca
The Missoula Art Museum has been awarded a $25,000 federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for America.
The project, titled CARES, short for Catalyzing Access, Research and Education, will help the contemporary art museum reach out to some 250 organizations across Montana. MAM's stated goal is "a statewide project to improve community access and collection resources for libraries and museums" and examining what form a future collaboration-oriented MAM collections center could take.
MAM senior curator Brandon Reintjes said the MAM's current vault for its collection is roughly 1,200 square feet. With 1,900 pieces, the MAM will need more space, especially because it's collecting works at an increasing rate, according to research by registrar Jennifer Reifsneider.
In the near term, the MAM is trying to determine what resources other organizations need. It has commissioned conservator Beth Heller to survey those 250 organizations, which includes libraries, museums, archives and other institutions of all sizes.
There will be professional development for organizations across the state. Heller will offer guidance on preserving artworks on paper and archival documents. Donna McCrea, the head of UM's Archives & Special Collections, will give workshops on archives management.
***
It's in the formative stages, but a collections center could achieve a lot for the MAM and other organizations. Reintjes said their concept is modeled off the American Folk Art Museum, which is located in Manhattan and maintains a large storage area in Long Island. A MAM secondary site can offer a place for the public to see exhibitions of work from the collection while giving researchers a concentrated archive.
The MAM is anticipating historically valuable material in the future. Willem Volkersz, the Bozeman artist, and his wife Diane, have an extensive collection of folk art from across the country, spanning decades. They agreed to give the MAM their voluminous archive of material with high historical value: oral histories, letters and correspondence with the artists and videos. The MAM selected 38 pieces from the collection, and many hundreds more will go to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Wisconsin.
"Suddenly we have this relationship and responsibility to a national institution, and we want to be able to organize our information and make it accessible and have collaborations," Reintjes said.
Other opportunities to archive historically important collections by the generation that founded modernism in Montana have "slipped by," he said, so they envision a place to preserve that history. Combined with the artworks themselves, archives provide the chance to truly convey a story in an exhibition, he said.
There are other benefits to a new collections space. Sometimes other organizations in the state reach out because they've run out of space for a particular gift; often individuals or groups need short-term storage, sometimes in the case of the threat from wildfires.
It could operate as a short-term conservation lab for visiting conservators; or a space to offer fellowships or residencies to scholars.
Opinion
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This article was published 06/11/2017 (1836 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Its been going on for a while. Recently in Catalonia, we have been living through a kind of soft totalitarianism the illusion of unanimity created by the fear of expressing dissent, wrote bestselling Catalan author Javier Cercas in the Spanish newspaper El Pais in 2014. Those who didnt want independence kept their heads down and their mouths shut, in other words.
That about sums it up. Opinion polls consistently show that a majority of the people who live in Catalonia want it to remain part of Spain. The latest, published in El Pais on Saturday, showed that 55 per cent of those polled opposed the declaration of independence in the Catalan parliament last week, with only 41 per cent in favour.
Thats an even more decisive rejection of separation from Spain than a poll commissioned by the Catalan government and published just before the declaration of independence, which came out 49 per cent to 41 per cent in favour of remaining in Spain.
Finally, a big pro-Spanish crowd came out in the streets of Barcelona recently: 300,000 people, according to the police; more than a million, according to the organizers. About the same size as the pro-independence crowds, therefore, but they left it rather late.
The separatists problem was this: no opinion poll has ever shown a majority for independence since the current upsurge in Catalan nationalism began about eight years ago. For the past few years, the yes vote has been stuck at around 40 per cent. You can hardly declare independence for the region without a vote of some kind, so what do you do?
A referendum is better than an election, because its a single-issue vote that will really get the faithful out. But how do you prevent the more numerous skeptics from voting, too? Well, the Spanish Constitution is a great help there, because it says that a referendum on independence for any of Spains regions would be illegal. So if you hold one, maybe the true nationalists will vote despite the law, while the rest obey the law and stay away.
They road-tested this model three years ago with an advisory referendum that the Madrid government sort of tolerated (though it said it was illegal), and it worked just fine. Only 37 per cent of the population voted, but 80 per cent of those who did show up voted yes to independence.
Thats the kind of number you could really use to justify declaring independence, even if its a bit of a cheat. If anybody complains, just shrug your shoulders, say you wish the turnout had been higher, and carry on doing what you want to do: declaring independence. And so it came to pass.
The independence referendum on Oct. 1 was the real thing, not advisory at all. Rather late in the day, Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy realized that the independentistas intended to use the result as a justification for a declaration of independence, so he got a court judgment confirming that the referendum was illegal and sent the police in to shut it down.
The Catalan nationalists had foreseen this, and welcomed it. Nothing could be better for the cause than images of Spanish police dragging women out of polling booths, and the uproar would keep even the hardiest no voters away. The turnout this time was a bit higher, at 43 per cent, and so was the yes vote: 90 per cent. Very gratifying.
With that manipulated result in hand, the president of Catalonias regional government, nationalist leader Carles Puigdemont, declared independence. The Spanish central government immediately dissolved the regional parliament, removed Puigdemont and his cabinet from office, and announced a fresh regional election for Dec. 21.
Its all strictly in accord with Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution, and Puigdemont probably foresaw this, too. He has always been three moves ahead of Madrid. Meanwhile, Spains deputy prime minister, Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, now has the job of running Catalonia until the election, and she will probably have a very difficult time.
Puigdemont is now officially a martyr in the eyes of his fellow separatists, and Spain says he will be allowed to run in the December election, so he has lost nothing. Unless the silent majority find their voices, he may yet be the first president of the Catalan republic.
Gwynne Dyer is an independent journalist whose articles are published in 45 countries.
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This article was published 05/11/2017 (1837 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A unique story from the annals of St. Vital military history featuring two heroic twin brothers has come to life due the power of social media.
Local historian and president of the St. Vital Historical Society Bob Holliday recently spoke with The Lance about twin brothers Sgt. Ernie Tod and Sgt. Doug Tod, who were killed in action during the Second World War.
(The brothers) were killed in action when their Stirling bomber was shot down over the Netherlands on June 23, 1943, Holliday said.
Simon Fuller Local historian and president of the St. Vital Historical Society Bob Holliday with a letter sent to Mrs. A. Tod, the mother of Sgt. Ernie Tod and Sgt. Doug Tod, who were killed in action on June 23, 1943. The letter, which is dated May 24, 1944, was sent from Buckingham Palace on behalf of King George VI and currently on loan to the St. Vital Museum from the Tod Family.
Though from St. Vital, the brothers were assigned to 75 (NZ) Squadron, RAF. They are buried in the General Cemetery Medemblik in the Netherlands. The twins had also been shot down earlier in the war after their bomber had been shot by anti-aircraft flak over Frankfurt, Germany. Rescue crews were able to locate the bomber, which crashed into the English Channel, because wireless operator Ernie kept tapping out messages, even as the plane hit the water. For his actions, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying medal for what officials called one of the smartest examples of wireless operators procedure in the annals of bomber command. The crew was rescued within 15 minutes of crashing into the water.
Fast forward several decades to a few years ago to when members of SVHS posted an item about the twins on its Facebook page. Fast forward again to about a month ago, when the society received a message from a man in England explaining that a school in Medemblik is looking for an elementary school in St. Vital to twin with. The Tod brothers are buried in Medemblik, and it turns out that the Dutch school is adopting their gravestones and will look after them as part of a project funded by the local council.
The twins attended the former Norberry School, which is now the site of the Louis Riel School Division board offices, so discussions are now taking place with the school in Medemblik and Hastings School in St. Vital about the potential twinning, Holliday said. There is also a school in New Zealand interested in making a connection.
This shows the power of the internet, Holliday said, noting there has much back-and-forth recently between all interested parties and stakeholders.
This also underlines the importance of what a local historical society can do. Without the society, it would have been a lot more difficult for people to track down the twins. Even though Im fairly tech savvy, the power of the internet still boggles me, as we had something on Facebook and it was seen 5,000 miles away. You hear bad things, of course, about social media, but this is a really good use of it. Like anything else, if its used properly, its a great tool.
Supplied photo courtesy of the Tod Family Nov. 8, 2017 - Sgt. Ernie Tod and Sgt. Doug Tod in a wartime photo courtesy of the Tod Family.
Holliday also highlighted the reverence with which members of the Canadian Armed Forces are held in the Netherlands.
The Canadian Armed Forces are revered today in Holland and the Canadians are always celebrated on remembrance occasions because of the crucial role our troops played in liberating Holland, he said.
Visit St. Vital Museum and Historical Society on Facebook or www.svhs.ca for more information.
simon.fuller@canstarnews.com
Supplied image courtesy of the Tod Family A letter sent to Mrs. A. Tod on behalf of King George VI sending his condolences about the death of her sons.
Defence policy was one of the issues on the agenda in the fifth round of exploratory talks on Thursday between representatives of the Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU), the Greens and the Free Democratic Party (FDP). The parties are discussing the formation of a Jamaica coalition (named after the colours of the respective parties and the Jamaican flag). The CDU, CSU, FDP and Greens have yet to announce agreement, but it is clear that they plan to massively increase military spending.
This is the most important task of the future German government, as far as the leading figures in government, business and politics are concerned. The German army (Bundeswehr) must be able to defend the countrys economic and strategic interests all over the world and receive the necessary means.
A number of studies had been published along these lines prior to the election. On August 25 the Handelsblatt newspaper published a long background article that described the rescuing of the free world economy as the most important task for the next federal government. According to Germanys leading business paper this is primarily a military, not an economic, task.
Differences between the Jamaica parties are about wording, not about content. The CDU, CSU and FDP want to raise military spending from 37 billion to more than 60 billion by 2024 in order to reach the NATO target of 2 percent of GDP, while the Greens have so far rejected this target.
Nevertheless, the Greens also support increased military spending. At a meeting of the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) shortly before the federal election, the partys leading candidate Cem Ozdemir assured his audience: Greens are also of the opinion that the Bundeswehr be adequately equipped. We owe it to the safety of the soldiers we send on international missions, and we have to make sure that they can do their jobs properly there. That does not come free, it has to be financed.
The leading FDP negotiator in the talks, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, has already proposed a compromise formula to overcome the verbal dispute with the Greens. He wants to combine military spending with spending on diplomacy, on development policy, on stopping refugees from fleeing their country and on securityraising it to 3 percent of GDP in the process. There could be more for the German army one year, and more for development policy in another year, Lambsdorff declared. Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (CDU) had already made a similar proposal.
Such a policy would not only increase military spending much more than NATO demands. Development aid and diplomacy would also be directly subordinated to a military-based foreign policy.
Lambsdorff justified his proposal with almost the same words used by Ozdemir: We send soldiers into life-threatening missions. They have the right to be properly equipped. He demanded the purchase of more drones and demanded that US nuclear weapons remain in Germany, otherwise German influence inside NATO would decrease.
The most pressure for massive rearmament comes not from the Jamaica parties, but rather from the Social Democrats, the SPD. The parliamentary commissioner for the armed forces, Hans-Peter Bartels, who has sat in the Bundestag for the SPD for 19 years, called on the Jamaica alliance to invest significantly more funding in the Bundeswehr. The change of direction must go on. It cannot start again from zero, he told the dpa news agency. The initial increase in personnel and the new equipping of the Bundeswehr must be continued.
Former SPD chairman and current foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel has expressed similar views. In his book Realignments, Gabriel advocates more independence from the US and concludes: This means we need to expand our defence capabilities and invest more in the modernization of the Bundeswehr in Germany.
The chairman of the Bundeswehr Association, Andre Wustner, a career officer, sang the same tune. In the Bild newspaper he warned that without a proper increase in the defence budget, the consequences for our security would be incalculable. ... If savings in the defence budget are the result of the exploratory talks, then new elections are preferable!
In the election campaign itself, the issue of militarism was barely discussed due to broad popular opposition. Despite spending millions in advertising campaigns the Bundeswehr has had great difficulty winning recruits. Nevertheless, the entire political establishment, from the Left Party to the far-right Alternative for Germany, all agree that building a powerful army and its deployment in crisis regions all over the globe is the central political task of the next government.
Only the Socialist Equality Party placed the fight against war and militarism at the centre of its election campaign. It took part in the federal election on the basis of a socialist program directed against war and the capitalist system. In its election program it warned: As is the case in the US, the ruling class in Germany is determined to go to war again to defend its imperialist interests. On this there is agreement between all the major parties.
The resignation of Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, announced Saturday in Riyadh over Saudi state media, marks a further escalation of the US, Saudi and Israeli preparations for military confrontation with Iran.
After becoming prime minister for a second time in 2016he previously held the office from 2009 to 2011Hariri, the leader of the Lebanese Sunni Future Movement party, headed a so-called national unity government in which the Iranian-backed and Shia-dominated Hezbollah movement played a prominent role.
In his resignation speech, which he read out over the Saudi Al-Arabiya television, Hariri issued a virulent denunciation of both Hezbollah and Iran, rhetoric that echoed that of the Saudi monarchy. Wherever Iran is found, we find disputes and war, he asserted, adding that we will cut any hand that causes harm in our region.
I point very clearly to Iran which spreads destruction and strife wherever it is, and witness to that its interventions in the internal matters of the Arab countries, in Lebanon and Syria and Bahrain and Yemen, Hariri said.
Hariris sudden and unexpected resignation came on the same day that Riyadh was rocked by the summary arrests of close to a dozen Saudi princes and dozens of current and former state ministers on charges of corruption. Among those arrestedand who are being detained in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel rather than any Saudi jailis Prince Miteb bin Abdullah, the son of the late King Abdullah and head of the National Guard. Also detained was the billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, whose Kingdom Holding company has extensive interests in the US and Europe.
Corruption is endemic to the Saudi monarchical system, providing a convenient pretext for the arrests. Their real purpose is to consolidate the power of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who heads up the anti-corruption campaign, and ensure his succession to the throne.
The arrests may also, however, have a direct connection to Hariris resignation. The Saudi royal family has been roiled in recent months by divisions over the protracted and bloody US-backed war in Yemen, with which Bin Salman is most closely identified. The arrests may be aimed at quelling any dissent in relation to both the war and the continuing escalation of Riyadhs anti-Iranian crusade, which is being carried out in alliance with both Washington and Tel Aviv.
There is every indication that Hariris resignation was staged at the behest of and in direct collaboration with the Saudi regime.
A key role in the affair has been played by the Saudi Minister of State for Persian Gulf Affairs Thamer al-Sabhan, who last Sunday had publicly taken Hariris government to task for its silence on Hezbollahs war against the Persian Gulf monarchy. He demanded that Hezbollah be confronted by force, adding, All of those who work and cooperate with it politically, economically and through the media should be punished, a category that clearly would include Hariri.
Hezbollah has increasingly drawn the ire of the Saudi regime for the role it has played in helping the government of Bashar al-Assad defeat the collection of Al Qaeda-linked Islamist rebels who laid waste to Syria with the aid of billions of dollars in arms and money provided by Riyadh and the other Sunni Gulf oil sheikdoms in collaboration with the CIA.
The Shia-based movement, which emerged in response to the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, succeeded in driving the US out of Lebanon in 1983 with the bombing of the US Marine barracks in Beirut, and forced Israel to end its occupation of southern Lebanon in 2000. Again in 2006, it fought the Israeli military to a standstill in a month-long war.
While Hezbollah is a bourgeois movement, which upholds the interests of Lebanese Shia capitalists and merchants, its resistance to Israel and its populist appeals to the oppressed have won it support beyond its Shia base.
Two days after Sabhans implicit denunciation of his collaboration with Hezbollah, Hariri flew to Saudi Arabia, where his familys multi-billion-dollar construction firm is based. He holds dual Lebanese-Saudi citizenship. There, he met with both Crown Prince Bin Salman and Al-Sabhan.
Afterwards, he went on Twitter to report his extended meeting with his dear friend Sabhan, while Sabhan himself tweeted that they had discussed many issues concerning the well-being of Lebanon and that God willing, what is coming is better.
What was coming, of course, was Hariris resignation, throwing Lebanons fragile sectarian-based political system into crisis and raising the specter of the country plunging once again into civil war.
Hariri, in explaining his resignation and his presence in the Saudi capital, claimed that there were threats to his life and that he feared a return to the environment in which his father was killed in 2005. The Saudi media amplified on this theme, claiming that there had been a botched assassination attempt on the Lebanese prime minister. Lebanese security forces roundly denied the existence of any such attempt or existing plots. Lebanese President Michel Aoun said he would not accept Hariris resignation until he returned to Beirut.
Hariri, while having long bitterly opposed Hezbollah, blaming the movement for the assassination of his father, the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, had backed the selection of Hezbollahs ally Aoun for president, and accepted the nomination to form a government together with the powerful Shia-dominated movement in what was seen as a break in Lebanons protracted political impasse. He had also previously praised Hezbollah for its role in driving Al Qaeda-linked militias from the Syrian-Lebanese border.
What has changed is the ratcheting up of the campaign against Iran waged by Washington in alliance with both Saudi Arabia and Israel. The Trump administration has signaled its willingness to upend the Iranian nuclear agreement, which would place it on path to war with Tehran, while the US Congress last month enacted a new series of sanctions against Hezbollah, including the placing of multimillion-dollar bounties on the heads of two of its officials.
Lebanon, which suffered a civil war that bled the country from 1975 to 1989, is threatened with being turned into a field of battle in the drive by US imperialism to destroy Iran as an impediment to establishing hegemony over the oil-rich Middle East. To this end, the US administration has deliberately sought to fan the flames of sectarian tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims, with potentially catastrophic implications for Lebanon.
The Israeli regime has made no attempt to conceal its glee over Hariris actions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the Lebanese prime ministers resignation and statements in Riyadh as a wake-up call for the international community to act against Iranian aggression.
The countrys thuggish Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman went on Twitter to write: Lebanon=Hezbollah. Hezbollah=Iran. Lebanon=Iran. Iran is dangerous to the world. Saad Hariri has proved that today. Period.
The Jerusalem Post was even more explicit, stating, Now, it seems that Hariri has given Israel more legitimacy for a full-scale and uncompromising campaign against Iran and Lebanon, not only Hezbollah, should a war in the north break out.
It approvingly quoted Yoav Gallant, a member of the security cabinet and former Israeli general, who vowed that should war begin, Israel will bring Lebanon back to the stone age.
U.S. District Court
Irving Hernandez-Lopez, 26, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, 5 years supervised release for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Michael Scott Pritchett, 35, of Missoula, was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months imprisonment; 3 year supervised release for distribution of methamphetamine.
Stephen Michael Berrington, 51, of Butte, was sentenced to 3 years and 8 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release for felon in possession of firearm.
Benjamin Gene Sandcrane, 28, address unknown, was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment; 3 year supervised release for felon in possession of firearm.
Jabrill Mustafa Weathersby, 49, of Missoula, was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment; 5 year supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Terry Lynn Sturdevant Jr., 30, of Junction City, Oregon, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months imprisonment, 3 years supervised release for felon in possession of firearm.
Addressing the massacre from Japan, President Donald Trump said, Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and family of todays attack, adding, This horrible act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of sacred worship. But in dark times such as these, Americans do what we do best: We pull together. We join hands. We lock arms. And through the tears and the sadness, we stand strong, Trump continued. Numerous other local, state and national officials have taken to social media to share their support and send condolences in the wake of the tragedy. A woman (left) prays with a man following the fatal shooting.
A shooter opened fire at a church in Texas, killing at least 26 people on Sunday, according to authorities.
A solo gunman started shooting inside the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr. told NBC News. Sutherland Springs is about 35 miles outside San Antonio.
Guadalupe County Sheriffs Office spokesman Robert Murphy told CNN the shooter was killed after a brief chase into neighboring Guadalupe County. He said it is unclear if the shooter was killed by police or took his own life.
Multiple celebrities have spoken out in the aftermath of the countrys latest mass casualty, offering well-wishes for the Sutherland Springs community.
My heart breaks over the news coming out of Texas, Britney Spears wrote on Twitter. My prayers are with the Sutherland Springs community.
No words. My heart is broken for Sutherland Springs, TX and for 2017 America, comedian Sarah Silverman wrote. Please lets all come together.
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.
My heart breaks over the news coming out of Texas ???? My prayers are with the Sutherland Springs community ????
Britney Spears (@britneyspears) November 5, 2017
No words. My heart is broken for Sutherland Springs, TX and for 2017 America. Please lets all come together
Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) November 5, 2017
My thoughts are with the victims of Sutherland Springs and their loved ones. No community should have to face such a senseless tragedy.
Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) November 5, 2017
Again....
Such sadness for Texas...
Prayers.
Lisa Vanderpump (@LisaVanderpump) November 5, 2017
My heart hurts for the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. This has to stop.
bob saget (@bobsaget) November 5, 2017
My heart hurts for all those affected by the tragedy in Sutherland Springs. Sending my love from your brother in Christ.
Sean Lowe (@SeanLowe09) November 5, 2017
Prayers for Texas. A post shared by Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert) on Nov 6, 2017 at 6:03am PST
Canadians send their condolences to those affected by today's tragic church shooting in Texas - we wish a full recovery to the injured.
Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 5, 2017
Our heart breaks for the families and friends of the victims at the church shooting in Sutherland Springs, TX today.
Travis Tritt (@Travistritt) November 5, 2017
PEOPLEs special edition True Crime Stories: 35 Real Cases That Inspired the Show Law & Order is on sale now.
May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.
Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2017
Comedian Billy Eichner accused lawmakers of not taking sufficient action after mass shootings. Wheres the next mass shooting gonna be? Any guesses? Should we try to do anything we can to prevent it? No? Ok cool. Good luck out there, he wrote.
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He also retweeted Silicon Valley actor Kumail Nanjiani who simply wrote, #GunControlNow.
Where's the next mass shooting gonna be? Any guesses? Should we try to do anything we can to prevent it? No? Ok cool. Good luck out there!
billy eichner (@billyeichner) November 5, 2017
In a statement posted to Twitter, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said, Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act. Our thanks to law enforcement for their response. More details from DPS soon.
President Donald Trumphas also addressed the shooting, writing on Twitter, May God be w/ the people of Suntherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.
Police have identified the mass murderer in todays church shooting, while the pastor of the First Baptist Church in South Southerland has confirmed that his own 14-year-old daughter was among those killed.
A press briefing is expected shortly.
Wilson Country officials have told reporters that as many as 27 people are dead and nearly as many injured, though local officials have not yet held a press conference to confirm numbers. Other reports put the death count at 25, and MSNBC was calling the mass murder the largest-ever shooting at a house of worship.
For reactions to the shooting, read Deadlines story here.
If the number is confirmed, the figure would be 4% of the towns population, according to a Dallas-Fort Worth ABC affiliate.
The church is known to videotape services (see an example below), though video of the shooting has not been confirmed.
Law enforcement officials identified the shooter as 26-year-old Devin Patrick Kelley of Texas. Police confirmed his death, but it is as-yet unclear if he was killed by police or took his own life.
Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy told ABC News that one of the victims is his 14-year-old daughter Annabelle. Pomeroy told ABC he was not at the church when the shooting occurred, and was driving back from a visit to Oklahoma.
In an off-camera interview with MSNBC, the pastors wife Sherry Pomeroy confirmed that their daughter was one of the dead.
President Donald Trump, on a trip to Asia, said earlier that he is monitoring the mass shooting tragedy at a small Texas church. May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan.
The shooter was reported dead following a brief chase north into neighboring Guadalupe County, according to Guadalupe County Sheriffs Office spokesman Robert Murphy. It was unclear whether he was shot by police or himself.
Witnesses said the shooter was in full combat gear and his victims include at least one child. He entered the church at 11:30 AM local time, according to reports.
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Cable news channels immediately interrupted regular programming Sunday to report that the man had opened fire inside the church, about 40 miles east of San Antonio. Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr. soon reported that more than 20 people were dead.
My heart is broken, Gamez said to CNN. We never think where it can happen, and it does happen. It doesnt matter where youre at. In a small community, real quiet and everything, and look at this, what can happen.
Reports that children were killed, while not confirmed, are likely accurate, neighbors said. The church is a child-friendly congregation, as is clear in this video of a recent service.
Lisa de Moraes contributed to this report.
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Texas Shooting Death Toll Confirmed At 26; Shooter Was Stopped By Onlooker
Hollywood shared its support after reports of a horrific shooting in a small Texas town.
Celebrities took to social media Sunday to offer condolences after reports broke of a mass shooting in a church in Texas.
A law enforcement official told CBS News that there are multiple fatalities, after a man entered and opened fire at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
They also confirmed that the gunman is deceased after a car chase with police, but it is still unclear if he shot himself or if he was shot by police.
President Donald Trump tweeted about the incident from his overseas tour in Asia, writing, "May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan."
The deadly shooting comes just 35 days after the massacre in Las Vegas that left 58 dead and almost 500 wounded. Many stars called for an end to the senseless violence.
Today show host Hoda Kotb tweeted, "My heart just broke. Again . #SutherlandSprings Texas church shooting. Please stop the madness ]]>
Texas authorities have confirmed a death toll of 26 at todays Baptist church shooting, the largest in the states history, according to Governor Greg Abbott. The number does not include the shooter, who was chased by a church neighbor and found dead after crashing his car.
Victims range in age from 5 years old to 72.
Law enforcement officials, speaking at a press conference in Stockdale, Texas, would not confirm the identity of the killer, nor would they say whether he died by his own hand.
The 26-year-old killer who police had already identified as Devin Patrick Kelley of Texas was armed with what officials called an semi-automatic assault-type rifle. He was dressed in black and was wearing a bullet-proof vest. He had stopped at a gas station across the street from the church, crossed the road and began firing at the church, killing two people outside and 23 inside the church.
A 24th victim died while being transported to a hospital. The shooter was not included in the death toll.
Officials said the shooter was stopped and disarmed by an onlooker, then fled the scene, crashing his car. He was found shot dead inside the vehicle but police could not immediately say whether his death was self-inflicted.
Wilson Country Sheriff Joe Tackitt would not identify any victims pending notification of family.
Asked by a reporter whether the shooter had been linked to any known militia groups, Freeman Martin, Regional Director Department of Public Safety, said the matter was being investigated but unknown at this time.
Related stories
Texas Shooter Sent Threatening Texts To Mother-In-Law Before Massacre At Her Church
Texas Gunman Should Not Have Passed Background Check To Buy Weapon Used In Church Slaughter
Donald Trump Addresses Texas Shooting From Japan: "All Of America Is Praying To God"
Faith Lutheran Church in Hamilton is hosting a chili cook-off Sunday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Proceeds will be used to send youth to summer Bible camp and towards construction costs of synod office building.
Sample eight different kinds of chili, and be sure to save room for dessert. Tables will bid on their choice of decadent desserts. Chili and desserts are all prepared by Lutheran chefs. Also, there will be a silent and live auction of donated goods and services. Faith Lutheran Church is located at 171 Lewis Lane. For more information, call 406-363-2964.
The amount of fake news about the Texas shooter is absolutely terrifying
By now, youve heard about the November 5th massacre in Sutherland Springs, Texas, when a lone gunman walked into the First Baptist Church and fatally shot at least 28 people and wounded 20 more before taking his own life. As with most breaking news these days, social media was a flurry of unconfirmed reports and updates about the ongoing situation. There was also fake news about the Texas shooter on the internet, which seemed to heavily outweigh factual reporting. Even as late as Monday morning, Google search results and most popular news sections on Facebook were still highlighting some of the initial, totally false accounts about the shooters identity and his motives.
The shooters identity has since been confirmed by local law enforcement. He was a 26-year-old lone gunman who used a Ruger AR-556 rifle that he bought legally in 2016 to carry out the shooting. According to NBC, the shooter was an ex-member of the U.S. Air Force, who was court marshaled in 2012 for domestic assault on his wife and child. He received a bad conduct discharge and a reduced rank in 2014. On Monday, law enforcement confirmed that the shooter had threatened his mother-in-law days before the shooting.
Google's 'Popular On Twitter' news feature is a misinformation gutter. Search for Devin Patrick Kelley just now surfaced these four items. pic.twitter.com/06rcPOgx5b Justin Hendrix (@justinhendrix) November 6, 2017
Covering breaking news is really hard for reporters. Back during the Arab Spring, when Twitter was legitimized as a useful, if not entirely perfect, way to report important breaking news, many in the media industry wrung their hands about how journalists could confirm reports from citizen journalists, or non-professional reporters, on the ground.
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Since then, most media outlets are usually well-intentioned and very intentional in their efforts to make sure readers and viewers know that a story is developing or that the facts they are reporting are just allegations until verified and confirmed through reliable channels. But the problem of fake news has gotten much harder to tackle over the years, especially since there appear to be bots, trolls, and highly partisan websites that exist for the sole purpose of misinforming, misleading, and inciting peoples most base responses to highly sensitive news like a shooting.
The DNC says it's "completely false" that the Texas church shooter was on their payroll, as fake news bloggers claim https://t.co/tLVcKCCDfk pic.twitter.com/W2KQzdqd3U PolitiFact (@PolitiFact) November 6, 2017
On Sunday, fake reports about the shooting were flung around social media as if they were true. Savvy media users were able to quickly spot the bullsh*t, but not before the information was disseminated all over the internet, to the point that even government and law enforcement were quoting blatantly untrue things.
On CNN, for example, Texas Rep. Vicente Gonzalez told anchor Ana Cabrera that he had been told that the shooter was a man named Sam Hyde. In an email statement to HelloGiggles, CNN spokesperson Blair Cofield pointed to a transcript of the exchange, which shows that after the congressman erroneously identified the shooter, Cabrera clarified that law enforcement hadnt yet confirmed the identity of the shooter to the CNN newsroom. (FYI: You can always find transcripts of cable news broadcasts by searching transcripts and MSNBC, or whatever network it is, when you want to confirm or quote something you just heard.)
Rep. Vicente Gonzalez just repeated the well-known 4chan hoax that the shooter's name was Sam Hyde. That name is circulated EVERY shooting pic.twitter.com/Aa6juBf8oM Brandon Wall (@Walldo) November 5, 2017
But thats the thing about fake news: When viewers are watching a breaking report and hear a congressman identify the shooter, they can understandably take that as confirmation and go on about their day, just assuming that they already know the facts. Hey, it was on a respected (for the most part) news network and a congressman said it that should be trustworthy. Its much harder for people to hear, for whatever reason, the correction or clarification that often happens too late.
Sam Hyde is always named as a shooter when these things happen, BTW.
You cant totally blame CNN reporters and fact-checkers for not being aware of every single internet hoax out there, but the Sam Hyde thing is pretty well-known. It would have been so much better if CNNs producers, even just one, knew that Sam Hyde is never real.
This is fake news.
News about the shooter in Texas confirmed. Sam Hyde snapped after his mom woke him up to go to church @CNN @CNNBRK pic.twitter.com/oRTZarV6Jt Ivan #JWOKE (@thatAutism) November 5, 2017
BuzzFeed did a report last year about how Hyde being named as the shooter in pretty much every single mass shooting originated on 4chan, a digital playground for trolls and often far-right sympathizers. Hyde is a YouTube prankster, but its not clear how the tradition of him being named as a mass murderer began. Nonetheless, it happens. Like, every single time, including the recent shooting in Las Vegas.
Sam Hyde is never the shooters name.
Other stories, also originating on 4Chan, spread around the internet, too. Like a picture of YouTube star Reviewbrah being used as a missing person in every major tragedy. After the bombing in Manchester, according to BuzzFeed, he released a video confirming that he was alive.
There were also fake mockups of a Facebook page made on Sunday that fronted as that of the Texas shooter, showing that he was a member of Antifa and posted loving selfies with his gun. These Facebook pages and articles circulate after what seems like every gun-related tragedy. The shooter was also erroneously identified as a Democrat, a Muslim, and a guy named Chris Ward all while law enforcement was still trying to figure out what happened.
The only reason this fake news spreads is because people share it.
In addition to slowing down to check a news source or question the origin of a story, its up to everyone to stop and think before sharing that story with their social networks. But sometimes thats hard to do, especially when the algorithms over at Facebook and Google make it so that these fake news stories are actually recommended. Not everyone is an expert in the bowels of the internet and can spot a hoax like the Sam Hyde thing right away; its totally understandable that when you search for news on the Texas shooter, you might click on the first thing that pops up. And if the first thing is fake, its not your fault for engaging with it, but the tech companies who are tasked with returning those results.
Fake news isnt a joke.
It has been treated as one, though, especially since the 2016 campaign and throughout Donald Trumps presidency so far, as he often alleges that anything negative about him or his administration isnt credible. But fake news actually worked *for* him in the election.
According to report from Stanford University, 62 percent of Americans get their news from social media, and during the election, fake news stories were circulated more than mainstream news stories, which are fact-checked and verified by journalists as opposed to partisan bloggers. For example, almost half of Republicans and 20 percent of Democrats believed one of those fake news stories, dubbed Pizzagate, which alleged that the DNC and the Clinton campaign were running a child pornography ring out of a D.C. pizzeria. With numbers like that, fake news theoretically could have affected how people voted in the 2016 election.
Thats why when Trump disparages credible news sources as being fake, its so dangerous. Because hes dismantling trust in actual journalism and reporting and endorsing partisan outlets that do no actual reporting and share fake news as part of their business model.
It might seem like no big thing that some people initially believed the Texas shooter was a member of Antifa or that hes some guy named Sam. But the proliferation of those fake stories make it hard for the country to have a rational and informed conversation about important issues such as immigration, gun reform, or, really, anything.
Sites like Facebook and Google have pledged to try to fix their fake news problem, but so far have been unsuccessful, as the spread of fake news about Sundays shooting in Texas prove. We have to remember that both sites are for-profit companies, and while they pledge to do right, a sense of urgency is lacking as long as people are clicking and spending time on their platforms. Social media and search engines companies cant stop every troll from spreading wrong information, nor can they stop your not-so-savvy aunt on Facebook from sharing a fake news story, but better systems are necessary when it comes to tackling the problem.
Fake news is dangerous because these stories inform peoples opinions. If were really serious about reforming laws and policies, its up to everyone to work against the release and social sharing of false information. Its not easy to change peoples minds once theyve read a headline.
Thieves recently stole the speaking computer of 14-year-old Layne Barlow, left. (Photo: GoFundMe)
When an as yet unidentified thief broke into a Kentucky teens family car, she lost more than just a computer she lost the ability to speak.
Layne Barlow, 14, was born with a disability similar to cerebral palsy. She cant talk or care for herself. To communicate she uses a computer with advanced eye-scanning technology: the Tobii Dynavox speech generating computer, which reportedly costs $17,000.
The computer was stolen Wednesday night from the familys van parked at Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene in Franklin County.
There are unintended consequences when you take something from someone, said Laynes grandfather Marvin. You might just see it as a computer, a laptop. But as you see now, you have taken away from her the ability to communicate with her peers and with us and her teachers.
The Franklin County Sheriffs Department held a press conference Friday to ask the public for help and to send a message directly to the thief or thieves involved.
If it doesnt walk in here, I will find you. I promise, said Sheriff Pat Melton, directed at the thief or thieves of the device. I keep my commitments, and we will get you. Youre better off to do it now and turn it in, no questions asked, because shortly its going to be too late when we come knocking on your door.
A GoFundMe page has been set up with a goal of raising $1,500 towards the deductible needed to replace the computer. Laynes family and the local authorities are also asking for anyone with information to get in touch with the Franklin County Sheriffs Department.
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First Lady Melania Trump arrived in Tokyo, Japan alongside her husband President Trump for the second stop on their 11-day Asian tour.
The FLOTUS disembarked Air Force One wearing a multi-colored striped Fendi coat that featured floral embellishments along the lower half of the piece. Under the coat she wore a black top and Herve Pierre leather skirt. Melania finished off the ensemble with her go-to Manolo Blahnik heels.
RELATED: Melania Trump Embarks on Trip to Asia in a Puzzling Coat
After greeting the crowds in Japan, she met with Akie Abe, the wife of Japanese Prime Minister Shinz? Abe. The two first ladies visited the Mikimoto Ginza Main Store and then had tea. Trump and Abe then participated in a pearl seminar, where they learned about the production of the gem from two Mikimoto pearl divers.
"Wonderful visit w Mrs. Abe today! Enjoyed conversation over tea & the cultural presentation on the history of pearls. #FLOTUSinAsia," the First Lady wrote on her Twitter account along with a photo of the two of them from the pearl seminar.
Riyadh (AFP) - Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal -- the billionaire who has been released after nearly three months in detention -- has been dubbed the "Warren Buffett of Saudi Arabia" for his vast business interests.
No stranger to controversy and headlines, Prince Al-Waleed was the most high-profile detainee among 350 suspects rounded up since November 4 under a sweeping anti-graft campaign and held at Riyadh's luxury Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
He is the latest in a series of detainees to be freed from the hotel, as the campaign launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman draws to a close.
Ranked among the richest men in the world, the 62-year-old investor is the grandson of two of the Arab world's most prominent figures: King Abdulaziz Al-Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, and Riad al-Solh, Lebanon's first prime minister.
Prince Al-Waleed first burst into the business-meets-politics scene in the late 1980s, when he began building what was to become a global empire of banks, luxury hotels and media holdings.
Over the next decade, the prince cultivated an image as a canny investor, a proponent of Saudi modernisation and, eventually, a staunch critic of Donald Trump.
In 2015, he slammed Trump on Twitter for his rhetoric during the US presidential campaign, calling him a "disgrace to America" and urging him to drop out. In response, Trump ridiculed him on Twitter as a "dopey prince".
Prince Mohammed, Saudi Arabia's future king, has since become a close ally of Trump.
On the surface, the cousins appear to share the same views, both supporting increased rights for women in the kingdom. But reports of intense rivalry between the two have also long featured in royal circles.
Prince Al-Waleed's arrest sent shock waves across a host of companies that count him as a major investor.
The Kingdom Holding Company -- in which the prince has a 95 percent stake -- owns The Savoy in London, the Fairmont Plaza and the famed George V hotel in Paris.
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- A taste for luxury -
The prince, known for having a taste for luxury, has also invested in Lyft and Twitter.
Forbes estimates his worth at $18.7 billion, landing him in position number 45 on its list of billionaires last year.
He is also an active philanthropist who donates, by his own account, millions of dollars each year to charities.
An arch defender of women's rights in a country where women face a raft of restrictions, and an outspoken proponent of political reform, the prince has never made a secret of his views.
A vocal supporter of the five pillars or tenets of Islam, he has nonetheless blamed Saudi tradition for holding women back from advancing in society. He has said he once financed the flight training of an aspiring Saudi woman pilot.
The businessman spent his college years in upstate New York and northern California, earning a bachelor's degree in business from Menlo College in Silicon Valley and a master's degree in social science from Syracuse.
He first appeared on Forbes' list of billionaires in 1988, one year after the annual list was first published.
In line with his reputation as a lover of the press, Forbes said it was the prince himself who had first contacted the magazine.
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) reported to prison Monday morning to begin serving a 21-month sentence for sending sexually explicit text messages to a 15-year-old girl.
Weiner will serve his sentence at Federal Medical Center, Devens, a federal prison in Massachusetts.
The ex-lawmaker pleaded guilty in May to sending a North Carolina high school student explicit messages in early 2016, acknowledging he was aware of the girls age when he messaged her.
Former Rep. Anthony Weiner will serve his 21-month sentence at Federal Medical Center, Devens, in Massachusetts. (Photo: Lucas Jackson/Reuters)
I accept full responsibility for my conduct, Weiner said in a statement. I have a sickness but I do not have an excuse. ... I apologize to the teenage girl who I mistreated so badly.
Weiners wife, longtime Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin, filed for divorce shortly after Weiner pleaded guilty.
Federal officials began investigating the allegations against Weiner in September 2016. The probe eventually became entwined in the 2016 presidential campaign, as federal agents seized Weiners electronics and found emails belonging to Abedin on his devices that were potentially connected to the FBIs investigation of Clintons use of a personal email server. Clinton has cited then-FBI Director James Comeys decision to inform the public of the existence of those emails as part of why she lost the presidential race.
While Weiners legal team pressed for a sentence of probation, U.S. District Judge Denise Cote sentenced Weiner to jail time in September. Weiner will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Weiner resigned from Congress in 2011 after it was revealed he sent lewd photographs and messages to women, a scandal that came to light after Weiner accidentally posted one of the photographs to his public Twitter feed.
He attempted to make a political comeback in 2013, when he ran for mayor of New York City. His bid was derailed after a woman came forward with explicit messages shed exchanged with Weiner after he departed Congress.
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost.